USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of Saint John's Lodge of Boston in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as shown in the records of the First Lodge, the Second Lodge, the Third Lodge, the Rising Sun Lodge, the Masters' Lodge, St. John's Lodge, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge > Part 3
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HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
came to town from Marblehead with Br. Lowell on purpose to be made a Mason), which the Lodge unanimously agreed to. Our R. W. G. M. appointed Richard Gridley, the Master of the First Lodge, to make the above five gentlemen Masons who were made entered Prentices, and Passed Fellow-Crafts." About the last of January or the first of Febru- ary, 1757, the Grand Master summoned the Brethren to attend in Con- cert Hall to celebrate the Feast of Saint John the Evangelist. Among the distinguished Brethren present were His Excellency John, Earl of Londown, late Grand Master of Masons in England, and his Excellency Charles Lawrence Esq., Governor of Halifax, and Mr. James Otis, one of the Commissioners for Massachusetts to confer with Lord Londown. Boston, September 11th 5767 At a Special Grand and General Lodge, assembled at the British Coffee house in Boston, on account of the death of the Right Worshipful Jeremy Gridley Esq". Grand Master of Masons in North America.
PRESENT
The Right Worshipful John Rowe Esq". Depy. Grand Master and Grand Treasurer.
Bro". Hugh MCDaniel past D.G.M.
Bro". Robert Jenkins past D.G.M.
Bro". John Box Sen". Grand Warden pro temp
Bro". John Cutler Jun". Grand Warden & Mas". of Masrs. Lodge
Bror. Abraham Savage, Gr. Secry, & Mas". of the first Lodge
Bro'. Job Wheelwright Sen".
Bro". Andrew Johonnett JunT.
Wardens of Mas". Lodge
Bro". Benjamin Loring Sen".
Wardens of the 1st Lodge
Bro". William Hickling JunT.
Bro". Samuel Fitch, Esq". Master
Bro". William Tyng, Sen'. pro.
Bro". John Bradford, Jun".
Wardens - of the 2ª Lodge
The Order of the Procession as directed by this Grand Lodge to be Observed at the Funeral of the late Grand Master Gridley:
After the Officers of the Grand Master's Regiment, who march two and two, and the Members of the Marine Society who follow them in the same manner:
1. The Tyler of St. Andrews Lodge with the sword
2. The two Stewards of said Lodge with their wands
3. The Members of Said Lodge, two and two, all properly cloathed.
4. The three Grand Stewards, with their jewels and wands.
5. The Members of First, Second & Masters Lodges, two and two.
21
THE FIRST LODGE
6. The Master, Wardens and other Officers of St. Andrews Lodge two and two.
7. The Treasurers of the First and Second Lodges, with their proper badges.
8. The Wardens of the Second Lodge.
9. The Wardens of the First Lodge.
10. The Wardens of the Masters' Lodge.
11. The Master of the Master's Lodge, with the Master of the First Lodge, on his right hand, and the Master of the Second Lodge on his left.
12. The Past Grand Officers two and two.
13. The Deputy Grand Master, with the Senior Grand Warden on his right hand, and the Junior Grand Warden on his left.
14. The Grand Tyler, carrying the black velvet cushion whereon is laid the late Grand Master's jewel.
15. The Body of the late Grand Master.
"Boston, September 12th 5767. In the above manner the Fraternity walked before the corpse. The pall was supported by his Honour Thomas Hutchinson Esq". Lieut. Governour and Chief Justice of the Province, The Honorable Edmund Trowbridge Esq". late Attorney Gen1. and now one of the Judges of the Superior Court, The Honourable John Erving Esq"., the Honorable Thomas Hubbard Esq"., both members of his Majesty's Council, James Otis Esq"., and Samuel Fitch Esqr., both Barristers at Law and both of the Society of Free and Accepted Masons.
After the corpse followed the Relations of the deceased, the Gentle- men of the Law in their robes, many of them of the Fraternity, and numbers of gentlemen of the Town, their coaches &c., which closed the whole procession. When the Military Officers arrived at the gate of the Burying Ground they halted, as did the Free Masons, and then opened to the right and left, forming a lane for the corpse and those that followed to pass through.
