PAST MASTER'S JEWEL 1934
CATEGORIES OF JEWELS
ST. JOHN'S LODGE No. 697
PAST MASTER'S JEWEL 1934
CONTENTS:-
[TO JUMP DIRECTLY TO A SECTION CLICK ON NUMBER ]
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1. DESCRIPTION OF JEWEL.
2. HISTORY OF ST. JOHN'S LODGE No. 697, 1789 - TO DATE.
3. DETAILS OF WHEN ST. JOHN'S LODGE No. 697 MEETS.
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OBVERSE OF JEWEL
A silver Past Master's Jewel suspended from a sky blue ribbon by two silver bars.
The top bar has the initials of the holder of the jewel, "JAM", inscribed thereon,
and bottom bar has "W.M. No. 697 1934" .
The Compass and Square is a standard silver Past Master's Jewel with a fixed "G".
REVERSE OF JEWEL
The reverse of the Jewel bears the inscription :
"Presented to
W.Bro. J.A. Mayne
by St. John's
Masonic Lodge No. 697
Warrenpoint"
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2. HISTORY OF ST. JOHN'S LODGE No. 697.
The Grand Lodge Minutes of 4th June 1789 show concerning Warrant No. 697 -
"4 June, 1789 – Ordered a Warrant to Brs. Danl. O’Neill, Geo. Cunningham and Wm. Conage to hold a Lodge in Warrenpoint Co. Down."
Warrant No. 697 issued to brethren to form a Lodge in WARRENPOINT, Co. Down on the 4th June 1789.
76 brethren registered up to 5th January 1810.
A total of 234 brethren either transcribed from a previous volume or registered here up to 6th April 1859.
From the following extracts from IRISH MASONIC RECORDS it is seen that Lodge No. 697 joined for a time The Grand Lodge of Ulster [ Grand East of Ulster]
Dues Received by A. Seton, Deputy Grand Secretary -
"No. 697 - December, 1805. £0. 10s. 10d. [£0.54]"
Alex. Seton Esq., D.G.S., in a/c with G.L.Yearly Dues from Lodges as per Particulars £127. 15s. 3d. [£127.76]
"Dues received from the following Lodges - Nos. 15...697...977"
Lodges on the Roll of the Grand East of Ireland from the 27th December 1806, and on, and up till the 6th December 1809 -
"Nos. 15....697....999."
Grand East of Ireland:-
Receipts from 27th Dec. 1809, to 24th June, 1811, inclusive, from the following Lodges sums, amounting, in the whole, to £88. 8s. 61/2d. [£88.43] -
"Lodges Nos. 42, 46, 50, 108, 144, 191, 226, 270, 272, 292, 294, 319, 336, 366, 379, 386, 403, 408, 421, 430, 431, 453, 464, 473, 484, 523, 551, 570, 588, 590, 602, 645, 687, 689, 692, 697, 708, 725, 727, 730, 756, 762, 788, 798, 819, 836, 871, 893, 899, 908, 915, 919, 922, 931, 943, 949, 956, 965, 978, 992 and 998."
The particulars of Expenditure include an item "Printing in sundry Papers the Address to his Grace the Lord Lieutenant, and his Grace's Answer £13. 8s. 9d. [£13.431/2].The Auditors are Geo. Savage, 931; David Gillespie, 949; John McIlroy, 484; John Hamilton, 793
Grand Lodge rejected a memorial from 697 to be allowed dues alleged to have been paid to A. Seton.
The Minutes of Grand Lodge dated 6th April 1837 show regarding Lodge No. 697 -
"6 April, 1837 – Read a like Memorial [of the Suspended Lodge] from Lodge 697 Warrenpoint [praying restoration to the rites of Masonry]. Granted."
The Suspension placed on Lodge No. 697 was removed on the 6th April 1837.
From the records of Union Masonic Lodge No. 23, Newry.
"21 March, 1854.
Edward Greer initiated.
A letter was read from Lodge 697, Warrenpoint, requesting Br. Barre to become Master of their Lodge, which was agreed to."
[Bro. Barre was at this time a P.M. of 23]
Newry Telegraph - 4th July 1854.
"The Provincial Grand Lodge of South Down met in the Savings Bank, Assembly Rooms, Newry, on Wednesday, the 28th ult [June 1854]. The Right Worshipful the Deputy P.G.M., Br. William Henry, in the absence of the R.W.P.G.M., presided, assisted by the following Officers, viz.
Br. G.A. Pollard; W.M. 18, acting P.G.S.W.
Br. W.J. Barre; P.G.J.W.
Br. James Cunningham; P.G.S.D.
Br. John Ellis; P.G.J.D.
Br. Geo. Seaton; W.M. No. 23 acting P.G.I.G.
