Grand Masters of the United Grand Lodge of England [ugle] and of Scotland

Reference

Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon was born on 24 June 1831 in Grosvenor Square, London, England. He was the son of Henry John George Herbert, 3rd Earl of Carnarvon and Henrietta Anna Howard.¹ He married, firstly, Lady Evelyn Stanhope, daughter of George Stanhope, 6th Earl of Chesterfield and Hon. Anne Elizabeth Weld-Forester, on 6 September 1861 in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England. He married, secondly, Elizabeth Catherine Howard, daughter of Henry Howard and Charlotte Caroline Georgina Long, on 26 December 1878. He died on 28 June 1890 at age 59 in 43 Portman Square, London, England. He was buried in Highclere Castle, Newbury, Berkshire, England. His will was probated, at £313,259 gross and £242,419 net.

He graduated from Christ Church, Oxford University, Oxford, Oxfordshire, in 1852 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

Constable of Carnarvon Castle in 1854.

Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies between 1858 and 1859.

High Steward of Oxford University between 16 April 1859 and 1890.

Secretary of State for the Colonies between 1866 and 1867.

Secretary of State for the Colonies between February 1874 and February 1878.

High Steward of Newbury in 1884. He held the office of Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland between June 1885 and January 1886.

Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire between 1887 and 1890.

Deputy Lieutenant (D.L.) of Nottinghamshire.

He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) by Oxford University, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, on 10 June 1859 and Doctor of Law (LL.D.) by Cambridge University, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, on 3 June 1864.

He was invested as a:

Privy Counsellor (P.C.) on 6 July 1866.

Fellow, Royal Society (F.R.S.) on 8 April 1875.

Fellow, Society of Antiquaries (F.S.A.) on 6 April 1876.

He gained the rank of Honorary Colonel in the service of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Hampshire Regiment.

     He was "very cultivated and refined, he has a manner which is too mincing to inspire confidence... he wants both grip and grit."

Children

1. 
   Lady Winifred Anne Henrietta Christiana Herbert+ b. 2 Jul 1864, d. 28 Sep 1933
   
2. 
   George Edward Stanhope Molyneux Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon+ b. 26 Jun 1866, d. 5 Apr 1923
   
3. 
   Lady Margaret Leonora Evelyn Selina Herbert b. 18 Sep 1870, d. 13 Sep 1958
   
4. 
   Lady Victoria Alexandrina Mary Cecil Herbert b. 31 Dec 1874, d. 15 Nov 1957
   

Children

1. 
   Hon. Aubrey Nigel Henry Molyneux Herbert+ b. 3 Apr 1880, d. 26 Sep 1923
   
2. 
   Hon. Mervyn Robert Howard Molyneux Herbert+ b. 2 Dec 1882, d. 26 May 1929
   

Highclere Castle

see also: http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/

Henry Howard Molyneux, the eldest son of Henry John George Molyneux, the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon, was born on 24th June, 1831. He was educated at Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford University.

He succeeded to the peerage on the death of his father which occurred on 10th December, 1849. The titles date back to 17th October, 1780, when his great grandfather Henry Herbert Molyneux was created Lord Porchester of High Clere, county of Southampton and who, on 3rd July, 1793, was advanced to the Earldom of the town and county of Carnarvon.

Sir Henry Howard Molyneux, the 4th Earl of Carnarvon, was Lord Lieutenant of Custos Rotulorum of the county of Southampton; High Steward of Oxford University, 1859-90, having the Degree of Doctor of Civil Law conferred in 1859; and Constable of Carnarvon Castle in the same year. In 1866 he was created a Privy Councillor. Earl Carnarvon was Secretary of State for the Colonies from 1866 to 1867 and again from 1874 to 1878. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1875. He held the office of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1885-6 and Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire from 1887 to 1890. In the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment he was Honorary Colonel and for a period was President of the Society of Antiquaries. He died on 28th June, 1890.

The Earl married firstly Evelyn Stanhope, the only daughter of the 6th Earl of Chesterfield and sister and heir of the 7th Earl of Chesterfield. They were married on 5th September, 1861; Lady Evelyn died on 25th January, 1875. He married secondly Elizabeth Catharine Howard on 26th December, 1878. Lady Elizabeth accompanied the Earl of Carnarvon on his visit to Australia in 1888.