Number of members in the funeral procession 161"
"Boston, September 14th 1767.
On Thursday Evening last at 11 o'Clock, departed this life the Right Worshipful Jeremy Gridley Esq". Grand Master of Masons over all North America, Attorney General for the Province of Massachusetts Bay, a Member of the Great and General Court of said Province and a Justice throughout the same, Colonel of the first Regiment of Militia, and President of the Marine Society.
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HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
His funeral was attended on Saturday last, with the respect due to his memory, by the members of his Majesty's Council, and the Judges of the Superior Court in Town, the Gentlemen of the Bar, the Brethren of the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, the Officers of his Regiment, the members of the Marine Society and a great number of the gentlemen of the Town."
Extract from an unpublished diary of John Rowe, Grand Master 1768-1787: "12th Sept., Saturday 1767, Cool & Fair. Wind in the Afternoon. I attended the Funeral of Our Right Worshipful Jerry Gridley Esq. Grand Master. The Officers of his Regiment marched in order. Then the Brethren of St. Andrews Lodge, then the Stewards of the Grand Lodge, then the Brethren promiscuously two & two, then the Wardens of the Second Lodge, then the Wardens of the First Lodge, then the Wardens of the Masters Lodge, then the three Masters of the three several Lodges, then the past Grand Officers and the Treasurer, then the Grand Wardens, then myself as Deputy Grand Master, then the Tyler, with the Grand Master's jewell on a black velvet cushion, the Corpse, The Bearers were the Lieut. Governor, Judge Trowbridge, Justice Hubbard, John Erving Senr. Esqr., James Otis Esqr., & Mr. Samuel Fitch. Then followed the Relatives, after them the Lawyers in their robes, then the gentlemen of the Town, & then a great many coaches, chariots & chaises. Such a multitude of spectators I never saw at any time before since I have been in New England. After his body was interr'd wee return'd in form to the Town house (from whence his corpse was taken from at the beginning of the Procession) in the same order as we first walked. I do not much approve of such parade & show but as it was his & his relatives' desire, I could not well avoid giving my consent."
James Otis came to Boston in 1750 and in 1752 he received his degrees in the First Lodge. He resided next to the County Court House in 1760, and was one of the greatest of the patriots in the preliminary conflicts with the royalists before the Revolution. In 1761 he made the famous speech against the "Writs of Assistance." Some severe strictures upon the officers of customs resulted in an attack on him in the British Coffee House in King St. by John Robinson, a commission of customs. Otis was severely cut on his head, which made him insane. He retired to Andover, and while standing in the doorway of Mr. Osgood's house was killed by lightning May, 1783, aged 58 yrs. His remains were brought to Boston and placed in a tomb in the Granary Burying Ground, where a boulder with a bronze tablet stands to his memory.
John Rowe, who became a member of the Lodge in 1740 and was its
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THE FIRST LODGE
Worshipful Master in 1749, occupied in 1744 a warehouse on Belcher's Wharf as an importer. Rowe Street and Rowe's Wharf are named for him. At the mass meeting in the Old South Church where the Tea Party was assembled Rowe said "who knows how tea will mingle with salt water!" The idea was received with great laughter and approval. He was a member of the General Court in 1784. At an adjourned meeting of the Grand Lodge held in the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, January 22, 1768, he was elected Grand Master for three years, and the deputation to him from the Grand Lodge of England is dated May 12, 1768.
"Friday November 11th 1768, the Grand Committee met this evening at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern to further regulate & order what may be necessary previous too, & at the installmt. of the Right Worshipful John Rowe Esq". as Grand Master. The Committee made choice of the following Brethren to serve in the respective offices against their names in procession on the installment day, Viz. Bro. Samuel Fitch to walk as Master of the Masters Lodge, Bro. Samuel Calef to walk as Master of the First Lodge, Bro. Henry Leddel to walk as Master of the Second Lodge."
