Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Ireland Inspectorate of Gibraltar
Establishment of Warrant No. 325
In Gibraltar
Establishment of Warrant No. 325
In Gibraltar
Warrant number 325 came into existence on the 3rd May 1759, when it was first issued by Grand Lodge to Lodge Cappoquin, County Waterford, Ireland.
Lodge Cappoquin was later removed to Mallow, County Cork on the 3rd February 1803.
However on the 5th June 1828 the Brethren at Mallow received news that their Warrant had been cancelled.
They promptly replied the same day to Grand Lodge requesting a revival of their Warrant.
Mallow, 5th June 1828
Dr Sir & Brother
It is with the deepest sorrow and regret, that we have this day perceived a list of cancelled Warrants (sent to 99 held in this town) In which it appears that 325 held here has been cancelled. We beg leave to transmit you the caside of our omifsion in forwarding our dues according to the regularity of Freemasonry. The prohibition enacted by law to meet was the cause, together with the numerous deaths of our members, rendered us incapable of meeting the due demands. Our Lodge was at length reduced to three M: S: & Jr Wardens. We have now our Dr Br the most ardent wish and desire to revive our ancient Warrant, and most humbly hope and entreat that the Grand Lodge will permit us to do so, and take our statement into consideration.
There are many respectable persons who wish to become members which in a very short period would enable us to liquidate the demands on us by the Grand Lodge. We therefore hope under all the circumstances that the Grand Master and Brethren will permit us to proceed. In so doing pledge ourselves, never again will omit the regular attention that shd be payed the craft. We have this moment a remittance to send and wd feel most obliged by forwarding us an acct of the balance due of 325, at the same time sincerely hope as there are but three members that the Grand Lodge will reduce some part of our debt.
Their request was not to be, as Warrant number 325 held in Mallow had actually been cancelled by Grand Lodge three years earlier, on the 7th July 1825.
By the time Mallow had received notice from Grand Lodge advising them of the cancelled Warrant; it had already been reissued in the Garrison of Gibraltar.
Warrant number 325's journey to Gibraltar began in 1826 when Thomas Armstrong, Secretary of Lodge 68 I.C. (7th Battalion Royal Artillery) wrote to Grand Lodge from Gibraltar.
2nd May 1826
W Sir as we expect the Company to be relieved from this Station soon, and a quantity of respectable Inhabitants at present Members of 68 who will of course be left behind us, they have applied to us, to recommend them to the Grand Lodge of Ireland for an Inhabitants Warrant, there is no doubt rests with us but they would make a good use of it, we wish to advise with you on the subject, they have got a Chest with Jewels and implements complete which is marked on the Jewels No. 5.
Please send word the full expense and the sum shall be transmitted to you by 68, if you approve of it, when we hear from you the regular application shall be made for the Warrant agreeable to the Constitution.
They would like some number to answer to 5 such as 15, 25, 35, 105 or so.
I remain W Sir and Br
your most obedient
Humble Servant
Thomas Armstrong
Secretary
Lodge No 68
Indeed, there had been no Inhabitants Warrant in Gibraltar under the Irish Constitution earlier than 1827.
After Lodge 68's application for an Inhabitants Warrant in May 1826 only a month passed when the Worshipful Master of Lodge 130 I.C., Edward Bowen wrote to Grand Lodge and confirms there was no stationary Irish Lodge held in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar 9th June 1826
We have further to inform you that it would be our wish to admit civilians in our Lodge which as yet we have never attempted but we consider that we should be justified in doing so as there is no civilian Lodge here on the Irish Establishment other Lodges does it so in your next please to say whether proper or not
There is a hint that things were being arranged for the setting up of the new Lodge in a passage from the letter Richard Gladman, the then Secretary of Lodge 68 I.C. when he wrote to Grand Lodge.