It is asserted that the Earl, who was the Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, was sent to Australia by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales who was the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, with the object of healing the scars that existed as a result of the differences of opinion among those who earnestly sought to form a United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and those who wished to continue with their former allegiance. Ever since the estrangement among the Masons, which began to develop, ever so slightly from the first attempt to form a Grand Lodge of New South Wales in 1847, there were some Brethren who sought earnestly for some means of closing the breach and bringing all members of the Craft into one body.

The first genuine attempt to form a Grand Lodge in Australia was made in 1847 when seven Lodges under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, dissatisfied with their neglect by that Grand Lodge, resolved to discuss the matter and on 6th September, 1847, at a meeting at the "Saracen's Head Tavern", which was located on the corner of King and Sussex Streets, agreed to work for the establishment of a Grand Lodge of New South Wales.

The desire for a union of all Lodges under the English, Scottish, and Irish Constitutions developed from that 1847 meeting, and whilst it did not meet with the concurrence of every Mason it reached a point where a large majority desired to achieve the inauguration of one United Grand Lodge.

Eventually, in 1877, a Grand Lodge of New South Wales was inaugurated and R.W. Bro. the Honourable James Squire Farnell, a former Prime Minister of New South Wales (now called "Premier") was installed as Grand Master of the new Grand Lodge.

Brethren, belonging to Lodges working under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of Scotland were forbidden to visit Lodges working under the authority of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales thereby aggravating an unwholesome situation; nevertheless, there were many Brethren who earnestly sought to bring all the Masonic Brethren into one united body. Some Lodges resolved to press for a union of all Masonic bodies and to take steps for the formation of a United Grand Lodge of New South Wales.

As far as can be ascertained one of the first formal steps towards achieving that worthy and desired consummation was taken by the then Worshipful Master of Lodge Emulation, No. 2071, E.C., who issued an invitation to the Masters of all Lodges working under the English Constitution to meet him at the George Hotel of Market Street on Monday, 25th July, 1887, for the purpose of discussing the problem. The response was rather disappointing for only seven Worshipful Brethren attended; the threat of expulsion had obviously had a dampening effect on their willingness to show their desire for amalgamation.

Undaunted by the poor response to the first invitation another invitation was issued to the Worshipful Brethren and on this occasion approximately fifty Worshipful Masters and Past Masters attended. At this meeting it was unanimously reso1ved to work for the unification of all Lodges. The Worshipful Brethren formed themselves into a "Party of Union".

A manifesto was drafted and a ballot paper was sent with the manifesto to every Brother of all the Lodges in the colony working under the English Constitution. The result showed clearly that an overwhelming majority of Brethren supported amalgamation. Many Brethren from Lodges under the Grand Lodge of Scotland joined the "Party of Union" and with the enthusiasm, for union so strong negotiations were opened with the Grand Lodge of New South Wales.

Just at that opportune time the Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, M.W. Bro. the Earl of Carnarvon, K.P., came to Sydney. As stated earlier in this article he was sent to Sydney at the instigation of the Grand Master, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales who, no doubt, was disturbed by the unhappy situation which had developed in Masonic circles.

Two years earlier Right Worshipful Brother His Excellency Baron Carrington, P.C., G.C.M.G., the newly appointed Governor of the colony of New South Wales arrived in Sydney to take up his vice-regal duties. He had previously held the office of Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England and had been appointed District Grand Master of the District of New South Wales, E.C., but had not taken up the duties of that office.

Messages of congratulations were sent to His Excellency by the Grand Lodge of New South Wales to which he replied in gracious, yet formal terms. His reply was to "the Members of Free and Accepted Order of Freemasonry under the Grand Lodge of New South Wales." He wrote:

As the representative of Her Majesty I beg to thank the members of your body, styling themselves the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New South Wales for your expression of loyalty and devotion to the Throne; I also in my official capacity beg to return my most sincere and grateful thanks to so influential body of the citizens of .New South Wales, and it is a matter of much regret to me that, owing to the non-recognition of your Grand Lodge by the Parent Grand Lodge of the United Kingdom, I am precluded by their decision at the regular Quarterly Communication of Wednesday, 7th December, 1881, from receiving the address in my Masonic capacity.

On 17th December, 1885, a deputation representing the English and Scottish Constitutions waited upon Lord Carrington (who, for the occasion, wore the regalia of Past Senior Grand Warden, E.C.) and presented him with an address. His Excellency's reply to the address was cordial and strictly correct. He concluded his remarks with the words, "In conclusion I can assure you that my earnest endeavours will ever be directed to further the welfare of an ancient and honourable Craft". It will be observed that whilst definitely identifying himself as a "Brother Mason" he did not rebuff the members of the Grand Lodge classified by the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland as "clandestine" and "spurious".

