Page 71 - An account of the Lodge of Nine Muses No. 235. 1777 to 2012UGLE

CHAPTER SEVEN

WORK

HAT method of working obtained in the Lodge at the beginning
it is impossible to say, but, derived from the same oral traditions, it
Wprobably did not differ in essentials from that now in use, though
ceremonies are generally held to have been shorter and less formal than to-day,
and it was not unusual to confer two or even three degrees upon a candidate on
the same evening. Little, in fact, seems to be known precisely about the details
of the ritual in those days. As might have been expected, there was considerable
variety of practice, especially between the adherents of the “Antient” and the
“Modem” Grand Lodges, and this led to much friction for some years after the
Union in 1813. There are critics who maintain that uniformity is now carried too
far, but such speculations are outside the scope of this memoir.
The first two ceremonies of which there is any record were initiations on 14
and 23 January 1777 respectively, two months before the Lodge was formally
constituted; on the second of these dates also Bro. Cipriani was raised to the third
degree. The Lodge was certainly active in its first youth; during the first year four
members were “made”, that is, were initiated, and nine joined; during the first
five years the numbers were: initiations, 37; joining members, 21.
When the minutes begin in January 1814 one thing stands out clearly – the
work was taken very seriously.
We have read in Chapter Three how it was the practice of W. Masters to
address “eloquent eulogiums on Masonry” to the newly-made Brethren, and for
the senior members of the Lodge to work sections of the Lectures or to read
papers on Masonic subjects.
Another example may be quoted here from the minutes for 24 November 1815:
“Illustrations of the Royal Art of Masonry by the R.W.M. & the S.W. and the former
also delivered an eloquent eulogium on the beauties of the Masonic Institution.”
We read again on 14 February 1826: “The Installation was completed in the
most imprefsive manner.”