History

Learn about the lives of the Knights themselves through the ages, study the weapons armour and regalia of the Black Knights

The summons brought the Knights from every port in Europe to Carpus, where under the fostering care of Henry II. of Cyprus, a prince of Norman blood, they were in a measure able to reorganize their forces. He placed them in the town of Limisso, one of the chief towns in the island,–thus originated the name “Knights of Cyprus.”

Here the Jesuitical attempt of Pope Nicholas IV. was made to subjugate the Order. Taking advantage of their miserable state, he proposed to unite the Hospitallers and Templars into one Order, whose common Grand Master, to prevent jealousy, should be elected by neither of them, but by himself, and likewise always for the future by the Holy See. This project was promptly rejected by both Orders.

At a Chapter-General held at Limisso, it was resolved to fortify the town, and erect it into a regular establishment of hospitality. Here also we have the beginning of the naval policy of the Order. It was resolved to use the ship which had conveyed them from Acre, in clearing the coasts from the continued attacks of Saracen pirates.

A navy in a single ship, not a great thing certainly, but nevertheless the beginning of a policy which afterwards won the Island of Rhodes. Pope Celstine V. praised the Hospitallers, and Pope Boniface VIII. imitated his predecessor in being kind to the Order. “This eminent Order of St. John of Jerusalem is bright with devotion,” are the words of his brief to the King of Portugal, and to king Edward I. of England (1294). Here we have to record the death of Grand Master Villiers, who was succeeded by Otho de Pins (1298), who died on his voyage to Rome, where he intended to seek protection from the Pope. He was succeeded by William Villaret, Prior of St. Gilles (1300), who on his way to Cyprus, visited several houses of the Order in France, including that of the Hospitalleresses under his own sister. It may be interesting to note that the dress of those ladies was as near as possible in conformity with that of the sterner sex, it consisting of a robe of scarlet cloth, with a cross of white linen, the usual eight-pointed cross of the Order.

In the year 1299 the head of the Tartars sent to Pope Boniface VIII. to proclaim Jerusalem free, that the Tartars had liberated it from the Mahommedan yoke, and so the Christians might come back to re-people their lands. He also sent letters of the same tenour to the Grand Masters of the Hospitallers and Templars inviting them to return and enter into peaceful possession. With this object in view a body of Hospitallers was sent. These with the Tartars advanced all over Palestine, and had the comfort of entering Jerusalem (1301), where they found that everything in the shape of fortifications had been razed by the Saracens. Unfortunately the Tartars were soon compelled to return to their own country owing to civil war, and the Hospitallers evidently unable to withstand the Sultan of Cairo, who was advancing against them, had to retreat.

In the meantime Sir Theobold Gaudin, Grand Master of the Templars, went with the King of Cyprus to make a diversion on the Syrian coast and took Tortosa; but in 1302 it was won back by the Saracens with a loss of 120 Templars.

James de Molay succeeded Gaudin as Grand Master of the Templars, and about the end of 1304 the two Grand Masters had a consultation relating to the fusion of the two Orders, a matter which of itself was not considered a bad thing. It was the giving up of their independence for the benefit of a third party, i.e., the Pope, against which they had rebelled in 1288. After prolonged consideration they both agreed to abdicate and allow the united Order to elect themselves one chief, who so long as any of the existing Templars lived was to be of their Order, and after them things were to be as before. Although the two generous chiefs were thus agreed, not so their Knights and after all the ratification of the Knights was necessary, therefore the whole plan miscarried.

The Grand Master of the Hospitallers still anxious for a union of the forces, in answer to a proposition put forward by De Molay, replied—-

“My answer shall be simply that I cannot go till I have settled concerning an island, and many islands being in these seas, no one knows which I mean, none even of my own knights, except my brother perhaps, in case I should die. But as to you I will make no secret of it, but present you with another offer, since it is no fault of yours if you do not accept my former one. It is two hundred years or more that our Orders have uniformly been together, of if ever at all separated, not for long, and often have we shared the greatest dangers and fought and bled side by side. Even our rivalry, as some choose to call it, cannot but bind us together, I would rather have said emulation, for we have always had the same cause. If there be any difference in our rule, it is but little. You and I have always been together, and have both spilled a little of our blood at Acre, and known noble Beaujean and Claremont. I will tell you, therefore, the island in my mind’s eye is Rhodes, so famous in ancient ages, and that shall become famous and opulent, and in every way a desirable residence in ours also. Now, with your assistance we shall take this beautiful spot and strong, and we shall both reside there as at Acre. Whereas if you decide for Europe I have dark forebodings. Your Order as well as mine has many enemies, but yours worse, and gives greater food for envy. In Rhodes we shall be as it were our own masters, and have our own good swords to protect us. But in Europe are malicious tongues, stronger than the brightest courage, there called pride and pretention.’ Better in our island of roses (the name Rhodes signifies a rose) than in Paris with whatever splendour. Think on it well before giving me a refusal. You will reap honour wherever you go. If riches, these will bring you flattery and ruin. Remember I tell you so.”

“We have both our duties,” answered De Molay, with pensive sadness, “and you must cleave to your knights, and I to mine. Yet all you say affects me. No doubt of wealth and honour; but what are they to produce? Farewell.”

This decision sealed the doom of the Knight Templars. They embarked for Europe that evening. Some assert that De Molay was summoned to France by Pope Clement V. However that may be, the facts remain that on 13th Oct., 1307, De Molay and 140 of his Knights were arrested in France and cast into prison, where they suffered the most horrible tortures; on 12th May, 1310, 54 of them were slowly burned to death. On 22nd March, 1312, Pope Clement V. issued his Bull vox excelso abolishing the Order of Knight Templars, and on 2nd May, 1312, his Bull ad Providam laid it under perpetual inhibition, and transferred its property to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. On 19th March, 1314, De Molay was burned to death protesting to the last the innocence of the Order. The disbanded Knights joined their old comrades, the Knights of St. John.

This event is a most important one in the history of our Order, since it is well known that the Knight Templars had previously had a kind of relationship with the Masonic body. This no doubt accounts for the same, or similar degrees being held and conferred by both Orders; and it no doubt gave us the degree of the Temple, or as we prefer to call it “The Master Builder” degree; a degree which tells its own story and proves its origin. It is unnecessary to prove such as have received it, that it is the ancient degree of the Knight Templar, and to attempt to prove it to such as have not received it would be foolish. We simply note the fact for the benefit of our own members. It may however be interesting to note that the name Master Builder is quite modern, in many of the documents at present entrusted to us, it is called the “New Blue” to distinguish it from the “Old (or Royal) Blue.” In plain English the latter belongs to the Knights of St. John, the former belonged to the Knight Templars.

We now return to Grand Master Villaret who meanwhile had gone reconnoitering several of the neighbouring islands. On his return he found his Knights in ill-humour owing to the conduct of the Court of Cyprus toward them, and expressing their desire to be in a house of their own, where they might attend to their duties and have to render an account to none but their own superior, The Grand Master alone.

This certainly must have been pleasing to the Grand Master. Here were his knights expressing a desire for the very thing he had secretly been planning for them. In the circumstances he thought it best that he should go to Europe to organize a body of Crusaders to help in his projected invasion. This was especially necessary seeing he was not to have the assistance of the Templars, and that Rhodes, which had once been Genoese and was now Greek nominally, belonged in reality to Saracen pirates, a bold, fierce, and lawless race, whose resistance was sure to be desperate. Unfortunately he died before the voyage could be undertaken.

This was towards the end of 1306, and early in the following year Falk de Villaret was elected Grand Master, probably the brother previously referred to, certainly a kinsman, and one acquainted with the secret Sir William declared none knew but his brother. Immediately after his election he sailed in France. The financial means for the Crusade (for such it really was) were chiefly raised by a subscription by ladies, particularly those of Genoa, who are said to have sold their jewels for that purpose. Some of these Genoese Amazons took the Cross themselves. Their cuirasses, made small and with bulges to receive the breasts, were shown in the arsenal long after. Volunteers were so numerous that it became a matter of selecting the men he required. Many of the most illustrious men in Germany took the cross on this occasion.

His invasion succeeded, all the lesser islands, and part of Rhodes itself yielded almost without a struggle, but little by little difficulties presented themselves, the pirates who had been at sea returned, and the war became long and bloody. The Crusaders getting tired of the continuous warfare, returned home, going as it were one by one, until the Grand Master had few but his own Knights left to support him. The pirates had retired into the City where they offered a stubborn resistance. After three years fighting the City was taken (1309) and one shout of admiration resounded throughout Christendom of “Knights of Rhodes.” Here again we have the raison d’ ˆtre for a change of name.

After reviewing the various islets in company of Antony de Beck, Villaret returned to Rhodes to seek repose, but not to find it. The pirates who had escaped, being strengthened by their brethren in Asia Minor, returned to retake the island but were forced to retreat. Although the Hospitaller had not had time to repair the fortifications of the island, they showed that valiant hearts and willing hands are after all the best fortifications a city can have. The Grand Master accompanied by some of his Knights went to Avignow, and here we have the second and last Pontifical attempt to subjugate the Order. The Grand Master, who was receiving the plaudits of Christendom was deposed by the Pope (Clement V., 1319) and sentenced to accept a Priory, but free from the control of the Grand Master, and responsible only to the Holy See. Helion de Villannova was chosen by the Pope, as Grand Master, and to give the matter an appearance of legality a few Knights were summoned to Rome to elect him. The whole affair being carried through in the Papal Palace.

This certainly was a bold attempt to subjugate the Order, One Grand Master deposed and another appointed without consulting the body. Then the Order was divided against itself, the new Prior being independent. Thus the Order was deprived of the responses, i.e., the annual tax, from this particular priory, and to add insult to injury, they were compelled to pay the prior. Here we have, what we believe to be the beginning of, that infamous doctrine–Taxation without Representation–applied by the Pope, and be it noted the superior taxed for the upkeep of an inferior, while the inferior was free from the control of the superior. Pope Clement V. Certainly must be credited with a knowledge of diplomacy, but that kind of diplomacy which usually characterizes the doings of the Jesuit Order. He no doubt was zealous for the subjugation of the Knights of St. John, but his was zeal without discretion. He over-reached himself, and his diplomacy was doomed to failure. As usual the Pope’s blessing was the precursor of disaster. Villannova entered into a league with France and Venice against the Turks, and the Venetians left him in the lurch. Dissentions amongst the Knights were numerous. War without the camp and dissentions within it, made the lot of the Pope-appointed Grand Master anything but a happy one. In the midst of such conflicts he died (1346), to the great grief of the Pope. No doubt his Holiness would be grieved, not so much perhaps on account of Villannova’s death as at the miscarriage of his own diplomacy. Deodate de Gozon was then elected Grand Master by the Knights of the Order, without even consulting the Pope. During his short term of office he won a sea-fight against the Turks near Lemnos, taking a hundred and twenty of their small vessels, and putting to flight the thirty-two largest. He addressed a circular-letter to the Priors of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, lamenting that they had not paid any responses since the fall of Acre, although they could not but have heard that the Order was seated at Rhodes.

The evil influence of the Pope was not to be got rid of in a day and the Grand Master finding many of his commanderies so protected by the Pope, and the Kings of France, Castile, Arragon, Portugal, England and others, that he was unable to reduce them to obedience, he abdicated, whether in disgust, or to make room for a stronger-minded man, does not appear very clear. He died immediately after his abdication (December 1353), and was succeeded by Peter de Cornillan or Cornelian (1354), a man remarkable for the regularity of his life, and his austere and ancient manners. He governed the Order for little over a year and was succeeded by Roger de Pins (1355) who ruled the Order for ten years. He revised the Laws of the Order and had the revised edition sent to each of the Priories. He was succeeded by Raymond de Berenger (1365) who captured Alexandria in Egypt, and burned a piratical fleet there. He held a Chapter General at Rhodes (1366). He was succeeded by Robert de Juillac (1374) who ruled for three years, and was succeeded by Heredia Castellan d’ Emposta (1377) who is stated to have been one of the best of Grand Masters. He was taken prisoner by the Turks and underwent the harshest slavery. He abdicated and was succeeded by Richard Caracciolo (1383) who never was at Rhodes. He was succeeded by Phillip de Naillac (1396). During his term of office, Timour the Tartar destroyed Smyrna (1399), thus alarming the Christian world. The Knights of St. John set about preparing against a threatened invasion.

The wise policy of Naillac is said to have prevented a civil war in Cyprus. He visited the great council at Pisa in Italy (1409), and extended his journey to England; after an absence of eleven years he returned to Rhodes. Two things stand out in bol relief as the result of his sojourning. First, The shadow (so to speak) of Pope Clement V. was still hovering over the Order. The difficulties which confronted Grand Master Deodate and led to his abdication had to be and were successfully overcome. Second, The Grand Master’s determination to clear the atmosphere of even a lingering suspicion of papal authority. For this purpose he convened a Chapter General at Rhodes (1420), at which two regulations were adopted, which removes all doubt as to the object aimed at, but we will let the regulations speak for themselves. They are as follows:—-

First—-“No Knight under any pretext whatever can cite a companion before any tribunal, ecclesiastical or civil, than his own Order alone.”
Second—-“None but a member can be present at a Chapter Genera.”

By the first they re-asserted their ancient freedom granted by Pope Pascal II. prior to their formation as a Military Order. By the second they excluded the Pope and his representatives from their meetings. None but members could be present. In June of the following year Naillac passed through “that bourne from which no traveller can return.” He was succeeded by Anthony Fluvian (de la Riviere) in 1421 under whom a Chapter General was held at Rhodes (1428), when statutes were passed pronouncing all idle duels and illegal homicides both opprobious and criminal, repressing corruptions in office, and systematic debauchery with severity.

The Sultan was threatening an invasion from Cairo, and the Order mortgaged its possessions to build a fleet. Amongst the naval equipments cannon were included. At his death (26th October, 1437) Fluvian left the Order property valued at 200,000 gold crowns. At this period the number of Knights at Rhodes was about 1,000.

Fluvian was succeeded by John de Lastic (1437) under whom the threatened invasion became a reality. An Egyptian fleete attacked Rhodes (September 1440) but was easily repulsed. Cannon and musketry were used on both sides. This was the beginning of a long series of invasions extending over a period of eighty-two years and three months, during which the bravery displayed by the Knights put in the shade the daring deeds of the Crusaders of the earlier period. Two Chapters General were held at Rhodes (1445 and 1446) during De Lastic’s term of office at which it has been stated many excellent laws were enacted. The capture of Constantinople by Mahomet II. (1451) alarmed Europe, and set the Knights of Rhodes to work with a vigour previously unknown; every possible preparation was made when De Lastic died (19th May, 1454). He was succeeded by James de Milly who held a Chapter General during the first year of his Grand Mastership (1454). Three years later the Turkish fleet destroyed a town in Rhodes (1457), but proceeded no further. Another Chapter General was held (1459) at which the statutes regulating hospitality were ordered to be hung up where the Knights could not fail to see them every day, so that that fundamental duty would be impressed on their minds. Death once more made a change of Grand Masters, De Milly died on the 17th August, 1461, and was succeeded by Peter Raymond Zacosta, who convened a Chapter General during the following year (1462), and on the succeeding year (23rd March 1463) he summoned all the Knights of the Order to Rhodes, and the Pope (on the friendly tack this time) threatened every recusant with excommunication. The next year (1464) saw the island of Rhodes infested by plagues, famine and war. Another Turkish invasion was repulsed; the Grand Master personally defended Lesbro with great gallantry. He died (1467) while on a visit to Rome, and was buried by the Pope’s command, in St. Peter’s Church, where his statute still remains, representing him as an old man whose beard reached to his girdle. He was succeeded by John Ornisi (1467) who repeated the summons of his predecessor, in order to present a sufficient front to the mances of Mahomet II. He had the fortifications of the island greatly strengthened and enlarged. He entered into an alliance with Persia and sent one hundred of his most expert gunners to discipline the Persian army. He held two Chapters General (1471 and 14750, at the latter it was decreed that no dignity can be conferred on a Knight who has not pad his debts to the last farthing. A monument to his memory in St. John’s Church at Rhodes records the date of his death (8th June, 1476). He was succeeded by one to whom we are constrained to accord the honour of being the most brilliant and the most trusted of the long line of Grand Masters–Peter D’Aubusson–to whom alone was granted absolute power on all matters. He had been a soldier from his childhood, and all dread of Mahomet II. ceased when the news of his election went forth. He convened a Chapter General (1478) at which it was enacted that any Knight seeking place in the Order, who should obtain a letter of recommendation from a foreign Sovereign, should forfeit ten years of rank. This was striking with a vengeance at the root of outside interference. Had such a law been in force in 1319, the Pope-appointed Grand Master would have fared badly. It put an end, and that forever, to papal interference, and effectually barred the way to promotion, for such as still had a lingering suspicion of papal authority or influence.

The long-expected attack from the Turks came at last. The siege began 23rd May 1480 and continued for ninety-nine days; a fleet of one hundred and sixty ships bringing the invading army, who had with them three thousand siege guns of the largest calibre; these were got into position and played upon the walls. Among the defenders there was a kind of friendly rivalry in obedience, contrivance, industry and valour. At the explosion of the enormous cannon and mortars the whole island trembled, the noise being heard at Castel Rossa, one hundred miles distant. No such guns, no such terrific results had ever been witnessed before. Three hundred balls of flint, nine palms (36 inches) in diameter were thrown against the Tower of St. Anthony by which it was literally battered to pieces. Every known military appliance was exhausted in both attack and defence; scaling ladders, hand grenades, fireships, gree-fire, mining and counter mining. The Turks were finally repulsed and left the island on the 19th of August taking with them fifteen thousand wounded and leaving behind them nine thousand slain. Mahomet II. died 3rd May, 1481, crying out with his last breath “Rhodes! Rhodes! Rhodes!’ The Pope complimented the Knights by presenting them with a great banner.

Five Chapters General were held under d’Aubusson who died at the age of eighty years (30th June, 1503) crowned by the plaudits of the Christian world. Although the Turks were repulsed they were far from being beaten as we will see by and bye.

The next Grand Master was Almeric Amboise. In expectation of a renewal of the Turkish invasion he summoned all his Knights by circular, but no invasion was attempted during his time. His fleet captured a ship armed with one hundred heavy cannon, her main mast being so large that six men could scarce encircle it with their arms. She had seven decks and her cargo was of immense value, consisting of silks, spices, money, etc., etc.

At his death (5th November, 1512) Amboise was succeeded by Guido de Blanchfort who died on his way from France to Rhodes. He was succeeded by Fabricius Caretto (1512). The number of Knights casting vote in this election was five hundred and fifty. The daily danger of a renewal of the siege caused him to convene a Chapter General at an early period of his Grand Mastershp, at which money was voted to buy artillery in France. He is spoken of as a rare linguist and a remarkably kind, mild, and courteous man. At his death (January 1521) he was succeeded by Philip Villers de L’Isle Adam, a man of great genius and experience, renowned for every worthy gift and strength of mind and body. On his way from France to Rhodes to assume the reins of government, he passed safely through a pirate fleet which was awaiting him. From the day of his arrival he devoted himself to strengthening the fortifications of the island, and making other defensive preparations. On the Sultan Solyman sending a message of war, he, the Grand Master, set an example to the people by destroying his own garden and summerhouse, an example which was followed by a general destruction of every tree outside the walls. The country wells were filled up. The peasants were summoned into the city with all their movables. The siege began 26th June, 1522, and ended 20th December, 1522, in the surrender of the island to the Turks, under an honourable capitulation. The losses on both sides were heavy, but the statements given of them are obviously incorrect; we therefore omit them. During the whole of that terrible siege the Grand Master never once lost his quiet, placid look. He was always gracious and kind to everyone; eating his meals with the common soldiers. He always took an active part where the combat was most ferocious. Three great banners attended his person: The Grand Standard of the Order, the one presented by the Pope in D’Aubusson’s time, and one on which the White Cross of the Order was quartered with his own arms. The Grand Master and the remnant of his army, by virtue of the terms of capitulation set sail for Candia (1st January, 1523) in fifty vessels, leaving their beloved island which they had possessed for fully two hundred and ten years in the hands of the Turks. Charles V. of Spain (Emperor of Germany), said to his soldiers “nothing was ever so well lost as Rhodes.”

Few indeed were the Knights that outlived that dreadful siege and the subsequent voyage to Candia. During the voyage many of their vessels were lost. To mark their deep sense of the calamity that had befallen the Order, the Hospitaller nuns, who had hitherto worn a red robe with a black mantle on which was a white cross, assumed a habit entirely black, in token of mourning, which they continued to wear. On landing, the white-haired Grand Master burst into a flood of tears. He was received with marked distinction by the Sicilian Authorities, and the viceroy in name of the Emperor (Charles V.) invited him to make Messina his home.

