History of Spectamur Agendo Lodge No. 614 - 1927 to 1997,
Compiled by Wor. Bros. A. Hampion and D. Ruttle
The Lodge owes its origin to the ritual class conducted in time past by the late W. Bro. Allen C.F. Guest, M.M., who was the father-in-law of the late W. Bro. W.H. Fisher and W. Bro. S. Nelson (both sometime members of the lodge).
W. Bro. Allen Guest joined the British Army as a boy soldier and took part in the South African war 1899/02. In the fullness of time he transferred to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and fought in the First World War. He was decorated in 1916 with the Military Medal. In the Second World War he rejoined the "colours" and was commissioned. In 1945 he held the rank of Captain.
In 1927, certain brethren, members of the Dublin Garrison Lodge No. 730, which had a very large membership, concluded that as they were so far down the roll of members, they had little chance of achieving office except as very elderly gentlemen. The brethren who had come to the conclusion as related above were all attendees of the ritual class and it was therefore not surprising that the possibility of forming a new lodge became a central point of discussion.
As part of the discussion it was discovered that there had to be at least one past master among the founder members of a lodge to be the first W. Master and accordingly W. Bro. Allen Guest was approached to act in that capacity. Not only did W.G. Guest respond favourably but took a very keen and active part in the activities of the lodge until his untimely death in January 1956.
At the outset, much spade work had to be done such as the cost of the warrant, acquisition of regalia, working aprons, books of record, and an appropriate name for the lodge, the construction of by-laws and the appointment of the First Officers of the Lodge. Fourteen brethren were found who agreed to become founder members by a subscription of £5 each. Enough funds were in hand as would be sufficient to cover the initial costs of setting up the new lodge.
The warrant was granted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland in December 1927 and the lodge was constituted on the 24th January, 1928.
The founder members were:
Name Lodge
Allen C.F. Guest, P.M., M.M. 730
Walter H. Hennrah 302
Percival H. Behwell 730
James T. Liddy 730
Robert L. Lockwood 730
Robert Spence 307
Samuel Hughes 730
William Johnston 153
Richard Smith 730
Thomas Tait, D.C.M., M.M. 730
George R. Skerrett 730
Walter J. Meaden 730
Thomas Singleton 730
Alfred B. Shaw 730
The First Officers of the Lodge were as follows:
A.C.F. Guest, P.M., M.M. W.M. & R.M.B.G.P
P.H. Benwell S.W.
J. T. Liday J.W.
W.J. Meaden Treasurer
T. Plowman, P.M. Secretary
R.L. Lockwood S.D.
R. Spence J.D.
S. Hughes I.G.
T.F. Marchant, P.M. D.C. & Organist
W.H. Hennah Chaplain
N.B. - All of the above Officers were Founder Members
1. From the records, much thought and work went into the drawing of the bylaws and the fixing of the charges, etc., as it was considered essential that the initial constitution be as fool-proof as possible, especially the by-law, as to qualification for office and it would appear that as a guide, the by-laws of other lodges were obtained and considered.
An area that was considered at much length was the position of the Founder Members on the nominal roll when it was decided that seniority was to be correlated to the date the founder joined the order. The only exception being W. Bro. Guest who was deemed to be primus inter parries. It should be noted that Bro. W. Hennah was second in seniority and would normally have been Senior Warden. Bro. Hennah declined office as he was approaching the Chair in his mother lodge but as will be further noted, he agreed to act as chaplain.
Under the Laws and Constitution of the G.L. of I., the Secretary and Director of C. must be a Past Masters so it was necessary for the fledgling lodge to acquire such qualified persons - W. Bro. Plowman (a P.M. of Lodge 171) and W. Bro. Marchant (a P.M. of Lodge 53) volunteered their services and both these brethren were subsequently made Honorary Founder Members. When Bro. Meaden was appointed Treasurer, the First Officers of the Lodge were completed and seniority established.
Lodge Name
Consensus shows that a number of names were considered for the new lodge unfortunately the possible names are not recorded simply because the lodge had not come into being, a minute book did not exist. However, subsequent record declares that the name Spectamur Agendo was chosen. The reason being that of the fourteen Founder Members, eleven were members of Dublin Garrison Lodge 730, a lodge with long standing military association and it was felt that a name with a military connection would be appropriate as several of the Founder Members had served in the First World War in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers whose motto was Spectamur Agendo (By Our Deeds Are We Known). The R.D.F. was disbanded in 1922 on the creation of the then Irish Free State and the Founders felt that by adopting the R.D.F. motto the memory of the regiment would be preserved and in any event the motto constituted a very worthy Masonic Lodge name.
Granting of Warrant
There would appear to have been some difficulties attached to the granting of the warrant. The difficulties were not great, but as can be appreciated, came as something of a surprise:-
A. First of all, one of the Founder Members had a change of mind, leaving 13 Founders which was considered too "unlucky." It was agreed by the 13 that the number of Founders remain at 14 and a space on the memorial was left for this purpose. The reasoning behind this decision was that when it became known that a "new lodge" had been created there might be an influx of members wishing to become Founder members and this was considered undesirable. From the records, Bro. A.B. Shaw, of Lodge 730, applied to join the new lodge and he was accepted and became the" fourteenth" Founder.
B. A more serious problem then arose regarding the sponsorship of the new lodge. To support the Memorial, three lodges were approached, 302, 397 and 730. Lodges 302 and 397 signed the Memorial and gave their blessing and best wishes to the new lodge. It would appear that a regrettable objection was made by the Secretary of Lodge 730, W. Bro. C.H. Butlemot, withstanding that a large majority voted in favour when the Memorial was signed and supported.
C. At a meeting of the Metropolitan Board, the Memorial was an item of business for approval and recommendation to Grand Lodge - one would have assumed that this would not have caused problems, but it did. A.W. Bro. W. Hadden representing Lodge 730 on the Metropolitan Board made objection on the grounds that as Lodge 730 was a "decaying lodge" the granting of a warrant to 614 was likely to occasion Lodge 730 severe damage.
In the circumstances, Metropolitan Board ordered that the presentation of the memorial be postponed for 12 months - a decision which Metropolitan had in fact no authority to order the authority in the hands of Metropolitan being to either approve or reject the Memorial.
The Grand Secretary, being unhappy with what had transpired, requested W. Bro. Guest to attend on him and provide "background information" on the matter. W. Bro. Guest, Bro. Meaden and Bro. Tait attended on Grand Secretary and were informed of what happened at Metropolitan. The Grand Secretary was concerned to assertion if there were "axes to grind" by either the new lodge or lodge 730 and, more particularly, why the Memorialists wanted to set up a new lodge. W. Bro. Guest and his team rejected an "axe to grind" on their part and put forward the argument of the numbers in Lodge 730. At that time in 1927, there were some 270 members of 730 of which some fourteen were "town members." Putting Bro. Meaden's name as an example, it was stated to Grand Secretary that even with a 50% drop-out, Bro. Meaden, would or could not become the W. Master of 730 until he was in his middle eighties assuming that he lived that long!!
W. Bro. Guest pressed on Grand Secretary that with the numbers in 730, their argument of being a "decaying lodge" was sheer nonsense. But, being the gentleman and good Freemason that we (the writers) know him to have been, he conceded that in the future, 730 might have problems. Why? Lodge 730 was originally formed to cater for non-commissioned officers and men of the British Army stationed in the Dublin Garrison area and undoubtedly, after the creation of the Irish Free State, and the withdrawal of the British Army the lodge might suffer - in point of fact, the lodge did suffer. But a change in its by-laws allowed for a considerable influx of ex-service men and also members or ex-members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. In 1927/28, no less than twenty-four new members joined 730. The Grand Secretary having satisfied himself of the bona fides of W. Bro. Guest and his team asked that the essence of their arguments be reduced to writing and at the following meeting of Metropolitan the written arguments were presented by Grand Secretary. On hearing the argument as presented by Grand Secretary, Metropolitan unanimously recommended the granting of the Warrant to Grand Lodge.
