1890/18

Silver Medal: Jewel of the “Country Stewards’ Lodge,” silver and set with brilliants.

Date:- 1789 - Classification:- Lodge/Chapter Etc.; Members

Country of Origin:- England - Province/Region/District:- Old English Lodges

Order:- Craft (& Freemasonry General)

Description

This massive medal, which it is believed to be unique, is circular in form, of plain and frosted silver, cased in glass. The outside edge is an ornamental rim of silver, on which are set a double row of brilliants each side of the medal, the extreme circumference being 8 inches and the weight 4 ounces.

Obverse.—A winged female draped; to her left, a representation of rocks and a cascade; on her right a row of trees; at her feet a cornucopia and ewer; in her left hand a wand; in her right hand a collar or ribbon, to which is attached the same jewel in miniature; the whole surrounded by a double row of green brilliants.

Reverse—A plain ground of frosted silver, upon which is the following inscription in ten lines “Granted by Grand Lodge in Quarty. Commun., 25 Nov., 1789, to the members of the Country Stewards’ Lodge, Samuel Clanfeild, 1790,” the last two lines, “Samuel Clanfeild, 1790.” are engraved, the remainder being in raised characters, and the whole surrounded by a double row of white brilliants. There is a loop at the top for attaching the medal to a collar.

Attention was drawn to the existence of a Conntry Stewards’ Lodge in the last century by Bro. Hughan, in the Freemason for January 3rd, 1885, and a correspondence ensued, many interesting particulars being contributed by Bro. H. Sadler, Grand Tyler. It seems to have been identified with a feast following Grand Lodge meetings, an old record of which appears of 4th May, 1772, when “the Deputy Grand Master acquainted the brethren that the country feast was to be held at the long room at Hampstead on the 25th day of June next.” This was undonbtedly an old custom of the Order, and existed long before this date.

On the 25th November, 1789, the warrant of the Country Stewards’ Lodge, No. 540, was paid for. At the same meeting it was resolved that the brethren who have served the office of Steward at the country feast be permitted to wear a suitable jewel pendant to a green collar.

In 1792 this lodge became No. 449, and continued its payments to Grand Lodge till 1799, and probably died out about 1801. In 1802 the warrant was transferred to Berkeley for a lodge which made its first payment in 1803, under the title of “Faith and Friendship,” now called the “Royal Faith and Friendship,” numbered 270, and held at the same place. Marvin mentions this medal at page 198 and Merzdorf at 46, but neither were able to gain any particulars.

I consider this medal one of the unique features of this magnificent collection, and I agree with Bro. Taylor as to its rarity and value. It is just possible that the “Country Feast” and the Stewards for those annual celebrations were originated almost as early as those in connection with the festivals of Grand Lodge - W.J.H.