A Chapter General was held at Candia, presumably for the purpose of considering the Emperor’s offer, and for the trial of those Knights who had been sent to Europe during the siege to procure assistance, but had never returned. The Emperor’s offer was accepted and the Knights were all honourably acquitted. Owing to plague breaking out in Messina, the Knights again took to their ships, and by permission of the Pope (Adrian VI.) landed at Civita Vecchia, in Italy, and took up their abode at Viterbo. Shortly afterwards the Pope notified the Grand Master of his willingness to receive a personal visit. Attended by his Knights, the Grand Master set out for Rome which he entered with some pomp, surrounded by a throng of Roman Patricians and welcomed by salvoes of artillery. The Pontiff though an invalid, rose from his chair and honoured him with a friendly embrace, designating him the hero and defender of the Christian faith.

A few days later Adrian breathed his last (1523), and Cardinal Julio de Medicis, who had formerly been a Knight of Rhodes, but who had laid aside the sword for the cowl and rosary, was unanimously elected in his stead as Pope clement VII. The new Pope proved himself a true friend to his old time companions in arms. He used his good offices and great influence with the already sympathetic emperor on behalf of the Order. The result, although delayed for a few years by European politics, was the cession of Malta to the Knights of St. John. The act of donation received the imperial signature at Syracuse, on 24th March, 1530. By this deed, Charles ceded forever to the Grand Master and religious fraternity of St. John, in absolute title and fee simple, all the castles, fortresses and isles of Tripoli, Malta and Geza, with power of life and death, and that without appeal to any lord paramount whomsoever. The only conditions attached to the grant, were that the Order should never suffer its subjects to make war against the King of Sicily and his states–that the said King or his Viceroy should receive the annual homage of a falcon–that he should have the power of electing any one of three candidates named by the Council to the bishopric of Malta whenever it fell vacant, that the Knights on whom the command of the squadrons of the Order devolved, should be persons in whom he could confide–and that the sovereignty of the island should not be conveyed away from the Order without his special sanction.

Malta at this time was anything but a pleasant spot, it was without rivulets and except in the interior it was destitute of springs, and consequently void of vegetation. A barren island about sixty miles in circuit; certainly a most unlikely place to make a happy home, but necessity makes no choice and perseverance overcometh many difficulties. Soil was imported and water secured. Time and toil converted the barren island into a garden. While negotiations were proceeding for the ceding of the island, the Grand Master made a tour through Europe and England. From the latter he sailed for Malta (18th January, 1529). Here in peace and quietness he watched the efforts of his gallant knights, as they furnished proof of their skill in combining the duties of the husbandman and the soldier. He died 22nd August, 1534.

While on his deathbed he recommended Del Ponte as his successor, and accordingly Del Ponte was duly elected Grand Master. He was an old man, aged sixty-nine years, famed for his literary attainments and eloquence. He died in the following year (November 1535) and was succeeded by Desiderio di S. Galla, one of those who had displayed signal bravery during the last siege of Rhodes. Unfortunately he never reached the seat of government. Being in France at the time of his election, he was prevented from going to Malta by an illness which terminated fatally on the 16th September, 1536.

He was succeeded by Homedez, at whose election three hundred and sixty knights took part. We may here note that having taken up their abode in Malta, they were at this time known as Knights of Malta, a name we still retain.

Homedez like his predecessor had honourably distinguished himself at Rhodes, having lost an eye in the siege. He summoned a Chapter General (1539), evidently the first held at Malta, at which he was entrusted with dictatorial powers in view of an expected invasion by their old enemy the Sultan Solyman, who however failed to turn up. Later on the defences of the island were manned against an invasion by Dragut, a Corsair (1551) who was driven off with loss; thus ended the first invasion of Malta, in the twenty-fourth year of the possession of the island. At his death (6th September, 1553) Homedez was succeeded by Claudius de la Sengle, who governed the Order for four years, and was succeeded by Parisot, better known as Valetta. He laid the foundation of a new city, to be called after his own name. He summoned the Knights from all quarters by circular (26th February, 1563), in preparation for the Turkish invasion. Of Knights and Servants-at-Arms that obeyed, there were but little over five hundred, making the whole garrison eight thousand one hundred and fifty-five. The siege commenced on the 18th of May and ended on the 7th of September (15630 in the defeat of the Turks; the losses being very heavy on both sides. The island was rendered waste; everything had to be rebuilt.

Valetta having died of apoplexy (21st August, 1558), he was succeeded by Peter del Monte, who ordered the body of his predecessor to be conveyed into the new city of Valetta, and a noble tomb raised over him. He so busied himself in the re-erection of the city that in two years and eight months it was re-occupied (18th march, 1571). The great naval fight of Lepanto (7th October, 1571) took place during Monte’s term of office; the supreme leader, Don John, being a Knight of Malta, was much aided by his brethren of the Order. Monte died 20th January, 1572.

For a period of two hundred and twenty-six years following comparative quietness was enjoyed. There is however one point which we are constrained to notice. The European Resolution (1797) deprived the Order of the greater part of its income, and poverty soon began to tell its sad tale. While the Order was wealthy it was comparatively easy to maintain discipline, prestige then lent its power to the Grand Master. With poverty came loss of prestige, lack of discipline, and disregard of constituted authority. That the Pope was at the bottom of the whole affair can’t be doubted. It affords us another proof, if such were necessary, that the Pope will destroy if he can, that which he cannot subdue. Subjugation or annihilation has ever been the policy of the papacy. Discontent, that prolific progenitor of distrust was working havoc among all grades of the Order. Jealousy sapped at the root of the tree and the branches soon became feeble and powerless. The final act of fatuity was the sending of the Cross of the noble Valetta to Paul, Emperor of Russia, and the proclaiming of him Protector of the Order. This was at the election of Hompesch (1797) the last, and most impotent of the long line of Grand Masters.

The Russian Emperor, as head of the Greek Church, was the hereditary enemy of the Pope. The Greek Church never has acknowledged the supremacy of the Pope (or Bishop) of Rome, in either spiritual or temporal matters, and as we have already stated the Knights of Malta belonged to the Latin Church; and therefore, subject to the Pope as head of that Church, although free from the Pope in the management of their own affairs, enjoying as it were a kind of Home Rule. They were nevertheless papists, with the exception of the Grand Priory of Torphichen (which in this instance is an equivalent for Scotland), which at this date was wholly Protestant. Here then we have the Czar of the Greek Church installed as protector of a body within the pale of the Latin Church, and we have the same body officially tolerating Protestantism within its innermost circle. This was a state of matters which no Pope could be expected to tolerate, and in this case the Pope had not the necessary authority for direct interference. The crisis was a critical one both for the Pope and the Order; and that the Order got worsted in the struggle is not surprising; the Officers were unwilling to follow their Grand Master in his pro-Russian policy. Conspiracy got a strong place in their midst. Discipline was soon strangled and treason became rampant. Like a river of water it flowed through the natural channel from grade to grade until it assumed its maximum power in the valley of the rank and file, and amongst the common people of the island–a power which it was impossible to control.

Napoleon, with an expedition bound for Egypt, visited Malta (1798), then one of the best fortified towns in existence, and garrisoned by an army sufficient to hold it against any possible attack. The officers of high rank had agreed upon surrendering to the French in preference to being under the protection of Russia; so they made defense impossible, with the result that Napoleon captured the island without firing a single shot. He found the powder in the magazine spoiled, provisions rendered worthless, and treason everywhere. On entering the town and beholding the fortifications he pithily remarked, “Well for us, that we had friends inside to open the gate.”

The world has to lament the want of discretion on the part of the conquerors, who Frenchman-like lost their mental equilibrium in the exuberance of their esprit de corps in having so easily conquered so formidable a fortress. They knocked down and broke the statues of the heroes of the Order, many of whom were their own countrymen, of whom they had every reason to be proud. They demolished the Order’s coat of arms wherever they found it, deliberately chiselling it out. The general devastation was greater than that caused by the Turks during the siege of 1563.

Hompesch the sixty-ninth and last Grand Master, set sail for Europe on the 19th June, 1798, and in effect abdicated his office. The pro-Russian party existed for a time at St. Petersburg; but we may practically date the termination of the main body of the Order, as at the conquest or rather the surrender of Malta.

It may not be out of place here to note a few points in the composition of the Order. As already stated, the Order was composed of eight countries, kingdoms, or languages, but when we remember that the sixth–England, included Scotland and Ireland together with the Principality of Wales, and that the eighth–Castile, included both Portugal and Leon, we are face to face with a state of affairs for which there is only one name in our English vocabulary–a conglomeration. A collection of collections, collected from at least thirteen different nationalities, each having its own national jealousies, its own language and its own peculiarities in manners, modes of living, and relish of dietary. Each would have its own likes and dislikes in the matter of food and manner of cooking. In short, there was only one thing they had in common. They were Christians. This conglomeration lived together in one town, or to adopt their own way of expressing it, “In one house,” for a period of seven hundred and fifty years, in face of the most powerful opposition to which men could possibly be subjected. National jealousies, which wrought such havoc amongst the Crusaders, and lost them the prize for which they fought. National aspirations, which tended in so many different directions. Papal intrigue which had so often been a veritable bone of contention amongst them. And finally by the confessional, that weapon without which Romanism would collapse in a day’s time. True, their confessors were members of the Order, but therein lay the greatest danger, because as priests they also belonged to the Church, and were subjects of the Pope, and were bound by the Commandments of the Church, equally if not more so, than by the Decalogue which God gave to Moses. Howe the Order held together at all is surprising; but to hold together in such a manner as to be a most formidable army, for such a length of time, is a problem few, we venture to think, will try to solve. We humbly confess our inability to solve it; we stand amazed and bewildered in the presence of the facts.

Before leaving the subject of Malta, we may note that Napoleon’s term of occupation was short. The British General, Pigot, captured the island for the British Crown, on the 5th September, 1800, and now, at the close of a hundred years of British rule, it is as it was when Napoleon aided by treason captured it, “One of the best fortified towns in existence.” The British people enjoy the fruit of all the toil and trouble the Knights of Malta had in importing soil to make the barren rock a place of habitation.

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

THE SIXTH LANGUAGE

We will now turn our attention to the Sixth Language, the Scottish portion of which survived the main body. As already stated, the Sixth Nation of Language was England, including Scotland, Ireland and Wales. It consisted of three priories, and was governed by a Chapter composed of representative officers of the Chapter being the Lord Grand Prior, who was Lord Lieutenant of England, and sat in the English Parliament as Premier Baron of the Realm; the Lord Prior of Torphichen, who was Bailiff of Scotland, and sat in the Scottish Parliament as Lord St. John; the Lord Prior of Kilmainham, who was Bailiff of Ireland; the Turcopolier, the Conservator, the Procurator, the Grand Crosser, the Grand Chaplain, the Grand Secretary &c.

The Grand Priory was situated in the Parish of Clerkenwell, London, and contained a church, an hospital, and an inn. A magnificent edifice, founded by Lord Briset and consecrated to the services of the Order in 1185, by Heraclius, Patriarch of Jerusalem. It was set on fire by the rebels under Wat Tyler, in 1830, and burned for seven days. In its widely varied decorations, both internally and externally, it is said to have contained specimens of the arts of both Europe and Asia, together with collections of books and rarities, the loss of which is a less turbulent age would have been a subject of national regret. The building was finally repaired by the Lord Grand Prior Docwra in 1504, and is still rich in the monumental grandeur of the Knights of Malta.

When the Knight Templars were suppressed in 1312, the whole of their extensive possessions in the British Isles were bestowed to the Knights of St. John, thus enriching the Order very considerably. They thereafter held estates in almost every county of the three kingdoms.

The English and Irish branches were suppressed in 1540, by act of Parliament (statute 32, Henry VIII, chap. 24) intituled–

“An act concerning the lands and goods of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, in England and Ireland, to be hereafter in the King’s hand and disposition. . . . . That the lords, spiritual and temporal, in this present parliament assembled, having credible knowledge that divers and sundry of the King’s subjects, Knights of Rhodes, otherwise called knights of St. John, otherwise called Friars of the Religion of St. John of Jerusalem, in England, and of a like house in Ireland . . . . . have unnaturally, and contrary to the duty of their allegiance, sustained and maintained the usurped power and authority of the Bishop of Rome, lately used and practised within this realm, and have not only adhered themselves to the said bishop, being a common enemy of the King our Sovereign Lord, and this realm, untruly upholding and affirming, maliciously and traitorously, the same bishop to be Supreme and Chief head of Christ’s Church, . . . . It should be most dangerous to be suffered or permitted within this realm, or in any other of the King’s dominions, any religion being sparks, leaves, and imps of the said root of iniquity. . . . That it were and is much better that the possessions in this realm, and in other of the King’s dominions appertaining to the said religion, should rather be employed and spent within this realm for the defence and surity of the same, than converted to and among such unnatural subjects, which have declined from their natural duty of obedience; daily doing, and attempting privily and craftily, all they can to subvert the good and godly policy in which this realm and all other of the King’s dominions now stand, &c.”

It is then enacted–

“That the corporation of the said religion, as well within this realm, as within the King’s dominions and land of Ireland, by whatso- ever name or names they be founded, incorporated, or known, shall be utterly dissolved and void to all intents and purposes, and that Sir William Weston, Knight, now being Prior of the said religion within this realm of England and land of Ireland, shall not be named or called from henceforth Prior of St. John of Jerusalem, in England, but shall be called by his proper name of William Weston, knight, without further addition touching the said religion. And that likewise John Rauson, now Prior of Kilmainham in Ireland, shall not be called or named from henceforth Prior of Kilmainham in Ireland, but only by his proper name John Rauson, knight, without further addition touching the said religion, nor any of the brethren or confreres of the said religion, in this realm of England and land of Ireland shall be called Knights of Rhodes, nor Knights of St. John, but shall be called by their own proper Christian names and surnames of their parents, without any additions touching the same. . . . . It is furthermore enacted that if the said William Weston, Knight, or any of his brethren or confreres of the hospital or House of St. John of Jerusalem in England, &c.; and if the said John Rauson, Knight, or any of his brethren or confreres of the said hospital or House of Kilmainham in Ireland, &c. do use or wear within this realm, or within the said land of Ireland, or elsewhere, in or upon any apparel of their bodies, any sign, mark, or token heretofore used and accustomed, or hereafter to be devised, for the knowledge of the said religion, or make any congregations, chapters or assemblies, touching the said religion; or maintain, support, use, or defend any manner of liberties, franchises, or privileges heretofore granted, &c, the parties so offending shall incur, &c.”

Here follows a list of penalties incurred.

So far as England and Ireland were concerned this act gave an abrupt ending to the Order, but, fortunately the Order existed where King Henry had no jurisdiction. We must not, however, overlook the magnanimity of “old King Hal.” The act from which we have just quoted was sufficiently magnanimous to leave the two Priors the dignity of knighthood, and to grant a pension to each of the then officers of the Order to continue during their lifetime. This kind of magnanimity may not be considered wholesome, but the late Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M. P., acted on the same principle when, in 1869, he despoiled the Protestant Church of Ireland, and–doubtful as the honesty of the principle may be–he found a majority of the British House of Commons could sufficiently stultify their consciences to permit of their voting for the Church-Plunder Bill, and believe that they were really magnanimous in doing so. Truly, in point of honesty we are not much better than “old King Hal” and we should therefore be sparing in our denunciations of his policy.

Although this statute never was repealed, an attempt was made by Queen Mary of England to revive the Order, in the hope that the Priests of the Order would aid her in her bloody work of undoing the Reformation by the extermination of Protestants. Cardinal Pole was her adviser, and she (rather they, for the Cardinal had a greater hand in it than the Queen) appointed Sir P. Tresham, Prior; Sir R. Shelly, Turcopoliler; Sir peter Felix de la Nuca; Baili de Aguila, and others of the knights into a corporation or Priory of the confraternity of St. John of Jerusalem in England. In the reign of James II we again find the Order existing in England under the Duke of Berwick as Grand Prior. It is scarcely necessary to point out that on both occasions the order was popish.

Early in the nineteenth century the Order was again resuscitated in England, this time on a legal footing, and by virtue of powers granted in 1827 by the Commander de Dieune, and others, forming a capitulary commission delegated to act by a chapter general of the Languages of Provence, Auvergue, France, Arragon, and Castile, being a majority of the eight Languages, held at Paris under the presidentship of Prince Camille de Rohan (Grand Prior of Aquitane in 1814), whose proceedings were sanctioned and afterwards confirmed by the Lieutenant of the magistery and the sacred council at Catania. Under these powers Sir Robert Peat, D. D., chaplain to King George IV., was installed as Grand Prior in 1831, and as such took the oath de fideli, but it was found necessary to revive the corporation before the court of King’s Bench, which was accordingly done on the 24th February, 1834. These formalities were gone through at the instance of Sir Lancelot Shadwell, Vice Chancellor of England, who was soon after elected a Knight of the Order. Sir Henry Dymoke, of Scrivelsby, succeeded Sir Robert peat, D. D., as Grand Prior in 1837.

The Order thus resuscitated was strictly Protestant, and was understood to be so by the conference of five out of the eight Languages, at which the order of resuscitation was granted, and by whose authority a Protestant clergyman who was chaplain to a protestant king, was ordained as Grand Prior. Even in those latter days of the Order’s infirmity, when it was slowly be surely dying out on the Continent, the Pope had no authority and Protestantism was no crime. That the Order still lives in England, although confined to a select few, is shown by the following extract from the Daily Record, Glasgow, 12th July, 1900.

England.

When the Imperial Grand Encampment issued their first Warrant to England is beyond our knowledge. The earliest correspondence we have on the matter is an application for a Warrant from Joseph Brown of Liverpool, dated 27th November, 1841: whether it was granted or not we have no means of knowing; but if we suppose it to have been granted it may possibly explain a reference to Liverpool later on. Our next is a letter from the Imperial Grand to G. L. Curless, of Manchester, Master of No. I of England, dated 24th December, 1845, making inquiry concerning the “Britannic” of Manchester (referred to in our Chapter on America) and giving the name of the Master as Robert Ogle Gowan. In this letter reference is made to a previous letter dated 11th November, 1844, to which Sir Knight Curless had not replied, so that we are carried beyond this latter date, unfortunately we know not how far. Our next is from William Curless, Master of No. I, written from Manchester on the 18th of February, 1846. He wrote in complimentary terms concerning Sir Knight John Darby (this is the same John Darby of whom we have had more than a passing acquaintance in reference to No. 28 of Ballymacarrett, Belfast, Ireland) who was at this time Pursuivant of No. I, Manchester. He also makes reference to certain parties in Liverpool having illegal Warrants. He says:–

“John Darby has visited them and they promised not to work
under them until they had communicated with the Grand Lodge of
Scotland.”

Sir Knight Curless requested Grand Lodge to send instructions to John Darby as to how he should treat with those Liverpool men. On 7th July, 1846, full instructions and authority were sent to Sir Knight John Darby for treating with these Liverpool illegal lodges. On 20th June, Sir John Darby informed Grand Lodge of the return to England of the 1st Royals and asked for a renewal of their Warrant No. 16, which was granted.

The work thus began went on successfully until 1854 when the Provincial Grand Priory of England was installed, but after two years experience it was cancelled, the Encampments reverting to the Imperial Grand. In 1868 we find they had eight Encampments divided into two districts, No. I “North of England,” located at Newcastle-on-Tyne, and No. 2 “North and South Shields.” This order of working continued till 17th June, 1876, when a Provincial Grand Priory was again granted, but they evidently were in no great hurry about the installation, as we find that on 25th November, 1876, Sir Knights Robert Stewart and William Johnstone were appointed to go to Newcastle and instal the new Provincial Grand Priory. At a meeting of Grand Council held on 20th January, 1877, the Recorder read a communication from Sir Knight John Cruickshanks, Recorder of the North of England Grand Provincial, drawing their attention to a Grand Encampment that was working in Liverpool, which was issuing Warrants and initiating candidates, and recognising no other Grand but themselves. The Grand Council unanimously cancelled this Warrant, and instructed the Grand Recorder to make known through the public press the finding of the Grand Council, of which the following appeared in the Belfast Weekly News, and Belfast Telegraph:–

“KNIGHTS OF MALTA.
NOTICE OF IMPORTANCE.

 

“There is at present in Liverpool a so-called Grand Lodge of the above Order, which takes the authority upon it of issuing Warrants, conferring degrees, etc. It is true the Parent Grand Encampment installed a Provincial Grand Encampment in the year 1854. It continued to work about two years and then ceased. It never was empowered to issue Warrants, nor never held the prerogatives of a Grand Encampment. Some time ago it was taken into consideration by the Grand Council of the Imperial Parent of the Knights of Malta, and the aforesaid Provincial Warrant was cancelled and has no connection with any Grand Encampment of the Knights of Malta (working under the Imperial Parent of the Universe) either in England, Ireland, America, or anywhere else, so that all Knights of Malta working under this self-constituted Grand Encampment of Liverpool will be held as expelled men, and will not be recognised by any Encampment of Knights of Malta in any of the aforesaid Kingdoms; and any Sir Knight becoming a resident in Liverpool or any of its suburbs, should be cautious not to deposit his diploma in any Encampment working under the Liverpool Grand Warrant.

(Signed) ALEXANDER KENNEDY, L.G.R.”