A rather sad epilogue to the dispute must now be related: W. Bro. Hadden having heard the Grand Secretary at Metropolitan, withdrew Lodge 730's opposition and subsequently spoke to W. Bro. Guest and several others of the Founders (of 614) and offered his apologies for the opposition from 730 and stated that he had been mislead in that he had been told to oppose the granting of the warrant by W. Bro. Butler and W. Bro. Shannon. What he had not been told was that the Memorial had in fact been signed by 730. W. Bro. Hadden (as recorded by W. Bro. Meaden) was so disgusted by what had transpired, he resolved never to set foot again in the Masonic Hall and, to the best of knowledge available, he never did. He died a short time later.
Warrant No. 614
Much mystery is attached to the numbering of warrants and the avid student of these matters are recommended to do one or both of the following:
1 . Consult with the grand Secretary or the Assistant Grand Secretary
2. Join Lodge 200 - the Lodge of Research.
Both the above sources will be found to be most rewarding.
The above suggestion is not made lightly. The writers had always assumed that No. 614 was a relatively "modem number." But, not so. The records show that far from being "modern" - No. 614 is quite old. The warrant was first issued to John Holmes. William Patton and Gabriel Elliott as first W. Master and Wardens of a lodge to be erected in Castlefin, Co. Donegal on the 6th March 1783. The records further show that between 1783 and 1801, 41 members were registered on the Lodge's roll, but in 1801 the lodge closed and the warrant was returned to Grand Lodge. The records do not record what happened or why the lodge, in a relatively strong position, should cease working. It is probably idle speculation on the part of the writers that the closure might have some connection with the late rebellion of the United Irishmen (1798). Although the rebellion was short lived and was mainly confined to Wexford/Wicklow and the North East of the country, the retribution by the “establishment" was severe and widespread – “secret societies” were the subject of scrutiny. It may well be that the brethren in Castlefin concluded that it might be prudent to "go to ground" until the storm blew over.
One hundred and twenty seven years passed before the re-issue of the number to W. Bro. Guest, Bro. Benwell and Bro. Liddy to erect a lodge in Dublin on the 24th January, 1928. In its first existence, No. 614 had a life of 18 years on its next time round its existence has nearly been four times that duration and hopefully it will in the future pass to a lodge which could last for more than 70 years.
The Constitution of the Lodge
The description of the Constitution of the Lodge was written by W. Bro. Meaden some 45 years ago and is re-produced here in full as to paraphrase it would, in the opinion of the writers, be improper.
The Constitution of Spectamur Agendo Lodge No 614 took place in the Grand Lodge Room, Freemasons Hall, Dublin on the 24th January, 1928 at 6.00 p.m. The then Deputy Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro. Col. Claude Cane was to have performed the ceremony but owing to illness debuted Rt. W. Bro. John Halliday, Grand Superintendent of Works and Grand Secretary of Instruction to act as constituting officer. The Grand Lodge room was full - the Founder Members in evening dress were accommodated in reserved seats in the south.
The constituting officer and other grand officers in attendance upon him entered in procession, V.W. Bro. Dr, W.H. Gader, Grand Organist presiding at the organ. Three vessels containing corn, wine and oil together with the three great lights were carried in procession before the acting Deputy Grand Master. The opening hymn "O God our Help in Ages Past" was sung. The Grand Secretary announced the issue of the warrant by Grand Lodge. The acting Deputy Grand Master called on the Grand Secretary to produce and read the warrant. Having done so, the Grand Secretary submitted the warrant, roll of officers and members of the new lodge together with a copy of the by-laws to the acting Deputy Grand Master for inspection.
All brethren having adopted a posture of devotion, the Rt. W. Grand Chaplain offered up a rather long prayer of dedication. The brethren responded with the chant "Glory be to God on High, on Earth Peace, Goodwill Towards Men, So Mote it be:
The procession reformed and made a circuit of the lodge room bearing the vessels of corn, wine and oil during which a hymn was sung.
"Genius of masonry! Descend
And with thee bring thy spotless train
Do at our sacred rites attend
Whilst we adore thy peaceful reign"
The acting Deputy Grand Master, having arrived in the East, the procession waited and formed round the alter-facing inward. The ewer of corn was then presented to the acting Deputy Grand Master - the presenter stating:
"Rt. W.R. Brother acting as Deputy Grand Master it has been of immemorial custom in the dedication of all New Lodges, To pour out corn as the emblem of nourishment. I therefore, present to you, this were of corn to be applied by you in accordance with ancient usage."
The acting Deputy Grand Master having received the corn, struck once with his maul and then scattered the corn, saying "I scatter corn in token of prosperity and plenty." The brethren responding "So Mote it be."
A second circuit was made round the lodge during which the following was sung:
"Bring with thee, virtue, brightest maid
Bring love, bring truth, bring friendship here
Whilst social mirth shall end her aid
To soothe the wrinkled brow of care"
The procession halted as before in the east and the ewer of wine was presented and the acting deputy grand Master was addressed thus:
"Rt. W.R. Brother acting as deputy Grand Master, wine. The emblem of refreshment, having been used by the ancient brethren, in the dedication of their ancient temples. I present to you this wine to be used by you in accordance with ancient usage."
The acting Deputy Grand Master received the ewer and dipped his fingers in the wine, and sprinkled some on the lodge, saying:
"I sprinkle wine in token of cheerfulness and joy"
The brethren responding - "So mote it be"
A third circuit was then made of the lodge during which the following verse was sung:
"Bring charity with goodness crowned Encircled in thy heavenly robe Diffuse thy blessing all around To every comer of the globe"
On completion of a third circuit of the lodge again arriving in the east. The ewer of oil was presented to the acting deputy Grand Master who was addressed:
"Rt. W. Brother acting as deputy Grand Master I now present to you this oil to be used by you in accordance to our ancient rites."
The acting Deputy Grand Master taking the oil sprinkles it on the alter, pillars and floor of the lodge saying:
"I sprinkle oil in token of peace, love and harmony"
The brethren responding: "So mote it be"
The three great fights were then borne in procession thrice round the lodge and the acting Deputy Grand Master then placed them on the alter for the use of the new lodge.
The acting Deputy Grand Master directed the brethren to assume a posture of devotion and then delivered an invocation:
"I invoke the blessing and favour of the all-merciful and gracious Creator, of whose free and universal bounty this corn, wine and oil are the significant emblems and of whose laws the three great lights are symbols to us dedicate this lodge of Freemasons to virtue, truth and universal benevolence, Amen."
The brethren responding:
"The Lord is gracious and His mercy endureth for ever"
The Hymn - 'With one consent let all the Earth" was then sung.
The Lodge having been constituted, the acting Deputy Grand Master called on the members of Lodge 614 to attend on him in the east. As the Grand Secretary called their names from the roll, they advanced in order and stood before the chair all other brethren being seated. The acting Deputy Grand Master then constituted them into a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and directed the Grand Wardens to declare Spectamur Agendo Lodge 614 to be at labour.
W. Bro. Guest was installed by the acting Deputy Grand Master as W. Master of 614. The new W. Master installed the Officers of the Lodge reciting all the charges from memory and without reference to any written aids whatsoever.
