From: Jeff Bailey
Date: Monday, December 29, 2003 6:32 AM
Subject: EW T-H
Dick
The following applies to UK - I don't know about USA etc.
"Craft" refers to what is commonly known as "Lodge", "masons" etc. by "outsiders" and the media.
Hierarchy in a Lodge starts at top with WM (Worshipful master) and goes down through Senior Warden (SW), Junior Warden (JW), Senior Deacon (SD), Junior Deacon (JD) and Inner Guard (IG). These are the "active offices" and having accepted the post of IG and "got on the ladder" you are expected, emergencies excepted, to climb up a post each year to WM.
The Lodge admin etc is covered by the posts of Secretary, Director of Ceremonies (DC) and Treasurer. These are normally filled by experienced Past Masters (ie ex WMs). The most important is the DC who is responsible for the running of the Lodge, maintaining traditions etc. For a DC to be absent as often as T-H was from 164 would normally be very unsettling for the members and he certainly would not have been aware of the traditions of the Lodge after such a short membership.
"Chapter" refers to Holy Royal Arch Chapter (HRA Chapter) which is an extension of Craft masonry. Equivalent of WM is Zerubbabal ("Z"). It seems that T-H was already a Past "Z" when first listed under 494 (Chapter of Virtue, Axminster) in 1913. Possibly he had been a "Z" in Hertfordshire .
Provincial "Honours" these days are awarded for merit to Past Masters (Craft) and PZs (HRA) but in early 20th Century were often more associated to social standing. T-H was awarded Craft Honours in Hertfordshire and Devon (Both Provincial Junior Warden which is very high) and apparently Prov. Scribe Nehemiah (Prov SN) in HRA Chapter in Devonshire - again very high.
Craft is governed in UK by United Grand Lodge of England, HRA by Supreme Grand Chapter but for all intents and purposes they are the same body
"Mark Masonry" is a "side degree" to Craft masonry worked entirely separately and governed by a different body to Craft/HRA. T-H was WM of De La Pole Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 372, Seaton in 1909 and gained Provincial honours Prov Master Overseer (again high) in 1911.
Rose Croix is another "side degree" governed by another body (originated in USA). Coryton and Rougement Union Chapter No.2 meets in Exeter. From info provided by librarian T-H was apparently on "Ladder" here and would normally have been expected to go onto 2nd General in 1915, 1st General in 1916 and on to Most Wise Sovereign in 1917 if he had remained.
I hope this provides enough background. However if you need any more let me know.
I have found Musbury House, Axmouth but have had no luck as yet with Boro House.
Happy New Year to you and Trig
Jeff