It seems plainly inferred that this was the Provincia, Warrant which was granted in 1854. Had it not been so the Imperial Grand Council would not have thought of cancelling a Warrant which they did not issue. To us the one fact proves the other. They cancelled in 1877 the Warrant they granted in 1854.

In 1868 a Provincial Warrant was issued to William Shortis of Liverpool, to be called the “Provincial Grand Priory of Wales, Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.” Of this Provincial we have no further notice.

In June, 1877, we have the first Provincial report from the newly formed Provincial Grand Priory of England, showing thirteen Encampments in good working order. In 1895 the encampments had dwindled down to four, and the Provincial Grand Priory being in a state of rebellion, the Imperial Grand Encampment in their wisdom cancelled the Provincial Warrant, two of the Encampments reverting to the Imperial Grand, under which our English Encampments are now working.

 

SIXTH LANGUAGE — SCOTTISH BRANCH.

We now turn our attention to the Scottish branch of the Sixth Language. As already stated it outlived the parent stem. It is here and here only that we have an unbroken chain of existence. Here Henry VIII. of England had no jurisdiction; here the European resolution had no effect; here there was no necessity to suppress the Order on account of the religion of the Knights, they being foremost amongst the reformers.

The Order was introduced into Scotland by “the sore saint,” King David I. (1124-1153). James VI., when viewing the tomb of his great ancestor in Dumfermline, referred to him as “King David,” when one of his nobles reminded him that it was “St. David,” James replied “Aye, he was a sore saint for the crown.” The first preceptory was established at Linlithgow, and in due course the Order was governed by a Grand Priory called the Grand Priory of Torphichen. The grand Prior had a seat in Parliament under the appropriate title of Lord St. John. He was by virtue of office a member of the Grand Chapter, or Supreme Council of the Sixth Language, a body which was presided over by the Grand Prior of England.

The Scottish Knights do not appear to have had the same zeal for crusading which characterized their Continental brethren. Probably the unsettled state of the country may account for their lack of zeal in this matter. When people have more than enough to do at home, they don’t as a rule go abroad; and the civil wars of the thirteenth century kept the Scots very much at home. Yet they were not insensible to the spirit of the age, and they have left their mark on many places in the country. Thus Jordanhill, near Glasgow, has an interesting connection with the Crusaders. Some of the Knight Templars, after their return from Palestine, settled near Jordanhill at the village now called Temple. The general appearance of the district so reminded them of the country around the Jordan that they gave it the name of Jordanhill. A little west of Jordanhill is the village of Knightswood, which also owes its name to the Crusaders from its having been the forest in which the Knights hunted. Auchtermuchty, in Fifeshire, bears the name of a Knight of Malta. “My two uncles,” says the late Captain Auchmuchty, of the 57th regiment, “Sir Samuel Auchmuchty, for sometime commander of the British forces in Dublin, and Sir Benjamin Auchmuchty, took much interest in the Knights of Malta. I have heard the latter frequently speak of them, and from traditions in my family, I know that our ancestors were originally Knights of Malta, and emigrated from there to Scotland. They founded a town in Scotland, called from them Auchtermuchty, and a sword is to this day preserved in our family, once the property of one of those Knights.”

Again in the dying charge of King Robert the Bruce to Sir James Douglas, we have proof that the spirit of the Crusader was strong in that powerful monarchy and many of his followers. Calling Sir James to his bedside he thus addressed him, in the hearing of all who were present:–

“Sir James, my dear friend, none knows better than you how great labour and suffering I have undergone in my day for the rights of this kingdom. When I was hardest beset, I vowed to God that if I should live to see an end to my wars, and to govern this realm in peace, I would then go and make war against the enemies of our Lord and Saviour. Never has my heart ceased to bend to this desire, but our Lord has not consented thereto, for I have had my hands full in my days; and now at the last I am seized with this grievous sickness, so that, as you all see, there is nothing for me but to die, and since my body cannot go thither, I have resolved to send my heart there in place of my body to fulfil my vow. And now, dear and tried friend, since I know not in all my realm any braver knight than you, I entreat you for the love you bear me, that you will undertake this voyage and acquit my soul of its debt to my Saviour. For I hold this opinion of your truth and nobleness that whatever you undertake I am persuaded you will accomplish. I will, therefore, that as soon as I am dead you will take the heart out of my body and cause it to be embalmed, and take as much of my treasures as seems to you sufficient for the expenses of your journey, both for you and your companions; and that you carry my heart along with you, and deposit it in the Holy Sepulchre of our Lord, since my body cannot go thither.”

At these words all who were present wept sore. Sir James could not at first speak for tears. When he was able to reply, he said:–

“Ah, most gentle and noble king, a thousand times I thank you for the great honour you have done me in making me the bearer of so precious a treasure. Most faithfully and willingly, to the best of my power, shall I obey your commands.”

“Ah, gentle knight,” said the King, “I heartily thank you, provided you promise to do my bidding, on the word of a true and loyal knight.”

“I do promise, my liege,” replied Douglas, “by the faith which I owe to God, and to the order of Knighthood.” “Now praise be to God,” said the King, “for I shall die in peace, since I know that the best and most valiant knight of my kingdom will perform that for me which I myself could never accomplish.”

Shortly after Bruce’s death, and in obedience to his master’s dying request, Douglas set out for Jerusalem taking with him a goodly company of knights and squires. He bore the king’s heart in a silver casket hung about his neck. On his passage to the East he learned that Alphonso, King of Spain, was waging war against the Saracens. Deeming that it came within his commission to embrace this opportunity of fighting against the infidel, he joined the Spaniards. The two armies met in array of battle close to Gibraltar. The King of Spain gave Douglas the command of his centre division. The Scots headed the charge, which was made with such success that the enemy were routed and the camp taken. While the Spaniards were engaged in plunder, the Scottish leader, at the head of the small band of his own knights, pursued the flying infidels. But, before he was aware, the Saracens rallied, and he was surrounded by a cloud of horsemen which thickened every moment. Taking from his neck the casket containing the Bruce’s heart, he cast it into the thickest of the enemy, saying, “Now pass thou onward as thou wert wont, and Douglas will follow thee or die!” With that he made so furious an onset that he soon cleared a space about him, but his valour was in vain against the overwhelming numbers of the Saracens and he fell covered with wounds.

Not far from his dead body the precious casket was found. His surviving knights took him up with reverent care. His flesh was separated from the bones, and buried in holy ground in Spain. His bones were brought home to Scotland, and buried in his own church of Douglas. The heart of Bruce, shrined in the silver casket, was deposited in the Abbey of Melrose. Living that heart had been all for Scotland, and none but Scottish earth could be its meet resting place.

From the death of Scotland’s royal saint (David I.), in 1153 till the conversion to Protestantism of Sir James Sandilands in 1553, exactly 400 years, there is little to record. At what date the Grand Priory was established in Scotland is, we fear, lost in the antiquity of the ages; but we have it on record that Archibald, Magister of Torphichen, held the office of Grand Prior in 1251, and his successors appearing in the following order, all of whom received their appointment from the Grand Master:–

Alexander de Welles, – appointed 1291.
Ranulph de Lindsay, – ” 1298.
William de la More, – ” 1315.
David de Marr, – – ” uncertain.
Edward de Brenne, – – ” 1386.
John de Rynnaige, – – ” 1410.
Henry Livingstone, – – ” 1449.
William Meldrum, – – ” 1453.
William Knolles, – – ” 1463.
George Dundas, – – ” 1514.
Walter Lyndsay, – – ” 1530.
James Sandilands, – – ” 1547.

It was undoubtedly through the instrumentality of Grand Prior Sir James Sandilands–Lord St. John of that period, and the last holder of that long honoured title–that the reformation of the Order, which converted it from a popish confraternity to a Protestant fraternity in Scotland was effected. It certainly cannot be said of him that he hid his light under a bushel; when the light of the Sun of Righteousness penetrated his own soul, he reflected the brightness of that soul-saving light upon those around him. This distinguished reformer, liberator, and guardian of the regenerated Order, was the second son of Sir James Sandilands of Calder, and Marietta, daughter of Archibald Forrester of Corstorphine. He was initiated into the Order at Malta, and there received his knightly education under the eye of the Grand Master. He was recommended by Sir Walter Lyndsay, on his decease, as a person well qualified to succeed him in the office of Grand Prior of Scotland. He was accordingly appointed to that position by a bull of Grand Master Homedez, dated at Malta, April 2nd, 1547. He was an intimate friend of the great reformer John Knox, and had long been favourably disposed toward the reformers. By the persuasion of Knox he was led to publicly renounce the Roman catholic religion in 1553. M’Crie referring to him in his “Life of John Knox,” states that–

<h5“After his return to the south of the Forth he (Knox) resided at Calder House, in West Lothian, the seat of Sir James Sandilands, commonly called Lord St. John, because he was the chief in Scotland of the religious order of Military Knights, who went by the name of Hospitallers or Knights of St. John. This gentleman who was now venerable, for his grey hairs as well as for his valour, sagacity, and correct morals, had long been a sincere friend to the reformed cause, and had contributed to its preservation in that part of the country. In 1548, he had presented to the parsonage of Calder, John Spotwood, afterwards the reformed superintendent of Lothian, ho had inbibed the Protestant doctrines from Archbishop Cranmer, in England, and who instilled them into the minds of his parishoners, and of the nobility and gentry that frequented the house of his patron. Among those who attended Knox’s sermons at Calder, were three young noblemen who made a great figure in the public transactions which followed–Archibald, Lord Lorne, who succeeding to the earldom of Argyle at the most critical period of the Reformation, promoted with all the ardour of youthful zeal, that cause which his father had espoused in extreme old age; John, Lord Erskine, afterwards Earl of Mar, who commanded the important fortress of Edinburgh Castle during the civil war which ensued between the Queen Regent and the Protestants, and died Regent of Scotland, and Lord James Stuart, an illegitimate son of James V., who was subsequently created Earl of Moray, and was the first Regent of the Kingdom during the minority of James VI.”</h5

We have noticed statements to the effect that it was at Calder House that John Knox first administered the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in the Protestant form, but we are not anxious to lay claim to doubtful honours. According to M’Crie, this event took place in St. Andrews, in 1547–which date is prior to the conversion of Sir James Sandilands. But we will let M’Crie speak for himself–

“His (Knox’s) labours were so successful during the few months that he preached at St. Andrews, that, besides the garrison in the castle, a great number of the inhabitants of the town renounced Popery and made profession of the Protestant faith, by participating of the Lord’s Supper. This was the first time that the Sacrament of the Supper was dispensed after the reformed mode in Scotland, if we except the administration of it by Wishart in the same place, which was performed with great privacy immediately before his martyrdom.”

Although Lord St. John had openly professed his acceptance of the Protestant faith, he continued to exercise all the functions of his office as Grand Prior, and as shown by the preceding quotation, his influence was over the best and foremost men in the country. Calder House, as the residence of the Grand Prior, would naturally be a rendezvous for the Knights of the Order, but as we have seen it was also a rendezvous of prominent politicians. Either these politicians were Knights of the Order, or the Order and the Grand Prior had an abnormal influence over them. It was under the protection of the Grand Prior that they received both their religious and political education. That two of his respected guests became Regent of the kingdom and a third entrusted with an important command under the reformed, or Protestant government, taken together with the duties entrusted to him personally, point very plainly indeed to the enormous influence he wielded, and wielded for good.

On October 1st, 1557, he was still in communication with the Grand master and Chapter at Malta. Thus proving conclusively that his conversion to Protestantism, did not in any way affect his relations with the body.

On February 17th, 1559, we find him as one of the signatories to the offensive and defensive treaty between Queen Elizabeth of England, and the Lords of the Congregation, i.e., the Scottish Protestant party.

When on August 24th, 1560, the Scottish Parliament abolished popery, the work of the reformers had been so well done that only three men raised their voice against the proposal, namely, the Earl of Atholl and Lords Sommerville and Borthwick.–“The clergy spake never a word.” Lord St. John was on this occasion selected by Parliament to go to France and lay their proceedings before the Queen (Mary) for ratification. It is said that upon that occasion the Cardinal of Lorraine sought to load him with reproaches for his conversion to the Protestant religion, which step was, however, ably defended by that chivalric Knight to the utter confusion of the wily Cardinal.

The manner in which he carried out this rather delicate task, is best shown by the manner in which the Queen appreciated his services on this and other important occasions. On January 24th, 1563, we again find the Protestant Grand Prior and the Popish Queen face to face. This time he went at the request of the Grand Priory, to hand over to the Queen the lands and possessions of the Order, together with the dignity of Lord St. John, which he held as chief of the Order; and this for the purpose of freeing himself and his Knights from certain obligations to their Sovereign–a task which few men would care to take in hand.

The Queen accepted them in the most gracious manner, and in order to show her great respect for the man who thus divested himself of the rank and title of a peer, she returned to him as a personal gift the lands of Torphichen, and at the same time re-created him a peer of the realm under the title of Lord Torphichen.

From this time forward the Order has been separate from the State, and therefore from under the eye of the historian, a circumstance which forces us to be content with side-lights being shed across our path, while other matters are under review, until we again come into the full light of documentary evidence.

The first matter which presents itself to the mind of the thoughtful companion, is, did Sir James Sandilands resign the office of Grand Prior when he gave up the local dignity of Lord St. John, or did he retain office till his death in 1596? Some writers have assumed that he resigned, but we fail to see where the circumstances justify the assumption. The object of giving up the lands, etc., of the Order, was beyond doubt that the relations of the Order to the Crown would be that of civilians. Had the Grand Prior intended to resign, his renunciation of the Order would have secured the end in view without risking the displeasure of the Queen. His mission to the Queen was no personal matter, he was acting for the Order as a whole with a view to their continued existence apart from the State, and they obtained the object of their desire. The Order continued to exist, and whether Lord Torphichen continued to hold the office of Grand Prior or not, he positively did continue to be leader in the Protestant cause, where he led the same men as he led as Grand Prior. We have never seen any valid reason put forward as to why he should have resigned, while there are many reasons why he should have retained office: but we are content to rest our case on the fact that all the trouble he took in gaining release from State control, would have been superfluous had he intended to resign. We therefore conclude that he retained office till his death, on 29th March, 1596.

That the Order continued in a publicly recognised manner is shown by the fact that about the year 1572, David Seaton with a portion of the Scottish Knights separated themselves from the then Protestant fraternity. He retired to Germany where he died in 1591, the remnant of the seceders ultimately finding a shelter under the wing of the first lodge of Scottish Masons at Kilwinning, Ayrshire, where they introduced the Orders of St. John, which are still given in connection with (Blue) Masonry. We again get a glimpse of the Order in 1643, when it was reintroduced into Ireland for the protection of Protestants who had suffered so severely by the Irish rebellion of 1641. This was the Second grand Priory of Ireland, and be it noted, founded and established by the Grand Priory of Scotland. That this branch was still in existence in 1795 when the Loyal Orange institution was founded, is shown by the fact that at a very early date the Orange and the Black had become inseparably connected. In some cases separate warrants were held, while in others certain degrees were given under an Orange warrant, and those wishing to travel further had to apply to a Black Lodge. These facts point to two conclusions, 1st, That the Orange was a popular endeavour of the Knights of St. John to accomplish the object for which the Order had been re-established in 1643, namely:–The protection of Protestants, and is therefore the natural offspring of the Ancient Order. 1st, That the Knights of St. John were very lax in the performance of their duty when they allowed their degrees to be given under the jurisdiction of a body actually free from their control, although a friendly body, and it may be a body founded by them. That this was a blunder is now recognised and the practice forbidden. While endeavouring to be just in our criticism we must not forget to be generous. It was this blunder which brought about that close relationship which has kept the older Order alive, and without which it assuredly would long ago have shared the fate of the continental branches.

We will now turn our attention to documentary evidence; for this purpose we have had free access to all documents held by the Imperial Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe. Strange as it may appear, the oldest of these are of Irish origin, but before looking into the more ancient of them we will note one of semi-modern date. The report of the Third Grand Priory (or Lodge) of Ireland, or to be more correct, the report of a Committee to Grand Lodge on 11th April, 1850, re– The newly instituted Grand Black Chapter of Ireland. In the report they refer to their own origin and antiquity coming through the Scottish reformers, and they assert, that–“The Order never was dissolved and that they held the chain of transmission which was perfect in all its links.” Here we have an authoritative declaration of the unbroken continuity of the Order, from the time the political history of the country lost touch with the Order, until the time of giving their report, i.e. to 1850; and from the tenour of the report the Order was in a fully organized condition in 1807. This latter is implied, not stated, but the former general statement covers the period, so that we may not distress ourselves about the implication. We have before us while we write a very old copy of Rules belonging to the Royal Black Association (of Ireland), they are undated, but they must have been compiled prior to the year 1820, and may have been compiled as far back as 1795, which would only have necessitated a change of the monarch’s name; which is common practice at the death of a monarch. In its “Prefatory Observations” it sets forth that “It should be understood that this Order is entirely detached from that of Orangemen (with the exception that no person unless he has passed the Degrees of Orange and Purple, can be admitted), and it ought not to be supposed, that it entrenches on the rights, privileges, or immunities of that system. It is calculated to instruct and inform those who are desirous of obtaining a knowledge of Divine Truth, and Sublime Mysteries, and to cultivate that harmony which should exist amongst true Protestants.”

Amongst other things provided by this code is a declaration to be read, by the Master, to candidates previous to their initiation.

“Whereas our Christian forefathers, the Knights of Malta, who joined in a holy bond of brotherhood, to support all kings and states against Turks and infidels.–We, the members of the Royal Black Institution, will as far as in our power lies, imitate their glorious acts and great achievements, with our lives and fortunes, to support and defend his present majesty George IV, his heirs and successors, so long as he or they maintain and defend the Protestant religion and the present Constitution.”

Rule III provides–

“That a regular visiting officer shall be received at the different lodges in Dublin, for the purpose of communicating their progress to the Grand Lodge; and such lodges as do not meet in the Metropolis shall, by their Secretary, communicate to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge, annually, their progress.”

The code goes on to give the obligation which is substantially the same as that still in use. Of course the name of the Sovereign given is George IV, and it was sworn to, a custom long since abolished. It also gives the prayers to be used at the opening and closing of lodges. These are identical with those in use at the present day.

h That the Order was in good working condition both in Scotland and Ireland, long before the time we might limit for the code quoted from above, will be seen by the following documents.

The first we will look at is headed–“No. 155, Grand Black Order of Orangemen: Monaghan Regiment.” It has the royal arms on the left, and the skull and cross bones on the right with the words “God be our guide” under the royal arms, and under this a broad black ribbon with an equilateral seal in black wax. The text is as follows:–

“To all Brother Knights of the Grand Black Order of Orangemen, to whom these presents come greeting. We, the Master, Deputy Master, High Priest, Secretary, &c., of the Assembly of Knights of the Grand Order of Orangemen, held in Princes Town, England, do hereby certify that Brother Sir James Henry was by us dubbed a Knight of this Most Grand and Sublime Order, on the 30th day of August, 1814, &c.”

We need not quote further, as what follows are common-place formalities. It concludes thus:–

“Given under our hand and seal of Assembly, held in Princes Town, this 31st day of August, 1814. (Signed) JHO. SEAVEN, Master.
JOHN M’CLELLAND, Deputy-Master.
FRANCIS HAWKSHAM, High Priest.
JOHN LAVERTY, Secretary.”

From this document it would appear that Companion Henry had been initiated the night before he left the regiment, and brought his certificate with him.

Our next belonged to a Companion of more experience. It is headed with an arch wherein are shown emblems of all the degrees. On the left margin above the ribbons are the royal arms, with the words “King and Constitution we will support.” The text runs thus:

 

“LOYAL ORANGE ASSOCIATION, NEW SYSTEM, NO. 155.–

Now we, the Master, Deputy-Master, Secretary, &c., do strictly charge you to withdraw yourself from brethren that walketh disorderly.”

“We, the Master and Deputy Master, of No. 155 of true Orangemen, do certify that Brother James Henry has regularly received the colours affixed to this certificate, &c.”

The degrees represented by the colours affixed are orange, purple, black, scarlet, old blue, and royal make, and concludes thus:–

“Given under our hands and seal of our lodge, in our lodge room, in the County of Monaghan and Kingdom of Ireland and town of Glasslough. Dated this 12th day of June, 1816.

(Signed) DANIEL PRASHEY, Master
JOS. MILLS, Deputy Master.
THOS. SOMMERS, Secretary.”
And countersigned “Jos. Mills, Grand Secretary.”

Our next is a written document almost as neat as copperplate. The kingdom is not stated. It is headed “Royal Black Association, No. 3,” and is a certificate of “Brother Sir Thomas Burgess,” who has been “duly initiated into the Mysteries and Secrets of a Royal Arch Black Knight Templar,” . . . . “having taken the sword in hand against all Turks and unbelievers. We therefore recommend, &c.” It is dated 2nd March, 1821, and

“(Signed) JOHN PATERSON, Master.
RICHARD MARKS, Deputy Master.
WM. M’KEY, High Priest.
JAMES CARSON, Grand Pursuivant.”