The lodge having no further business to transact, the closing ceremony took place. On the first question being put to the members of the lodge a number of candidates were proposed. The first candidate proposed by W. Bro. Guest was of S.T. Nelson who subsequently became the first initiate to lodge 614.
Upon the second question being put to the visiting brethren, Rt. W. Bro. Holliday delivered a very inspiring ovation impressing on the Founders of the new lodge the great responsibility they had undertaken - it been given to so few to have the honor of being Founders of a lodge to the glory of the order in general and to lodge 614 in particular. The W Master made suitable reply.
The lodge was closed in Peace, Love and Harmony - all singing "God Save the King." Refreshment after labour - following the constitution meeting, a supper was served and it is recorded that eighteen Grand Lodge Officers and Representatives of Grand Foreign Lodges together with twenty invited guests and the Founding Members were entertained and a most enjoyable evening was had by all.
The Founder Jewel
Each of the fourteen founders of the lodge were presented with a founders jewel. At the time of writing, two of these jewels are to hand but as to who owned them is not known and it is believed that they have came back into "existence" by the good offices of the late W. Bro. J. Stuart
The design of the jewel takes the form of the arms of the City of Dublin (three biasing castles) surrounded by a laurel wreath suspended on a blue water silk ribbon from a clasp bearing the inscription "Founder Member." The jewel was designed by the late W. Bro. W. Meaden and intends to perpetuate the memory of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The jewel was made by Spencer & Co., of London at a cost of £19.40 (Note: 16 jewels were purchased at £1.40 each).
Membership of Lodge
As already stated, the initial membership was fourteen brethren, reduced by one and subsequently restored to fourteen. By 1930, the membership of the lodge was 36 and made up as follows:
Founder Members 14
Joined or Affiliated 24
Exited from Lodge 2
36
By 1937, the lodge membership continued to prosper when the membership stood at 48 brethren. Again, made up as follows-.
Founder Members 10
Joined or Affiliated 27 (1928-1930)
Joined or Affiliated 23 (1931-1937)
Exited from Lodge 2 (1928-1930)
Exited from Lodge 10 (1931-1937)
48
In compiling the above information, some difficulties were encountered as the Register of Members and the Roll of membership are in conflict, but none the less, the data is reasonably reliable. One of the strange or unusual "snippets" that came to notice was a list of eight brethren who Joined between 1927/1928 and subsequently "disappeared" between 1928/1929. From the Register of Members, it would appear that thy all signed, presumably in the date order that they joined - it would be improper to make any assumptions to the reason for this mass exitus and further research will have to be made. For the record, the names of the brethren concerned are: M.W. Harrison, T. White, E.A. Margetson, P.W. Griffin, W.R. Swann, W.V. Kearney & G. Caufield. Between 1938 and 1944 (basically the years of World War 11), twenty new brethren joined of whom four are fondly recalled by the writers - W. Bro. Mal James, W. Bro. Bill Stores, W. Bro. Bill Lamb and W. Bro. Bert Bradfield.
The middle 1950's to the middle 1960's was the "Golden Era" of Lodge 614 following a very significant influx to membership - some 43, by 1967, the roll held the names of 62 brethren composed as follows:
Founder Members 4
Honorary Members 2
Country Members 5
Ordinary Members 51
62
If the middle 1950's to the 1960's was Lodge 614's "Golden Era" - certainly the W. Masters of those days were much occupied by giving degrees and a body of expertise in degree giving was built up in this period. The period from 1966 to 1980 witnesses the start of decline of the "popularity" of the order in the Metropolitan area in general, and Lodge 614 was not saved from the consequences of that decline. In this period, twenty eight new names were recorded on the register of whom six affiliated from Cameron Lodge 72 (on its closure in 1980), one further affiliation from a lodge that closed and, of the remaining 21, no less than eight resigned the order. Of the 28 mentioned above, it is regretted that no less than six have been called to the Grand Lodge above.
The recent survey carried out on behalf of the Metropolitan area by the Smurfit Business School (U.C.D.) made even more grim reading. By 1997, membership had fallen to approx. 1800 members, the number of lodges to 39, and of more importance, the age profile of membership moved from 51 years to 62 years.
It is not surprising therefore that the situation in Lodge 614 became critical by 1990 simply because of lack of recruitment. In the last 12 years only two new members were in initiated, W. Bro. D. Heather in 1984 and Bro. P. Hampton 1996. The attached report by the secretary to the lodge (Appendix I 1), pointed out (in 1992) the situation in unequivocal terms.
The Decision To Close
Lodge 614 over the last several years had a rather unique institution namely the W. Masters "Summer Committee." The purpose of this small committee was to sit down during the closed season to consider the best interests of the lodge as to "recycling" of officers, charitable giving, etc.
From 1955 onwards, one of the main topics of conversation of the committee was the ability of the lodge to continue in its current form - whether an amalgamation was an option or whether the surrender of the warrant, allowing the brethren to make their own decision as to what lodge to join, would be best.
The 1997 "Summer Committee" decided that amalgamation was not an option for several reasons and further determined to raise at the September Communication the possibility of surrendering the warrant. This was duly done and the resulting debate was of considerable interest. It should be noted that several of the brethren present felt that the proposed action was premature in view of the excellent attending record at communications - averaging 70% of roll. However, it was agreed that a formal notice of motion be placed on the agenda for the October communication for testing the mind of the brethren.
Between the September and October Communications disaster struck - one brother applied for and was granted a leave of absence for a year. Sadly, W. Bro. R. Murphy and W. Bro. M. James died.
At the October Communication, the brethren with great sadness accepted the inevitable and the Secretary's Notice of Motion was passed without a dissenting voice. The fateful decision having been taken, the W. Master and the secretary were instructed to make all the appropriate agreements with Grand Secretary to surrender the Warrant as of 31st December 1997.
At the November Communication discoveries and decisions were made:
Discoveries:
Name and Rank Further Masonic Career
W. Bro. R. Grimason - W, Master To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. D. Heather - S. Warden To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. G. Reid - J Warden To affiliate to Lodge 426
Bro. E. Nesbitt - S. Deacon Not yet known
W. Bro. M. Young - J. Deacon On year's leave of absence
W. Bro. K. Richards - Treasurer To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. A. Hampton - Secretary & R.M.B.G.P To affiliate to Lodge 426 & 125
W. Bro. D. Farrar – Inner guard & Almoner To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. S. Clarke - Chaplain To affiliate to Dalkey Lodge
W. Bro. A. Kirk - D.C. To affiliate to Lodge 125
W. Bro. J. Lamb - S.C. To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. L. Shiel Will not be affiliated to a Lodge
W. Bro. T. Hall To affiliate to Lodge 125
W. Bro. D. Swift To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. L. Reid To affiliate to Lodge 125
W. Bro. J. Leahy Not yet known
Decisions:
(A) As the majority of the brethren are affiliating to Lodge 426, by resolution it was agreed to offer Lodge 426:
i. The W Masters Silver Collar - Presented to Lodge 614 by Lodge 72 on its closure.
ii. The Silver Gavel
iii. The Deacons’ Wands – In memory of Rt. W. Bro. R. Stuart
(B) As four brethren are affiliating to Lodge 125, by resolution it was agreed to offer Lodge 125 two silver collecting plates given in memory of R.W. Bro. R. Stuart
(C) The Collars of Office – to be offered to current lodge officers on receipt of a donation to the charity fund.
(D) The minute books and other useful records to be laid un in Grand Lodge archives.