His diary contains the following memoranda: "2d April Monday 1770. Afternoon I attended the funeral of my old acquaintance Brother Hugh McDaniel & was one of his bearers together with John Erving Esqr., Mr. Peter Chardin, Jos. Henshaw Esqr., Mr. Wm. Coffin Sent., & Mr. Timothy Fitch. The Brotherhood walk'd in procession before the corpse & made a handsome appearance.
"7 December (1773) Tuesday cold weather in afternoon; I attended the funeral (of) Mr. Robt. Jenkins, he being a Brother was buried in form the Masons of the several Lodges walking in procession with their jewells & white aprons- I was a pall bearer with Bro. Price, Bro. War- ren, Bro. Box, Bro. Cutler, & Bro. McNeall.
"3 Novem", (1774) Thursday afternoon, I attended the funerall of Brother Box and was a bearer with James Pitts Esq., Dr. Gardner, Mr. Chandon, Mr. Henderson Inches, and Mr. Gilbert Deblois, it was a handsome funerall the Free Masons walked in proper form."
"At a Meeting of the Grand Lodge at Brother Sam Dunn's house Feb. 7, 1787. Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to take hence our dear & well beloved Grand Master John Rowe Esqr. the G. Lodge de- sirous of manifesting their respect & affection for him agree to attend his funeral in due form, and that the Lodges in this Town & Charles- town be invited to attend on the same sorrowful occasion, and
Voted That W. Brother Cutler, Gardner, & Patten, be a Committee to wait on Mrs. Rowe to know if 'tis agreeable to her that the free
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HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
Masons walk in procession at the funeral, and Voted, That they, to- gether with W. Brother Prince, Mackay & Dunn be a Committee to arrange & superintend the funeral procession.
Voted, That the Committee furnish two doz. aprons & two dozen pair gloves, which the Treasurer is directed to pay for."
WORKING TOOLS
There is no mention of tools or implements for the ceremonies of the ritual until "Wednesday Octob' : ye: 24th: 1744," when we find: "Voted that Bro. Price provide a neat Square, Level and plumb Rule in wood for the use of the Lodge, the Treas": to pay for the same out of the Societys Treasury."
"Wednesday Nov': 13th 1745 Being Lodge Night the Lodge being open'd Bro. Price reported that the Masters Lodge had Voted a sett of candles to this Lodge."
"Wednesday Feby. ye 22ª 1749 Being Lodge Night Voted that a Press or Closett be built in the Lodge Room, to inclose the Pedastal and other utensils belonging to the Lodge and a committee was ap- pointed to project the form thereof and get it done at the expence of the Lodge."
"Wednesday March ye 22ª 1749 Being Lodge Night, Voted that the Lodge be not cloath'd with gloves for six makings in order to defray the charge of said closet without hurting the stock of the Lodge."
"Wednesday Nov": 22d: 1749. Being Lodge Night the Lodge being open'd Our Rt. Worsh1: Brothers Oxnard G. M. McDaniel D. G. M. & Rowe M. presented to the Lodge Three Silver Punch Ladles to be de- posited in the pedestal, which were receiv'd by the Brethren with the utmost gratitude and thankfulness."
"Wednesday Augst. 8th, 1750 Being Lodge Night, the Lodge being open'd Voted that the Jun". Wardens make use of Meddals to keep the reckoning for the future."
It appears by the records that the candidate sometimes was required to clothe the lodge, that is to furnish gloves for all the Brethren present, while at other times it was done at the expense of the lodge. The Breth- ren of those days were determined that they would have clean hands at all events. This involved a heavy expense. It appears that on the 10th of January 1738, the Reckoning or tavern bill amounted to £4. 14. 8. and the cost of gloves was £10. 16. 1, while the fee for making was only £8.
JOHN ROWE
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THE FIRST LODGE
THE GRAND LODGE
The records show close connection with the Grand Lodge, and fre- quently contain its proceedings : "Monday, December the 29 1740 Our Rt: W: Bro": Thomas Oxnard D: G.M. open'd a Grand Lodge and was pleased to nominate and appoint the following Brethren his Grand Officers for the year ensuing."
