John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu, was the first noble Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge, as the United Grand Lodge of England notes, taking office on June 24, 1721 13. He succeeded George Payne, who proclaimed Montagu as his successor during a meeting at Stationers' Hall in London 13.
Shortly after his election, Montagu ordered James Anderson and Dr. John Theophilus Desaguliers to examine, revise, and digest the ancient Gothic constitutions, old charges, and general regulations of the fraternity 123. This work was reviewed by a committee of fourteen brethren and subsequently approved by the Grand Lodge, leading to the publication of the 1723 Book of Constitutions 123. Montagu served as Grand Master until January 1723, when he resigned to assist in reconciling the brethren to his successor, the Duke of Wharton 13.
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