Finances of Lodge
It is always interesting to look back at costs in times past, and the accounts of Lodge 614 are no exception. When the lodge was founded the average industrial wage was £3. 10s. 0. per week and if one was fortunate enough to be employed by Arthur Guinness Son & Co., the wage in the working grade(s) would have been £5. 0s. 0.
The average industrial wage at the time of writing is approx., £280 per week and, for skilled trades persons, i.e., electricians, £340. In the 70 years wages have increased by a factor of some 85/90 times and it is against this background the accounts for 1928 are viewed.
The first major item was the collection of £5 from each founder - that is to say at least a week's wage. One could ponder the question "Would lodge founders be prepared to put up 1300 per head today? Most probably not!
Dues in 1928 were 10 shillings, today's equivalent of £45. The initiation fee in 1928 was £8. 8s. 0., the equivalent of about £750 today. The current fee is in fact a mear £50.00.
On the expenditure side, the warrant cost £20, or in modem terms £1700. The constitution supper cost £29. 3s. 9d., equivalent to £2600 today. The lodge collars, etc., cost £22. 15s. 0d. or £1980 today.
It is accepted that one just cannot multiply costs in 1928 by mere movement in the change in average industrial wage, factors such as income taxation have to be taken into account. Nevertheless, the yardstick is not totally inappropriate. The point being made is mearly this, to have been a member of the order in 1928 was expensive. Is it today that it is too cheap and because of this has it lost out?
Leaving aside comparisons, it is interesting to note from the accounts over the years two particular features:
(A) The lodges giving to building funds for repairs etc., to lodges in the Irish Constituency.
(B) Contributions to Masonic Charities
On the latter giving, in the years 1992/96, the lodge contributed £600 per annum to the Victoria Jubilee/Haven, and for this year the contribution will be to the order of £800 not a bad record for a lodge of some 23 members.
Over the last 20 years, the lodge gave some £6000 to charities, £800 to individual members or their widows and the balance of f,5200 to the various Masonic charities.
[There follows a list of members and Worshipful Masters from 1928 to 1997]
At the Stated Communication of the Lodge held on 3rd October last the Secretary, Worshipful Bro. A. Hampton made an oral report of his findings and also of his visit to Grand Lodge Office.
The Brethren, in accepting the Secretary's oral report, requested that the report be reduced to writing and circulated with the notice for the Stated Communication to be held on Saturday 7th November 1992.
Remit
The Brethren of the Lodge will recall that the Secretary was requested to make a report to the Lodge in all matters appertaining to “The future of Lodge 614” in light of the fact that:-
In the circumstances, Metropolitan Board ordered that the presentation of the memorial be postponed for 12 months - a decision which Metropolitan had in fact no authority to order the authority in the hands of Metropolitan being to either approve or reject the Memorial.
The Grand Secretary, being unhappy with what had transpired, requested W. Bro. Guest to attend on him and provide "background information" on the matter. W. Bro. Guest, Bro. Meaden and Bro. Tait attended on Grand Secretary and were informed of what happened at Metropolitan. The Grand Secretary was concerned to assertion if there were "axes to grind" by either the new lodge or lodge 730 and, more particularly, why the Memorialists wanted to set up a new lodge. W. Bro. Guest and his team rejected an "axe to grind" on their part and put forward the argument of the numbers in Lodge 730. At that time in 1927, there were some 270 members of 730 of which someII4 were "town members." Putting Bro. Meaden's name as an example, it was stated to Grand Secretary that even with a 50% drop-out, Bro. Meaden, would or could not become the W. Master of 730 until he was in his middle eighties assuming that he lived that long!!
W. Bro. Guest pressed on Grand Secretary that with the numbers in 730, their argument of being a "decaying lodge" was sheer nonsense. But, being the gentleman and good Freemason that we (the writers) know him to have been, he conceded that in the future, 730 might have problems. Why? Lodge 730 was originally formed to cater for non-commissioned officers and men of the British Army stationed in the Dublin Garrison area and undoubtedly, after the creation of the Irish Free State, and the withdrawal of the British Army the lodge might suffer - in point of fact, the lodge did suffer. But a change in its by-laws allowed for a considerable influx of ex-service men and also members or ex-members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. In 1927/28, no less than twenty-four new members joined 730. The Grand Secretary having satisfied himself of the bona fides of W. Bro. Guest and his team asked that the essence of their arguments be reduced to writing and at the following meeting of Metropolitan the written arguments were presented by Grand Secretary. On hearing the argument as presented by Grand Secretary, Metropolitan unanimously recommended the granting of the Warrant to Grand Lodge.
(a) No new Brother had been initiated into the Lodge for more than nine years and
(b) That the Lodge 'suffers' from an increasing age pattern.
Membership
Reference to the membership role for 1983 displayed a membership of 46 Brethren, the current return recently completed for Grand Lodge reported a paid up membership of 23 Brethren together with 3 honorary members. The decline in membership over the period can be summarised as follows:-
Name Resigned/Deceased
Worshipful Bro. J. Stuart Deceased
Worshipful Bro. W. Stokes Deceased
Worshipful Bro. W. Lamb Deceased
Worshipful Bro. A.A. Bradfield Deceased
Bro. T. Cranston Deceased
Worshipful Bro. W. Todd Deceased
Worshipful Bro. E. Sullivan Deceased
Worshipful Bro. J. Younge Resigned
Worshipful Bro. L. Dickson Resigned
Worshipful Bro. C. Farrar Deceased
Worshipful Bro. J.A. Curtis Resigned
Bro. W. Bidmade Resigned
Bro. W. McDonnell Resigned
Bro. A. Thain Resigned
Worshipful Bro. R.H. Smith Resigned
Bro. R. Kingston, P.M. Resigned
Bro. J. Patterson Resigned
Bro. R. Parkhouse Resigned
Bro. W. Blennerhassett Resigned
Bro. H. Watchorn Resigned
Bro. T. Mallagh, P.M. Resigned
Bro. J. Sarsteiner, P.M. Deceased
Bro. C. McFarlane, P.M. Deceased
The sad fact is that in the period under review the Lodge membership has decreased by 43%.
The Secretary, not wishing to cause embarrassment, estimates the age pattern in the Lodge approximately as follows:-
Age up to 55 Age between 56-70 Age-over 70
8 13 6
If the above estimate is correct, and on the assumption that no new members join, a reasonable conclusion would be that by the year 2000 the Lodge would not be in a position to 'open and close'. This conclusion is based on the following realities:-
(1) Death/infirmity.
(2) Two members of the Lodge are resident in the United Kingdom and are unlikely to return to live in Ireland.
(3) Of the current membership, four do not, and are unlikely to attend, future meetings.
(4) Other reasons - change of residence, work-related transfers etc.
Lodge Attendance
Despite the small nominal membership role, the average attendance at meetings for the last three years works out at sixteen, expressed as a percentage of the nominal role the average attendance in Lodge 614 is approximately 60%. Grand Lodge have advised the Secretary that Lodge 614 has one of the highest per capita attendance at meetings in the Metropolitan Area.
Conclusion
In coming to any conclusion in this report, the Secretary is conscious of the great sadness engendered by Lodges surrendering their warrants, with particular reference to any suggestion that Lodge 614 would, to use a very vulgar phrase, go into 'voluntary liquidation'. On the contrary, the Secretary would hope that the report will engender discussion as to how best Lodge 614 can continue in existence for the good of the Lodge in particular and freemasonry in general.
The Secretary, in talking to Grand Lodge, and to members of the Order in general, now submits the following proposition:-
“That Lodge 614 make a peculiar effort to continue in existence and actively seek out 'struggling' Lodges or Lodges about to surrender their warrants with a view to inviting them to join Lodge 614.