Brother Burgess became a member of No. 24, and we judge the document to be from No. 3 of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

We now turn to a parchment certificate, which is still in good condition, and issued by a lodge holding its authority from the Grand Black Lodge of Scotland. It runs thus:–

 

“GOD IS OUR GUIDE. ROYAL BLACK LODGE. HONOURABLE PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION: 1ST ROYAL REGIMENT. And God said let there be light and there was light.'”

“Now we, the Master, Deputy-Master, &c., do strictly charge you to withdraw yourself from brethren that walketh disorderly. In the name of the most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, we grant to Brother John Nixon this certificate from No. 16 Warrant, of the Magnanimous and Invincible Order of Royal Black Lodge Association of Lodge No. 16, held at Bangalore, in the East Indies.”

We need not copy the document further. It is dated 1st August, 1829, and

“(Signed) JAMES GIBSON, Master.
A. BLAIR, Deputy Master.
WM. Halliday, High Priest.
J. R. BAILLIE, Pursuivant.”

The colours affixed represent the degrees up to and including the green. These are the oldest written documents to which we have had access, but they are sufficient to prove the existence of the Grand Lodge of Scotland when No. 16 warrant was issued, and that it (No. 16) was working in Bangalore on 1st August, 1829, whither it had removed with the regiment some time previous, therefore an old lodge at the date given. This certificate alone gives the death-blow to the theory so often promulgated, that the Grand Lodge of Scotland was founded in 1831; but when taken together with the other documents quoted we are carried far back beyond the time when the Grand Lodge of Ireland ceased to exist; therefore impossible for them to have granted the letters of authority, held by Grand Master Donaldson, for the re-organization of Grand Lodge in 1831, they being non-existent for at least seven years before the event. Moreover, No. 16 of the Irish Grand was working at the same time as the No. 16 to which we have referred, and continued to work in Ireland up till 1834. When we add to this the fact that the Grand Lodges of Ireland publicly declared their Scottish origin, and were justly proud of it, is it too much to ask, or to expect, that we should hear no more of such foolish fancies being promulgated as facts? Whether the wish be father to the thought or not, the persistence with which it has again and again been put forward proves that the wish is not wanting. Had it been possible for them to prove their case, it would have been done many years ago. They cannot prove a case because they have no case to prove.

Our next is rather a peculiar document consisting of a series of resolutions referring to financial affairs, in which fines are imposed for certain offences, such as absence from the regular meetings of the Lodge, arrears of dues, &c. In each case the resolution closes with the reminder that if they (the members fail they will “receive the benefit of a committee.” What that means must be plain to the greatest dullard, so far at least as modern notions carry us: but those who have been privileged to read the “Old Maltese Laws” and the “Old Scotch Laws” will be aware of the fact that the committee had to be paid by the offending member, or members, according to a printed scale. This document is headed Saturday, 12th September, 1829, and begins thus:–“At a committee meeting of the Royal Black Lodge, No. 24, held in M’Culloch’s it was resolved, &c.” Only one of the resolutions is of any importance to us, namely No. 3, which gives us some data as to the age of the Lodge, and places beyond dispute the claim of its members–that Ancient St. John’s, Glasgow, No. 24, is the oldest subordinate Black Lodge in the Universe.

The resolution refers to arrears extending over “the last twelve months,” and giving details of meetings held on the following dates:—24th February, 24th March, 12th August, 31st August, 26th October, 24th November, 24th February, 24th March, 24th April, and 24th May. The year dates are not given in above details, but they plainly show the existence of the lodge on 24th February, 1828; and the fact that the committee dealt with an accumulation of arrears proves the existence of the Lodge for a considerable time prior to that date.

The document bears the seal of the lodge–which is a neat little thing, one inch in diameter. Round the outer circle are the words “Loyal Black Association, No. 24,” and in the centre a skull and cross bones, surmounted by the Latin words, Memento mori–Remember death. The signatures appended are:–Taylor Rankin, Hugh M’Hutcheon, William Gemmell, William Dickson, and William Kilpatrick.

On being presented to the lodge it was approved and signed “Henry Burnside, M.” and “William Dickson.” In connection with the foregoing we have the following promissary note:–

 

“GLASGOW, 24TH October, 1829.

– : 10/ : – Two months from date I promise to pay to
Royal Black Lodge, No. 24, the sum of Ten Shillings sterling.
(Signed) WILLIAM KILPATRICK. JOHN ALLAN, Witness.

We now come to a very important document–a Grand Lodge Warrant–which evidently implies a re-construction of some kind; probably necessitated by the introduction of Orangeism into Scotland, and the consequent flooding of the Order in Scotland by members from Ireland who were, as a matter of course, Orangemen. From this time forward the Order in Scotland had been closely connected with the Orange Institution. That the re-organization of Grand Lodge was a legal one is shown by a letter from the Grand Secretary, on behalf of the Grand Council, to the Grand Master, requesting him to attend a subsequent meeting of Grand Lodge, and “to bring with him the letters authorising them to re-organize the Grand Lodge.” So whatever the change was it was legally effected, and Grand Master George Donaldson held the letters of authority.

The warrant is one of a lot lithographed for issue to subordinate lodges, altered to suit the purpose of Grand Lodge. We give it as altered. (It is surmounted by the Royal Arms.)–

 

ROYAL BLACK ASSOCIATION.

HELD IN GLASGOW.GOD IS OUR GUIDE.’In name of the Most Glorious and Undivided Trinity. Amen.

We, the Grand Master and Officers of the Grand Black Assembly of Scotland, &c., held in Glasgow, do hereby authorise and empower our well beloved brother, Sir George Donaldson, to establish a lodge of true and worthy Black Men, and to act as Grand Master thereof, this being his Warrant; also to issue out Warrants.

Given under our hand and seal of our grand Assembly, at our Lodge Room, 24th June, A.D. 1831, and of Royal Black, 4344.

We, the Grand Master and Officers of the Grand Black Assembly of Scotland, &c., held in Glasgow, do hereby authorise and empower our well beloved brother, Sir George Donaldson, to establish a lodge of true and worthy Black Men, and to act as Grand Master thereof, this being his Warrant; also to issue out Warrants.

Given under our hand and seal of our Grand Assembly, at our Lodge Room, 24th June, A.D. 1831, and of Royal Black, 4344.

(Signed) Sir GEORGE DONALDSON, G. M.
Sir ANDREW KETING, D.G.M.
Sir WILLIAM JOHNSTONE, H.P.
Sir ANDREW WILLIAMSON, G.T.
On Black and Scarlet Sir JOHN ALLAN, G.S.
Ribbon. Sir JAMES HENRY, G.P.M.”

We again return to Lodge No. 24. This lodge has in its possession an old Warrant of the pattern referred to, but as we have proof of the existence of the lodge long before the granting of this Warrant, we are forced to conclude that it is not the original, or first, Warrant, but a renewal of one previously held, probably exchanged for the purpose of bringing them into conformity with the new state of affairs created in 1831. The heading of this Warrant is the same as the Grand Lodge Warrant already given, and the text is as follows:

“Lodge No. 24. HELD IN GLASGOW, COUNTY OF LANARK.– We, the Grand Master and Officers of the Grand Black Lodge of Scotland, &c., held in Glasgow, do hereby authorise and empower our well-beloved brother, Adam Thomson, to establish a lodge of true and worthy Black Men, and to act as Master thereof, this being his Warrant.

“Given under our hand and seal of our Grand Assembly, at our Lodge Room, 24th March, 1833; and of Royal Black, 4346.

(Signed) Sir GEORGE DONALDSON, G. M.
Sir ANDREW KEATING, D.G.M.
Sir ANDREW WILLIAMSON, H.P.
Sir JAMES HENRY, G.T.
Sir JOHN M’KEAND, G.S.
. Sir ADAM THOMSON, G.P.M.”

…………..“Grand Assembly Rooms, No. 71 Nelson Street, Glasgow, 24th March, 1854.–By the advice and consent of the Very Right Worshipful the Grand Master and Office-bearers of the Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe, I, Sir Hans Newell, Grand Chancellor in virtue of said office, do hereby authorise and empower our truly and well-beloved friend and constituted Knight Companion, Sir and Brother James Scott, and each of his successors, to hold a Sub-Commandery of Knights of Malta, in the town of Johnstone, in the County of Ayr and dominion of Scotland (of course this is a simple yet important error. Geographically the Town of Johnstone is in the County of Renfrew) to act been badly conducted these last four years, but I think there will shortly be a change in its affairs. I have written several times during the last two years, but could get no satisfactory account for them. We will shortly have an entire change in the Orange system, its laws and government–which I hope will be more satisfactory in every department–which, when it takes place, I will send you the particulars.”

The remainder of the letter is of a private nature testifying to the good character of Wm. Battersby, and is signed–“Dan. Cook, Martin B, L. No. 13; and of O.L., No. 250.”

We have quoted this letter at length because it is the first evidence we have of the degenerate condition of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, which as a matter of fact was dormant at the time this letter was written although Brother Cook seems not to have been aware of it. Later on we have proof positive that Warrants were not obtainable in 1825. On February 11th, 1832, we have an application for a Warrant to work in Airdrie, Lanarkshire. The names appended are David Lindsay, Samuel Black, Henry Rollins, Joseph M’Gowan, John Craig, John Graham, Charles Birch, William Laughlan, and Samuel Robinson. The warrant granted was No. 32. In this encampment we were duly initiated into all the mysteries of the Order in the year 1869. We may be pardoned for adding that in our boyhood we were personally acquainted with three of the above-named applicants–Joseph M’Gowan, John Graham, and William Laughlan.

In reverting to the Order in Scotland we would remind our readers that priority of numbers is no criterion by which to judge the seniority of Encampments, as it often happens that when a Warrant of early number ceases to work, it is re-issued to work in another place; then it sometimes happens that an exchange of numbers is applied for and granted. Thus it often happens that an Encampment with a high number is in reality older than one with an early number. In fixing the seniority of Encampments we must be guided by the date of institution rather than by the number of the Warrant. In our previous chapter on Scotland we referred to Nos. 3, 16, 24, 32 and 99. Of No. 3 we know nothing beyond the document previously quoted, and even that left the nationality of the Lodge doubtful, but we are satisfied it was not the No. 3 of to-day. Nos. 16 and 99 have long since disappeared from the list. No. 32 disappears from the list in 1891. No. 24 alone remains, and it in connection therewith hangs a tale–It is believed by many that this Encampment was at one time the only Encampment working in the country, even the Grand Lodge being dormant, and that out of this Encampment grew the present Grand Lodge of Scotland, and that it is therefore older than the Grand Lodge. This story is so widely known and so generally accepted as true that Companion George Cheesman, of America, refers to it in his “Brief Sketch of the History and Antiquity of the Order,” published in 1882. Unfortunately for the story it cannot be judged by the number of people who have heard it. Like most stories it is only partially true. What really is true is that it has had a continuous existence since before the re-organization of the Grand Lodge in 1831; but we cannot admit that the reorganization was, in any sense of the word, the beginning of the Grand Lodge; we know such was not the case, and we have no proof, not even a reasonable assumption, that the Grand Lodge was ever dormant. As to No. 24 being the only existing lodge in the Kingdom at any time, and the Mother of the present Grand Lodge, it is simply absurd Of the six principal officers whose names are affixed to the Grand Lodge Warrant of 1831, and to whom we must accord the credit of being the principal factors in the re-organization, not one of them belonged to No. 24 so far as we can ascertain. This we hold to be positive proof that there were other lodges working in the Kingdom; had it been otherwise there would have been no need for a Grand Lodge.

Having examined with a critical eye the traditions of No. 24, and having drawn unfavourable conclusions thereof from the only proofs available, we hasten to do homage to the Lodge in another respect.

To No. 24 (Ancient St. John’s, Glasgow) we most willingly accord the honour of being the oldest subordinate Black Encampment, Lodge, Commandery or Preceptory in the Universe, and entitled to be ranked next in order to the Imperial Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe. It is older, by several years, than the resuscitated Grand Priory of England, of which His Majesty King Edward is the present Grand Prior; and considerably over twenty years older than the much talked of Grand Chapter of Ireland. It is to be regretted that vandal hands have prevented us from fixing even approximately the date of the institution of this lodge. The early records of the lodge have been deliberately cut out of the minute book and taken away, and the original Warrant has also gone amissing. Whatever the object may have been there is no doubt of the deliberate wantonness of the spoiliator. The old seal remains and has served the ordinary purposes of the Encampment until the year 1900, when the Encampment was presented with a modern rubber stamp. In the early days of the Encampment there was in connection with it a Friendly Society, which included for Society purposes members of other Black Encampments. This Friendly Society continued down till the year 1870. On the face of these old books may be read the names of many who have risen to high rank in the Order, and in the Orange Institution. Here we find the names of Dr. Clements and Dr. Leitch, both of whom attained the rank of Grand Master Orangeman of Scotland; Adam Thomson and Hans Newell, the former for many years Deputy Grand Master, and the latter Grand Master of the Imperial Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe; John Wilson, the first Provincial Grand Prior of Canada (West); Thomas Heron, previously referred to in connection with Ireland; William Hunter, for many years Grand Treasurer; and a host of others including the present Commander of the Encampment, William Shirley, Grand Recorder.

The Grand Master elected at the reorganization in 1831, was Sir George Donaldson, who retained office till 1840, afterwards going to Canada where he installed the first Warrant No. 2, in Montreal, probably in 1841. This was the beginning of the Order in America. It was during his term of office that the Grand Lodge of Scotland introduced Scottish Warrants into Ireland. The first being No. 28, on 24th April, 1834, to John Darby of Belfast. During this term we find No. 23 working in Neilston, Renfrewshire–William Graham, Master. In a letter dated 6th May, 1837, Companion Graham refers to James Tucker as being the former master of 23.

Sir Robert Blair was elected Grand Master in 1840, and held office till 1850. During his term we find No. 29, working in Ayr, on 9th December, 1840, James Quigg being Master at that time. On 11th July, 1841, Companion Quigg informed Grand Lodge that the brethren of Maybole were about to apply for a Warrant, but have no record of it being granted. During this year Grand Lodge issued a supplementary code of rules, consisting of 16 articles with a preamble, printed by S. & R. Inglis, 203 Gallowgate, Glasgow. Articles 5 and 6 may interest some of our readers, by letting them see how our immediate sires conferred their honours.

“Article 5–That if the Grand Lodge at any time should see it good and useful to exalt a worthy knight Companion, or member of any private lodge to the dignity of a membership in the Grand Lodge, that the Grand Lodge shall summons or otherwise warn said member or members to come forward, and upon refusal of said member or members to comply with the honour the Grand Lodge intends to confer on them, without he or they shew sufficient reason why they cannot comply; the Grand Lodge henceforth will not consider them worthy of holding any office in the Institution.”

“Article 6–That whatever member or members the Grand Lodge chooses to confer the said important honour on, that he or they shall be admitted free of the usual sum paid to the Grand Lodge on admission of those who have not been a member of this institution before: and be it understood by the private Lodge to which he or they belong, that it is not the intention of the Grand Lodge to present said member or members from holding a membership, or from filling any office in the private Lodge to which they belong.”

On 25th April, 1841, No. 30 was working in Glasgow–William Boyce, Master. On 24th June, 1841, we have a letter from Samuel Robertson, afterwards Grand Master, resigning his office in his private Lodge, the reason given being pressure of business preventing him from giving the necessary attention to the affairs of the Lodge. Unfortunately he does not state the No. Of the Lodge. On the same date we have an application from certain members of No. 30 (with full consent of the Lodge) for a Warrant to start a new Lodge. The Warrant granted was No. 23, which of course proves that the Neilson Loge had ceased to work.

On 27th November, 1841, we have the first letter from the English Companions (that is the first that has been preserved) which although it does not definitely fix the date of our introduction into England, it leaves it tolerably certain that it was under the rule of Grand Master Blair that the introduction took place. On 23rd September, 1845, we have the resignation of Companion William Blair, as Grand Secretary, and on 28th October we have a letter from Grand Lodge to No. 23, signed James Simpson, Grand Secretary.

Sir William Dixon was elected Grand Master in 1850, and retained office till 1855. During these five years much was done for the placing of the Order on a more secure footing. We will notice a few of the principal points. First, we have the “Commission of the Imperial Grand Black Lodge of Scotland, &c., to Brother Adam Thompson, to hold a meeting of the Council of the Ancients.” The text of the Commission ran thus:–

‘LOYAL BLACK LODGE ROOM, GLASGOW, January 5th, 1853.

“By virtue of this authority Sir Knight Companion Adam Thompson, of the Imperial Grand Black Lodge, is authorised to call and hold a meeting of the Council of the Ancients, and the said Council to use all lawful means to arrange the Lectures, &c., of the Imperial Grand Black Lodge of Scotland, &c.”

This is written on official paper and bears the seal of the Grand Lodge. It is not surprising that we have no report as to the Lectures, but we may learn something of the “&c.” Thirteen months later their report re the Laws and Statutes of the Order was given and published in pamphlet form by K. & R. Davidson, 33 Virginia Street, Glasgow. The fly leaf bore the following:–

“Laws and Statutes of the most Ancient, Exalted, Illustrious, Royal Grand Black Order of Knights of Malta, carefully selected and diligently revised from the most ancient authentic records of the Order.

In the body of the book we have reference made to old Scotch laws, original laws, original and old Scotch laws, Dublin and old Scotch laws, original and Maltese laws, original laws modernised, &c. They certify that the then existing laws were after serious consideration, mature deliberation, and a lengthened inspection, found to be carefully selected from the most ancient, authentic laws of Malta and modernised agreeable to the existing laws of the British realm. There can be no doubt but that the documents referred to were actually before the Council during their deliberations. As a matter of fact they are still in existence, and are now before us while we write.

At the same time there was issued a revised code of Maltese laws in which the same rule is followed in particularising what is “original,” “old Maltese,” “original modernised,” “old Maltese modernised,” &c. This we also have before us. Companion Cheesman says:–

“This report may be considered one of the strongest proofs we possess of the antiquity of the Order, and especially of its existence through the many generations which have elapsed from the decease of Sir James Sandilands to the present time.”

On 7th March, 1853, the Grand Lodge of Scotland did by public proclamation establish their right to the Supreme Government of the Religious and Military Order of Knights of Malta, and has since been known as the Imperial Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe, and Grand Black Lodge of Scotland. We need scarcely add their claim to the title has never been challenged.

On 23rd September, 1853, we find No. 28 working in Edinburgh, Robert Kirkland being Secretary. In 1854 the first Provincial Grand Priory of England was installed, and on 22nd July of the same year we have a somewhat novel proposition from No. 29, Ayr. They proposed to make all office bearers in private Lodges members of Grand Lodge, on condition that they pay the sum of ten shillings per annum, and attend at Grand Lodge at least once a year. It is not surprising to find that the proposal was promptly rejected.

Sir Samuel Robertson was elected Grand Master in 1855, and remained in office till 1860. In 1855 the degree known as Knights of Malta was made the working degree of the Order, and thereafter given under the “Black” Warrants. This step was deemed necessary as a check to “Chapter” men, who “by professing to be of the Black Order,” thought proper to visit our lodges. It proved an impassable barrier and put an end to the practice.

In 1856 the Provincial Grand Priory of England was cancelled. About this time there arose a controversy about the originality of the degree of Knights of Malta, but as we have the Grand Secretary’s report of the matter we may be better to quote it.

“GLASGOW, 22nd January, 1856

The following arrangement to be observed during the night’s proceedings:–

ROUTINE OF BUSINESS.

“First–A chairman to be appointed who shall have power to choose a committee to assist him in maintaining order. The Grand Master to be at one end of the table, and his opponent at the other: so that what each has got to say all the rest will hear.

“Second–The Grand Master is then to be put in possession of the name, address, and designation of his opponent, who is to discuss the Order of Malta. He (the opponent) is also to produce a certificate showing that he legally obtained that Order himself, failing which he cannot be allowed to proceed with the discussion.

“Third–This being done, all belonging to the Order to be admitted, but no one to interfere but the two thus mentioned, the chairman excepted, who shall settle any difference that may arise in the course of the discussion, and each to be allowed equal time to prove their originality; any other person or persons interfering will be dealt with as the chairman may direct.

“Fourth–A person shall be appointed to take notes on both sides, and time must be given him for that purpose. No other matter to be spoken of which is not bearing on said Order; and any deviation from it will be considered illegal, as all shall be carried on in strict accordance with the laws and statutes of the Order; and any infringe- ment thereon will be punished accordingly.

“Fifth–It is hoped that all the business will be done in two hours, but in order to prevent any other meeting of the kind, three hours will be allowed but no more. No other challenge to be given or taken by any member of members of the Grand Lodge, this is only in accordance with the Rules.”

It is a pity that the notes taken of the debate have not been preserved, but the result may safely be inferred. Had the Grand Master been proved guilty of tampering with the ancient Order, his time as Grand master would have been made short. We cannot, however, overlook the brotherly spirit in which the discussion was arranged, and we may be sure that nothing but good could result from it. Both parties were heard before a meeting of the Companions of the Order, who were in every sense fitted to judge of the result, and we cannot conceive of such a discussion without good results. There is one item in the routine of business which points out the spirit of the age, and which might with advantage be acted only the chairman (Speaker) of the British House of Commons, it might help him in dealing with unruly Irish members. The chairman was allowed “to choose a committee to assist him in maintaining order.”