Br. G.F. Echlin; P.G. Secretary
Delegates, from the different Lodges throughout the Province, attended for the transaction of business; and the meeting was much more numerous than any former one of this Provincial Lodge. Reports were read of the great increase in the ranks of the Craft since the last half-yearly meeting. The Brethren dined together, in Dransfield's Hotel, at 5 o'clock, where an excellent dinner was provided; and the evening was spent in that hearty fellowship and Brotherly love which are the characteristics of Masonry. The next meeting of the Provincial Lodge will be held in Downpatrick, on the second Tuesday in November. The Brethren of the Newry Union Lodge, No. 23, and the St. John's Lodge, 697, dined together in Dransfields Hotel, on Monday, the 26th ult [June 1854]. After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given, a very handsome and valuable Past Master's Jewel was presented to Br. Wm. Madden, for the efficient manner in which he conducted the Lodge, No. 23, during the year in which he occupied the Chair."
Newry Telegraph - 26th June 1858.
"Freemasonry in Newry - St. John's Day
According to arrangement the Brethren of Lodge 23 and 77 met at Victoria Hotel, Rostrevor, on Wednesday evening, the 23rd inst [June 1858]., where they were joined by the Brethren of the Warrenpoint [No. 697] and Kilkeel Lodges. [No. 144] Upwards of forty members sat down to dinner, in full Craft costume, and wearing the insignia of their respective grades in the Institution. The Brethren expressed themselves mightily gratified at the general arrangements; and the dinner, which presented many delicacies, and varieties, reflected great credit on the good taste of Br. Sauxter, by whom it was provided. The cloth being removed, Br. Crawford, W.M., of 697, was called to the Chair, and was ably supported by the W.M's. of 23 and 77. "The Queen" and other loyal toasts were then given, and received with enthusiasm; after which the usual Masonic toasts were proposed and ably responded to. In the course of the evening several songs were given by the musical Brethren, with a pianoforte accompaniment by Br. H.S. Cramer, most pleasing to the lovers of harmony. Seldom has a more cheering demonstration of true Masonic spirit been witnessed than on this occasion.
The Brethren of Lodge 18 also dined together in Newry, on Thursday evening, the 24th[June 1858], spending the time in true Brotherly harmony."
The Minutes of the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes dated 4th June 1860 and 3rd September 1860 show concerning Lodge No. 697 -
"4 June, 1860 – Read communication from the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Down requesting the Grand Lodge to suspend Lodge No. 697 Warrenpoint for non-attendance to the summonses of the Provincial Grand Lodge. The Board recommend that Lodge No. 697 be called on to show cause against suspension for such contumacy towards the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Down."
"3 September, 1860 – No reply having been received from Lodge No. 697 Warrenpoint to the Grand Lodge order of the 7th June last, calling upon them to show cause why they should not be suspended for contumacious conduct towards the P.G. Lodge of South Down. The Board recommend that as they have not made any reply to either of the letters addressed to them on the 22nd June and 9th August, the Warrant be suspended for 12 months, and that it be called in. "
The Grand Lodge Minutes of 6th September 1860 show concerning the Suspension of Lodge No. 697 - "Agreed to" and subsequently Lodge No. 697 was Suspended for 12 months by Grand Lodge on the 6th September 1860 “for contumacious conduct towards the P.G.L. of South Down.”
The Minutes of the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes dated 3rd December 1860 show concerning Lodge No. 697 -
"3 December, 1860 – Read letters from Lodge No. 697 Warrenpoint dated 11th and 21st September explanatory of their reasons why they had not replied to the Grand Lodge order of the 22nd June last calling upon them to show cause why they should not be suspended upon the complaint of the P.G.L. The Board deem the explanation satisfactory and recommend that the Warrant (which has been suspended for 12 months) be at once restored."
The Grand Lodge Minutes of 6th December 1860 show concerning the Restoration of Lodge No. 697 - "Agreed to" and accordingly Warrant No. 697 was restored to the Brethren of Warrenpoint on the 6th December 1860 they having paid their fees & arrears.
Series three Vol. 10 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with Joseph Clarke registered 3rd July 1860.
A total of 214 brethren registered up to 5th June 1900. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown.
From the records of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down.
"18 May, 1871...
... Bro. Douglas, of Warrenpoint, brought before the meeting a case in which a Bro. residing within a mile of Warrenpoint had been initiated in 77 Newry without the assent of 697 Warrenpoint. The representative of 77 having explained the matter, and acknowledged a want of courtesy, the matter was closed in true Masonic Love, and the Sec. of 77 was instructed to admit the said want of courtesy to 697...."
The Newry Reporter - 29th October 1872.
"Tribute of Respect.