[There follows a list of Treasurer’s and Secretary’s]
Compiled by Wor. Bros. A. Hampion and D. Ruttle.
W. Bro. Allen Guest joined the British Army as a boy soldier and took part in the South African war 1899/02. In the fullness of time he transferred to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and fought in the First World War. He was decorated in 1916 with the Military Medal. In the Second World War he rejoined the "colours" and was commissioned. In 1945 he held the rank of Captain.
In 1927, certain brethren, members of the Dublin Garrison Lodge No. 730, which had a very large membership, concluded that as they were so far down the roll of members, they had little chance of achieving office except as very elderly gentlemen. The brethren who had come to the conclusion as related above were all attendees of the ritual class and it was therefore not surprising that the possibility of forming a new lodge became a central point of discussion.
As part of the discussion it was discovered that there had to be at least one past master among the founder members of a lodge to be the first W. Master and accordingly W. Bro. Allen Guest was approached to act in that capacity. Not only did W.G. Guest respond favourably but took a very keen and active part in the activities of the lodge until his untimely death in January 1956.
At the outset, much spade work had to be done such as the cost of the warrant, acquisition of regalia, working aprons, books of record, and an appropriate name for the lodge, the construction of by-laws and the appointment of the First Officers of the Lodge. Fourteen brethren were found who agreed to become founder members by a subscription of £5 each. Enough funds were in hand as would be sufficient to cover the initial costs of setting up the new lodge.
The warrant was granted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland in December 1927 and the lodge was constituted on the 24th January, 1928.
The founder members were:
Name Lodge
Allen C.F. Guest, P.M., M.M. 730
Walter H. Hennrah 302
Percival H. Behwell 730
James T. Liddy 730
Robert L. Lockwood 730
Robert Spence 307
Samuel Hughes 730
William Johnston 153
Richard Smith 730
Thomas Tait, D.C.M., M.M. 730
George R. Skerrett 730
Walter J. Meaden 730
Thomas Singleton 730
Alfred B. Shaw 730
The First Officers of the Lodge were as follows:
A.C.F. Guest, P.M., M.M. W.M. & R.M.B.G.P
P.H. Benwell S.W.
J. T. Liday J.W.
W.J. Meaden Treasurer
T. Plowman, P.M. Secretary
R.L. Lockwood S.D.
R. Spence J.D.
S. Hughes I.G.
T.F. Marchant, P.M. D.C. & Organist
W.H. Hennah Chaplain
N.B. - All of the above Officers were Founder Members
1. From the records, much thought and work went into the drawing of the bylaws and the fixing of the charges, etc., as it was considered essential that the initial constitution be as fool-proof as possible, especially the by-law, as to qualification for office and it would appear that as a guide, the by-laws of other lodges were obtained and considered.
An area that was considered at much length was the position of the Founder Members on the nominal roll when it was decided that seniority was to be correlated to the date the founder joined the order. The only exception being W. Bro. Guest who was deemed to be primus inter parries. It should be noted that Bro. W. Hennah was second in seniority and would normally have been Senior Warden. Bro. Hennah declined office as he was approaching the Chair in his mother lodge but as will be further noted, he agreed to act as chaplain.
Under the Laws and Constitution of the G.L. of I., the Secretary and Director of C. must be a Past Masters so it was necessary for the fledgling lodge to acquire such qualified persons - W. Bro. Plowman (a P.M. of Lodge 171) and W. Bro. Marchant (a P.M. of Lodge 53) volunteered their services and both these brethren were subsequently made Honorary Founder Members. When Bro. Meaden was appointed Treasurer, the First Officers of the Lodge were completed and seniority established.
Lodge Name
Consensus shows that a number of names were considered for the new lodge unfortunately the possible names are not recorded simply because the lodge had not come into being, a minute book did not exist. However, subsequent record declares that the name Spectamur Agendo was chosen. The reason being that of the fourteen Founder Members, eleven were members of Dublin Garrison Lodge 730, a lodge with long standing military association and it was felt that a name with a military connection would be appropriate as several of the Founder Members had served in the First World War in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers whose motto was Spectamur Agendo (By Our Deeds Are We Known). The R.D.F. was disbanded in 1922 on the creation of the then Irish Free State and the Founders felt that by adopting the R.D.F. motto the memory of the regiment would be preserved and in any event the motto constituted a very worthy Masonic Lodge name.
Granting of Warrant
There would appear to have been some difficulties attached to the granting of the warrant. The difficulties were not great, but as can be appreciated, came as something of a surprise:-
A. First of all, one of the Founder Members had a change of mind, leaving 13 Founders which was considered too "unlucky." It was agreed by the 13 that the number of Founders remain at 14 and a space on the memorial was left for this purpose. The reasoning behind this decision was that when it became known that a "new lodge" had been created there might be an influx of members wishing to become Founder members and this was considered undesirable. From the records, Bro. A.B. Shaw, of Lodge 730, applied to join the new lodge and he was accepted and became the" fourteenth" Founder.
B. A more serious problem then arose regarding the sponsorship of the new lodge. To support the Memorial, three lodges were approached, 302, 397 and 730. Lodges 302 and 397 signed the Memorial and gave their blessing and best wishes to the new lodge. It would appear that a regrettable objection was made by the Secretary of Lodge 730, W. Bro. C.H. Butlemot, withstanding that a large majority voted in favour when the Memorial was signed and supported.
C. At a meeting of the Metropolitan Board, the Memorial was an item of business for approval and recommendation to Grand Lodge - one would have assumed that this would not have caused problems, but it did. A.W. Bro. W. Hadden representing Lodge 730 on the Metropolitan Board made objection on the grounds that as Lodge 730 was a "decaying lodge" the granting of a warrant to 614 was likely to occasion Lodge 730 severe damage.
In the circumstances, Metropolitan Board ordered that the presentation of the memorial be postponed for 12 months - a decision which Metropolitan had in fact no authority to order the authority in the hands of Metropolitan being to either approve or reject the Memorial.
The Grand Secretary, being unhappy with what had transpired, requested W. Bro. Guest to attend on him and provide "background information" on the matter. W. Bro. Guest, Bro. Meaden and Bro. Tait attended on Grand Secretary and were informed of what happened at Metropolitan. The Grand Secretary was concerned to assertion if there were "axes to grind" by either the new lodge or lodge 730 and, more particularly, why the Memorialists wanted to set up a new lodge. W. Bro. Guest and his team rejected an "axe to grind" on their part and put forward the argument of the numbers in Lodge 730. At that time in 1927, there were some 270 members of 730 of which some fourteen were "town members." Putting Bro. Meaden's name as an example, it was stated to Grand Secretary that even with a 50% drop-out, Bro. Meaden, would or could not become the W. Master of 730 until he was in his middle eighties assuming that he lived that long!!
W. Bro. Guest pressed on Grand Secretary that with the numbers in 730, their argument of being a "decaying lodge" was sheer nonsense. But, being the gentleman and good Freemason that we (the writers) know him to have been, he conceded that in the future, 730 might have problems. Why? Lodge 730 was originally formed to cater for non-commissioned officers and men of the British Army stationed in the Dublin Garrison area and undoubtedly, after the creation of the Irish Free State, and the withdrawal of the British Army the lodge might suffer - in point of fact, the lodge did suffer. But a change in its by-laws allowed for a considerable influx of ex-service men and also members or ex-members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. In 1927/28, no less than twenty-four new members joined 730. The Grand Secretary having satisfied himself of the bona fides of W. Bro. Guest and his team asked that the essence of their arguments be reduced to writing and at the following meeting of Metropolitan the written arguments were presented by Grand Secretary. On hearing the argument as presented by Grand Secretary, Metropolitan unanimously recommended the granting of the Warrant to Grand Lodge.
