Anderson's Constitutions and the Old Charges

Vocabulary · 5

Anderson's Constitutions: The book of Masonic regulations compiled by Rev. James Anderson and published by the Grand Lodge of England in 1723; the first printed Masonic constitution and the foundation of modern speculative Craft law.
Old Charges: A body of medieval and early-modern manuscripts setting out the duties of an operative Mason and the legendary history of the craft, copies of which were read to candidates before written constitutions were adopted.
Regius Manuscript: The oldest known of the Old Charges (ca. 1390), preserved among the royal manuscripts in the British Museum. A poem of seventy-nine articles and points concerning the duties of a Mason.
Premier Grand Lodge of 1717: The Grand Lodge formed in London on St. John the Baptist's Day, 24 June 1717, by four Lodges meeting at the Goose and Gridiron. The body from which modern speculative Masonry descends.
Charges of a Free-Mason: The six general charges printed in Anderson's 1723 Constitutions, covering: God and religion; the civil magistrate; lodges; masters, wardens, and fellows; the management of the craft; and behavior.

Practice questions · 3

In what year was Anderson's Book of Constitutions first published?
- a.1717
- b.1723 ✓
- c.1738
- d.1751
On what date was the premier Grand Lodge in London formed?
- a.St. Andrew's Day, 30 November 1717
- b.St. John the Evangelist's Day, 27 December 1717
- c.St. John the Baptist's Day, 24 June 1717 ✓
- d.May Day, 1 May 1717
Which document is considered the oldest of the Old Charges?
- a.The Cooke Manuscript
- b.The Regius Manuscript ✓
- c.The Schaw Statutes
- d.The Inigo Jones Manuscript

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