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Antients Grand Lodge Constitutions
The Antients: Laurence Dermott’s “Ahiman Rezon,” First and Second Editions
Laurence Dermott (1720-1791) served as Grand Secretary and later, Deputy Grand Master of the Ancient Grand Lodge of England – also known as the Grand Lodge of England According to the Old Constitutions, or colloquially, the “Antients.” Alternatively, it was also called the Atholl Grand Lodge because the Third and Fourth Dukes of Atholl served as Grand Masters for half of its existence.
The Antients were formed in 1751 by Irish Masons in London who believed they were practicing an older, purer form of Freemasonry. During their 62 year history, the Antients provided an interesting flavor to the growing Masonic world in England and in the American Colonies. They also introduced the degree of Royal Arch to a Masonic audience hungry for new ritualistic experiences.
The Ancients published their own constitutions in 1756: “Ahiman Rezon”; or, “A Help to a Brother,” by Laurence Dermott.
The main competitor and challenger of the Antients was the Premier Grand Lodge of England – the “Moderns.” Eventually, the rivalry ceased. The Antients and Moderns combined in 1813, thus creating the United Grand Lodge of England.
The Henry W. Coil Library and Museum is proud to own a first and second edition of “Ahiman Rezon.” A few details add special interest to the first addition: an illuminated personalized name plate on page 70 indicating the original owner, and scribbled drawings by a young child.
Frontispiece to the Second Edition
The richly illustrated frontispiece shows the Arms of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons. After the union of the Antients and Moderns Grand Lodges, the new coat of arms was revised to include several elements of the Antients’ arms, namely the four Biblical beasts. This design is now very common in the international Masonic community - including the Grand Lodge of California.
Below the Antients’ coat of arms is one of the operative stonemasons. This design borrows elements from the London Company of Masons’ coat of arms, some of which also appear in the coat of arms of the Premier Grand Lodge.