A rather sad epilogue to the dispute must now be related: W. Bro. Hadden having heard the Grand Secretary at Metropolitan, withdrew Lodge 730's opposition and subsequently spoke to W. Bro. Guest and several others of the Founders (of 614) and offered his apologies for the opposition from 730 and stated that he had been mislead in that he had been told to oppose the granting of the warrant by W. Bro. Butler and W. Bro. Shannon. What he had not been told was that the Memorial had in fact been signed by 730. W. Bro. Hadden (as recorded by W. Bro. Meaden) was so disgusted by what had transpired, he resolved never to set foot again in the Masonic Hall and, to the best of knowledge available, he never did. He died a short time later.
Warrant No. 614
Much mystery is attached to the numbering of warrants and the avid student of these matters are recommended to do one or both of the following:
1 . Consult with the grand Secretary or the Assistant Grand Secretary
2. Join Lodge 200 - the Lodge of Research.
Both the above sources will be found to be most rewarding.
The above suggestion is not made lightly. The writers had always assumed that No. 614 was a relatively "modem number." But, not so. The records show that far from being "modern" - No. 614 is quite old. The warrant was first issued to John Holmes. William Patton and Gabriel Elliott as first W. Master and Wardens of a lodge to be erected in Castlefin, Co. Donegal on the 6th March 1783. The records further show that between 1783 and 1801, 41 members were registered on the Lodge's roll, but in 1801 the lodge closed and the warrant was returned to Grand Lodge. The records do not record what happened or why the lodge, in a relatively strong position, should cease working. It is probably idle speculation on the part of the writers that the closure might have some connection with the late rebellion of the United Irishmen (1798). Although the rebellion was short lived and was mainly confined to Wexford/Wicklow and the North East of the country, the retribution by the “establishment" was severe and widespread – “secret societies” were the subject of scrutiny. It may well be that the brethren in Castlefin concluded that it might be prudent to "go to ground" until the storm blew over.
One hundred and twenty seven years passed before the re-issue of the number to W. Bro. Guest, Bro. Benwell and Bro. Liddy to erect a lodge in Dublin on the 24th January, 1928. In its first existence, No. 614 had a life of 18 years on its next time round its existence has nearly been four times that duration and hopefully it will in the future pass to a lodge which could last for more than 70 years.
The Constitution of the Lodge
The description of the Constitution of the Lodge was written by W. Bro. Meaden some 45 years ago and is re-produced here in full as to paraphrase it would, in the opinion of the writers, be improper.
The Constitution of Spectamur Agendo Lodge No 614 took place in the Grand Lodge Room, Freemasons Hall, Dublin on the 24th January, 1928 at 6.00 p.m. The then Deputy Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro. Col. Claude Cane was to have performed the ceremony but owing to illness debuted Rt. W. Bro. John Halliday, Grand Superintendent of Works and Grand Secretary of Instruction to act as constituting officer. The Grand Lodge room was full - the Founder Members in evening dress were accommodated in reserved seats in the south.
The constituting officer and other grand officers in attendance upon him entered in procession, V.W. Bro. Dr, W.H. Gader, Grand Organist presiding at the organ. Three vessels containing corn, wine and oil together with the three great lights were carried in procession before the acting Deputy Grand Master. The opening hymn "O God our Help in Ages Past" was sung. The Grand Secretary announced the issue of the warrant by Grand Lodge. The acting Deputy Grand Master called on the Grand Secretary to produce and read the warrant. Having done so, the Grand Secretary submitted the warrant, roll of officers and members of the new lodge together with a copy of the by-laws to the acting Deputy Grand Master for inspection.
All brethren having adopted a posture of devotion, the Rt. W. Grand Chaplain offered up a rather long prayer of dedication. The brethren responded with the chant "Glory be to God on High, on Earth Peace, Goodwill Towards Men, So Mote it be:
The procession reformed and made a circuit of the lodge room bearing the vessels of corn, wine and oil during which a hymn was sung.
"Genius of masonry! Descend
And with thee bring thy spotless train
Do at our sacred rites attend
Whilst we adore thy peaceful reign"
The acting Deputy Grand Master, having arrived in the East, the procession waited and formed round the alter-facing inward. The ewer of corn was then presented to the acting Deputy Grand Master - the presenter stating:
"Rt. W.R. Brother acting as Deputy Grand Master it has been of immemorial custom in the dedication of all New Lodges, To pour out corn as the emblem of nourishment. I therefore, present to you, this were of corn to be applied by you in accordance with ancient usage."
The acting Deputy Grand Master having received the corn, struck once with his maul and then scattered the corn, saying "I scatter corn in token of prosperity and plenty." The brethren responding "So Mote it be."
A second circuit was made round the lodge during which the following was sung:
"Bring with thee, virtue, brightest maid
Bring love, bring truth, bring friendship here
Whilst social mirth shall end her aid
To soothe the wrinkled brow of care"
The procession halted as before in the east and the ewer of wine was presented and the acting deputy grand Master was addressed thus:
"Rt. W.R. Brother acting as deputy Grand Master, wine. The emblem of refreshment, having been used by the ancient brethren, in the dedication of their ancient temples. I present to you this wine to be used by you in accordance with ancient usage."
The acting Deputy Grand Master received the ewer and dipped his fingers in the wine, and sprinkled some on the lodge, saying:
"I sprinkle wine in token of cheerfulness and joy"
The brethren responding - "So mote it be"
A third circuit was then made of the lodge during which the following verse was sung:
"Bring charity with goodness crowned Encircled in thy heavenly robe Diffuse thy blessing all around To every comer of the globe"
On completion of a third circuit of the lodge again arriving in the east. The ewer of oil was presented to the acting deputy Grand Master who was addressed:
"Rt. W. Brother acting as deputy Grand Master I now present to you this oil to be used by you in accordance to our ancient rites."
The acting Deputy Grand Master taking the oil sprinkles it on the alter, pillars and floor of the lodge saying:
"I sprinkle oil in token of peace, love and harmony"
The brethren responding: "So mote it be"
The three great fights were then borne in procession thrice round the lodge and the acting Deputy Grand Master then placed them on the alter for the use of the new lodge.
The acting Deputy Grand Master directed the brethren to assume a posture of devotion and then delivered an invocation:
"I invoke the blessing and favour of the all-merciful and gracious Creator, of whose free and universal bounty this corn, wine and oil are the significant emblems and of whose laws the three great lights are symbols to us dedicate this lodge of Freemasons to virtue, truth and universal benevolence, Amen."
The brethren responding:
"The Lord is gracious and His mercy endureth for ever"
The Hymn - 'With one consent let all the Earth" was then sung.
The Lodge having been constituted, the acting Deputy Grand Master called on the members of Lodge 614 to attend on him in the east. As the Grand Secretary called their names from the roll, they advanced in order and stood before the chair all other brethren being seated. The acting Deputy Grand Master then constituted them into a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and directed the Grand Wardens to declare Spectamur Agendo Lodge 614 to be at labour.
W. Bro. Guest was installed by the acting Deputy Grand Master as W. Master of 614. The new W. Master installed the Officers of the Lodge reciting all the charges from memory and without reference to any written aids whatsoever.
The lodge having no further business to transact, the closing ceremony took place. On the first question being put to the members of the lodge a number of candidates were proposed. The first candidate proposed by W. Bro. Guest was of S.T. Nelson who subsequently became the first initiate to lodge 614.
