18th century

The Gloves

Masonic freemasonry men s large ceremonial white gloves

Apart from their practical uses to protect the hands from cold and injury, gloves have symbolic connotations. The old illustrations of operative masons at work do not show them wearing gloves. Their use, then, must have been mostly ceremonial, and their adoption in speculative Freemasonic ritual must be explained by their symbolism. The Italian writer Vanni considers that the origin of the symbolism lies not in their use by certain craftsmen or as protection against the cold, but rather in their military use.

The Athole Family and Freemasonry

Duke of atholle

As the more energetic of the Grand Lodges, which formed the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813 was denominated the “Ancients” and the majority of the Lodges under its supervision were known as “Atholl” Lodges, it appeals to us that an article consisting of references thereto by many of the Masonic writers may not prove uninteresting.

Freemasons donate £5,000 to St Mary’s Collegiate Church Warwick

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A cheque for £5,000 being this year’s contribution from the Famous Five, was presented by VW Bro Alan Wellan, PGSwdB, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, in front of a large congregation at St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Warwick. The church and Warwickshire Freemasonry have many links, some of which are summarised below. This summary was written for the St Mary’s Church magazine by Alan, and was also printed in the brochure for this year’s Annual Church Service in June. Alan is a member of St Mary’s Parochial Church Council.

We are a mirror of society

Old Freemasons Image

A member of society Would you describe Freemasonry as a product of the class struggle? In his 2016 Prestonian Lecture, Dr Richard Berman defines…


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