On the 24th September, 1858, the Provincial Grand Priory of Canada (West) was suppressed and the whole of the Commanderies in America united under one Provincial Grand Priory to be called the Provincial Grand Priory of British North America. On 24th December, 1858, a new form of certificate was sanctioned, altering the text only, the old emblematic heading being retained.

At this meeting the Grand Secretary, Hans Newall, proposed to get up a history of the Order if the Grand Master would render him that assistance he was so eminently qualified to do; which he was pleased to promise, and in consequence the matter was decided upon unanimously. If Sir Knight Newell ever wrote such a history, we have not seen or heard anything of it. On 24th June, 1859, Sir James M’Gowan made application for a renewal of No. 25 Warrant, which had been dormant for a considerable time. At this meeting Sir George Hamilton was nominated as worthy of being placed upon the staff of the Parent Grand Encampment although not at the time filling the office of Commander or Depute in any Commandery; which was carried by general acclamation. This placed on record a precedent which may be followed occasionally with advantage to the Grand Lodge, and to the body as a whole. It is a wise policy that recognises ability wherever it is found. There were no reports issued for the year 1859-60.

Sir Henry Marshall was elected Grand Master in 1860, and continued in office till 1866. Sir Hans Newell resigned the Grand Secretaryship in 18680, and Sir Thomas Leggatt elected to that office. The annual report for 1860-61 is the first we have in book form, and in it we have the first complete list of Commanderies and their location. As this is the first notice we have of many Encampments we give a summary of the list–Airdrie, 32; Ayr, 29, 30; Campbeltown, 71; Carluke, 33, 34, 35; Dalmellilngton, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23; Dalry, 14; Edinburgh, 28; Girvan, 31; Glasgow, 1, 2, 24, 25, 26, 27, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 74, 80, 83; Grreenock, 10, 11, 12; Holytown, 51; Johnstone, 6; Kilmarnock, 13; Kilwinning, 15, 16, 17; Moodiesburn, 4; Motherwell, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50; Paisley, 3; Partick; ;36; Rutherglen, 5. At the time the report was issued the following numbers only had made returns for the year–2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 15, 24, 25, 32, 33, 36, and 37. There is in this report the following resolution:–

“That as a number of the Warrants formerly issued have now become dormant, or otherwise ceased to exist, a revision of the roll is requisite, to facilitate which all Commanderies holding a high number and willing to take a lower number, shall have the renewal free of expense, receiving at the same time the earliest vacant numbers at the disposal of the Grand Encampment, according to priority of application for the same.”

Although actually shown in Dublin, we have given No. 1 in the Glasgow list, because it was immediately transferred to Glasdgow, with Hans Newell as Master; while Holytown gave in No. 51 and received No. 34, previously held by Carluke. This report is the first notice we have of the present No. 3, Paisley; and it is important in the interest of priority to notice that at no time were there two Encampments under the jurisdiction of the Grand Encampment having the same number. Thus No. 1 had ceased to work in Tanderagee when it was issued to Dublin, where it was cancelled before being issued to Glasgow, and had again become dormant before being issued to Manchester. No. 16 had ceased to exist with the 1st Royals before being issued to Belfast. No. 28 had ceased to work (was superseded by No. 27) in Belfast before being issued to Edinburgh, and when we find No. 3 working in Banbridge, we accept that as sufficient proof that it was not then working in Paisley. On 10th December, 1861, a renewal of No. 33 (St. John’s, Carluke) was granted to Sir Knight Companion Thomas Johnson. On 16th December, 1861, the Provincial Grand Priory of Dublin was installed by the Grand Master, Sir Henry Marshall, and the Grand Deputy master, Sir Adam Thomson. At the same time No. 1, held by Charles Lusk O’Brien, Dublin, was cancelled and installed in Glasgow with Hans Newell, Master. On January 1st, 1863, a new Charter was issued to Aldershot Camp to Sir Adam Clyde of the 26th Regiment (the Cameronians), now the 1st Battalion of the Scottish Rifles. On 13th February No. 35 was installed in Dumbarton; this number was granted by mistake and was replaced by No. 17, formerly held by Kilwinning. On 9th June, a second Warrant was granted for Aldershot, to Sir James Archdeacon of the Royal Artillery. Sir Hans Newell was elected Grand Master in 1866, and retained office till 1869.

At the Annual meeting of Grand Lodge in June, 1867, there was approved and adopted a book of Ritual, dealing with the installation of Encampments and Office-bearers by H. Newall, G.M., and printed by James Cameron. 31 Argyle Street, Glasgow, 1867. A second edition of this Ritual was issued in 1876, printed by Alexander M’Phee, 45 Union Street, Glasgow; but there is no change in the text, the two editions are word for word throughout. We would here notice that Grand Master Newell dropped into the very common error of confounding St. John the Baptist with the more modern St. John of Jerusalem, otherwise known as the Almoner. Referring to the Patron Saint of our Order he wrote thus:–

“From time immemorial it has been customary for the fraternity to dedicate the different departments of our Institution to different patrons; we dedicate our Lodges to King William, III, Prince of Orange, of immortal memory; and our Encampments to St. John the Baptist, or the Almoner.”

By referring to pages ___ and ___ our readers will find who the Almoner was, and the period in which he lived. Of course, when we consider that Protestants generally are not well up in the “Lives of the Saints” we can pardon this slip on the part of a Grand master in a by-gone age. It was under Grand master Newell that the Provincial Grand Priory of Ulster was founded on 28th September, 1867; and on 16th September, 1868, a Provincial Warrant was granted to Sir William Shortis of Liverpool, for Wales, Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. It was during this year (1868) that Sir John M’Dowell introduced the Order into Australia. A new book of laws was issued in June of this year, which remained in force till 1886.

On 15th October 1868, four new Warrants were issued. No. 27 for Jarrow, England; No. 45 for Tynedock, England; No. 40 for Saltcoats; and No. 39 for Stewarton. The two latter both in Ayrshire, Scotland.

An emergency meeting of the Imperial Grand Encampment was held on 20th February, 1869, for the installation of Sir George M’Leod, as Grand Master, in succession to Sir Hans Newell who retired from office.

Sir George M’Leod has the honour of holding office for a longer period than any of his compeers in our modern history. He ruled the Order for fully 21 years. On 19th June, 1869, Sir Hans Newell, Past Grand Master, called attention to the rule that “any Sir Knight Companion who shall withdraw his certificate from the Orange Lodge to which he belongs, and does not rejoin an Orange Lodge within three months, will be suspended till he becomes a member of an Orange Lodge.” He said, “I find this rule works ill with us, and is going to put some of our members to very great inconvenience.” The result of the discussion which followed was that the rule was amended to read “twelve” months instead of “three.”

On 16th August, 1871, it was agreed to grant a Provincial Grand Warrant for the Colony of New South Wales, and intimation given that £10 sterling had been received for the purchase of jewels for the Provincial office-bearers. On 19th November, 1871, the terms of agreement between the Imperial Grand Black Encampment of the Universe and the Provincial Grand Black Encampment of New South Wales were ratified, and on 2nd January, 1872, it was reported to Grand Council by Sir Joseph Norwood, that the jewels which were ordered by the Provincial Grand Encampment of New South Wales had been forwarded by Royal mail Steamer to that Colony; but, unfortunately the steamer had been lost at sea. Information on the matter was ordered to be sent to the Provincial Grand Lodge.

On 19th February, 1871, a new Warrant (No. 29) was granted for Leith, in name of Sir Knight Companion James Robertson. A second Warrant (No. 82) was granted to Stranraer, on 22nd June, 1871; and on 13th December of the same year, No. 85 was granted to Larkhall, and on 28th January, 1873, No. 42 was granted to Rutherglen, Sir Thomas Henry being the first Master. During this year, the Imperial Parent Grand Encampment published in pamphlet form a “History of the Sixth Language,” which was a reprint of a series of letters which had appeared in the “Toronto Patriot,” Canada. The original purpose of these letters was to show the origin of the two Blacks–the Knights of Malta, or Scottis Black, and the Black Chapter, or Irish Black. To put it mildly, the little pamphlet was an eye-opener to many who had been deluded into joining the Chapter, and over and over again have the Irish Sir Knights thanked the Grand Encampment for publishing it. In 1881 they wrote–“the pamphlet styled ‘The History of the Sixth Language’ is proving very effective, as it has been the direct means of gaining over not a few of the members of the Black Chapter of Ireland, who were entrapped soon after their admission to the Arch-purple Degree. We could heartily wish that the pamphlet had a wider circulation, and we would ask the Imperial Grand Encampment of the Universe to recommend it to the Order generally.” On July 4th, 1876, we find that No. 19 was issued to Paisley in exchange for No. 113; and No. 20 to Barrhead in exchange for 112.

We have now to record, with an acknowledgement of our sincere regret, an event which was followed by consequences disasterous to our Ancient Order in Great Britain and Ireland; an event which went perilously near wrecking the good old ship “whose flag had braved”–well, not a thousand, but 830–“years, the battle and the breeze”; and which as a matter of course, converted our weak places into the strongholds of our enemy–the Black Chapter. But let us to the facts as they are recorded in the Grand Encampments’ reports. On 16th December, 1876, Sir Knight Robert Houston referred to a privilege the Supreme Grand Encampment of America had, of admitting Protestants without first being Orangemen, and moved the following motion:–“That we admit good Protestants, whether Orangemen or not.” After a lengthened discussion it was tabled for the June meeting. At the June meeting it was brought up, only to be postponed for another six months; at the end of which latter period, i.e., on 22nd December, 1877, it was for the third time brought forward, not by the original proposer but by Sir Knight Robert Stewart, seconded by Sir Knight James Boyde–“That we admit good Protestants if they be members or adherents of a Protestant Church, whether they be Orangemen or not.”

This resolution seems to us to imply that there are good Protestants who are neither members nor adherents of a Protestant Church, an inference to which we cannot assent. On the contrary, we believe that such Protestants as are neither members nor adherents of a Protestant Church are very bad Protestants, if indeed they can be reckoned Protestants at all. A Protestant who makes no Protest seem to us an anomoly, if not a positive contradiction of terms. But let us return to the motion, such as it is. It was again “postponed till the next meeting,” when on 15th June, 1878, it was brought forward for the fourth time and received its due reward. The Grand Recorder of that date sums up the result in one word–“defeated.” The obnoxious motion was thus got rid of, but the consequences followed all the same. But what were they?

Let us have a look at the Grand Recorder’s report to Grand Encampment, 5th June, 1880.–“Last year there were 47 Encampments under our jurisdiction. The council regrets to think that only 26 have complied with the wish of the Grand Encampment in sending in their returns.” When this question was introduced there were 57 Encampments working under our jurisdiction. We have no statement of what the numbers were in 1878, when the motion was defeated: but we have enough and more than enough. In 2877 there were 57 Encampments, two of which–No. 16, Dundee, and 21 Kinning Park–were new Encampments formed during the year 1879-80, so that the actual result was a loss of 33 Encampments in three years. There is no good to be gained by trying to shut our

eyes when unpleasant facts are before them. In plain English our members went by the hundred to the Black Chapter (which with all its faults still maintains its connection with the Orange institution) and some of them are now shining lights in that dark corner; hundreds more simply allowed their connection with the Order to lapse, and have ever since entered a Black Encampment. In many districts where the Order was prosperous, it has become wholly extinct. Such is the result of an untimely and injudicious attempt to govern the Order at home, on lines which have been successful in America.

After all there really are some things on which we are conservative, and it has been made painfully plain to all but the wilfully blind, that our connection with the Orange Institution is one of them.

Having followed the course of this debate from year to year, we must now retrace our steps. On 22nd December, 1877, No. 8 was issued to Patrick in exchange for No. 36; and on 14th December, 1878, the following resolution was passed. Resolved–“That all candidates from any other Society, seeking admission to a Knights of Malta Encampment, be dealt with as new candidates.” The passing of this resolution which was obviously aimed at the Black chapter, was received by many of the rank and file of the Order with feelings of discontent, which resulted in the re-introduction of the question by the Grand Recorder at the next meeting of Grand Encampment, on 14th June, 1879. We take the following from the annual report:–

“The Recorder wished to call the attention of the Encampment to the last motion that was passed in the December Convocation, in regard to the admitting of candidates from any other Society–Black Chapter, or others. The Imperial Grand master did not see why the Black Chapter should have any more privilege than any other Society seeing they were in no way connected with the Knights of Malta, nor did they wish to be so; and that he would admit them on the qualifi- cation of their being Orange and Purple men, and if they remained in the Chapter they might do so. After which a motion ‘To endorse the opinion of the Imperial Grand Master and receive no man unless as a new candidate’ was carried by a 61 ½ per cent majority.”

On 5th June the Recorder brought forward the report on Rituals (for initiation purposes). After much discussion it was proposed “that the Rituals be burned,” and an amendment, “that we do not entertain them at all, but work on the old system of initiating members.” On a vote being taken the amendment was carried.

At the Annual meeting of the Imperial Grand Encampment, 4th June, 1881, Sir Knight James Ledgerwood, M.E.G.C. of the Grand Encampment of Ireland, presided, and in reply to a question by the Commander of No. 12 Encampment, “whether they could retain Companions who had ceased to be members of the Orange Institution,” it was distinctly stated ex cathedrâ that they could, the only restriction being that they must be sitting members in the Orange Order when initiated into the Order of Knights of Malta. We have not noticed the alteration of the law in this matter, but we presume that it must have been altered some time previous to the making of this statement. On 10th June, 1882, the ritual of opening and closing ceremonies now in use were adopted, and issued in sets of four printed on cardboard.

On 9th June, 1884, the Grand Recorder reported that leave had been granted to the Supreme Encampment of America, to create and establish in America an Order of Merit, designated “the Order of the Great Cross of Malta.” This degree was finally adopted by the Imperial Parent Grand Encampment, on 13th June, 1885, and permission granted to the Grand Encampment of Ireland to adopt it on 12th June, 1886. It was at this meeting that the “Constitution” now in use was adopted, an event which in the then reduced state of the exchequer put the Grand Lodge into debt, and thereby considerably hampered their actions for some time. But it served the purpose of the then Grand Recorder, James Boyd, who was the agitator in chief of the Separation party, who, not content with their defeat in 1878, continued in season and out of season the agitation for separation from the Orange Institution. On 15th June, 1889, we have the final settlement of the American difficulty on the basis of an agreement quoted in our chapter on America. At this Convocation Sir George M’Leod was for the last time re-elected Grand Master, although absent from the Convocation owing to an indisposition which proved fatal, on 30th July, 2889. Of him we may truthfully say–

Tho’ his body we’ve returned to the dust,
In spirit he lives–a spirit that’s just;
It beams like a beacon in Grand Lodge still,
To guide the Sir Knight who would his place fill.

On 14th June, 1890, Sir Thomas Macklin (Professor of Latin, Greek and Hebrew, Andersonian College, Glasgow) was elected Grand Master. Professor Macklin as we familiarly called him, had already a long period of faithful service to his credit. For many years he was Grand Recorder, and had rendered many signal services to Grand Lodge; but old age and failing faculties rendered him unable to perform his new duties. He was seldom present at the Convocations of the Imperial Grand Encampment, and the duties of his office were performed by subordinates, yet performed willingly. We do not exaggerate when we say he was respected and loved by every Sir Knight in the Universe.

At this meeting an attempt was made to get an allowance in favour of candidates coming from the Black Chapter. Companion M’Savery, who introduced the subject, suggested “that some allowance should be given to those who had taken their degrees in another Order,” when Companion T. H. Gilmour, moved “that the usual charge for degrees so obtained should be allowed.” After a lengthy discussion the motion was defeated by a large majority, so that we are still compelled to receive men from the Black Chapter as new candidates.

At the annual Convocation of the Imperial Grand Encampment, held on 13th June, 1901, the Grand Recorder in his report re-introduced the question of separation from the Loyal Orange Institution. In justice to Companion James Boyd, who was Grand Recorder at the date of which we write, it should be stated that he was indefatigable in his advocacy of the cause he had espoused. In season and out of season he advocated it. In Grand Council, at Encampment meetings, and in chance meetings with Companions in the streets and elsewhere. His zeal for separation almost amounted to mania. In his introductory speech he put forward as a reason for separation, the declining state of the Order. We have already endeavoured to show that this decline was directly due to the previous attempt at separation, and as our figures are taken from the authorised reports, drawn up by this self-same James Boyd, it looks precious like creating the circumstances and then trotting them out as evidence in support of the proposed retrogression which had brought them into existence: but evidently that was thought insufficient to influence the Imperial Grand Encampment in favour of the change proposed, so the forced circumstances were backed up by a threat of resignation by Companion Boyd. This it was thought would force a crisis, and as the question had been narrowed down to a definite point, i.e, separation or resignation, the separatists reckoned on an easy victory; but alas! Alas! They were doomed to disappointment. The opposition was led by Sir Knight Companion James Ledgerwood, Grand Commander of the Irish Sir Knights, a man known and respected for the sterling honesty of purpose which at all times guides him in his deliberations. Even as an individual his words would have great weight in any matter relating to the Order, but when he speaks as the mouth-piece of the Irish Sir Knights, he commands, aye, and he receives, respect. On this occasion his words were few but, as is usual with him, they were weighty.–“I must take exception to that part (of the report) referring to the separation of the Order from the Orange Institution, as I cannot endorse that statement on behalf of the Irish Sir Knights.” The result was that the discussion of the question of separation was delayed for twelve months. At the election of office-bearers Companion Boyd was prevailed upon to retain his office, which he did, “with the distinct understanding that should the Order not make more progress at home during the next year, and the separation question defeated, he would not only retire from office, but would be compelled on principle to sever his connection altogether, as he was not going to resist the inevitable.”

Next year (11th June, 1892), that was met by counterthreat. In the report of the Grand Encampment of Ireland, we read, “We regret, however, that we cannot agree with the proposed alteration of the Constitution which you purpose discussing at your meeting on 11th inst.,” and after discussing the pros. And cons., and our position relative to the change, the following resolution was adopted:–

“That we, the Sir Knights of the Irish Jurisdiction, believing that any change in the Constitution which would admit into membership those who have not received the Orange and Arch.-Purple Degrees in the Orange Institution would be injurious, if not fatal, to the best interests of our Illustrious Order in Ireland, have resolved not to consent to any such arrangement, but abide by the ancient landmarks of our exalted order in this particular, whilst acting under the authority of the Imperial Grand Black Encampment of the Universe: and we further resolve to acknowledge no member of the fraternity who has not received the aforesaid degrees.”

From the Supreme Grand Encampment of America, there came a carefully worded interrogation, probably suggested by partisans at home:

<

“Would it not be well at this time to carefully consider the matter of making the Order in Scotland a separate and distinct organisation in every sense of the word, cutting yourselves loose from all incumbrances that may possibly now retard your growth, and open the way for all respectable Protestants to gain admission to your ranks?”

From the Grand Priory of the North of England came the lament of the pessimist:–

“We are fully alive to the fact that under existing conditions there is no prospect of improving, and possibly this may be our last report if we are not permitted to alter our qualification for membership.”

We need not go further into details, suffice it to say, that after a lengthy discussion the Separatists were found in an almost insignificant minority: the majority against them being nearly 62 per cent (actually 61.82 per cent); and that under the most restricted manner of voting.

The Grand Recorder carried out his threat in so far as resigning his office was concerned; but his principles had evidently underwent a change, and did not then “compel him to sever his connection altogether.” No! He had other fish to fry, and his principles, such as they were, had to stand aside, or rather, suit themselves to circumstances; and we find him present at the next Annual Meeting of the Imperial Encampment (10th June, 1893), proposing the adoption of the report of the Grand Priory of the North of England, which asked “A permittance to take good sound Protestants into the Knights of Malta, without going through the Orange Order.” We find him further proposing a motion of which he had given previous notice, “to the effect of replacing the Imperial Parent Grand Authority by the authority of a Triennial Council with immediate Universal Jurisdiction.” On both these questions Sir Knight Boyd found one supporter, and one only–Sir Knight Robert Johnston. The report of the Imperial Grand Council for this year showed that No. 16 Encampment, Dundee, had been cancelled. We may state here that No. 16 favoured the separation question, and being defeated they thought to carry on their work independent of the Imperial Grand Encampment, with what result we will see by-and-bye.

In 1894 (9th June), we find England still pleading for permission, &c., and Dundee still obdurate, while the report of the Grand Encampment of Ireland appeared with the name of James Boyd, deleted form the list of honorary members; but worse was in store for him. The Acting Imperial Grand Master in giving an account of his work during the year said, “An item had mysteriously arisen affecting No. 6 Encampment (Workington), and involving himself in a most curious manner.” When in due course the matter came before the Imperial Encampment, the Acting I.G.M.–Sir Knight W.G. Ingram–vacated the chair, which was taken (pro. tem.) By Sir Knight Robert Johnston. From the statements made, it appeared that No. 6 Encampment had obtained the last six of a set of twelve Degree Rituals from Companion Boyd, during his time of Recordership, and quite accidentally they wrote his successor seeking the other six. These twelve were obtained and sent out without the knowledge of any one in authority, and when Companion Boyd was brought to task, after alleging that he gave the first six to Companion Ingram, the Assistant Grand Master–which Companion Ingram denied–he failed to give any account of the said six, but admitted giving the other six to the English Encampment. Sir W. G. Ingram stated that if he had obtained the six his first step would have been to place them on the Council table; besides Companion Boyd said if the I.A.G.M. did not get the first six, he could not tell who did.

