This year marks the tercentenary of the publication of the first Book of constitutions. To celebrate the 1723 constitutions, many events have been taking part around the country. The Lodge of Research No.2429 was proud to host a talk by Dr. Ric Berman, author of a book commemorating the event.
It will not have escaped the notice of many brethren, that the 1723 Constitutions is a significant landmark in the history of Freemasonry. The books, podcasts, videos and talks which have been taking place have been quite spectacular.
On the 27th March 2023, the Lodge of Research welcomed the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Kinder, along with a delegation of Provincial Grand Officers to join an evening of reflection and celebration. The special guest for the evening was the author of “Inventing the Future”, Ric Berman. The Master of the Lodge, Jonathan Varley, welcomed all the visitors as Ric took the floor to introduce a video depicting a dramatic representation of the creation of the Constitutions in 1723. The video was both entertaining and informative, as it followed the interaction between Desaguliers, Payne, and Anderson and how the 1723 Constitutions were created. These Constitutions were based on Enlightenment foundations, which are values still seen today at the centre of modern Freemasonry.
After the meeting, the traditional Festive Board was served, with an additional surprise of a cake, presented in the shape of the original 1723 Constitutions, baked and presented by Adrian Ganderton, the Master of Prince Rupert Lodge No.7841. It did look too good to eat, however each member was soon tucking into the delicious dessert.
