The decision having been made to unite in a Grand Lodge, the stage was now set for the first formal meeting. Anderson writes:

“Accordingly, On St. John Baptist’s Day, in the 3rd year of King George I, A.D. 1717, the assembly and Feast of the Free and Accepted Masons was held at the foresaid Goose and Gridiron Ale House.

Before dinner, the oldest Master Mason (and now the Master of a Lodge) in the chair, proposed a list of proper Candidates; and the Brethren by a Majority of Hands elected Mr. ANTHONY SAYER, Gentleman, Grand Master of Masons (Capt. Joseph Elliott, Mr. Jacob Lamball, Carpenter) Grand Wardens, who being forthwith invested with the Badges of Office and Power by the said oldest Master, and installed was duly congratulated by the Assembly who payed him Homage. Sayer Grand Master commanded the Masters and Wardens of lodges to meet the Grand Officers every Quarter in Communication, at the Place that he should appoint in his Summons sent by the Tyler.”

There is much which has been written of the old lodges Nos. 1, 2 ,3, and 4 since that time but this is all there is written about the formation of the first Grand Lodge in 1717.

Founding and Formation