A motion expressing the confidence of the Imperial Grand Encampment in Companion Sir W. G. Ingram, and discrediting Companion Sir James Boyd, was carried unanimously. Thus terminated the connection between Companion James Boyd, Ex-Grand Recorder, and the Imperial Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe. We could have wished it had terminated otherwise, and we feel assured that his greatest enemy could not wish him more thoroughly discredited.

At the Annual Convocation of the Imperial Grand Encampment, 15th June, 1895, Companion Thomas H. Cox appeared as a representative, from Dundee, to crave the Imperial Encampment to take back under their care their Encampment No. 16. During the proceedings Companion Cox stated that they had been misled and deceived by the Ex-Grand Recorder–James Boyd–who had promised them that if they held out against the authority of the Imperial Grand Encampment he would do all he could to assist them, and would get No. 47 Encampment to join them. Companion Cox afterwards produced documentary evidence which fully bore out all he had stated. In due course the Encampment was re-opened, and the Sir Knights of Dundee, wiser by their experience, have proved worthy of the confidence reposed in them. During this year, The Rev. Sir Knight R. J. Campbell (for some time Grand Prelate) published a little pamphlet, entitled, “The Truth about Black Knighthood.” We have a copy of this pamphlet before us while we write. It deals principally with the origin of the Black Chapter of Ireland, and the arrogance of its members towards the members of the original body, under the Imperial Grand Black Encampment of the Universe.

On 12th June, 1897, Sir William G. Ingram was elected Imperial Grand Master. As Assistant, he had long performed the duties of the office, and performed them in such a way as to deserve the honour now conferred on him. He still retains the office, and we may add, the confidence of those whose duty it is to work with him for the good of the Ancient Order, whose chief he is. His predecessor–Professor Thomas Macklin, Past Imperial Grand Master–died 16th March, 1898, and carried with him to the grave the love he had long enjoyed from his companions in the Black and his brethren in the Orange Institution.

At the above mentioned meeting, a motion which was sent up by No. 47 Encampment was put forward by Companion Sir Knight James Magilton:–

“That in order to increase the membership of the Illustrious Order of Knights of Malta in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; it is necessary that we renounce all claims of supremacy over the Sir Knights on the Continent of America, for the reason that the Sir Knights on the Continent of America, not being members of the Orange Institution, from which we get our members, is a violation of the Constitution, and our position in relation to the Sir Knights on the Continent of America, is injurious to the Order of Malta in the British Isles.”

The motion, though pressed with much vehemence by Companions Mailton and William Shaw, was lost by a majority of twenty-six votes to six. The members of No. 47 were naturally dissatisfied with such a defeat, and they went en masse over to the Chapter, at least this is what they hold to have done, but there was a remnant of the Ancient Sir Knights left even there, who had more regard for their honour than commit such a dastardly act, and who remained with the Ancient Order. Amongst them we have to reckon ourselves; we were for many years connected with No. 47, we are now along with several of our old (47) Companions working in No. 24.

At some time during the preceding year (1896-97) the Grand Council granted a Charter to Sir Knight R. C. Stewart, Imperial Consol in America, to work the Great Cross Degree. This gave rise to some little difference between the Imperial Grand Encampment, and the Supreme Grand Encampment of America. Sir Knight Stewart was present in the Imperial Grand Encampment when the matter came up (12th June, 1897, and explained how it came about that he applied for and received a Charter to work the Order of the Great Cross in America; he also read a letter of interdict sent to him by Sir J. H. Earl, Supreme Grand Commander of America, threatening to suspend him if he did not give up the Order of the Great Cross, and return the Charter. The matter was left in the hands of the Council with full power, and as shown by the next annual report o the Supreme Grand Commandery of America they succeeded in putting matters right. They say–“We are happy to report that the Great Cross Priory, which was a sourse of great contention and threatened to disturb the peace and harmony of the Order, has been satisfactorily and harmoniously adjusted.”

At a meeting of the Great Cross Priory held at Glasgow, 11th June, 1898, it was resolved in future to confer this Order on all our Red Cross Knights in good standing. It was further resolved to make a charge of one shilling initiation fee, and a per capita tax of one shilling per annum.

The year, 1899, brought a petition, sent through No. 10 Encampment, Greenock, by certain ex-members of the Encampment, for a Warrant to work in Silvertown, London. Warrant No. 13 was granted, and the Grand Recorder–Sir knight William Shirley–went to London, and duly installed the Encampment.

IRELANDOn 24th March, 1834, we have an application from Bally-macarret, Belfast, Ireland, for a Warrant to work there. The names appended are–John Darby, Master; William Fossett, Deputy-Master; Richard Davis, High Priest; William Crossbey, Secretary; James Dunwoody, Treasurer; John Fossett, Every Devilin, Richard Stitt, William Devilin, Dinis Devery, William Sharp, William Liggett, and John Marshall. From the tenour of this letter we infer that these brethren had been working under an Irish Warrant. The office-bearers are specified, and they excuse the absence of the seal from the letter “as one of the keys was absent.” The number granted was 18, on 24th April, 1834, and in name of John Darby. Here we have the beginning of a long list of Irish troubles.

In a letter from Grand Lodge dated Glasgow, 27th June, 1834. Instructions are given:–

“That William Fossett be tried by the Master and members of 28, for the violation of his obligation in giving the Orders to men holding under a Dispensation and not under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and that the report of the trial be sent to the Grand Lodge, in Glasgow, for approval.
“That Robert Plunket has been expelled for selling Warrant No. 7 belonging to the St. Battalion of the St. Royals.”

On July 22nd, 1834, Brother Robert Gamble, of Ballymagory, Ireland, makes application for his certificate from No. 24, Glasgow, and from Orange and Purple Lodge, No. 83. In the body of this letter we find reference made to Black lodge, No. 13, evidently at Ballymagory, D. Cook, Master; also to Black Lodge, No. 19 having been established at Woodend. He sends compliments to the members of No. 24, five of whom he mentions by name. The letter was sent by bearer–Isaac Kerr, of No. 19.

On August 17th, 1834, we have a letter from Brother William Fawcett (spelt “Fossett” in the previous letters, but as this one is his own we presume that “Fawcett” is correct) of Belfast, giving what appears to us to be a very straightforward account of his doings during the time covered by the charges preferred against him. In the course of his account he refers to having gone to County Armagh on the 22nd, where he stayed for a few days. When there he bought Warrant No. 16, issued by the Grand Black Lodge of the City of Dublin, St. February, 1822. He also obtained the seal of the lodge and some articles of lodge paraphernalia, James Crooks being the disposer. Brother Fawcett’s intention was to have the Warrant renewed by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, but on arriving at Belfast he met Sir Knight and Brother Adam Thomson of Glasgow, who informed him that he had been “excluded.” As a matter of course he could for the present take no further action.

The report asked for by the Grand Lodge, on 27th June, is headed “Belfast, September 8th, 1834,” and is a complete vindication of Brother Fossett (Fawcett), and a recommendation that Grand Lodge should grant him a renewal of the Warrant previously referred to. The letter is signed by John Darby, Master, of No. 18, Ballymacarrett. The explanations of Brother Fawcett and No. 18 Lodge appear to have been satisfactory, and that intimation to that effect had been forwarded by Grand Lodge on 10th September, 1834, is shown by a letter from No. 18 Ballymacarrett to Grand Lodge dated 24th November, 1834, in which reference is made to the future actions of Brother Fawcett.

We have also before us a letter from Brother John Piper, Master of Black Lodge, No. 17, Moneyred, Belfast, dated November, 1834, referring to the dissatisfaction felt by the members of the Orange District Lodge of Saintfield “at the suppression of high Orders and Black Warrants,” and states that at a meeting of the said District Orange Lodge, with Brother Rev. Mr. Archer in the chair, it was resolved “to use all means in their power to prevent those who profess the Black from sitting in an Orange Lodge.” In a series of five letters from George Whitten of Lisnakee, near Tanderagee, dated 14th February, 1840; 20th October, 1841; 4th December, 1841; 28th February, 1841; and 22nd March, 1841; we have proof of the existence of No. I in Tanderagee, in August, 1840–George Whitten, Master. How long No. I existed before this date we know not. We have also proof that the said George Whitten had been raised to the dignity of Deputy Grand Master. In one of these letters the Grand Lodge is informed that the lodge secretary is teaching school 24 miles from Tanderagee, which makes it impossible for him to attend every meeting. We think it was impossible, especially when we remember these were Irish miles and that there were no trains in those days. Another is brought to a close by a sentence which is certainly Irish–“Excuse haste as the bearer is standing in a hurry.” In another we have a specimen of how things were done in the early days of the post office,–“I did not get your letter till last night, by a mistake it has been at a town called Lisinaskea, in the County Fermanagh, 66 miles from Belfast, before it came to me.” He then proceeds to point out the reason for this mistake. He says, “You directed to George Whitten, Tanderagee, Lisnakee, Ireland,” and he advises them to try this “George Whitten, Lisnakeee, Tanderagee, Ireland.” The body of these letters relate principally to the fact that the Grand Lodge had lost touch with Nos. 16, 27 and 18, in Belfast, and were trying through Brother Whitten to renew the correspondence. The correspondence was renewed direct from Belfast. On 28th June, 1842, we have a letter beginning thus:–“I have just received your letter bearing date 19th June, 1841, and we are very much obliged to you for answering so soon.” In this letter they resent the interference of George Whitten, and assert that they “will come under no authority but the Royal Black Lodge of Glasgow.” They are profuse in their expressions of loyalty to Grand Lodge, and they communicate the information that William Fossett sold the Warrant (16) to a private soldier for one shilling and eightpence; and as for John Piper, Master of No. 17, they knew nothing about him. “The Warrant is lying dormant here. The reason our late Worshipful would not let him get on was owing to something irregular in the Blue.” The new Master was Andrew Crawford Storey and the Secretary, Robert Storey; and the letter concludes thus:–

“Sirs and Brethren,

We remain your worthy sweeps, if we should never use a brush, and I hope that the Supreme Being will guide us, and that it will guide you also.”

On 29th November, 1842, we have another letter from Robert Storey in which he informs us that the Lodge (No. 28) is the strongest in all Ireland. He complains of the conduct of certain parties calling themselves Knight Templars and mentions “friend Reid.” We may mention here that “friend Reid” had been the medium of all communications between the Grand Lodge and its members in Belfast, ever since the installation of No. 18. In this letter we are informed that he is District Master of the Orange and Purple District Lodge. The charges made against him and those acting with him were opening reading, and detaining letters, and a change of address is advised. Reference is also made to the late Master, John Darby, being summoned to Crossgar, but this is more fully explained in another letter dated 28th November, 1842, from which it appears that the summons was for Saturday, 3rd December, and bore the seal of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. The complaint as stated was “that he is doing all that is in his power for the good of the Institution, and to keep down all those that are striving to wrest the power we hold in our hands from us, and to overturn your authority in this place by getting up a Royal Grand in Ireland.” They ask for credentials that he might have with him “when he goes to stand his trial before this would-be Lodge of Grand Brotherhood.” For the purpose of the credentials the information is given that John Darby was a weaver, and that he had received the degrees of Scarlet, Black, R. Mark, R. Blue, White, Gold and Green. We are further assured that John Reid (friend Reid) was a brother sweep.

A sudden change of affairs is revealed by a letter from the same writer, dated 5th December, 1842, in which formal charges are lodged against John Darby, for having acted with John Reid and others in holding illegal meetings, reading and detaining letters, and initiating men from a distance, who then go to the country towns and cities initiating men for I/-, I/6 and 2/6, and then boast that they are overthrowing the Grand Lodge of Scotland. As the reader will notice further on these charges were without foundation. Our old friend George Whitten, of Lisnakee, informs us on 14th May 6, 1842, that they are getting on prosperously, they had initiated six men from Banbridge, one of them (David Cathcart) last Wednesday, “in daylight in a dark room.” These he says “are about to apply for a Warrant,” but he refers Grand Lodge to Brother Heron (a member of Grand Lodge) who was visiting their lodge, “but hoped to be home in Glasgow next week.” That the Warrant (No. 3) was applied for and granted is shown by a letter from the Master elect, D. H. Cathcart of Banbridge, dated 23rd September, 1843. George Whitten, of Lisnakee, writing on St. November, 1843, says “David Cathcart opened his new lodge on the 26th of September.” In this letter he applies for a “certificate for John M’Cleland, of Banbridge, who Joined No. I, on the 16th of May last, and has received the degrees of Black, Mark, Scarlet, Blue and Priestly Order.” This letter closes with another reference to the opening of No. 3. He says “I was there, he (Brother Cathcart) made three new members, and gave us, all that went, an elegant supper in Mr. Moor’s of Banbridge.”

We now come to a very important letter in showing the state of affairs in Ireland at that period. It is written by William Savage, of Dunmore, 14th May, 1844. We will let Brother Savage speak for himself. He says:–

“Sir and Brother,–Robert Blair, Grand Secretary, being in Scotland in the month of September last I called at your place. We had some little conversation concerning the Arch Purple and other Orders, and how the system was carried on in Ireland and Scotland; but the greater part of the conversation was concerning Brother O’Hara and Brother Darby, as you considered there was a very bad system carried on betwixt them. It was said that Brother Darby gave Brother O’Hara a duplicate out of the Warrant he held from you. I find that was not the case, Brother O’Hara got a duplicate out of County Antrim held at one time by the 28th Regiment of Foot, but Darby has taken his Warrant to several parts of the County and given Orders under it. You also requested to know when and how O’Hara got the Orders he had, and what authority he had for giving Orders under a Warrant, when the Grand Lodge that issued said Warrant was null and void. He got the Orders he has under a duplicate got by Sergeant James Rae of the Constabulary Force from Mr. Joseph Edgar, of Newry, District master at the time of the Province of Ulster. O’Hara got it in the year 1825, and was in no way bound against acting under one of the old Warrants,. so long as he was appointed Master of the Warrant he was acting under, or authorised by the Master of the lodge that said Warrant belonged to; but it was still his intention to have the Grand formed in Ireland, which is now done. When challenged in open lodge on what he was charged with, he gave a statement as near as I can recollect to what I state to you. It was considered by the greater part of the members present, that had it not been for O’Hara, it would have been carried on in a far worse system. When O’Hara first commenced to give it in this place, there were a number of men came to join with him in giving it. When on examining them they could pass themselves on most of the Orders he had. He did not admit them until he bound them by obligation. These men I speak of had got it without either obligation or cost, how they came by it in that way I cannot say, but O’Hara has put a stop to that system. It is considered by all who know anything of the affair that you will consider him preserving the system instead of doing it any injury, as he is admitting no man into the system no matter how able he may be in that way, unless they have a certificate from a regular lodge.

“Darby attended the meetings in this place, and about the time I was in Scotland he was appointed as Secretary or Agent betwixt County Down and Antrim. When I made it known to them that Darby had with- held the dues of the Grand Lodge in Scotland, they struck him off till such time as he would get a certificate from you that he had paid all that was against him. I hear he is at the present time going about upbraiding the Grand Lodge of Ireland for so doing. There is to be a meeting of the Grand Lodge on Saturday, St. June, in Saintfield. It is thought that Darby will be there. I would for ever consider myself indebted to you if you would write a few lines to me in answer to this, before the District Meeting, and let me know if Darby has yet paid up the lodge dues. There are a great many things I would like to let you know, but they are too tedious to mention at this time.

(Signed) WM. SAVAGE.

We would here remind our readers that Companion Savage is an independent witness, being a member of the Irish body making inquiries into the state of affairs in Ireland, for and on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. His evidence is therefore the more reliable: but to be more particular about Companion “O’Hara” whom he mentions we will revert for a moment to a letter written by John Darby of Belfast, 21st March, 1842, in which he informs us that John O’Hara had been for some time in Belfast, from whence he removed to Clough, County Down. He then applied to Companion Darby for a “Dispensation of Warrant,” i.e., a duplicate of the Warrant held by Companion Darby. On being told that such a thing was not allowed under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, he replied that “he would go to Ahoghill and have one independent of him.” This he did, and received a Dispensation from “Ballyminster, County Antrim; District of Ahoghill, No. 1231 of Black Orangement, Royal Arch Chapter, Black Knight Encampment; Scarlet, White, Blue, and Green; Holy Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Apron Order.”

At this period the designation of a lodge showed at a glance whether it was Irish or Scottish, the latter always being designated “Royal Black Association.” The above is a fair specimen of an Irish designation.

The Dispensation was granted to John Craig, Master; John O’Hara, D. Master; Moses Adair, Secretary; Matthew Meek, High Priest; and countersigned Matthew Adair, Grand Pursuivant. These statements are attested by five witnesses, fiz., John Darby, Wm. Baxter, John Willis, John Kead, and John Williamson, all office-bearers in No. 18, and sealed with the seal of their lodge.

We have a letter from James Hadden, Master of Killyman Royal Black Lodge, No. 2, which was installed by George Whitten, on 27th January, 1845. The letter is undated, but the post office stamps prove that it was posted on the 11th September, 1845, and received at Glasgow on the 13th, at 7:30 a.. The letter begins thus:– “Dear Sir,–Agreeable to your request I called a meeting of this lodge, previous to your meeting on the 14th inst. I now send you a return of the members which were present.” Forty-nine names are given, and in most cases the occupation is also given; they include farmers, potters, clerks, carpenters, smiths, shoemakers, bleachers, weavers, and mechanics. Then follows a kind of conciliatory note–“I trust to be able to send a return of more on our next night of meeting, which takes place on the third Wednesday of December.” On 27th September, 1845, we have the following to Sir and Brother William Jamieson, now Pursuivant of the Grand Black Lodge of Scotland.

“We do authorise and empower the said Sir and Brother William Jamieson, to examine the brethren of all the branch lodges in the kingdom of Ireland, whom he may meet with, in their proper place; also, to instruct them in the said Orders, which they may have received, according to our laws.

“N.B.–At all meetings to take a report of the proceedings, and return the same to the R.W.G.M.
(Signed) ROBERT BLAIR, Grand Master.
JAMES SIMPSON, Secretary.”

This bears the Grand seal, and on the reverse side of the sheet:–

“This authority to be returned, with reports, as early as convenient after returning home.
(Signed) ROBERT BLAIR, Grand Master.
JAMES SIMPSON, Secretary.”

On 19th November, 1845, we have a letter from Samuel L. Corrigan, the newly elected Master of No. 28, in which he states that “he was duly installed into his office by a Master who held a lodge under the Irish Grand.” He asks for a renewal of their Warrant which he states “is in a very mutilated state, owing to it not being framed.” On 10th December, 1845, the Grand Secretary wrote in reply that they would be quite willing to grant a renewal of the Warrant, providing they comply with the rules and return the old one before they receive the new one.

On 12th December, 1845, we have another letter from Samuel L. Corrigan, on which the seal is done with printer’s ink. This is the first instance in which we have noticed the use of ink for this purpose. The impression is certainly an improvement on the smoke which was then generally used. It looks as fresh and clear to-day as if it had been affixed to the document yesterday, “Shall we give Samuel L. Corrigan of Belfast, credit for pointing the way to the rubber stamp and graph ink in use at the present day? Perhaps we may be allowed to defer answering meantime.

On 3rd March, 1846, James Hadden, Master of No. 2 Killyman, wrote to Grand Lodge thus:–

“It has been intimated to me that there will be a Grand Black Lodge established in Ulster shortly. There was a deputation from Coleraine, in Armagh, a few days ago, to try and get it completed; there happened to be one of my members present. It was suggested that Armagh should appoint a part of Grand Lodge officers, Coleraine a part, and Killyman a part, if all could be got to agree. There was to be a meeting of the Downpatrick lodge this week, when a deputation from Coleraine and Armagh was to attend. Some of the deputation said that there never was a Grand Lodge in Dublin, and that they had just as good authority to have a Grand Lodge as you. I have not been called on as yet, but it is probable that I may. Will you be kind enough to direct me how to act? . . . . I know there are a few of our men who will join with the new lodge, but I consider that I am bound to obey you as my Grand Master.”

This is the first intimation we have of what afterwards became the Grand Black Chapter of Ireland, and it reveals the sad fact that from the beginning they have been unscrupulous in their falsehoods.

On 14th April, 1846, Brother William Black (Master) and other fifteen members of No. 28, received permission to revive the dormant Warrant, No. 27, in Belfast. This was owing to a dispute with Brother Irvine, Past Master of No. 28, who kept the warrant in his own possession and refused to give it up to the lodge. When he learned that No. 27 had been revived by the members of No. 28, he called on Brother Black and gave up the Warrant, which was duly returned to Grand Lodge. On 26th may, 1846, Brother Black informs us that he visited No. I. Tanderagee, on the 8th inst. On 7th July, 1856, a second Warrant was granted for Tanderagee. The number is not stated. This is the last we hear of George Whitten, Deputy Grand Master, and the Companions in Tanderagee. In this letter Brother Black refers to the time John Darby went away; by and bye we will find where he went to.