The foregoing has been included in this article to give some idea of the unpleasant situation which existed Masonically in the colony.

To return to the manifesto and the ballot. The response to the manifesto was not as great as those sponsoring the movement would have wished, but fear of the consequences caused a number to refrain from voting and thereby declaring their attitude. Nevertheless forty-seven Lodges voted and of the 800 votes recorded only forty voted against the proposal. The Party of Union negotiated with the Grand Lodge of New South Wales Committee and agreement was reached.

The Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, the Earl of Carnarvon, to whom the results were made known, admitted that the dissension between the Masons of New South Wales constituted a sad and deplorable state. It was suggested to him that R.W. Bro. His Excellency Baron Carrington might be appointed by the Grand Master of the English Constitution, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales as the District Grand Master under the English Constitution and the Earl of Carnarvon agreed that this seemed to be a wise move. He even thought that Baron Carrington might be prevailed upon to take the Grand Mastership of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales even though it was considered an unrecognised body.

At a second interview with the Earl of Carnarvon he formulated a Basis of Union and handed it to W. Bro. W.H. Pigott, one of the four Brethren who called on him. The details of the Pro Grand Master's proposal were:

1. 
   The New South Wales Grand Lodge to elect Lord Carrington as Grand Master, all officers of the existing Grand Lodge laying down their offices, and the election being unanimous and as early as possible.
   
2. 
   Lord Carrington will suspend his answer till he can see his way more clearly to his course, which cannot be without the consent of the Prince of Wales--Recognition of the new Grand Lodge by Grand Lodge of England, probably about the beginning of May.
   
3. 
   To be understood that Lord Carnarvon will advise Lord Carrington to accept the District Grand Mastership if conferred on him by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.
   
4. 
   If H.R.H. appoints him, Lord Carrington will only accept such appointment temporarily, retaining his complete freedom of action until he can be satisfied that it is for the advantage of the Craft that he should accept office of District Grand Master permanently.
   
5. 
   When in possession of both offices he shall proceed to the fusion of the different bodies in one Grand Lodge.
   
6. 
   That for this purpose, no fresh election of Lord Carrington by the United Grand Lodge shall take place; but his election by the New South Wales Grand Lodge and his appointment by H.R.H. will be considered sufficient.
   
7. 
   In the event of the Scottish Constitution deciding to join the Union, the above suggestions will apply to it.
   
8. 
   This is the substance of a conversation with Mr. Pigott, Mr. Wynne, Mr. Liggins and Mr. Taylor. I have no objection to its being shown in confidence to any to whom it is desirable to communicate it, but not to be put into print in any form.
   

After the Earl of Carnarvon had written out the above Basis of Union and discussed the terms point by point with the four Brethren named therein, the Governor of New South Wales, R.W. Bro. His Excellency Lord Carrington was introduced. The terms of the agreement were submitted to Lord Carrington who read and signed them, stating that he concurred with the terms as set out. He then "handed it to W. Bro. Pigott with a request that the Committee should take all necessary steps to carry out the programme."

The interviews at Government House from a strictly legal point of view were quite unorthodox and irregular--but they proved exceedingly effective. The barriers had been removed, the ground had been prepared and the seeds had been sown for a harvest of harmony, peace, and concord. The action of the Pro Grand Master and a Past Senior Grand Warden of the English Constitution in cutting "red tape" and manifesting a sympathetic attitude towards union led to the inauguration of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales within a few short months.

Other informal meetings were held. One of particular importance was held at the Freemasons' Hall, York Street, Sydney, on 13th February, 1888, with W. Bro. Colonel Charles Frederick Stokes, the Deputy District Grand Master, acting as District Grand Master, E.C., in the Chair, and one hundred and fifty Brethren of the English Constitution in attendance. The Chairman informed the Brethren that he had had several interviews with the Earl of Carnarvon and that those present, being members of the District Grand Lodge, were invited at the express wish of the Earl.

R.W. Bro. Stokes outlined the business of the evening and the discussion which ensued showed that the meeting was not one-sided towards union. In the end, however, a motion to the effect that "Union is desirable" was carried unanimously.