" Wednesday February the 10th 1741. Being Lodge night Voted that a petition to the Grand Lodge of England be made & sent with all speed for the constituting & appointing our Rt. Wor. Bro. Thos. Oxnard Grand Master of New England."
"Wednesday June the 24th 1741. This Night being the Festival of St. John the Baptist the same was observed in a very particular and ele- gant manner by all the Brethren present, when Our Rt. W: Bro: Tho8: Oxnard held a Grand Lodge, and was pleas'd to nominate and appoint Bro. Steven Deblois, S. G. W. Bro: Robert Jenkins J: G. W. Bro. P. Pelham G. S. and Bro: Stevenson G. Tylar for the year ensuing."
"Thursday June 24, 1742, Being the Festival of St: John the Bap- tist; The Rt : W. Bro: Thomas Oxnard G: M. held a grand Lodge, and was pleas'd to appoint Bro. Jenkins S: G: W. Bro: Row J: G.W. Bro. Pelham G. Secy. & Bro: Stevenson G: Tyl'. The Brethren attending (about 40 in Numbr.) celebrated the evening in a very elegant manner."
"Tuesday March 6th: 1744, the Lodge being open'd Bro. Tim: McDaniel presented Our Rt: Worsh1: Bro. Thos. Oxnard Esq": with a Deputation from the Rt: Honble Rt: Worshipful the Ld Barron Ward Grand Master of England constituting and appointing him our Sd: Rt: Worsh1: Bro: Thomas Oxnard, Provincial G: Master of North America, which by his order was read, and then our Rt. Worshl. P.G.M. received the salutations and congratulations of the Brethren in due order; and appointed our Rt. Worshl. Bro. Hugh McDaniel his Deputy, Bro. Kilby S.G.W. and Bro. Box J.G.W. till June next; after which the Brethren were elegantly entertain'd by our Rt. Worshl. G.M. and the evenings celebration clos'd with the utmost order and decorum, in a manner only known in Masonry."
The Deputation is as follows : - "(Seal) J. Ward G.M. To all and Every our Right Worshipful, Wor- shipful; and Loving Brethren.
We John Lord Ward Barron of Birmingham in the County of War- wick Grand Master of the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons send Greeting.
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HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
Whereas, Application hath been made unto us by several of our Brethren residing in North America praying that we would Appoint a Provincial Grand Master for North America in the Room of our Brother Robt. Thomlinson Esquire, deceas'd late Provincial Grand Master Now Know ye that we John Lord Ward have Nominated Constituted and Appointed and by these presents do Nominate Constitute and Appoint our well beloved Bro. Thos. Oxnard Esquire To be Provincial Grand Master of North America with full power to nominate and Appoint his Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens and in our name and stead to Constitute Lodges in North America he the said Thos. Oxnard Es- quire taking special care that all and every Member or Members of any Lodge or Lodges so to be Constituted have been or shall be made regular Masons, and that he cause all and every the Regulations contain'd in the Printed Book of Constitutions except so far as they have been alter'd by the Grand Lodge at their Quarterly Communications to be kept and observ'd and also all such other Rules and Instructions as shall from time to time be transmitted to him by us or Sr. Robt. Lawley Barronet our Deputy Grand Master, or the Grand Master or his Deputy for the time being, and that he the said Thos. Oxnard Esquire do send an Accot. in Writing to us or our Deputy or the Grand Master for the time being of all and every Lodge or Lodges he shall constitute with the date of their Constitution and Days of meeting and names of their Members and their place as Above. Also Two Guineas for the General Charity and half a Guinea for other Expences from every Lodge he shall Con- stitute and also to hold four Quarterly Communications in a Year, one of them upon the Feast of St. John the Evangelist or as near that time as Conveniently may be.
Given under Our Hand and Seal at London this Twenty third Day of September One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty-three and of Masonry Five Thousand Seven Hundred & Forty Three.
By the Grand Masters Command
John Revis G.S."
