Women Freemasons.

Waikato Times, Issue 12178, 13 September 1911, Page 4

Women Freemasons.

LONDON, July 28. It will no doubt come as a startling surprise to many people when they learn that women have at last become sharers with men of the mysteries of masonry. But. perhaps, even more surprised will they he when they learn that a "fraternity" for both sexes has been established these Past three years, and that some 150 women are at present mamlers of it. Such, however, is the case, and the Rev. Dr. Cobb, rector of St. Ethelburga's Church, Bishopsgate, is the founder of the movement. The rector is himself a Freemason, and interviewed this week, he explained that the initiation of women into the order was one on similar lines to that of men. "With but one or two details whioh really do not count, the ritual is just the same," he added, while as to describing the new body a "fraternity," which sounded somewhat oddly in its including women, there was really no difference between such a term and addressing a congregation as "dearly beloved brethren," when we included women as well as men. The rector is of opinion that men have too long neglected to see the part women wore destined to play in the affairs of the world. ''But more and more," iha said, "it is becoming woman's day in masonry as In everything else. She can help mon as well as herself to the l newer and higher life. Already good work has been done, and there is a great future before us."