On 31st January 2023 there was an Especial Meeting of Grand Lodge to celebrate the publication of the 1723 Constitutions…
On Tuesday the 31st January Freemasons from the four quarters of the globe assembled in the main temple in Freemasons Hall, London to attend the especial open meeting celebrating the 300th anniversary of the publication of the Book of Constitutions, and what a meeting it was. A good number of Freemasons from the Province of Devonshire travelled to Great Queens Street to participate in this special occasion and were able to me the Pro Grand Master, Jonathan Spence.
It was attended by more than 1600 freemasons, including Grand Masters from all across the world and the Grand Master of the Order of Women Freemasonry witnessed an incredible meeting chaired by the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master Jonathon Spence.
There were two presentations plus a 30 minute film all of which were absolutely brilliant and which brought home the key points of the book, which although written 300 years ago, were as important then as they are today.
- religious tolerance, something wholly radical in a world characterised by religious conflict;
- meritocracy, at a time when birth and wealth determined success;
- high standards of interpersonal civility;
- scientific and artistic education; and
- societal and personal self-improvement.
The occasion commenced with Ric Berman, (PM, Quatuor Coronati Lodge, # 2076), giving a short history of the origins of the 1723 Constitutions and outlining the Enlightenment principles embedded in the document, while also providing an overview of the political and social context of the day. His book, Inventing the Future, can be bought here. 1723 Constitutions Tercentenary
This link takes you to the video, produced by Matthew Mitchell which was shown. It is a historic re-enactment of the events leading to the publication of the 1723 Constitutions, albeit with a slight comedic license.
The 1723 edition of the Constitutions was edited and reprinted by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia in 1734, becoming the first Masonic book printed in America. The final presentation was given by Ossian Lang. He talked with passion about the Book of Constitutions and how it helped to shape America, “the great experiment”
The website dedicated to the Book of Constitutions and this can be found here – https://www.1723constitutions.com/
A great meeting along with companionable dining in the Connaught Rooms.