Gibraltar 29th June 1826
According to desire I informed the W Master of No. 42, 42nd Regt. with respect to your letter
The verification that things were definitely progressing can be seen when the three previously mentioned Lodge's, numbers 68, 130 and 42 wrote to Grand Lodge in August 1826, giving there recommendation for an Inhabitants Warrant to be established in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar 14th August 1826
His Grace the R.W. Grand Master
We the Master & Wardens of Lodge No. 68, and Master of Lodge No 42 & 130, on the Grand Registry of Ireland do most strongly recommend the withinmentioned Brethren to the Most Gracious consideration of His Grace the Right Worshipful Grand Master; Wardens and Officers composing the Grand Lodge of Ireland, for an Inhabitant, or resident Warrant to be established in the Garrison of Gibraltar
We are fully satisfied that those Brethren are respectable men and Masons and if granted will make a good use of a Warrant
{ Daniel Durham to be Master formerly Master of 309, 26th Regiment
Recommended { Isaac Thompson to be S. Warden } members of
for { Alex Imbrie to be J - do } Lodge No. 68
All letters on the subject will be sent to Staff Serjeant Daniel Durham Gibraltar until further orders
Recommended by
A Wilson Master }
A Wallace S Warden } No. 68 Lodge }
J Serfaty J. do - } }Grand
}Registry
Thos Samuel Master } No. 42 - " - } of
John Green Master } No. 130 - " - }Ireland
Also on the 14th August another letter from the Irish Brethren in Gibraltar was sent to Grand Lodge, they were deeply concerned that they would be left destitute and requested that a Warrant should be granted.
To His Grace the Right Worshipful Grand Master of Ireland, Right Worshipful Senior & Junior Wardens
The humble memorial of the undersigned Brethren
Humbly ------
That inconsequence of Masonic Lodge No 68 in the company to which it belongs has received orders for Embarkation for Woolwich England, and the greater part of us at present members of 68 will of course be left destitute when they are gone, that your memoralists humbly begs to request you will take us into your most gracious consideration and grant us an Inhabitant or resident Warrant to be established in this Garrison, which with the blessing of God we shall exert ourselves like men and Masons to carry on the work agreeable to ancient custom and in every respect in obedience to your orders and commands by complying with this request your memoralists will in Duty bound ever Pray
Daniel Durham
Alexander Imbrie
Thomas Verner
John Pratt
Isaac Thompson
Domingo Chichon
Although no reply had been received from Grand Lodge as to whether a Warrant had been granted, Lodge 68 wrote to Grand Lodge on the 17th August 1826 informing them that the monies for the Warrant was being sent in hope that the Warrant would be granted.
Gibraltar 17th August 1826
Worshipful Sir
I beg leave in transmitting the sum of £7 - 7 - 9 British to you to defray the expense of the Warrant which is applied for to be established in this Garrison, in hopes it will be granted ~ Any further expense that may become due hereafter will be punctually attended to and discharged by Daniel Durham Staff Serjeant - Please direct to him as such, and by putting in a penny in the Post Office, letters will come free.
If the Warrant is granted and not a convenient opportunity of sending it out to Gibraltar, if you ----- it proper a letter of dispensation for whatever time you might please would be useful to them, until the Warrant would arrive, as they have a Chest complete with Jewels and all other impliments - We are waiting anxiously every day for the transports arrival for our embarkation for Woolwich -- I think the first communication will be from Woolwich -- Captn Felix Tool of the Brig Schooner Vigilant will sail in for 10 Days for Dublin, he will call with you, he has an order for his Certificate
I think on his Return to Gibraltar he could bring all safe --
Worshipful Sir
PS Have the goodness to consider some number that will answer
No 5 as their Jewels are marked with
that number, for instance No 15, 25, 55 or so
I remain Sir Your most most humble servant
Richard Gladman
A further reference for the setting up of the new Lodge can be seen in a passage from the letter the Worshipful Master of Lodge 130, John Green, when he wrote to Grand Lodge.
Gibraltar 15th September 1826
Sir & Br
We received your letter of 10th July last and informed the W. Master of Lodges 42 & 68 as therein directed. Lodge 68 has since left this place for England; they embarked on the 25th August last
From the above, we can deduct that the only Irish Military Lodges stationed in Gibraltar prior to the reissue of Warrant 325 were Lodges 42 and 130, Lodge 68 (7th Battalion Royal Artillery) having left the Garrison on the 25th August.
We will learn shortly the importance that Lodge 42 and 130 played in the setting up of the new Lodge.
Confirmation that a Warrant had been granted finally arrived in September 1826, when a letter from the Deputy Grand Secretary, Wor.Bro.W.F.Graham was received.
