[From The History of Freemasonry in Bengal by Andrew D'Cruz, Jr. (1866) pp. 8 & 11]

Masonic Ball and Play, 1774.

It was resolved that there should be "a ball and entertainment in the usual way," viz., a ball on the 29th December and a play at the Theater on the 28th.

Proceedings of 22nd December 1774.

The following were the arrangements ordered to be made for the festival: -

"There shall be no music for the procession to church, but there shall be music for the procession to the ball.

"Tables to be laid for 300 persons.

"Bro. Guinaud to be requested to prepare a song both for the night of the play and the ball, with any other Brethren who can sing, and to prepare the musicians for the procession.

"Particular invitations also to be sent to Mahomed Raza Cawn and his two sons, and to the son of Meeran.

"General invitations to be sent to the ladies of Calcutta, with a request that those who are sisters, and don't receive blue ribbons, 'would send intimation thereof, that they may be sent.

"General invitations to be sent round to the gentlemen in Calcutta; and to the officers of the army, particularly requesting those who are Masons to apply to some private Lodge.

"Particular invitations witi1 ribbons to be sent to all the sisters.

"A Grand Tyler to be appointed, and Tylers from other Lodges. The Stewards to be immediately appointed, and to provide themselves with tickets for the wine, &c., and to meet previous to the entertainment to settle all matters, that there may be no confusion.

"Red aprons, red sashes, and white rods for the Stewards; with two blue rods and aprons for the Grand Stewards.

"Blue rod, gilt, for the Grand Treasurer.

"As to the Procession: - The Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, and Masters, without regard to Lodges, to march two and two proceeding the Grand Lodge in proper form.

"The play was put off to Thursday, the 29th and the ball to the following day.

"The Lodge No. 1 to furnish eight Stewards and Lodge No. 2 four. Bro. Macdonald to be Grand Tyler."

* * * * * * *

At a meeting held on the 30th December 1774, there were present: - The M. W. Grand Master, with the Grand Officers, Past Grand Wardens, and a very great number of the Brethren of the different Lodges in Bengal, including the Master and 'Wardens of the Lodge of Chandernagore.

"The Grand Master acquainted the Brethren that the play could not be performed.

"The Grand Lodge and the Brethren, preceded by a band of music, then proceeded to the Courthouse, in the same order as on St. John's Day. On their arrival in the ball room, the Brethren of the private Lodges divided and moved up behind the ladies. The Grand Lodge walked up the middle of the room, and having seated the Grand Master, with the R. W. Graham, Grand Master Elect, on his right hand, and R. W. C. S. Playdell, Deputy Grand Master, on his left, the Grand Officers and Brethren took their proper places, and after the minuets began, which being ended, the company proceeded to supper, after which the Lodge was dosed in due form.

"About 60 ladies were present, most of whom wore ribbons as sisters of the honorable Order, and the country dances, &c., continued till three in the morning." (p. 11).

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