The Worshipful Society of Free Masons
Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviours, Plaisterers & Bricklayers
(The Operatives)
Northwards House Assemblage
W Bro A Spencer
Deputy Grand Master Mason VIIth Degree
Assemblage Clerk:
W Bro. G A Williams, VIth Degree
P O Box 880
Broederstroom 0240
Home Phone: 012 743 6373
Cell Phone: 083 628 9077
Email: geoff@64eagleslanding.co.za
Link to the Operatives Website in the UK
History and Origin
The full title of this Order is the Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Walkers, Slaters, Paviours, Plaisterer's and Bricklayers.
The constitutions of the Society state that the Order was founded in 1913, although claims of certain members (circa 1910) hinted at a much more ancient vintage. A paper by W Bro Thomas Carr published in the 1911-12 Transactions of the Leicester Lodge of Research No 2429 explained much of the ceremonial working of the 'Operative' Lodge. In due course on 21 May 1913, the Channel Row Assemblage was reconstituted (?) at Bedford House, just off the Strand, when W Bro Carr officiated as Enthroning Master under a special letter of authority, issued by 'the Masters' and signed by the Secretary of the York Division (W Bro Clement E. Stretton).
The ritual of 'the Operatives' as they are familiarly called, is more archaic in form and much fuller than that of 'the Speculatives', containing practical instruction of which only echoes are found in speculative ritual, thereby providing an interesting field of study for the serious masonic student. The degrees of the Society are seven in number, namely:
- I° Indentured Apprentice
- II Fellow of the Craft
- III° Super-Fellow, Fitter & Marker
- IV° Super-Fellow, Setter Erector
- V° Intendent, Overseer, Superintendant & Warden
- VI° Passed Master
- VII° Passed Grand Master Mason
There are at present some ten Assemblages of the Society spread throughout England, two of which meet in London.
Reference: 'Beyond the Craft' by Keith B Jackson. Published by: Ian Allan Publishing
| Assemblage | Meeting Place |
|---|---|
| Northwards House Assemblage | Johannesburg, Rivonia |