THE noble art was first introduced into France from England by the foundation of a Lodge in Dunkirk about 1721, although the learned historian, Gould, denies that this was its origin, and attributes the foundation to some private or operative members. W. Bro. Lt.-Corn. Shipton, of the Authors' Lodge, quotes the following from an old ritual dated 1720. " In the preface a story is told of an English naval officer, whose ship was wrecked on the coast, making certain signs of distress ; an emergency meeting called together provided him with a sum of money and a safe return to his country, which sum was faithfully returned by a smuggler's boat.
Title
1916 - Freemasonry in France - V.W. Bro. S. Scott-Young
