Provincial Grand Master

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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

  1. ^ Encyclopaedia Brittanica 1955 Vol 9 p736 Freemasonry Hughan, W.J. Senior Grand Deacon of Freemasons 1874
  2. ^ Explanation of Necessity
  3. ^ that is belonging to a county district p1216 Chambers Dictionary (2003, Edinburgh, Chambers Harrap) ISBN 0550101055
  4. ^ A short history of Freemasonry in Cheshire Taylor, H. ; Lawson, P.H. (1925 Chester, Provincial grand Lodge of Cheshire) p17
  5. ^ Province details
  6. ^ The Old Firm Murray,B.(1984,rev;2000 Edinburgh John Donald Publishers)pp62-63 ISBN 0859765423
  7. ^ Historical reference to the office
  8. ^ Canadian origins
  9. ^ Odd Fellow Officers
  10. ^ RAOB structure