On 28th March, 1849, we find No. 2, working in Dublin. Their seal bears the words “Royal Black Lodge, of K. T. No. 2.” On the date mentioned they forwarded an application for a Warrant on behalf of seven members of their lodge. The letter is signed “Henry Pollock, Master; John Moore, D. Master.” In the body of the letter we have the following:–

“We certify that they (the seven members mentioned by name) have received the Order of Knights of Malta, &c., in our Black Lodge and are duly qualified in every particular to discharge the responsible duties that shall devolve upon them as office-bearers in the Black Institution.”

On 13th April, 1849, William Cooper, the Master elect of the new lodge forwarded by post the sum of one pound six shillings and sixpence to defray the charges in connection with the granting of the Warrant. A paragraph in this letter states that “many parties erroneously imagine that the Black is injurious to the Orange. Our determination is to prove the contrary to be true.”

On 22nd April we have Brother Cooper’s acknowledgement of the receipt of the Warrant (No. I). The old Warrant and seal, the latter in pieces, were duly returned to Grand Lodge. On 25th April we have a letter from John Montgomery, D.M. of No. I, in which we are informed that

“The Lodge was opened at 5 College Street, Dublin, on Monday evening, the 23rd inst. Brothers Pollock, Moore, and Mitchell of No. 2 attended on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, to instal the officers.” In this same letter he states that “the name of a Blackman in Dublin is execrated by nine-tenths of the members of the Orange Institution. And why? First–their general conduct is such that scarce a respectable man would join them; and second, they are supposed by Orangemen to inter- fere with their body. Our aim in opening this lodge is to do away with those objections. In the first place we shall not interfere with the Orange Institution.”

We have before us while we write the Warrant granted on this occasion. It was granted to William Cooper, of Dublin, and bears the signatures of

“ROBERT BLAIR, G.M.
ANDREW KEATING, D.G.M.
ROBERT STANTON, H.P.
RICHARD HALL, G.T.
JAMES SIMPSON, G.S.
THOMAS HERRON, G.P.M.”

ON 11th May, 1849, we have a letter from Henry Pollock, Master of No. 2, in which he makes application for three certificates, one for Henry Pollock, 5 feet 8 « inches, complexion dark; one for John Moore, 5 feet 11 1/4 inches, complexion and hair drab; and one for Edward Swan, 5 feet 6 inches, complexion fresh.

We are not so very particular about the lineal measurements, complexion, and colour of hair of our members now-a-days. We consider we have done our duty when we have given particular attention to their moral character and religious profession before admitting them into our Order, but we must confess that we pay no attention as to whether they are big or little, dark or fresh, and it is all the same to us whether their hair be black, white, blue, or yellow, or even drab; in that respect our mottos is “let em all come.” But we suppose that Brother Pollock lived in the good old times when things were as they ought to be.

In this letter we have our first reference to the actual existence of the body now known as the Grand Black Chapter of Ireland, and a set of more deliberate liars it would be difficult to find anywhere. Bro. Pollock mentions T. John Johnston, Secretary of No. 55, upbraiding him for applying to Scotland for a Warrant and speaking rather disparagingly about the Grand Lodge of Scotland. He then goes on to say that–

“At Armagh and Charlemont I was informed that you were null and had given over all authority to Armagh. In Dublin it was stated that there were none legal but Armagh. . . . . I copied the following clause from the Armagh regulations:–‘No existing body or association professing to be of the Black Order can be recognised or countenanced as such, which is not within the pale of our commission, or not sitting under a Warrant of authority from the Grand Black Lodge.” (which may be read the Grand Black Chapter of Ireland.)

It is quite possible that the Armagh party had its origin from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. We have a very old letter from E. Royne, 4 Vienis Hill, Armagh, addressed to Mr. Blair, Grand Secretary, dated 10th October. The year date is not given, but it was during Grand Secretary Blair’s term of office, and therefore must have been prior to 1845. The letter is an application for a Warrant.

We have gone into considerable detail in the foregoing Irish correspondence for the purpose of throwing as much light as possible on the state of the Order in Ireland prior to the formation of the Black Chapter, and we might be pardoned if we attempted to summarise the whole matter.

That the Order in Ireland has passed through a series of metamorphosis is made painfully plain. As previously stated the early connection with the Orange Institution is fully revealed. We have the “Grand Black Lodge of Orangemen” in 1814, the “Loyal Orange Association (new system): in 1816, and we have positive proof of the existence of the second Grand Lodge (the one instituted in 1643) in 1822, when they issued Warrant No. 16. How long it existed after this date we don’t know, but it appears to have been dormant in 1825. Warrants not being obtainable at that date they had resource to the rather doubtful expedient of writing duplicates of Warrants held by those to whom they had been issued. These they used as Warrants under which men were initiated, in many cases “without obligation or cost.”

In 1834 the Grand Lodge of Scotland began to issue Warrants to Ireland. In 1844 the Grand Lodge of Ireland was resuscitated; this we will designate as Grand Lodge No. 3 of Ireland. Evidently Bro. O’Hara took a leading part in the resuscitation, but they appear never to have succeeded in gathering together the scattered fragments. In 1846 an agitation was commenced for the formation of a Grand Lodge that would unite all parties in the country: and looking back at their efforts from this distant date, we cannot but feel confident that had they acted honourably toward the Grand Lodge of Scotland, they would have succeeded equally as well as they otherwise did, and we would now have been one body, each Grand Lodge governing its own kingdom, whilst the members of each would have been united in the closest fraternity. To that act of fatuity mentioned in Bro. Pollock’s letter of 11th May, 1849, we must ascribe our present divided and unsatisfactory condition. It is scarcely creditable that any body of men could pass such a resolution, yet there it is and there it still remains. A self-appointed body of men assembled at Arnagh, in 1849, not one of whom had received their degrees from the Grand Black Chapter of Ireland–for the simple reason it was then non-existent. Proceed, first–to constitute a Grand Lodge, afterwards called the Grand Black Chapter of Ireland without even consulting the Parent, or any other body, and therefore without authority of any kind; second–to excommunicate both the Parent Grand Lodge in Scotland, and its legitimate off-spring then working in Ireland. “No existing body or association professing to be of the Black Order can be recognised or countenanced as such, which is not within the pale of our communion, or not sitting under a Warrant of authority from the Grand Black Lodge.”–The Black Chapter of course. One wonders how on earth they could “recognise or countenance” one another, seeing that none of them had any authority from the Grand Black Lodge, then existing, and not one of them had received a single degree within the pale of the communion of the Black Chapter. One thing worthy of notice is, that even in this most ridiculous resolution, they acknowledge the “existence of other bodies or associations professing to be of the Black Order.” “Professing to be!” What arrogance! Who were the professors; those who held authority in an unbroken record from the year 1048, or those who arrogated to themselves authority in 1849? We leave our readers to judge for themselves. We simply claim that our Order was 801 years old when this illegitimate off-spring took to itself an existence, which has been a veritable bone of contention ever since, and that when they passed this absurd resolution even their assumed authority was scarce an hour hold. Professors indeed! Yes, there are those who profess to have authority and have none.

That some kind of constitutional authority was required in Ireland at this time will be admitted by all fair-minded men, but we cannot believe that unconstitutional methods are the best means of consolidating constitutional authority. The new organization discarded the degree of Knights of Malta; a degree which was most certainly conferred by Grand Lodge No. 2 of Ireland, from which the Black Chapter undoubtedly descended. From their code of rules we have already quoted the following:–“Whereas our Christian forefathers, the Knights of Malta, etc.”

On Thursday, 11th April, 1850, Grand Lodge No. 3 met in Dublin. Amongst other business there was the report of a previously appointed committee to enquire into the status of the body calling itself the Grand Black Chapter of Ireland, and in their report they do not hesitate to describe it as “self-constituted” and “spurious.” They say “the Chapter is entitled to some respect, but when it travels beyond its sphere of duty to attack an Order venerable for its antiquity, and esteemed for its scripturality, it cannot murmur if according to the laws of chivalry and just reprisal we presume respectfully to examine the quarters of its shield.” In reference to their own origin they assert that “the Order never was dissolved, and we hold the chain of transmission which is perfect in all its links.” In acknowledging their Scottish origin, they ask “what nobler ancestry than the Scottish Reformers and the French Protestants of the world furnish?” Unfortunately, this is the last we hear of Grand Lodge No. 3. When it actually succumbed we know not, but it has long since disappeared.

It is not our purpose here to write the history of the Black Chapter. The late Bro. William Johnston, M.P. (Of Ballykilbeg) was elected as their Grand Master (according to his own statement) in 1855, and he held that office until his death, 17th July, 1902. His successor has not been elected at the time of going to press.

We agree with Grand Lodge No. 3 of Ireland–“The Chapter is entitled to some respect”–but we arrive at that conclusion by viewing it from a different standpoint. Whatever their origin was, something was necessary. Grand Lodge No. 3 was in our opinion a feeble, half-hearted concern, that had spent five years of valuable time without having done anything worthy of notice in the way of consolidating the Order in Ireland; and the Imperial Grand was handicapped by nationality, and therefore unable to carry out the task of consolidation. “Desperate diseases require drastic remedies” and desperate is an inadequate description of the state of the Order in Ireland at that time. The Chapter as they call it has succeeded in bringing order out of chaos, and we respect them for it. Our only regret is that they thought it necessary to renounce the Parent that gave them birth, and the ancient title of Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. They have assumed the title of “Ancient Black Knights of Ireland,” but as we are convinced that the search would be a fruitless one, we do not recommend our readers to take the trouble of searching the ancient history of Ireland for these so-called “Ancient Black Knights of Ireland.” They were unknown to the Ancients. History knows nothing of such a Knighthood; it is a bogus title and a very modern one; and as if to add the last straw to the patient camel’s load of absurdities, they have the bare-faced impertinence to style their chief officer the “Sovereign Grand Master.”

Seeing there is apparently something ancient about the concern, we may be pardoned for asking who were the late Bro. Johnston’s predecessors in office as Sovereign Grand Master? From what Sovereign body did their receive their Sovereign authority?

Who was the duly qualified and legally appointed installing officer, who transmitted to them this Sovereign office?

From what Constitution, or Language, did he hold his commission? To each and all of these questions there is only one answer possible, and that answer–nobody.

We might also ask “How ancient are the Black Knights of Ireland, and in what ancient history can we find mention of them? As a matter of fact the only ancient thing about the whole business is their orthography of “antient.” Much has been said and written about a reconciliation of the two bodies, i.e, the Imperial Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe and the Grand Black Chapter of Ireland, but so far as we have noticed, no feasible scheme has been put forward; nor do we believe a reunion possible at the present time, but we would suggest as a basis of reunion at a future time, that both parties return to the state of affairs which existed immediately prior to the formation of the Black Chapter–minus the chaos. We desire order, and would be the last to suggest anything that would disturb it. We feel assured that on this basis a reunion honourable to both parties could be brought about, and an end put to the unseemly rivalry at present existing, which is certainly detrimental to both. We leave the matter ad referendum.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland continued to shed the light of our ancient order in Ireland, and an application from the companions of Dublin, for a Provincial Grand Warrant was read at the meeting of Grand Lodge, on 20th June, 1861, Sir Charles Lusk O’Brien to be the first P.G.M. The granting of the Warrant was sanctioned, but the order appears not to have been executed till 16th December, 1861, when the Grand Master, Sir Henry Marshall, and the D.G.M., Sir Adam Thompson, went to Dublin and installed the Provincial Grand Lodge, with Sir George Hall as Provincial Grand Master. We have before us Warrant No. I issued by the Provincial, it is dated 11th June, 1863. A renewal of the Provincial Warrant was granted on the 2nd December, 1866. This Warrant we also have before us.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Ulster was granted to William Stewart of Belfast, on the 28th September, 1867. These were superseded on the 20th June, 1874, when a Kingdom Warrant was granted to James Ledgerwood of Belfast. Thus commenced the Grand Black Lodge of Knights of Malta in Ireland, being the fourth legitimate Grand Lodge which has been established in that island. We are pleased to note that it continues in a healthy condition, and that the chapter has so far been unable to crush out of existence the legitimate off-spring of the Parent Grand Lodge, and that there are still a goodly number of men in Ireland who are not ashamed of our ancient designation–the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, otherwise Knights of Malta. During the year 1901, Companion Ledgerwood was stricken with ill health, and at the annual meeting of the Grand Encampment of Ireland, in 1902, Sir John Stuart was elected Grand Master.

 

THE KNIGHTS OF MALTA IN AMERICA

The oldest records we have of the Order in America point to the fact that Sir Knight George Donaldson, Past Grand Master, on leaving Glasgow took with him Warrant No 2., and succeeded in having it established in Montreal. The exact date we cannot trace, but we may safely assume that it was between the years 1841 and 1843, most likely the former. In like manner Thomas Johnston took out Warrant No. 31, which he installed at Hornby-town (33 miles from Toronto) in July 1844. The day of the month is not given, but it was the Thursday before the 8th of the month. On 18th October, 1844, Sir Knight John Wilson (late of No. 24, Glasgow) made application for a Warrant for Toronto. After several letters had passed between him and the Grand Lodge, it was agreed to send him Warrant No. 4. In connection therewith we quote the following from the minutes of Grand Lodge meeting, held on 9th December, 1844:–

“It was agreed to send No. 4 Warrant to Toronto, Upper Canada, to Sir knight John Wilson, and that they be sent under insurance, and that he be empowered to act as a Deputy Grand Master.”

We may here note that acting on the suggestion of Sir Knight Wilson, the seal was kept apart from the Warrant, put in a tin box, and carefully soldered up. The whole, Warrant, Rules, Rituals, box, etc., were sent by messenger, and the messenger not a member of the Order but declared by Sir Knight Wilson to be trustworthy. On two separate documents we have the information that this box cost one shilling and sixpence. The Warrant was received by Sir Knight Wilson on the 14th June, 1845, and the Encampment was opened on the 24th June, 1845, by Sir Knight James Bridge, Master of No. 31. Hornby, as installing officer; John Wilson being installed as Master. At the end of the first quarter they reported 30 members.

On the 8th of October, 1845, Sir Knight Wilson wrote a long letter from which we quote the following:–

“At a meeting of the Grand Orange Lodge of British North America, held in Toronto last June, it was resolved to revive the Order of Arch-Purple which till then was not recognised by them, although given by many lodges through the Province, and I am sorry to say given with too much mixture which did not belong to it. For the purpose of settling it and other matters connected with the Orange Institution, there was a meeting of delegates held in Kingston to which we in Toronto sent two delegates, who met with the Grand Master, Robert Gowan, and a few others. On a report of our Black Number being in Toronto and doing well, he (the Grand Master) produced what he called a precept and a certificate from the “Royal Britannic” of Manchester, authorising him to initiate members under said precept. From what I can ascertain he with some others intend having an engraving done in Toronto (in which place the said precept is in the hands of an engraver for a specimen) for the purpose of having Warrants issued out through the Province under Mr. Gowan’s authority. I have written a letter to George Donaldson for information on the subject, for it is thought by some of them to unite ours within its jurisdiction, and for it to be No. I of Canada. I believe some of our members would be favourable to such a project, and so would many more of the Orangemen of Canada, on account of it coming from the head of the Orange Institution in America. One thing is certain, suppose they do get out some Warrants from this precept of Mr. Gowan’s, their members can never come into our lodges. However, I know that if there was a possibility of getting Warrants in Canada, there would be a great many more through Canada than there are. I have not had time to get an answer from Sir Knight Donaldson yet, and the reason why I did not wait for a letter from him is, in the first place, to press immediately on you to make inquiry whether there is such a thing in existence now as the “Royal Britannic” in Manchester, or when it did exist, and write me on the subject at the earliest opportunity.”

Sir Knight Wilson made these circumstances the basis of an appeal to Grand Lodge for some method of obtaining Warrants without the tedious delay of sending to Glasgow for them; as a temporary method he suggested that Sir Knight George Donaldson should be entrusted with a few Warrant forms, to be filled in as required. After a lengthy correspondence, a Provincial Grand Warrant was granted to Sir Knight John Wilson, and known as the Provincial Grand Lodge of Canada (West). We have no particulars as to the date.

About this time there was a correspondence going on between Grand Lodge and the brethren of Quebec, to whom the following letter was addressed:–

“GLASGOW, November 5th, 1851.

“Sir Knight Companions,–Your petition of 20th September, 1850, has lain over unnoticed until our last meeting, when it was brought forward and received a unanimous consent. Providing the brethren of Quebec are willing to pay the expenses, we will send them out a commission to establish a Provincial Grand Lodge for British North America; we will send it free of postage expenses, together with all the appendages for £2, as soon as we receive your cheque for the amount. You may think this is a strange way of going to work, but it is a rule of Grand Lodge and we cannot break them: so you will be so kind as let me know by return of post. You will also please send the names of the individuals that are to be your Sir Knight Commander and Deputy Commander, so that they may be inserted in your Commission. The cutting of the plate for this Commission has cost the Grand Lodge £I 10s. It is quite different from that of a Warrant.”

(Signed) FRANCIS H. CLARK, Secy. G.B.L.S.”

The confession with which this letter begins would scarcely be tolerated by the Companions of today. A petition which had lain aside for twelve months was brought forward, and the prayer of the petition granted by a unanimous vote. How grateful the Sir Knights of Quebec must have felt at the magnanimity of Grand Lodge. We hope they duly tendered their kindest thanks for the prompt consideration given to their humble petition; if not we should say they failed in their duty, and were guilty of gross disrespect to their superiors. We presume that the Warrant to Canada (West) was granted during the interval between the writing of this letter and the granting of the Warrant to which it refers; as when it was granted to John Lindsay on 10th February, 1854, it was named Canada (East) and not British North America.

The next notice we have of them is in the minutes of a meeting of Grand Lodge, held on 24th September, 1858:–

“Some discussion took place as to whether we should unite the whole of British North America under one Provincial Grand Priory, seeing that the brethren of Canada (West) had not been acting up to the terms on which their authority was granted. A series of resolutions bearing on the subject were agreed to. First–‘That British North America be united under one Commission, and that said Commission under the great seal of the Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe, shall be the only legal authority henceforth for working upon throughout said territories, always excepting such Warrants as may be granted under authority of said Commission.’ Second–‘That there be no charge made for the Commission thus granted with extended power, but that the brethren of British North America be notified that it is left to themselves to consider what is a fair and reasonable amount to pay for their extended power.’ Third–‘That as the Provincial Grand Priors of Canada (East) have with earnestness and zeal devoted themselves to the skillful working and propagation of the Order throughout the bounds over which their authority has heretofore extended, the title of Provincial Grand Master of British North America be bestowed on the present Provincial Grand Prior thereof, and each of his lawful successors, as a token of our appreciation thereof; be it therefore known to all and sundry that the Knight Worshipful Sir T. C. Knowles, and each and all of his duly elected successors in office, are to be known and designated Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of British North America.’ Fourth–‘That the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer be empowered to draw up a form of Commission suitable for such extention of power as has just been resolved upon.'”

The form of Commission was duly drawn up and presented at the meeting of Grand Lodge on 28th December, 1858, and approved of by the Knights present. For the next ten years there has been nothing preserved of the American correspondence, but that the Order was working during that time is certain. The next communication we have is dated 16th September, 1868, when a letter was read at a meeting of Grand Council from “William Cook of Williamsburgh intimating that there was a Provincial working in New York, under the seal of the Grand Black of England.” This is probably an error. We know of no Grand Lodge of England that could possibly have granted it. It is more likely to have been the Provincial Warrant of British North America, granted as we have noticed in 1858, or it may have been the Commission of Canada West, granted (presumably) in 1851, and cancelled in 1858. At a meeting of Grand Council, 1st March, 1871, a letter was read from Sir Knight Zhawood, Toronto, asking to be advised what to do in case of members of the Black Chapter of Ireland applying for admission to an Encampment of Knights of Malta, to which he received the following answer:–

“You can take members of the Black Chapter of Ireland, if they are recommended by two well-known Knights of Malta, and by promising not to dispense the Order of Knights of Malta in any place only in a regularly convoked Encampment of Knights of Malta, the same holding their authority from the Imperial Grand Black Encampment of the Universe, and that they will not apply to any other Preceptory, Lodge, or Encampment for a certificate.”

