Provincial Grand Master
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (March 2008) |
An Office held by a senior member of a fraternal organization.
Contents |
[edit] Freemasonry
Freemasonry’s Grand Lodge was formed in London 1717, and the first satellite lodges were within easy communicating distance of London[1]. As lodges became more distant an intermediate level of administration became necessary[2]. The very first Provincial[3] Grand Master was appointed for Cheshire in 1725[4]. There are currently 47 Masonic Provinces in the U.K.[5].
[edit] Orange Order
The same offices are also found historically within this Protestant organization which has close links to Freemasonry[6], both in Ireland[7] and overseas.[8].
[edit] Oddfellows
A later, and non-secretive organization, which in part mimics the hierarchical structure of the Masons. In the Manchester Unity a Provincial Grand Master [9] holds an office between Lodge and National level: unlike the Masons there is no bar to women holding any office.
[edit] Similar Offices
Other fraternal organizations such as the Buffaloes, while retaining the Central Committee/Intermediate Strat/Lodge structure, use equivalent terms such as Provincial Grand Primo[10].
[edit] References
- ^ Encyclopaedia Brittanica 1955 Vol 9 p736 Freemasonry Hughan, W.J. Senior Grand Deacon of Freemasons 1874
- ^ Explanation of Necessity
- ^ that is belonging to a county district p1216 Chambers Dictionary (2003, Edinburgh, Chambers Harrap) ISBN 0550101055
- ^ A short history of Freemasonry in Cheshire Taylor, H. ; Lawson, P.H. (1925 Chester, Provincial grand Lodge of Cheshire) p17
- ^ Province details
- ^ The Old Firm Murray,B.(1984,rev;2000 Edinburgh John Donald Publishers)pp62-63 ISBN 0859765423
- ^ Historical reference to the office
- ^ Canadian origins
- ^ Odd Fellow Officers
- ^ RAOB structure