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The Grand Stewards' Lodge, uniquely in the English Constitution, has no number. It has been in this position since 18th April 1792 when it
was 'placed at the Head of the List by order of the Grand Lodge' and given the name it now holds.
The predecessor of this Lodge was not noted in the earliest engraved lists of 1723-24 and 1725 but the 1729 list notes a Stewards' Lodge, No. 117, meeting at Shakespeare's Head Tavern, Covent Garden. It was this Stewards'
Lodge, allocated No. 47 in 1781 and meeting in the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen Street, which eleven years later became the Grand Stewards' Lodge.
From the earliest days Freemasons appear to have held an annual feast. After the formation of Grand Lodge this tradition continued and Stewards assisted the Grand Wardens in the organisation of these festivals. In 1724 Grand Lodge attempted
to form a regular Board of twelve Stewards but such regularity was not achieved until 1728 when these twelve led the masonic procession into the hall for the festivities. Each of these Stewards was granted the power to choose his successor to assist at the next Grand Feast.
Today the Grand Stewards are chosen from nineteen Red Apron Lodges and appointed by the Grand Master. They are usually the Masters of those Lodges. During their year of service they rank as Grand Officers; thereafter,
they are Past Grand Stewards but not past Grand Officers. The Grand Stewards' Lodge has no power to initiate, pass or raise Masons. |
See Secretary's Page for Sept Summons and 275th Anniversary Reception at Middle Temple Hall on Wednesday 22nd September 2010 |
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| See New Almoners Report -
June. |
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CORNUCOPIA 275th ANNIVERSARY APPEAL - IVORY RULES
This contains a short history of the Architects who worked on the building of the present Freemason's Hall, London. The instructions for viewing the presentation are clearly set down on the first page of the Ivory Rules pages. It is possible to view a short preview of the presentation but to see the full presentation a fee is necessary. This is paid through a secure site and the proceeds go directly to the Cornucopia Fund Account. The proceeds of the Fund will be donated to the RMBI to be used for a specific project within the refurbishment of James Terry Court. We are greatly indebted to Stephen Finch PGStwd of Globe Lodge No 23 who has produced this charming presentation for us and the Charity.
Brian Parkins JP PAGDC PGStwd
Secretary
Link to Ivory Rules Page
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Richard Tydeman wrote: -
“Initially born of necessity, the Stewards have been honoured to serve the Craft for more than a quarter of a millennium and long may they continue to do so. Their service is typical of that given to masonry in many ways by the Brethren generally. Freemasonry provides the opportunity- it is for us to embrace it”