The Compass and Square is a standard silver Past Master's Jewel with a fixed "G". and the bottom bar has "W.M." and the number of the Lodge, "No. 788" inscribed thereon.
The Maker's Mark on the reverse of Jewel is "S.D.N".
Short History of Warrant No. 788.
Warrant No. 788 issued to brethren in the 44th (East Essex) FOOT, later The 1st Battalion The Essex Regiment on the 1st August, 1793. Warrant No. 788 was CANCELLED sometime prior to 1807.
Warrant No. 788 reissued to `St. John's Lodge' in CAIRNCASTLE, Larne, County Antrim on the 1st October 1807, by D.G.S Bro. Alexander Seton.
As the issue of Warrant No. 788 was a "Seton" issue and nothing was recorded in the Grand Lodge Minutes at that time.
Belfast News Letter - 28th June 1810.
"We the Masters, Wardens, and Brethren, of the following REGULAR Lodges, viz. 270, 292, 302, 311, 615, 645, 654, 788, 915, 923, and 956, convened at Carrickfergus to celebrate the Anniversary of St. John, return our sincere and well-merited Thanks to the Rev. JOHN SAVAGE for the excellent Sermon be delivered to us this day, wherein we piously expatiated on the duties we owe to GOD and our Neighbours, as Men, Christians, and Masons. We hereby assure our Brethren composing the Masonic Committee of Belfast, that their spirited, liberal, and unprejudiced sentiments, published in the Commercial Chronicle of the 4th inst. merit our entire approbation; we therefore adopt them as our own; and are determined to persevere in our adherence to the Brethren of our native Province.
JAS. ORR, Sec. to Committee.
"1 September, 1814 - Read a Memorial from the Members of 788 praying leave to hold said Warrant at Cairncastle near Larne. Ordered That on the documents being sent up and the old Warrant with the dues since they have had 788 and proper returns a duplicate will be granted."
The Seton Warrant was returned in exchange for a legal Warrant of the same number on the 1st September 1814.
"Warrant No. 788 to Carncastle, Larne, 1 September, 1814 - John McKee; Rob. Hunter and Wm. McCloy registered 1 September, 1814."
Reproduced by kind permission of the Lodge of Research No. CC.
A total of 150 brethren registered up to 12th August, 1857.
Series three Vol. 10 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commence with two brethren shown as registered prior to 1st November 1860 then a line across the page and registrations then commence with Thomas Lees registered 14th January, 1861.
Early example of seals used by the Lodge.
A total of 98 brethren registered up to 27th December, 1900. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown.
Series four Vol. 15 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with 16 brethren transcribed from the previous register.
A total of 137 brethren registered up to 23rd November, 1923. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Series five Vol. 20 shown as Vol. 5 of the extant Grand Lodge Registercommences with the registration of James Bailie, Damask Mounter, registered 16th May, 1924.
A total of 111 brethren registered up to 7th March, 1952. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Series six Vol. 23 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with the registration of Patrick McClure, Plasterer registered 13th March, 1953.
A total of 130 brethren registered up to 7th December, 1984. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
From 1984 the registration of members of CAIRNCASTLE LODGE No. 788 is held, in alphabetical order, in a computerised register by Grand Lodge, Freemasons’ Hall, 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Registration of the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Secretary of Lodges are held in separate Registers, the first Volume covering the period 1983 to 1994 inclusive and the second Volume covering from1995 to date.
History of Cairncastle Lodge No. 788 by W.Bro. Robert Bashford.
You will find a very comprehensive history of Cairncastle Lodge No. 788 by W.Bro. Robert Bashford, member of the Lodge of Research No. CC and Editor of the Lodge of Research No. CC "Transactions" by "clicking" on the following link ~ A Brief History of Cairncastle Lodge No 778 I.C. and its Warrant.
St. John's Lodge No. 788, Cairncastle, meets on the Fri. at 7.30p.m. on or before the full Moon (Except 7 & 8) at Brustin Brae Road Cairncastle, County Antrim.