Name: Reverend James Anderson
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Masonic Credentials:

Born Aberdeen, Scotland. One of the most significant events in the history of Freemasonry was the publication, in 1723, of the "Anderson's Constitutions" which are the first 'modern' rules for the governance of 'Speculative' Freemasonry. The minutes of the Grand Lodge of England show that Brother James Anderson was ordered to "digest the old Gothic Constitution in a new better method", on 29th September 1721. Only three months later Dr Anderson presented his finished production to that Grand Lodge, 27th December 1721.

The Constitutions contained a mythical history of Freemasonry, from the Garden of Eden to 1717. Although much is now discounted it still makes interesting reading as a historical document in its own right. After having been considered by a committee the volume was produced in its final form in 1723. A second edition was published in 1738. This second edition is considered the more valuable as it contains some historical detail of the Grand Lodge of England 1717-1738.

Life Achievements:

James Anderson was a Scottish writer and minister born and educated in Aberdeen, Scotland. He was ordained a minister in the Church of Scotland in 1707 and moved to London, where he ministered to the Glass House Street congregation until 1710, to the Presbyterian church in Swallow Street until 1734, and at Lisle Street Chapel until his death.

Born: 1680
Died: 1739
Masonic Jurisdiction: England
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