"Friday June 26th: 1744 Being appointed by our Rt: Worshipful Grand Master for the celebration of John Baptist Day our Rt: Worsh1: G: M. attended by 30 Brethren held a Grand Lodge which being open'd he was pleas'd to continue his G: Officers in their several posts for the ensuing six months after which the evening was spent in entertainments suteable to the occasion and conducted with the utmost harmony & decorum fitting so grand a solemnity."
"Dec. 27, 5748. Being the Festival of St. John the Evangelist the
27
THE FIRST LODGE
Brethren attended Divine service at Christ Church, where a sermon suitable to the occasion was preached by our Rt. Worshl. and Revd. Bro. Mr. Chas. Brockwell after which they repair'd in procession, and con- cluded the celebration of the day in Grand Lodge at an elegant dinner with the utmost decency and decorum, after the manner of Masons."
"Wednesday April ye: 11th, 1750, Being Lodge Night the Treasurer was directed to supply our Rt. Worshl. Mast. with £20 for our Consti- tution." The payment would seem to be rather late as the Constitution took place seventeen years before.
"Fryday April ye 13th 1750. At a Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge holden at the Royal Exchange Tavern in King street Boston Bro. Mckenzie (Senior Warden of the Masters Lodge) presented a remonstrance to this Lodge wherein he complains of several erroneous proceedings of ye Ist. Lodge which being read by the G. S. it was Voted that the consideration thereof be referred to the next Quarterly Com- munication."
"Frydy July 13th 1750. At a Quarterly Communication holden in Boston, voted that Our Rt. Worshl. Bro. Coffin M. of the 1st Lodge have longer time to answer Bro. Mckenzie's complaint against the said 1st Lodge."
"Frydy Octo' 12th 1750.
At a Quarterly Communication holden in Boston, the Lodge being open'd Voted, that the Rt. Worshl. Bro. Coffin be serv'd with a copy of Bro: McKenzie's complaint against the 1st Lodge, attested by the G: Secretary."
"Wednesday July 24-1751, Being Lodge Night the Lodge being open'd it was motion'd and thought proper by the Brethren, that where- as our Grand Master Bro. Oxnard was going home, this and the other Lodges in Boston should prefer a petition sign'd by the several Masters and Wardens to the Grand Master of England, praying the enlarging and establishing our Grand Masters power in North America. Voted that the Rt. Worsh1. Brors. Lord Colvel, Brockwell, McDaniel, Price, and Rowe be a Comee to prepare the same.
Voted That the Treas". do pay to the above Comee. Three Guineas to be sent Home as this Lodges propor". of the expence that may accrue."
"Wednesday October 1st 5755,
at a Grand Lodge Held at Concert Hall this day the Right Worshipfull Jeremy Gridley Esq. appointed Grand Master of Masons in North America by the Right Worshipfull the Marquis of Carnarvon Grand Master of Masons, was installed in that office (at Concert Hall) the three
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HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
Lodges in this Town and the Masters & Wardens of the Portsmouth Lodge in New Hampshire with a great number of Brothers were present cloathed with white aprons and gloves, and after the Instalment ac- companied their Grand Master in procession to Trinity Church in this order, first walked the Sword Bearer, carrying a drawn Sword in one hand and the Book of Constitutions in the other, next came the several Lodges according to their juniority, closed with the Wardens and Master cloathed with their jewells, four Stewards with white wands went before the Grand Treasurer and Secretary cloathed with their jewels, who were followed by the Past Grand Officers, after these walked the Grand Wardens with their jewels and the present and late Grand Master cloathed with their jewels and badges, closed the Procession. At Church the Revd. M. Hooper read Prayers and the Revd. Mr. Brown preached an excellent sermon on the occasion to a numerous and polite audience, after service the Sword Bearer and Stewards walked before the Grand Master, and the procession was made in a reverse order back to Concert Hall, where an elegant dinner was prepared, and the afternoon was spent in harmony and mirth."
