In 1735 Lodge #44 at Doneraile, Ireland usually met at Lord Doneraile's home who was Master of his Lodge. His sister also lived with him, Elizabeth St. Leger.
Knowing that the meeting was about to open Elizabeth hid in a storage room adjoining the lodge room. She removed a brick that she had loosened from the wall a few days before and watched the conferring of the Fellow Craft degree.
When the meeting was about to close, Elizabeth realized what she had done, and in her nervous attempt to leave knocked over some storage boxes. The Tiler hearing the ruckus sounded the alarm and ran to dispatch the intruder. Lord Doneraile appeared just in time to save her life.
After questioning her the members re-assembled and deliberated on what to do about this intrusion. After two hours of heated debate, the proposal and second of her death, cooler heads prevailed. She was given two alternatives, either she submit to receiving the first two degrees in Masonry or other arrangements would be made for her. Miss St. Leger being able to hear some of the debate gladly accepted.
Mrs. or more appropriately Sister Aldworth
after marriage, was so taken by the lessons of charity and Fraternal
love shown to her upon being passed to the degree of Fellow Craft
that night, that she spent her life and considerable wealth helping
the poor in general and the Masonic poor in particular.
[ Back to Masonic Short Talks ] [ Previous ] [ Next ]