Upon the second question being put to the visiting brethren, Rt. W. Bro. Holliday delivered a very inspiring ovation impressing on the Founders of the new lodge the great responsibility they had undertaken - it been given to so few to have the honor of being Founders of a lodge to the glory of the order in general and to lodge 614 in particular. The W Master made suitable reply.
The lodge was closed in Peace, Love and Harmony - all singing "God Save the King." Refreshment after labour - following the constitution meeting, a supper was served and it is recorded that eighteen Grand Lodge Officers and Representatives of Grand Foreign Lodges together with twenty invited guests and the Founding Members were entertained and a most enjoyable evening was had by all.
The Founder Jewel
Each of the fourteen founders of the lodge were presented with a founders jewel. At the time of writing, two of these jewels are to hand but as to who owned them is not known and it is believed that they have came back into "existence" by the good offices of the late W. Bro. J. Stuart
The design of the jewel takes the form of the arms of the City of Dublin (three biasing castles) surrounded by a laurel wreath suspended on a blue water silk ribbon from a clasp bearing the inscription "Founder Member." The jewel was designed by the late W. Bro. W. Meaden and intends to perpetuate the memory of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The jewel was made by Spencer & Co., of London at a cost of £19.40 (Note: 16 jewels were purchased at £1.40 each).
Membership of Lodge
As already stated, the initial membership was fourteen brethren, reduced by one and subsequently restored to fourteen. By 1930, the membership of the lodge was 36 and made up as follows:
Founder Members 14
Joined or Affiliated 24
Exited from Lodge 2
36
By 1937, the lodge membership continued to prosper when the membership stood at 48 brethren. Again, made up as follows-.
Founder Members 10
Joined or Affiliated 27 (1928-1930)
Joined or Affiliated 23 (1931-1937)
Exited from Lodge 2 (1928-1930)
Exited from Lodge 10 (1931-1937)
48
In compiling the above information, some difficulties were encountered as the Register of Members and the Roll of membership are in conflict, but none the less, the data is reasonably reliable. One of the strange or unusual "snippets" that came to notice was a list of eight brethren who Joined between 1927/1928 and subsequently "disappeared" between 1928/1929. From the Register of Members, it would appear that thy all signed, presumably in the date order that they joined - it would be improper to make any assumptions to the reason for this mass exitus and further research will have to be made. For the record, the names of the brethren concerned are: M.W. Harrison, T. White, E.A. Margetson, P.W. Griffin, W.R. Swann, W.V. Kearney & G. Caufield. Between 1938 and 1944 (basically the years of World War 11), twenty new brethren joined of whom four are fondly recalled by the writers - W. Bro. Mal James, W. Bro. Bill Stores, W. Bro. Bill Lamb and W. Bro. Bert Bradfield.
The middle 1950's to the middle 1960's was the "Golden Era" of Lodge 614 following a very significant influx to membership - some 43, by 1967, the roll held the names of 62 brethren composed as follows:
Founder Members 4
Honorary Members 2
Country Members 5
Ordinary Members 51
62
If the middle 1950's to the 1960's was Lodge 614's "Golden Era" - certainly the W. Masters of those days were much occupied by giving degrees and a body of expertise in degree giving was built up in this period. The period from 1966 to 1980 witnesses the start of decline of the "popularity" of the order in the Metropolitan area in general, and Lodge 614 was not saved from the consequences of that decline. In this period, twenty eight new names were recorded on the register of whom six affiliated from Cameron Lodge 72 (on its closure in 1980), one further affiliation from a lodge that closed and, of the remaining 21, no less than eight resigned the order. Of the 28 mentioned above, it is regretted that no less than six have been called to the Grand Lodge above.
The recent survey carried out on behalf of the Metropolitan area by the Smurfit Business School (U.C.D.) made even more grim reading. By 1997, membership had fallen to approx. 1800 members, the number of lodges to 39, and of more importance, the age profile of membership moved from 51 years to 62 years.
It is not surprising therefore that the situation in Lodge 614 became critical by 1990 simply because of lack of recruitment. In the last 12 years only two new members were in initiated, W. Bro. D. Heather in 1984 and Bro. P. Hampton 1996. The attached report by the secretary to the lodge (Appendix I 1), pointed out (in 1992) the situation in unequivocal terms.
The Decision To Close
Lodge 614 over the last several years had a rather unique institution namely the W. Masters "Summer Committee." The purpose of this small committee was to sit down during the closed season to consider the best interests of the lodge as to "recycling" of officers, charitable giving, etc.
From 1955 onwards, one of the main topics of conversation of the committee was the ability of the lodge to continue in its current form - whether an amalgamation was an option or whether the surrender of the warrant, allowing the brethren to make their own decision as to what lodge to join, would be best.
The 1997 "Summer Committee" decided that amalgamation was not an option for several reasons and further determined to raise at the September Communication the possibility of surrendering the warrant. This was duly done and the resulting debate was of considerable interest. It should be noted that several of the brethren present felt that the proposed action was premature in view of the excellent attending record at communications - averaging 70% of roll. However, it was agreed that a formal notice of motion be placed on the agenda for the October communication for testing the mind of the brethren.
Between the September and October Communications disaster struck - one brother applied for and was granted a leave of absence for a year. Sadly, W. Bro. R. Murphy and W. Bro. M. James died.
At the October Communication, the brethren with great sadness accepted the inevitable and the Secretary's Notice of Motion was passed without a dissenting voice. The fateful decision having been taken, the W. Master and the secretary were instructed to make all the appropriate agreements with Grand Secretary to surrender the Warrant as of 31st December 1997.
At the November Communication discoveries and decisions were made:
Discoveries:
Name and Rank Further Masonic Career
W. Bro. R. Grimason - W, Master To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. D. Heather - S. Warden To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. G. Reid - J Warden To affiliate to Lodge 426
Bro. E. Nesbitt - S. Deacon Not yet known
W. Bro. M. Young - J. Deacon On year's leave of absence
W. Bro. K. Richards - Treasurer To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. A. Hampton - Secretary & R.M.B.G.P To affiliate to Lodge 426 & 125
W. Bro. D. Farrar – Inner guard & Almoner To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. S. Clarke - Chaplain To affiliate to Dalkey Lodge
W. Bro. A. Kirk - D.C. To affiliate to Lodge 125
W. Bro. J. Lamb - S.C. To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. L. Shiel Will not be affiliated to a Lodge
W. Bro. T. Hall To affiliate to Lodge 125
W. Bro. D. Swift To affiliate to Lodge 426
W. Bro. L. Reid To affiliate to Lodge 125
W. Bro. J. Leahy Not yet known
Decisions:
(A) As the majority of the brethren are affiliating to Lodge 426, by resolution it was agreed to offer Lodge 426:
i. The W Masters Silver Collar - Presented to Lodge 614 by Lodge 72 on its closure.
ii. The Silver Gavel
iii. The Deacons’ Wands – In memory of Rt. W. Bro. R. Stuart
(B) As four brethren are affiliating to Lodge 125, by resolution it was agreed to offer Lodge 125 two silver collecting plates given in memory of R.W. Bro. R. Stuart
(C) The Collars of Office – to be offered to current lodge officers on receipt of a donation to the charity fund.
(D) The minute books and other useful records to be laid un in Grand Lodge archives.
Finances of Lodge
It is always interesting to look back at costs in times past, and the accounts of Lodge 614 are no exception. When the lodge was founded the average industrial wage was £3. 10s. 0. per week and if one was fortunate enough to be employed by Arthur Guinness Son & Co., the wage in the working grade(s) would have been £5. 0s. 0.
