1792-1822.-To enable the reader more fully to appreciate the régime of the "Ancients" about to be inaugurated in the newly-formed Province. of Lower Canada, it is deemed well first to speak briefly of their coming distinguished ruler; and of the three "Ancient" Lodges then existing at the ancient Capital.

The Duke of Kent.-H. R. H. Prince Edward, the fourth son of King George the Third of England, father of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria (whom may God ever bless), was born Nov. 2nd, 1767.

He was made a Freemason in La Loge des Cœurs Unis at Geneva, Switzerland, 1789-90; and on Feb. 10th, 1790, he was made an Honorary Past Grand Master of the G: L: of England, "Moderns." During the year 1790, he was also appointed by the same G: L: Prov. G: M: of "Gibraltar and Andalusia," which office he held to the year 1800 !

Prince Edward arrived at Quebec from Gibraltar, August 11th, 1791, with the 7th or Royal Regiment of Fusileers, of which he was Colonel. The transports were His Majesty's ships "Ulysses" and "Resistance." was welcomed at Quebec with unbounded enthusiasm.

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During the month of December, 1791, the three Ancient," or "( A: M: Lodges, then existing in "Ye Ancient Capital," namely: Lodge "No. 9," now the "Albion," No. 2, Q. R.; "No. 40," then late "Merchant," No. 1, "Moderns," at Quebec; and "No. 241," now the "St. John's, No. 3, Q. R. (Bro: Dr. Alexander Wilson having obtained the consent thereto of Prince Edward), drew up, signed and forwarded a petition to the G: L: of England, "Ancients," praying for a Warrant to constitute His Royal Highness Prov. G: M: of "Upper and Lower Canada."

March 7th, 1792, Prince Edward was deputed" Prov. G: M: of "Lower Canada," by Warrant "No. 273," E. R., under the authority of John, 4th Duke of Athole, G: M: of the G: L: of England, "Ancients." In the interim the Prince had probably been "healed from Modern' to 'Ancient Masonry." He was duly installed with great éclat, Prov. G: M: "Ancients," of Lower Canada, June 22nd, 1792. He resided at Quebec until January, 1794, when he left to "join the army in the West Indies ;" and at the "close of the campaign close of the campaign" there, he went to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in July of the same year. In the meantime, he was promoted to the rank of "Major-General, commanding His Majesty's Forces in the Province of Nova Scotia and its Dependencies."

Prince Edward was created Duke of Kent and Strathearn, and Earl of Dublin, in 1799. He remained at Halifax for seven years. He continued Prov. G: M: of the "Ancients," Lower Canada, until November 8th, 1813, when, on the resignation of the Duke of Athole, he was elected G: M: of England, "Ancients." He was installed G: M: on December 1st of the same year, and on the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27th, 1813, upon the ratification, on that date, of the union of the "Ancients' and Moderns" at London, he nominated his younger brother, H. R. H. Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, as G: M: of the newly formed "U: G: L: of Ancient Freemasons of England!" He died at Sidmouth, January 23rd, 1820, æt. 52 (of blessed Masonic memory), just eight months. after the birth of his illustrious daughter, "our Gracious Queen," now, and for many years past, chief patroness of the English "Royal Masonic Institution for Girls," grand patron of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys," and patroness of the "United Orders of the Temple and Malta." "God save the Queen!"

1784 85, "No. 241," E. R. Ancients.-Of the famous trio of "Ancient," or "A: Y: M:" Lodges of English institution existing in the "Ancient Capital" prior to the political disseverance of the old "Province of Quebec," and the advent of H. R. H. Prince Edward, in 1791, "No. 241," E. R. in the Royal Regiment of Artillery (now No. 3, Q. R.) has the honor of having been the first!

The following transcript of the quaint Minutes of the meeting at which "No. 241 was constituted under its Warrant is of special interest:

"Lodge of Emergency, Quebec, 30th May, 1788. Present: B: Wm. Beatty, W: M:, B: R. Chambers, S: W:, B: Thompson, J: W:, B: Alloway, Secy., B: C. Chambers, B: Bellair, B: A. Ferguson, Bro: T. Ferguson, B: G. Beattie, B: Sharp, B: Hutchinson, B: Galloway, B: Laurence. Absent, B: Cunningham. B: Casey, B: Jeffreys, B: Jones."

"The W: Master intimated to the Brethren the cause of their being called together was at the request of Br: Archd. Ferguson, who then informed the Body the reason for his doing so, and opened the business of the day by laying before the Brethren the Warrant from the Antient Grand Lodge of England, and the instructions that accompanied it; the W: Master proceeded then to close the Lodge under the sanction of the dispensation, when the body, agreeable to the instructions given, formed a Grand Lodge by virtue thereof."

