At our regular February meeting, we were delighted to welcome a very special Guest.
W.Bro. Dr. Richard Ebrey, the Provincial Grand Secretary for the Masonic Province of Devonshire was our guest speaker, and his subject was..
“A brief history of
Masonic Jewels“
Masonic “Jewels” are not, as you might expect, Precious Stones like Diamonds and Rubies. They are in fact the small “Medals” or insignia worn by Freemasons as part of their Regalia to…
- Denote a particular office or rank
- Show support for a particular Charity of Appeal
- Demonstrate membership of Royal Arch Masonry
- Mark a special Event or Anniversary such as the recent Tercentenary of the founding of the United Grand Lodge of England.
- Show that they are either a Founder or a Past Master of a Particular Lodge.
- Mark achievements such as a Lodge Centenary
Worn either on the breast of a jacket or appended to a collar. Masonic Jewels add a colourful and intriguing aspect to Masonic history as they have been around since at least 1727 when Masters and Wardens of Lodges were instructed by the United Grand Lodge of England to…
“Wear the Jewels of Masonry hanging on a white ribbon”
Designs have varied widely over the years with some spectacular examples featuring precious metals and real jewels. The standard of Craftsmanship displayed by silversmiths and jewellers was often exemplary which is reflected in modern resale values.
One particularly poignant part of Dr. Ebrey’s talk concerned Masonic Jewels produced by prisoners of War from Napoleonic times until the Second World War when allied POW’s in Changi risked the wrath of their captors by producing jewels and insignia to be used at undercover meetings held in the camp.
At the conclusion of the talk our Worshipful Master W.Bro. John Finch thanked W.Bro. Ebrey for an interesting and enjoyable insight into this fascinating aspect of Masonic History.
All our members will be keeping their eyes peeled on their next visit to one of South Molton Pannier Market’s Antiques Events.
Following the formal part of the evening everyone repaired to the dining room for an excellent and convivial dinner.