Dublin 18th September 1826
Dear Sir & Bro.,
I duly received your Memorial for a permanent Warrant to be held in Gibraltar,
which has been granted by our Grand Lodge, it shall be prepared, and ready to forward
by first opportunity. I have also received in same account from Lodge No. 68, an Order
for Seven pounds 7/9d. being the amount of the Warrant, and their information, that the
Schooner Vigilent Capn. Tooles, is on passage here, and by whose return, hope to transmit
Warrant gear - Should Lodge 68 not have sailed before this reaches, please inform them,
that I have got their letter, but defer writing until they write me from England agreeable
to their directions. The Warrant for Gibraltar will be No. 325, being the earliest open with
a five in it.
I beg to add that I feel pleasure at this renewal of our correspondence.
Sir & Bro.
your obedient Servant,
W. F. Graham,
D.G. Sect.
We have come across several references of a Captain Tool, in fact Captain Tool had been initiated in Lodge 68 I.C. In a letter to Grand Lodge, Thomas Armstrong, Secretary of Lodge 68 I.C. mentions him several times.
Gib. 2nd May 1826
Please Register to 68 Brother Falix Tool
Please send with Br Falix Tool Captain of the Brig Schooner Viglant,
on his return to Gibraltar or with the first conveyance
25 R A Certificates 10 Temple Parchment Blank,
send a G.L. Certificates for Br. Falix Tool
Brother Tool Captain of the Vigilant has sailed some time ago for
Belfast and is going from thence to Dublin
A couple of entries of Br. Toole have been found in the local newspaper 'The Gibraltar Chronicle'.
No. 1577 Gibraltar Chronicle Tuesday July 25, 1826
Arrivals at Gibraltar during the last 24 hours July 25, 1826 10 o'clock a.m.
English schooner Vigilant, F. Toole, 26 days from Belfast, with beef, pork, and some manufacturers for Gibraltar, cons. To Messrs A. Farquhar and Co.
No. 1621 Gibraltar Chronicle Tuesday September 14, 1826
Clearances from Gibraltar during the last 24 hours September 14, 1826 10 o'clock a.m.
On the 13th English schooner Vigilant, F. Toole, with bark, for Dublin.
Lodge 68 (the 7th Battalion Royal Artillery) having left Gibraltar towards the end of August was now stationed at Woolwich, England. Lodge 68's Secretary, having sent the monies for the Warrant back in August, wrote to Grand Lodge in November enquiring if the order for the Warrant had been received.
Woolwich 9th November 1826
have the goodnefs to inform us if you received an order from Gibraltar to defray the expence of an Inhabitants Warrant, with a memorial from us
The verification came only 11 days later from Lodge 68, when again they wrote to Grand Lodge.
Woolwich 20th November 1826
I have yours of the 14th Inst. and am happy to find you received the memorial, and order for an Inhabitants Warrant to be established in the Garrison of Gibraltar, with respect to Brother Moses Beniam's Certificate have the goodnefs to send it with the articles to Brother Durham, charging the same to his accounts, the expence of which will be defrayed by Brother Beniam
Unfortunately, replies from Grand Lodge cannot be checked, as there are no copies available of correspondence sent from Grand Lodge, prior to the 1850's.
The Irish Brethren having been granted a Warrant by Grand Lodge were now well under way for the formation of the first Irish resident Lodge to be held in Gibraltar.
It was on the 23rd January 1827 when the new Lodge under Warrant number 325 I.C. was consecrated. The ceremony of Consecration was carried out under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. The Masters and Officers of Lodge No.42 I.C. and Lodge No.130 I.C. convened themselves as a Grand Lodge by Proxy and Installed the Master and Wardens in due form at the Freemason's Tavern. The Lodge was initially called 'Gibraltar Lodge'.
The following letter was sent to Grand Lodge from the newly formed Lodge.
Freemason's Tavern
Gibraltar
23rd January 1827
Pursuant to instructions dated Dublin 18th September, 1826, which accompanied Warrant No.325, directed to Bro. Daniel Durham nominating him to be Master, Bro. Isaac Thompson to be Senior, and Bro. Alex. Imbrie to be Junior Wardens thereof. The Officer of Lodges No.42 and 130 met this day at 2 o'clock, and in virtue of the Instructions above alluded to, convened themselves as a Grand Lodge by Proxy in the name of His Grace Augustus Frederick Duke of Leinster and the other Right Worshipful Officers of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, when in due form the Brethren were installed, viz.