"Grand Lodge, under Warrant No. 241: Br: Archibald Ferguson, Grand Master; Br: Charles Chambers, Deputy Grand Master; Br: William Beatty, Senior Grand Warden; Br: Thomas Ferguson, Junior Grand Warden; Br: John Alloway, Grand Secretary."

"Grand Lodge being opened, the G: M: ordered the Warrant to be read and all the intelligence the Grand Lodge had favored him with, and the instruments for the solemn constituting and installing the officers mentioned in the Warrant. The G: M: ordered the Master who acted under the dispensation to perform the ceremony of installing the Master to act under the Warrant, when the D: G: M: took the chair, the worshipful Br: Archibald Ferguson was installed Master in the Grand Lodge in the name

of Grand Master Antrim, Chas. Chambers, Senior Warden, and Samuel Casey, Junior Warden. This finished the business of the Grand Lodge, the G: L: proceeded to close with the usual solemnity and opened a Lodge in the third degree of Masonry, when all the necessary business was performed, the remaining part of the day was spent in harmony, to the general satisfaction of the whole, with every testimony of sincere and warm regard to the welfare and general good of the Antient Craft, and the greatest prosperity to the Antient Grand Lodge of England, and all those under her sanction of which we have the honor to be a part."

"Br: Laurence of No. 2, Mount Moriah (?) was admitted a member of this Lodge."

"Br: Thos. Ferguson to act as Junior Warden during the illness of Br: Casey; Br: Cunningham, Treasurer; Br: Thompson, Secretary; Br: Sharp, Senior Deacon; Br: Hutchinson, Junior Deacon; Br: R. Chambers and Br: Bellair, Stewards; Br: Galloway, Tyler."

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Visitor, Br: John Emery, No. 19, Pennsylvania."

Inter alia, it will be seen, from the foregoing, that the No. 241' is higher in the list of the 'Ancients' by 32, than Prince Edward's Warrant, which was 'No. 273. The Warrant of No. 241' was of date Oct. 22, 1787, but it will also be observed from the above that the Lodge was working 'under dispensation' prior to that period; and since, as hereinbefore noted, it is recorded in the Minutes of St. Andrew's Lodge No. 2, Quebec,'' Moderns,' of date July 14, 1785, that there was then "a Lodge in the Royal Artillery, calling themselves Ancient York Masons, and endeavoring to convince that we are Modern," and that "they are the first of this stamp we knew of abroad, tho' we are told there is such a party for some years past in England ;" it thereby becomes clearly evident that the Lodge in the Royal Artillery thus spoken of was 'No. 241 ''A: Y: M:' or 'Ancients,' and hence that it was in existence, 'U. D.' in 1784-85.

At the next meeting of 'No. 241' ('Ancient' Lodges then known by 'number' only), held June 11, 1788, “ Bro: James Barker, late of 'No. 13' (Unity Lodge, Sorel, Moderns '), "Province of Canada,' craved to become ' a member of this Lodge, and be healed from Modern to Antient Masonry, which was agreed to and performed, and he was admitted a member." At meetings during the remainder of the year, there were 'Visitors' from 'No. 4' England, No. 16' Nova Scotia, 'No. 19' Pennsylvania, No. 169' New York, Nos. 236 and 631' Irish Constitution, and 'St. George's' Lodge, Schenectady, N. Y. The meetings of 'No. 241' were "held at the Merchants' Coffee House, kept by Bro: Thos. Ferguson at Quebec," until June 13, 1792, when the Lodge was removed to the British Coffee House, kept by Mr. Alex. McKay, Quebec. More of No. 241,' anon!

1790.-"No. 9," E. R. "Ancients," in the 4th Battalion of Royal Artillery (now No. 2, Q. R.), held its first Meeting in the City of Quebec, at Bro: Ward's House, Nov. 4th, 1790, shortly after its arrival from Woolwich, England. Its meeting were afterwards generally held in the Officers' Mess Room, Dauphin Barracks.

This Lodge was first established at the City of New-York, U. S., July 3, 1781, when the 4th Battalion was stationed in that city, and it was numbered 213," E. R., "Ancients," England. It will be observed that its number is higher in the "A: Y: M:' List by 60, than Prince Edward's Warrant, which was No. 273."

"No. 213" took an active part in the formation of the Prov. G: L:, "Ancients," of New York, Dec. 5, 1782. At this meeting, on application therefor,“ No. 213" was voted the special "privilege of trimming their Masonic hangings with gold, in conformity with the uniform of their Regiment ;" and on March 6, 1783, it was voted that "the thanks of this Grand Lodge' be given to Lodge No. 213' for their generous donation of a setting of marble columns, and a box for the repository of the jewels, etc."

Shortly after the acknowledgment of the independence of the United. States by Great Britain, Sept. 3rd, 1783, the 4th Battalion of Royal Artillery was transferred from the City of N. Y. to St. John's, Newfoundland, from whence it returned to England and was stationed at Woolwich.