The average industrial wage at the time of writing is approx., £280 per week and, for skilled trades persons, i.e., electricians, £340. In the 70 years wages have increased by a factor of some 85/90 times and it is against this background the accounts for 1928 are viewed.
The first major item was the collection of £5 from each founder - that is to say at least a week's wage. One could ponder the question "Would lodge founders be prepared to put up 1300 per head today? Most probably not!
Dues in 1928 were 10 shillings, today's equivalent of £45. The initiation fee in 1928 was £8. 8s. 0., the equivalent of about £750 today. The current fee is in fact a mear £50.00.
On the expenditure side, the warrant cost £20, or in modem terms £1700. The constitution supper cost £29. 3s. 9d., equivalent to £2600 today. The lodge collars, etc., cost £22. 15s. 0d. or £1980 today.
It is accepted that one just cannot multiply costs in 1928 by mere movement in the change in average industrial wage, factors such as income taxation have to be taken into account. Nevertheless, the yardstick is not totally inappropriate. The point being made is mearly this, to have been a member of the order in 1928 was expensive. Is it today that it is too cheap and because of this has it lost out?
Leaving aside comparisons, it is interesting to note from the accounts over the years two particular features:
(A) The lodges giving to building funds for repairs etc., to lodges in the Irish Constituency.
(B) Contributions to Masonic Charities
On the latter giving, in the years 1992/96, the lodge contributed £600 per annum to the Victoria Jubilee/Haven, and for this year the contribution will be to the order of £800 not a bad record for a lodge of some 23 members.
Over the last 20 years, the lodge gave some £6000 to charities, £800 to individual members or their widows and the balance of f,5200 to the various Masonic charities.
[There follows a list of members and Worshipful Masters from 1928 to 1997]
At the Stated Communication of the Lodge held on 3rd October last the Secretary, Worshipful Bro. A. Hampton made an oral report of his findings and also of his visit to Grand Lodge Office.
The Brethren, in accepting the Secretary's oral report, requested that the report be reduced to writing and circulated with the notice for the Stated Communication to be held on Saturday 7th November 1992.
Remit
The Brethren of the Lodge will recall that the Secretary was requested to make a report to the Lodge in all matters appertaining to “The future of Lodge 614” in light of the fact that:-
In the circumstances, Metropolitan Board ordered that the presentation of the memorial be postponed for 12 months - a decision which Metropolitan had in fact no authority to order the authority in the hands of Metropolitan being to either approve or reject the Memorial.
The Grand Secretary, being unhappy with what had transpired, requested W. Bro. Guest to attend on him and provide "background information" on the matter. W. Bro. Guest, Bro. Meaden and Bro. Tait attended on Grand Secretary and were informed of what happened at Metropolitan. The Grand Secretary was concerned to assertion if there were "axes to grind" by either the new lodge or lodge 730 and, more particularly, why the Memorialists wanted to set up a new lodge. W. Bro. Guest and his team rejected an "axe to grind" on their part and put forward the argument of the numbers in Lodge 730. At that time in 1927, there were some 270 members of 730 of which someII4 were "town members." Putting Bro. Meaden's name as an example, it was stated to Grand Secretary that even with a 50% drop-out, Bro. Meaden, would or could not become the W. Master of 730 until he was in his middle eighties assuming that he lived that long!!
W. Bro. Guest pressed on Grand Secretary that with the numbers in 730, their argument of being a "decaying lodge" was sheer nonsense. But, being the gentleman and good Freemason that we (the writers) know him to have been, he conceded that in the future, 730 might have problems. Why? Lodge 730 was originally formed to cater for non-commissioned officers and men of the British Army stationed in the Dublin Garrison area and undoubtedly, after the creation of the Irish Free State, and the withdrawal of the British Army the lodge might suffer - in point of fact, the lodge did suffer. But a change in its by-laws allowed for a considerable influx of ex-service men and also members or ex-members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. In 1927/28, no less than twenty-four new members joined 730. The Grand Secretary having satisfied himself of the bona fides of W. Bro. Guest and his team asked that the essence of their arguments be reduced to writing and at the following meeting of Metropolitan the written arguments were presented by Grand Secretary. On hearing the argument as presented by Grand Secretary, Metropolitan unanimously recommended the granting of the Warrant to Grand Lodge.
(a) No new Brother had been initiated into the Lodge for more than nine years and
(b) That the Lodge 'suffers' from an increasing age pattern.
Membership
Reference to the membership role for 1983 displayed a membership of 46 Brethren, the current return recently completed for Grand Lodge reported a paid up membership of 23 Brethren together with 3 honorary members. The decline in membership over the period can be summarised as follows:-
Name Resigned/Deceased
Worshipful Bro. J. Stuart Deceased
Worshipful Bro. W. Stokes Deceased
Worshipful Bro. W. Lamb Deceased
Worshipful Bro. A.A. Bradfield Deceased
Bro. T. Cranston Deceased
Worshipful Bro. W. Todd Deceased
Worshipful Bro. E. Sullivan Deceased
Worshipful Bro. J. Younge Resigned
Worshipful Bro. L. Dickson Resigned
Worshipful Bro. C. Farrar Deceased
Worshipful Bro. J.A. Curtis Resigned
Bro. W. Bidmade Resigned
Bro. W. McDonnell Resigned
Bro. A. Thain Resigned
Worshipful Bro. R.H. Smith Resigned
Bro. R. Kingston, P.M. Resigned
Bro. J. Patterson Resigned
Bro. R. Parkhouse Resigned
Bro. W. Blennerhassett Resigned
Bro. H. Watchorn Resigned
Bro. T. Mallagh, P.M. Resigned
Bro. J. Sarsteiner, P.M. Deceased
Bro. C. McFarlane, P.M. Deceased
The sad fact is that in the period under review the Lodge membership has decreased by 43%.
The Secretary, not wishing to cause embarrassment, estimates the age pattern in the Lodge approximately as follows:-
Age up to 55 Age between 56-70 Age-over 70
8 13 6
If the above estimate is correct, and on the assumption that no new members join, a reasonable conclusion would be that by the year 2000 the Lodge would not be in a position to 'open and close'. This conclusion is based on the following realities:-
(1) Death/infirmity.
(2) Two members of the Lodge are resident in the United Kingdom and are unlikely to return to live in Ireland.
(3) Of the current membership, four do not, and are unlikely to attend, future meetings.
(4) Other reasons - change of residence, work-related transfers etc.
Lodge Attendance
Despite the small nominal membership role, the average attendance at meetings for the last three years works out at sixteen, expressed as a percentage of the nominal role the average attendance in Lodge 614 is approximately 60%. Grand Lodge have advised the Secretary that Lodge 614 has one of the highest per capita attendance at meetings in the Metropolitan Area.
Conclusion
In coming to any conclusion in this report, the Secretary is conscious of the great sadness engendered by Lodges surrendering their warrants, with particular reference to any suggestion that Lodge 614 would, to use a very vulgar phrase, go into 'voluntary liquidation'. On the contrary, the Secretary would hope that the report will engender discussion as to how best Lodge 614 can continue in existence for the good of the Lodge in particular and freemasonry in general.
The Secretary, in talking to Grand Lodge, and to members of the Order in general, now submits the following proposition:-
“That Lodge 614 make a peculiar effort to continue in existence and actively seek out 'struggling' Lodges or Lodges about to surrender their warrants with a view to inviting them to join Lodge 614.
[There follows a list of Treasurer’s and Secretary’s]
Compiled by Wor. Bros. A. Hampion and D. Ruttle.