Daniel Durham W. Master.
Isaac Thompson Senr. Warden.
Alex Imbrie Junr. Warden.
By the Right Worshipful Brother Thos. Samuel Master of Lodge No.42, aided by their Right Worshipful Brother George Gillespie Master of Lodge No.130, as Depy. Grand Master. The Installation having been duly executed at 5 0'clock, the Grand Lodge closed in due form. When No.325 for its first time opened in the first degree, and after transacting all the business incumbent upon it, closed in the utmost harmony and proceeded to refreshment, which it continued till 10 o'clock, and then departed with that good understanding which is ever the characteristic of good Masons.
Three months later details of who presided at the Consecration, as well as those who were installed into their new Offices, becoming the founder members was sent to Grand Lodge.
Gibraltar 30th April, 1827
Sir & Bro.
We beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 18th Sep. 1826, granting our application for Warrant No. 325, which would have been answered e're this, admitting that our finances had been able to have met the same; however we herewith beg leave to transmit you the Names of the Members at present composing our Lodge together with the Sum of two pounds Sterling, for the purpose of transferring the undernamed Brothers from their different Lodges to 325.
Br. Daniel Durham W.M. from 309 to 325
" Isaac Thompson S.W. from 68 to Do
" Alex Imbrie J.W. from Do to Do
" John Pratt Sect. from Do to Do
" Francisco Semonetti Treas. from *715 to Do *English
" Charles Causton S.D. from 130 to Do
" Joseph Baggetto J.D. from *715 to Do *English
" Thomas Varner P.M. from *715 to Do *English
" Giacomo Celicia Tyler from *715 to Do *English
" Job Wheatley from 130 to Do
" Robert Moravia from 68 to Do
We further beg leave to state that we were regularly Installed (in Form) on the 23rd January last, when the undernamed Officers of their respective Lodges were present.
Br. Thomas Samuel W.M. 42 acting as R.W. Master
" John Courtney Do Do as S.W.
" Henry McKerney Do Do as J.W.
" Wm. Bartley Do Treas. as Treas.
" John Pringle Do Secty. as Secty.
" Duncan McKeller Do as S.G.D.
" John Ashton Do as Tyler
" John Kelly Do as P.M.
" David Grant Do as Chaplain
" George Gillespie W.M. 130 Acting as D.G.M.
" John Bouchier 130 Do as S.G.W.
" George McGennett 130 Do as J.G.W.
" John Taylor 130 Do as P.M.
" Thomas Rice 130 Do as J.G.D.
We have to request you will excuse our not forwarding anything for Charitable purposes by this conveyance, as our infant state we trust will be a sufficient apology, but by our next correspondence we shall be enabled to do justice to the cause.
We remain,
Dr Sir and Br.
Daniel Durham W.M.
Pratt Sect. Isaac Thompson S.W.
In the absence of } Job Wheatley J.W.
A. Imbrie
To finalise on Warrant 325's history, we should not forget the three Irish Military Lodges that played such a major role in the setting up of the first stationery Irish Lodge in Gibraltar.
The 7th Battalion Royal Artillery (Lodge 68 I.C.),
departed Gibraltar 25th August 1826.
The 7th Battalion Royal Artillery had its HQ at Woolwich and was formed in 1801 by the transfer of the Royal Irish Artillery to the Royal Artillery, as the 7th Battalion RA.
The 64th (or the 2d Staffordshire) Regiment of Foot (Lodge 130 I.C.), arrived in Gibraltar August 1818 and departed September 1827.
This regiment was actually known between 1782 and 1881 as the 64th (or 2nd Staffordshire) Regiment.
The 42nd (or the Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot (Lodge No. 42), arrived in Gibraltar October 1825 and departed February 1832.
This regiment was known between 1758 and 1861 as the 42nd (The Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot.
One last regiment the 26th, should be added at it was from this regiment that Daniel Durham Gibraltar Lodge's (now Calpe Lodge) first Worshipful Master came.
The 26th (or Cameronian) Regiment of Foot (Lodge 26 I.C.), arrived in Gibraltar June 1812 and departed September 1822.
This regiment was known between 1786 and 1881 as the 26th (or Cameronian) Regiment of Foot.
by W.Bro V.J.Power L.C.G.I.
by W.Bro V.J.Power L.C.G.I.