The Members of St. John's Masonic Lodge [No. 697] Warrenpoint, met in their Lodge-room on the 25th October, for the purpose of presenting their Worshipful Master, Mr. W. Sutcliffe, with an Address and purse of sovereigns, on the occasion of that gentlemen's leaving the Newry, Warrenpoint, and Rostrevor Railway, for an appointment on the Ulster Line. The address was couched in very complimentary terms, and elicited a warm and suitable reply from Mr. Sutcliffe. For a good many years Mr. Sutcliffe had been connected with the Newry and Warrenpoint Railway, and, both in his official and private capacity, he secured the good wishes of all to whom he was known. He is followed by the good wishes not only of his Masonic friends, but also of the general public.
The records of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down show that on the 12th February 1884....
"....A Memorial was read from the W.M. and Brethren of 697 Warrenpoint, requesting to be allowed to remove from their present to a more suitable place of meeting. Proposed by Bro. W.T. Henry, and seconded by Bro. F.C. Crossle "that the P.G.L. request our R.W. P.G.M. to grant the desired permission....."
Newry Telegraph - 3rd April 1884.
"Warrenpoint Masonic Hall
On Tuesday the brethren of Masonic Lodge 697 met on the premised for the purpose of formally opening the new hall, which has been generously granted to them at a nominal rent by W.J. Hall, Esq. D.L., Narrow-water Castle. They were assisted on the occasion by brethren of Lodges 18, 28, 77, Newry: 144 Kilkeel and 302 Carlingford, about one hundred persons being present. The hall having been consecrated in due and ancient form, the brethren adjourned for supper, and an enjoyable evening was spent. At the conclusion a handsome subscription was made for the Masonic Schools."
The records of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down show that on the 14th May 1889...
".....A letter was read from St. John's Lodge, No. 697, Warrenpoint, announcing the intention of the Brethren of that Lodge to celebrate the Centenary of their Lodge on the 4th prox [4th June 1899], by holding a service in the Parish Church, the offertory in connection with which will be devoted to the funds of the M.O. Schools. The D.P.G.M. granted permission for the wearing of Craft Clothing on the occasion......"
Belfast Newsletter - 27th March 1900.
"Masonic Funeral in Kilkeel.
The remains of the late Br. Arthur Crory, Kilkeel, were interred in the graveyard of Kilkeel Parish Church on the 23rd inst.[March 1900], and the very large cortege that attended was ample testimony to the esteem in which Br. Crory was held, not only by the members of the craft, but also by the general public.
The brethren of Zion Lodge 144 assembled in their lodge-room at 1.30 o'clock, and were considerably augmented by members from 697, Warrenpoint; 142, Castlewellan; and 80, Rathfriland Br. H.E. Evans, W.M. 144, having referred in sympathetic terms to the loss sustained by the members of 144 in the death of Br. Crory, the brethren, to the number of over one hundred, formed in procession, and marched to the residence of their late brother, from whence they bore his remains to the church. The coffin, which was of polished oak, bore the inscription:-
Arthur Crory, aged 55 years," and was completely covered with floral tributes sent by sorrowing friends.
Arriving at the church, the remains were met by Rev. H. M'Knight, rector, and Rev. Douglas Scott, curate, who conducted the burial service.
The service having concluded, the Masonic brethren took up their position around the grave, and in a solemn and impressive manner the Masonic ceremony was duly carried out. Finally the W.M. and the officers of 144 planted the acacia on the grave, and then returned in procession to their lodge-room.
Br. Crory was a Conservative, and a member of the Church of Ireland, to which he was deeply attached."
Nineteen members of St. John's Lodge No. 697 served in the 1914 -18 War and all returned.
Series four Vol. 15 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with 52 brethren transcribed from the previous register and a total of 180 brethren registered up to 14th November 1923. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Series five Vol. 20 shown as Vol. 5 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with the registration on affiliation of John D.M. McCallum, R. Magistrate (18) registered here 4th March, 1924 and a total of 121 brethren registered up to 7th October 1952. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Series six Vol. 23 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with the registration on affiliation of William J. Harshaw, Storekeeper (1067 SC) registered here 1st April 1952.
A total of 59 brethren registered up to 4th October 1984. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
From 1984 the registration of members of ST. JOHN'S LODGE No. 697 is held, in alphabetical order, in a computerised register by Grand Lodge, Freemasons’ Hall, 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Registration of the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Secretary of Lodges are held in separate Registers, the first Volume covering the period 1983 to 1994 inclusive and the second Volume covering from 1995 to date.
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3. DETAILS OF WHEN ST. JOHN'S LODGE No. 697 MEETS.
ST. JOHN'S LODGE No. 697 MEETS ON THE 1 st TUES. AT 8.00p.m. (EXCEPT 6,7 & 8) AT DUKE STREET, WARRENPOINT, COUNTY DOWN.
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