What is that Jewell Brother?

You may have seen this jewel worn by Masons around the Province. It is known as “The Hall Stone Jewell” this one being proudly worn by Chris Waterhouse, The Immediate Past Master of New Zealand Lodge, No 5175, meeting in London.  In 1919, after the First World War Grand Lodge decided, in response to a suggestion from The Grand Master, H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, to embark on the building of a new memorial to the many Masons who had given their lives during the Great War. This became known as the Masonic Million Memorial Fund. Contributions to this Fund were to be entirely voluntary and were to be recognised by special commemorative jewels.

A medal collaret was to be worn by successive Masters of Lodges contributing an average of ten guineas (£724.00 each in today’s money) per member.  1,321 lodges at home and abroad qualified as Hall Stone Lodges; their names and numbers are inscribed on commemorative marble panels in the main ceremonial entrance vestibule of Freemasons’ Hall in Great Queen Street, London.