"Friday April 9th 5756, at a Quarterly Communication holden in Boston the Master of Masters Lodge and the First Lodge presented a Petition for this Lodge to con- sider of some method in order to raise a fund for Charity-a Committee of Seven were appointed to take the Petition under consideration."
"At the first Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons held at the Royal Exchange Tavern in Boston on the second Wednesday of September, being the 9th day 5767, the Question was put whether this Lodge think it best to purchase Concert Hall, Provided the sum of £600. Sterling can be raised? Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Question. Whether this Lodge would include their stock in the above sum of £600 Ster? for said Purchase? Pass'd in the Negative.
Voted. That it is expedient to call a General Lodge, in order to see what Subscriptions can be obtain'd for the purchase of said Hall."
A Special Grand Lodge was held "At the First Lodge of Free and Ac- cepted Masons in Boston held at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in King Street on Wednesday the 14th of Dec". 1768."
FRATERNAL RELATIONS
Our brethren maintained close relations with all members of the Craft, both here and elsewhere, and September 1, 1736, they sent the following letter to Scotland :
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THE FIRST LODGE
"Most Worthy and Dear Brethren
Our true affection for the whole Fraternity will not permit us to slip this favourable opportunity to give you sincere assurance of our due respect and regard for all our Worthy Brethren. Our hearty good wishes we forward to you under the care of our Brother Mr. Patherick Robert- son, who is a well esteem'd Member of our Lodge.
It will perhaps be acceptable to you that we inform you our Lodge was constituted here by our Right Worshipful Master Henry Price Pro- vincial Grand Master on the 318. day of August A. M. 5733 and is held at the Royal Exchange Tavern in Kings Street, the Second & fourth Wendsday of every Month, and is adorned with the most eminent gentlemen of this great town, and kept up to its primitive beauty & purity. We shall always be ready and desirous to convince our Brethren & particularly those of your Rt. Worshipful Lodge that we are with due respect Most Worthy & Dear Brethren, your Sincere Brothers & humble Servts.
Henry Price G. M. James Gordon D.P.G.M. Robert Tomlinson M. Hugh McDaniel S.W. John Osborn Jr. W. F. Beteilhe Secretary at Boston New England September the 18. A.D. 1736."
Brother Robertson made safely the long voyage across the Atlantic and November 2 attended a meeting of the Lodge as appears from its records :
"At the Old Coffee house 2d Novem". 1736
Members present: The Rt. Worshipful Jas. Montgomery pro. Master; John Murdock pro Sent. Ward; Thos. Hamilton pro. J. Warden; John Thomson; George Murdock; James Craig; Robert Scot; Robert Drag- horn; Arthur Martine; Andrew Scot; Oliver Wardrof; John Telfier; Wm. Robb; Robert Hamilton; Roger Redburn (Visiting Brethn.) at this Meeting the following being presented by our trusty & well beloved Brother Pathrick Robertson of New England, Merchant from our Sister Lodge in Boston, this Lodge unanimously agreed and ordered the said letter to be engross'd in the book and also judge it proper that an answer thereto may be transmitted by the hands of the above Brother James Montgomerie pro Mr."
Before the time came however for the return of Brother Robertson it was found that one of their own members proposed to visit Boston and the following letter therefore was entrusted to him:
30
HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
"Glasgow Kilwining Lodge, 22d February A.D. 1737.
Dear Brethren :-
This accompanies Capn. Robert Paisly, a worthy Member of our Lodge by whom we take occasion to acknowledge the receipt of your obliging letters of September 1st deliver'd to us by Brother Patrick Robertson which notifyed to us the agreeable news of your having a regular Lodge in the Town of Boston Constituted A.M. 5733.
It is with pleasure we learn that the Craft is in so flourishing a way with you and that your Lodge is kept up in its Antient Simplicity & Beauty.
We desire you'll accept of our sincere affection & our hearty good wishes for the Prosperity, Unity & Harmony of our Sister Lodge and shall be fond of every opportunity of testifying with how much Esteem and Regard We are
Dear Brethren
Yo'r Most affectionate Bror & Most humble Servants
James Montgomery M.
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