On Dec. 20th, 1787, "No. 213" purchased the then vacant "No. 9," "Ancients" (which was originally No. 11, and warranted June 12th, 1752), for five guineas to the Grand Charity. This was not an uncommon practice in England at that period.

In Minutes still extant of "No. 9," at Woolwich, it is of record that on St. John's Day, June 24th, 1789,"

"No. 9,' by summons, joined 'No. 7' in procession, marched to Ye Green Man,' on Black Heath, joined Ye Grand Lodge there, and went to Greenwich Church, where an excellent and truly Masonic Sermon was preached by the Rev. Colin Milne, Grand Chaplain. After Divine Service, both bodies accompanied the Grand Lodge to where we joined, took a respectful leave, returned home, and dined in our respective Lodges. After dinner our Rev. Bro: Turner made an exceeding fine Oration replete with ye most striking principles of Masonry both moral and Divine."

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At a meeting of ' No. 9,' held at Royal Mortar, Woolwich, March 12th 1790, there was "considered a demand made by the Grand Secretary for transferring our names from No. 213' to 'No. 9;"" and "it was Resolved that 6d each member for those present only, be paid, provided it appeared to be a regulation of the Grand Lodge."

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No. 9' met for the last time at Woolwich, June 11th, 1790, elected Officers for the next six months, and appointed a Committee to meet Nos. '7' and 230,' and settle the business for St. John's Day. It held its first meeting at Quebec, as stated above, on Nov. 4th, 1790, with Captain [Edward] Byrn, P: M: in the Chair. At this meeting there were five applications for Initiation.

At the next subsequent meeting it was "past unanimously that each Brother pay 2s. and 6d., 2s. to be spent, and 6d. to be applied for the use of the Box."

On St. John's Day, Dec. 27th, 1790, No. 9' "dined very agreeably, interchanged a 'deputation' with 'No. 241,' and closed at 8 P.M. Čollected £225; expended 1 15s., Box 75." More anon of this notable Lodge.

1790, 'No. 40.'-At an Emergent Meeting of No. 241,' held Nov. 3rd, 1790," a letter was read, signed Jas. Davidson, Master, John Lynd, S: Warden, and Andrew Cameron, J: Warden, acquainting us of their having jointly with the Body of Merchants' Lodge No. 1 of Quebec' (on the Modern establishment) petitioned the Grand Lodge of England for an Ancient Warrant, apologizing for not having acquainted us before as not deeming it necessary."

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Drew of Woolwich, Hope,' Capt. Watts,

"Resolved to answer the same, and recommend their petition to the Grand Lodge in our next letter, as we deem it for the benefit of Masonry." At the regular Meeting of No. 241, held Nov. 10th, 1790 (one week after the foregoing), six "certificates were granted to Brethren who were on the point of leaving for England, and dues amounting to 2 25. for the past two years were collected in order to be sent home by Capt. Patterson of the Mary Ann,' in response to a letter thereanent from the Grand Secretary at London, and another from Br: John England, informing the Lodge that the Vessel the upon which their returns and dues for the last year had been sent to England, "was foundered on the Coast of Holland and every soul perished;" the dues for both years therefore were immediately forwarded by Capt. Patterson; and without doubt the letter of recommendation voted by the foregoing Resolutions was transmitted to the G: Secretary at the same time; and the Warrant for the new Lodge was probably granted on St. John's Day, Dec. 27th, 1790.

At the regular Meeting of 'No. 241,' held June 8th, 1791 (the first Monthly Meeting after the opening of navigation at Quebec), Bro: Geo. Beattie, W: M:, presiding

"The Business of the evening was opened by a motion from the Chair to call in Mr. Jas. Davidson, Jno. Lynd, and Andrew Cameron (a Warrant for them to hold a Lodge in Quebec under the sanction of the Grand of England and No. 265,' being previously read, as likewise a deputation from the Grand Lodge to open a G: L: here for the purpose of installing them). They were accordingly admitted, and informed the Body that they had formerly sat as Masons under a Modern sanction by the name of Merchants' Lodge No. 1 Quebec, 'and now prayed to be healed They were accordingly healed and shewn the Ancient Land marks according to our known Custom and took their seats accordingly."

"On motion from Br: Jas. Davidson it was resolved that next Monday a Lodge of Emergency should be called at Frank's Tavern, Quebec, for the purpose of installing them."

June 13, 1791.-At an Emergent Meeting of "No. 241," held as above, the Lodge was "opened in the 3rd degree of Masonry," and "on motion. from Br Jas. Davidson, it was resolved to call in Mr. Cuthbert Grant, Mr. Wm. Lindsay, jun., and Mr. Wm. McNider, who prayed to be healed from Modern to Ancient Masonry, they having been members of the Merchants' Lodge, No. 1 at Quebec,' under the Modern sanction, they were accordingly healed and took their seats."