On 21st December, 1871, a petition from the Sir Knights of Toronto requesting the granting of a Provincial Warrant for Upper-Canada, was considered and left over till next meeting, when on 14th January, 1873, the petition was unanimously approved, and the Warrant granted. On 28th January, another meeting was held to consider an application from the Sir Knights of Toronto for a Sir Knight well posted in all the degrees to be sent out to Canada. On 21st May, 1873, Sir Knight Joseph Norwood (Grand Treasurer,) was appointed as delegate from Grand Lodge to Canada, and Sir Knight John Rogan (late Commander of No. 1,) volunteered to accompany him. It was agreed that they both go on equal footing with each other. The Provincial was superseded by a Kingdom Warrant for British North America on 26th December, 1874. On arrival it did not please, so on 6th March, 1875, Grand Council was again considering the matter. The Canadians “complained that the Warrant which they had received was of no use as they wished an Independent Authority, without any connection with Scotland.” Again on 1st April, 1875, another request came up, this time they wanted the word “British” struck out, and they were granted liberty to strike it out. On 18th April, 1875, Grand Council was again considering the relation which the Supreme Black Encampment of America should hold towards the Imperial Grand Black Encampment. A resolution was drawn up by Sir Knight Thomas Macklin, and read, when it was approved of and ordered to be laid before the coming Grand Lodge meeting. Grand Lodge met on 19th June, 1875, when Sir Knight Thomas Macklin submitted the following resolution, which was unanimously agreed to:–

“That the Imperial Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe do hereby give and grant full Grand Lodge power to issue Warrants, try cases, rule, guide, and govern, to the Supreme Grand Black Encampment of Toronto, Province of Ontario, British America or New Dominion. And power is now hereby given to the said Supreme Grand Black Encampment to issue Warrants, try cases, rule, guide, and govern all and every Encampment of the Universe in and throughout British America and the whole American Continent, the only condition being that said Supreme Grand Encampment pay to the Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe the sum of three-pence for each private Encampment under their authority.”

Although it is not so stated here, it may be understood that this was an annual tax. On 9th August, 1875, there was read at a meeting of Grand Council a resolution adopted at the Annual Meeting of the Supreme Grand Black Encampment of America, viz:–

“That the Knights of Malta in Canada should not be confined to members of the Orange Order, but should be open to all true Protestants.”

After some discussion the further consideration of the matter was postponed till a future meeting. It was again discussed at a meeting of Council on 17th August, 1875, when the following Resolution was passed:–

“That inasmuch as the Parent Grand Encampment of the Universe has already given a Kingdom Warrant to the Brethren of Canada, covering the whole American Continent, it rests with them to work these powers out for the present and future good of the Order to the best of their judgment. The point under consideration–whether it is essential to be Orange and Purple before becoming a Knight of Malta. It is not and never has been a fundamental law of the Knights of Malta. It is only an approved practice regulated by a bye-law, but a practice which Grand Lodge recommends without at all enjoining it on those who have to work under the Supreme Warrant of the Continent of America.”

Sir Knight R. E. A. Land, Supreme Grand Commander of America, was present at the Annual meeting of the Imperial Grand Encampment held at Glasgow, 23rd June, 1877. In returning thanks for the reception given him he said:–

“He returned thanks to the Imperial Grand Master and the Sir Knights in Council for granting a Kingdom Warrant to America, and also power to work it as they thought fit: he was confident they had laid the foundation of the best Protestant society in America. They were receiving into its ranks men of position, wealth and influence, and he was sure that with the present ritual and other machinery that they had for working the several degrees, it would not fail to become popular and beneficial.”

 

At the meeting of the Imperial Grand Encampment, 14th December, 1878, the report of the Supreme Grand Encampment of America was submitted, from which we quote the following paragraph:–

“The recent legislation of the Supreme Encampment cannot fail but to prove of the greatest benefit to all our Encampments in the juris- diction. For my own personally I can speak, and say it has; elsewhere advices say the same; time, however will tell the tale, and prove the efficacy of its labours at last annual Convocation, as well as its previous sessions. Thrown open to the whole Protestant world it will find its level and prove, ultimately, we hope, the Protestant fraternity of the New World, as useful as its sister, the Orange, has been to the old. This has been the goal in view actuating us in pursuing the course we have followed. The results we anticipate will prove the wisdom of our course.”

At the same meeting there was lodged a complaint by the Washington encampment, Philadelphia, against the conduct of the Supreme Encampment in reducing the number of degrees. They asked the Imperial Grand Encampment to cancel the Supreme Warrant and expel the Supreme officers. It was then proposed “That we disapprove of the conduct of the Supreme Encampment of America, and are now in a position to grant Warrants to any that may apply for them.” The Grand Master stated that he could not take such a course until they had communicated with the Supreme Grand Encampment of America.

On 14th June, 1879, the matter was again before the Imperial Grand Encampment, at its annual meeting, when:–

“The Imperial Grand Master considered that the Supreme Encampment of America had went too far in expunging the several degrees, and had therefore the disapproval of the L.P.G.B.E., as they considered they had departed from the ancient landmarks. As regards admitting Protestants without coming through the Orange Society, it never was a fundamental principle of the Order of Knights of Malta, but only a bye-law; and my advice to you is that we remain connected with the Supreme Encampment of America, and let them work as they think best, so long as they fulfil their agreement with the L.P.E. in paying their annual dues.”

We are not aware that the Imperial Grand has ever tabulated which of their laws are “fundamental” and which are not, but we may notice what the law really was at the time under review. From the book of “Laws and Ordinances” then in use, we quote the following:–

“GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS.–Any person seeking admittance within the realm of Great Britain and Ireland, or any of its dependencies, must at the time of this admission be a member of the Loyal Orange Society, and have received the degrees of Orange and Arch purple.”

Then No. XV. of the “General Rules” ran thus:–

<h5“Any Sir Knight Companion of this Illustrious Order of Knights of Malta, who shall withdraw his certificate, or cease to be a member of the Loyal Orange Society while it is within the United Kingdom of Great Britain, or any of its dependencies, and does not rejoin an Orange Lodge within twelve months, shall be suspended from this Order till he rejoins an Orange Lodge.”</h5

This was the printed law of the Order, and for Grand Master M’Leod to speak in the manner he did, about certain laws not being “fundamental” and about certain “approved practices” being regulated by “bye-laws,” does not, in our opinion reflect any great credit to his logical abilities. We are well aware that the law referred to was not one of the ancient laws of the Order; but it was the then existing law, and as a matter of law, the law is law, not “bye-law,” and the law is absolutely essential as a primary principle of the Order, therefore the law is “fundamental” and not merely an “approved practice.”

On 5th June, 1880, we learn that the insubordinate Encampments had been expelled. In the Grand Recorder’s report, read to Grand Encampment, we find the following:–

“During the past year we have had several lengthy communications from the companions in America, the reading of which would occupy too much of your time; the principal matter contained therein is regarding the insubordination of several Encampments against the authority of the Supreme Encampment of America. The grounds of their insubordination was the reducing of the Ritualistic work of the Order. The Supreme of America gave them due notice that unless they complied with the finding of the Supreme Convocation, they would be expelled. The expelled Encampments applied to us, asking our assistance in the matter. When we made inquiry into the minuteness of the several cases, we found that errors were on both sides, but principally on the part of the insubordinates; and we approve of the action of the Supreme Encampment in asserting their authority, though holding that, in reducing the degrees, they have our dis- approval. But, owing to the authority given them when we granted their Supreme Charter, we can take no action against the Supreme Encampment of America, but would recommend to those Encampments who have appealed to us, that for the unity and welfare of the Knights of Malta throughout the Universe, they should comply with the commands of their Supreme Encampment.”

In connection with this matter there was presented at this meeting a series of resolutions from the Grand Priory of Ireland, which we consider worthy of being quoted verbatim:–

“116 YORK STREET,
BELFAST, 3rd June, 1880.

At a meeting of the Grand Council of the Grand Black Encampment of Ireland, held on 1st inst. At the above address, the following finding was unanimously arrived at, and ordered to be transmitted to the Imperial Grand Black Encampment of the Universe for their serious thought, when the matter of cutting down the orders to eight (8) comes up for consideration. Resolved.–First–‘That we, the Sir Knights of Ireland, renew with gratitude our loyalty and fraternal attachment to the Parent Grand of Scotland, and unitedly determine to use every legitimate means in our power for the maintainence and propagation of the entire orders as conferred on us by the said Parent Grand of Scotland.’ Second–‘That we learn with much surprise and regret the intention of a section of the Parent Grand of Scotland to annihilate, mutilate, or otherwise destroy the utility and beauty of several of the most noble and ancient Orders of our glorious Institution, which has been preserved and transmitted to us by men of Scotland’s noblest and best blood.’ Third–‘That we, the Sir Knights of Ireland, specially appoint and instruct a deputation to proceed to the Parent Grand and to oppose by every legitimate means any intended innovations as ruinous to us, injurious to the entire Institution, and which would degrade us in the estimation both of the Black Chapter and the world, as recent legislation has already done.’ Fourth–‘That in the event of the Parent Grand making any alteration in the Orders as at present established, we request the Grand Encampment of Ireland to consider, is it possible to continue our connection with the Parent Grand of Scotland, or with the Institution at all, and whether we would not be violating our obligations thereby. (Signed) ALEXANDER DALZELL, Grand Recorder

At this meeting of the Imperial Parent Grand Encampment, the Imperial Grand Master intimated that there were a great many communications from the Supreme Encampment of America, and also from those Sir Knights who protested against the authority of the Supreme Encampment, but they were so lengthy that it would take up too much of their time to go over them all, but he would allow the finding of the Supreme Encampment to be read. The Recorder read the finding which occupied eleven closely-written pages. The following resolution was then agreed to:–

At the annual Convocation of the Imperial Grand Encampment, held on 4th June, 1881, the Irish Sir Knights had a second series of resolutions presented and read by Sir Knight James Ledgerwood, Grand Commander of Ireland. A lengthy and animated discussion followed. Finally, Companion David Forbes moved the following motion:–

“That we cancel the Warrant of the Supreme Encampment of America, and issue Warrants to all who will work in accordance with our ancient landmarks.”

which motion was seconded by Companion Galloway. Companion John Barclay moved as an amendment “that we delay any action on the subject in the meantime,” which was seconded by Companion James Boyd. There voted for the motion, 22; for the amendment, 12. The Supreme Encampment of America was thereby cancelled, and intimation to that effect was on 1st August, 1881, sent to Sir Knight James E. Henderson of New York, Recorder of the Supreme Encampment of America.

The annual Convocation of the Supreme Encampment of America was held on or about 9th September, 1881, at which a resolution was carried by a majority of the representatives present, to sever their connection with the Parent Encampment, when they must have had the official intimation of their Charter being cancelled. This resulted in a complete split of the party, one section abiding by the Parent Grand, the other taking an independent position apart from the Parent Grand. With the former party went the Grand Prior Sir Knight George Cheesman, who for the following three years acted as Inspector General for the Parent Grand and took general supervision of the Order in America. The manner in which he performed his difficult task deserved, and received, the oft repeated thanks of the Imperial Parent Grand Encampment. At the annual Convocation of the Imperial Encampment, 10th June,, 1882, Companion Richard J. Irvin, of Constantine Encampment, Philadelphia, was present and represented the Loyal Sir Knights of America, and had conferred on him the degrees suppressed by the Supreme Encampment, thus the whole of the degrees were once more given by all Encampments working under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Encampment.

On 9th June, 1884, the Supreme Encampment of America was again revived and permission given them to create an Order of Merit to be known as “the Great Cross of Malta.” From this time onward the Order has gone forward by leaps and bounds, increasing at a rate never previously known in the modern history of the Order. In 1889 a readjustment of the relationship of the Supreme Encampment of America to the Imperial Encampment was effected. The document is a lengthy one, but we prefer to quote it verbatim:

“Agreement of union between the Imperial Grand Black Encampment of the Universe, and the Supreme Commandery of the Continent of America.–Agreement of Union made and entered into this first day of June, in the year of our lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine (A.D. 1889) between the Imperial Black Encampment of the Universe, with headquarters in the City of Glasgow, Scotland, acting herein by its specially delegated and duly accredited representative, Sir Robert Stewart, Past Imperial Assistant Grand Master, residing in the City of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, party of the first part, and the Grand Commander of America, of the Ancient and Illustrious Order of Knights of Malta, with headquarters in the City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, United States of America, acting herein by Sir H. D. Miller, Past Most Eminent Grand Commander, residing in the town of Drifton, State of Pennsylvania; Sir Richard Stewart, Grand Treasurer of the said Grand Commandery of America, residing in the City of Philadelphia; and George H. Pierce, Most Eminent Grand Commander of the said Grand Commandery of America, residing in the said City of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, the said Sirs H. D. Miller, Richard Stewart, and George H. Pierce composing a special committee appointed for the purpose of conferring with other bodies claiming to be Knights of Malta, party of the second part.<.h4>

“Whereas the said Party of the first part claims to be the sole and only true and legal representative in the known world of the Protestant Branch of Sixth Language of an Order instituted in the eleventh century, known as the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, whose headquarters were first at Jerusalem, and afterwards at various places, the last of which was the Island of Malta, and claims to be the sole and only authority having the right to perpetuate and extend the said Order by the granting of Charters, and claims to be the sole power having the right to the legal possession of the rituals of the ceremonies pertaining to the said Order, as used and practised by the Protestant Branch or Sixth Language.

“And whereas the said party of the first part have instituted various Commanderies in the United States of America; and whereas the said party of the second part, acting by virtue of a Charter of incorporation obtained under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which said Charter confers upon the party of the second part the right to Charter and institute subordinate Commanderies, and to make such laws, rules and regulations as may be necessary for its protection and promotion, and claims to be entitled to and has in its possession all the forms and ceremonies of the said Order of the Knights of St. John, the same as are possessed by the said party of the first part; and by virtue of its Charter powers, has instituted many subordinate Commanderies in various parts of the United States, with authority to practise the forms and ceremonies of the said Order. Now, therefore, the parties hereto, in consideration of the premises, and believing it to be for the general good of the ancient and illustrious Order herein mentioned that the rights of each be recognised, and that they be united by one common bond of union, do hereby solemnly declare and agree as follows:–

“The said party of the first part, for and in consideration as well of the premises as of the sum of twenty-five dollars lawful money of the United States of America to it in hand, well and truly paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and of the sum of ten dollars like lawful money to be paid annually hereafter on or about the first day of June of each and every year to the said party of the first part, hereby delegates, grants, conveys and acknow- ledges the right of the said party of the second part to have the sole, unreserved, exclusive, and perpetual right, liberty and authority of governing the said Order of the Ancient and Illustrious Order of Knights of Malta on the Continent of America, with all the rights, liberties, privileges, usage, rites, and ceremonies now claimed for themselves, so far as it relates to the said territory or jurisdiction on the Continent of America, with the authority of adopting, enforcing and promulgating such laws and rules as may be necessary for the purpose of the said Order, and for these purposes the said party of the first part will, as soon as conveniently can be done, memorialise this grant to the said party of the second part by a perpetual Charter duly executed.

“Also to furnish to the said party of the second part annually a universal password, the use of which shall entitle any Sir Knight in good standing to admission into any Commander or Encampment on the globe.

“Also, to grant the said party of the second part authority to have at least three representatives present at any and all Imperial Grand Convocations of the said party of the first part, the said three representatives to have all the rights and privileges pertaining to the representatives to such Convocations, except the right to vote on the disbursement of the funds of the Imperial Black Encampment or the election of the Imperial Officers.

“Also that all matters of dispute that may at any time arise between Subordinate Commanderies on the American Continent, or in the Grand Commandery of America, shall be settled solely by the Grand Commandery of America, whose decision shall be final.

“And also, that they shall furnish at least thirty copies of the Annual Report of the Imperial Encampment for the special use of the Grand Commandery of America, also one copy for each Commandery named upon the returns of the said Grand Commandery.

“And the said party of the second part, in consideration of the premises and of the promises to be performed and kept by the said party of the first part agrees as follows:–

“That Charters are to be given free of charge by the said party of the second part to all Encampments in good and regular standing now existing on the continent of America, by virtue of Warrants issued by the Imperial Encampment of Scotland as soon as conveniently can be done after application has been made, accompanied by proper proof of their legal existence, and also such rituals and paraphernalia as are usually furnished to new Commanderies.

“That all members of the Encampments now existing on the Continent of America who have acted under Warrant direct from the Imperial Encampment of the Universe, who are now in good standing, and who will submit credentials proving their claims as Past Commanders, will be entitled to the degree of Past commander and admission to the Grand Commandery of America, and entitled to all the rights, privileges, and immunities of members thereof.

“That the said party of the first part shall be entitled to at least three representatives to any and all Convocations of the Grand Commandery of America, said representatives to have all the rights and privileges pertaining to the representatives to such Convocations, except the right to vote on the disbursement of the funds of the Grand Commandery or the election of Grand Officers.

“And the said parties hereto mutually agree that all the ancient landmarks as prescribed in the rituals of the Order shall be vigorously maintained.

“In testimony whereof the said parties hereto, by their repre- sentatives, have hereunto set their hands and seals. Dated at Philadelphia the day and year first above written.

“The Imperial Grand Black Encampment of the Universe , by ROBERT STEWART.

“The Grand Commandery of America of the A. & I. O. Of K., of M., by

H. D. MILLER.
RICHARD STEWART.
GEORGE H. PIERCE.”

“At a regular meeting of the Executive Board of the Grand Commandery of America, held at 1828 Wylie Street, Philadelphia, on the first day of June, 1889, the agreement of union hereunto appended was unanimously approved.

GEORGE H. PIERCE, M.E.G.C.
Attest:–JNO. I. WRIGHT, G.R.”

“Ratified and endorsed by the Representatives attending the annual Convocation of the Imperial Parent Grand Encampment held at Glasgow, Scotland, on the 15th day of June, 1889.

(Signed) WILLIAM G. INGRAM, I.A.G.M.
JAMES BOYD, Grand Recorder.”

The new Warrant issued in accordance with the foregoing agreement bears the date of 21st June, 1889. From the terms of this agreement it may be observed that the intention was to unite all the members of the Order in America into one body. In this they were only partially successful. There still exists a few Encampments of the party who took to their own hand in 1881, when the Supreme Warrant was cancelled, but they only confer a few of the degrees; we believe only three. They style themselves “the Chapter General of the Order of Knights of Malta,” but are better known to us in Scotland as the “Land Party.” Another schism took place in June, 1899, when a few Knights formerly belonging to Jerusalem Commandery, No. 37 of Philadelphia, acting together with Charles M’Clintock, of Constantine Commandery No. I, who was also a member of the Supreme Encampment of America; started an independent organization which they styled “the American and Independent Order of Knights of Malta.” They advertised their willingness to confer the whole of our degrees for one dollar ($1).

Our readers will notice that the initial letters of this title were identical with those of the legal body, the Ancient and Illustrious Order of Knights of Malta, “A. And I.O.K. of M.” The American public were thus being deceived by the use of the initials, which both parties used, in preference to the full name, in their publications.

To put an end to the deception an action was raised by the Supreme body, in the Court of Common Pleas, of Philadelphia, which resulted in the suppression of the bogus title and forbidding the use of any title pertaining thereto, or in any way infringing on the name “Knights of Malta.” –1st December, 1900.

The change from the “Grand” to the “Supreme Grand” Commandery of the Continent of America was duly registered on 18th September, 1901.

In connection with the Supreme Commandery there is working a very strong Friendly Society, duly safe-guarded by the laws of the country, which no doubt has had a great deal to do with the rapid spread of the Order in that country. So great has been the increase of Commanderies that it was soon found that the annual recognition fee stipulated for by the agreement of 1889, was insufficient to cover the cost of the annual reports stipulated for by the said agreement. This led to an attempt to impose a per capita tax, instead of the recognition fee.

The matter came up for discussion at the annual Convocation of the Imperial Parent Grand encampment at Glasgow, Scotland, on the 9th June, 1900, when there were present Sir Knights George H. Pierce, P.S.C., Lewis E. Stilz, P.G.C., and Daniel I. Robinson, P.G.C., from the Supreme Grand Commandery of America, to look after their own interests in the matter. Sir Knight Pierce, America, proposed the following resolution, which was agreed to by a majority:–

“Whereas, the Ancient and Illustrious Order of Knights of Malta, desirous of forming a more perfect union of the Sixth, or English Language, entered into an agreement of union between the Imperial Parent Grand Black Encampment of Scotland and the Supreme Commandery of the Continent of America, prepared and ratified said agreement in 1889; and whereas, this agreement was entered into by the American body with a distinct understanding that the sole payment to be made should be an annual recognition fee, which has been faithfully paid. Therefore be it resolved by the Imperial Parent Encampment in annual Convocation, that this body has no desire to set aside the above-mentioned agreement of union; and that it recognizes the fact that it has no legal right to impose upon the American body a per capita or other tax.”

Sir Louis E. Stiltz congratulated the Companions upon the happy settlement of this important matter, and said that the American representatives would feel it to be their duty to report to the Supreme Commandery in favour of granting a voluntary contribution of say £20 ($100) per annum. This promise they faithfully kept and recommended accordingly to the annual Convocation of the Supreme Commandery of America in October, 1900, when the recommendation was adopted and in due course given effect to.. . .

“That owing to the power granted to the Supreme Encampment of America, we cannot receive the applications of those Sir knights to grant them Warrants, but that the Imperial Encampment disapprove of the Supreme Encampment of America in reducing the degrees, and that we do not print the expulsion of those subordinate Encampments.”