W. Bro. W.H. Pigott, who was received with applause, then read the Basis of Union, consisting of the clauses accepted by the "Party of union". He also read the Earl of Carnarvon's memorandum as evidence of the sincerity of those who waited on the Pro Grand Master. Anyone opposing the proposal, said W. Bro. Pigott, "would be virtually censuring the Masonic knowledge of the Pro Grand Master of England". .

W. Bro. Pigott concluded his speech to the meeting by saying, "The time is coming when every man among us, whether English, Scottish, Irish, or New South Wales would stand shoulder to shoulder in maintaining and educating the orphan, aiding the widow, and succouring the distressed; and, forming one united Masonic body, carrying on a noble work."

M.W. Bro. Dr Harman J. Tarrant had willingly surrendered his office to Lord Carrington; R.W. Bro. Dr William G. Sedgwick and his Scottish Brethren had received Lord Carrington sympathetically; and now this meeting of Brethren under the English Constitution gave its approval for Union thus completing the preliminaries and making the way clear for the eventual inauguration of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales.

The way was now clear for the formation of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales thanks to the tenacity, wisdom, and co-operation of M.W. Bro. the Earl of Carnarvon. Even though he had much difficulty with the District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of New South Wales, E.C., R.W. Bro. John Williams, who did everything he could to obstruct the formation of an all-embracing Grand Lodge of New South Wales, he succeeded in his objective and was able to return to England on 5th December, 1888, and successfully move in the United Grand Lodge of England, "That this Grand lodge do recognize The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales."

M.W. Bro. the Earl of Carnarvon, in presenting the motion for recognition of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales, addressed the Grand Lodge of England at length. He prefaced his speech by saying,

". . . You will, no doubt, remember that for some time past, Masonry in New South Wales, that great and most flourishing colony, has not presented that unanimity which, as Masons, we could desire to see exhibited by the Craft all over the world. And, Brethren, when I myself was in the colony of New South Wales at the commencement of this year, it grieved me to see the disunion and the dissension which existed in so many quarters. It would alike [be] a painful and unnecessary task for me to recite or to expatiate upon those dissensions; and all the more that during the last six months, to my infinite satisfaction those difficulties have cleared away, the dissensions have passed into ancient history, and a new order of things has arisen in the colony. Brethren, it is my good fortune and my great satisfaction this evening to announce formally to you that those dissensions have been closed and that all Brethren, as far as I know, whether English, Scottish, or Irish, or those who stood aloof and formed themselves into a separate and dissentient Grand Lodge, have combined to unite upon what I believe to be true Masonic principles, and to constitute henceforward a United Grand Lodge of New South Wales . . . ."

He went on to say,

"New South Wales has the good fortune to be governed by one of the most popular and successful administrators who could be found, and whom England has sent forth to that great country. In New South Wales I think there is no name that is more popular than that of my noble friend and brother, Lord Carrington. . . ."

The Earl of Carnarvon maintained his interest in all Masonic matters relating to this Grand Lodge and willingly accepted the position of Representative of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales near the United Grand Lodge of England. At the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, held on 12th March, 1890, the Deputy Grand Master moved,. "That a Grand Representative's Jewel, bearing a suitable inscription, and to be manufactured in the colony, be procured and forwarded to the United Grand Lodge of England for presentation to M.W. Bro. the Earl of Carnarvon." The motion was seconded by the Senior Grand Warden with the addition of a clause that the matter be remitted to sub-committee consisting of the mover, the seconder, and R.W. Bro. Thomas Edward Spencer. The motion was carried unanimously with enthusiasm.

At a Special Communication of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales held on 15th July, 1890, it was announced that the death of M.W. Bro. the Earl of Carnarvon had occurred on 28th June, 1890. A resolution of regret was recorded on the Sacred Scroll of the Grand Lodge and this fact was communicated to the United Grand Lodge of England.

As the Grand Master of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales, M.W. Bro. His Excellency Lord Carrington, was shortly to relinquish the office of Governor of New South Wales and return to England, the Grand Lodge unanimously elected him to succeed the late Earl of Carnarvon as the Representative of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales near the Grand Lodge of England. It was also decided to procure a portrait in oil of M.W. Bro. the Earl of Carnarvon in his Masonic regalia as a tribute. to one whose influence had done so much to heal the breach, restore harmony among the brethren, and to bring all members of the Craft into one united body. The portrait of the Earl of Carnarvon is identical with the one which hangs in the Freemasons' Hall, London.

http://carnarvon.org.uk/Carnarvon/Carnarvon.htm