Masons In Roslin Chapel.

MASONS IN ROSLIN CHAPEL .

AS already mentioned , a unique and interesting Masonic ceremony took place on the occasion of the installation of the Earl of Rosslyn to the office of Provincial Grand Master of Fife and Kinross shires . In view of the association of the Earl with Roslin Chapel , Grand Committee had granted permission for the ceremonial taking place in that ancient and historical edifice ,

and' much circumstance was lent to the function by a large attendance of the Masons of the Province , and a deputation from the Grand Lodge , headed by Past Grand Master Sir Charles Dalrymple of Newhailes , Bart ., M . P ., in the absence of the Grand Master Mason Lord Saltoun . The members of the

Provincial Grand Lodge and of the daughter Lodges of Fife and Kinross shires travelled by special train from the several stations , and arrived at Roslin shortly before two o ' clock . At the station they were marshalled by Bro . W . Strachan , Kirkcaldy , and headed by the Roslin banner walked in procession to the Chapel .

There were deputations numbering about five hundred . There was a large muster of the residents and of visitors , including lady friends of the Masons from Fife and Kinross , witnessing the procession . On arrival at the Chapel , a certain number from each Lodge were admitted , up to the accommodation of the

chapel , about 250 . Then the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened , and thereafter Grand Lodge was received . The deputation was headed by the Past Grand Master , acting Grand Master Mason of Scotland Sir Charles Dalrymple of Newhailes , Bart ., M . P .

The ceremony of installation was then proceeded with , Bro . D . Murray Lyon Grand Secretary reading the ancient charges , and the Grand Master administering the obligation and investing Lord Rosslyn with the insignia of the office of Provincial Grand Master . The assembled Brethren thereafter saluted the newlyinstalled Provincial Grand Master , the organ being played meanwhile by the Grand Organist .

Sir Charles Dalrymple said that in ordinary circumstances this installation ceremony would have taken place within the bounds of the Province of Fife and Kinross , but the Grand Committee had sanctioned in the special circumstances the installation taking place there in that sacred edifice , which was

associated with the name and with the family of the Provincial Grand Master , and towards which many from all parts of this country , and from other lands , as a pilgrimage to a shrine , constantly turned their steps . The circumstances were peculiar , and he would fain hope that an installation ceremony performed

in such exceptional circumstances might be a happy augury for the period of office on which the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master entered that day . He did not need to enforce the rules and regulations that had been already rehearsed , but he would earnestly remind them that a strict adherence to Masonic

rule was the best possible security for the protection of all . One other thing let him say— " Do not forget that in all cases you should support the chair . " The occupant of a Masonic chair was not infallible—which was the same thing as to say that he was human—and he might make mistakes ; but they might depend

upon this , that when circumstances of difficulty arose in a Masonie Lodge the chances were that the occupant of the chair had considered the point far more than those over whom he presided . In conclusion , he earnestly hoped that that installation to that high office might be memorable to Masonry for many years to come throughout the Province .

The Provincial Grand Master Lord Rosslyn , in thanking the Grand Master , said he appreciated full well all the Grand Master had said to him , as he stood in that chapel , which had for so many hundreds of years belonged to the family of St . Clair . That was , as he had said , a special reason for his installation there

and he felt that those who had paid a visit to the chapel would go away fully satisfied with the visit . He felt , as he stood there , with his great-grandfather buried in the chapel , who was Grand Master of Scotland and Provincial Grand Master of Fife and Kinross , and as he remembered his dear father , who lay buried

outside the Chapel aud was Grand Master of Scotland , how much it was his duty to carry out those high principles at which they aimed to bring Grand Lodge to a high position , and he was anxious , if it was possible with him , to vie with them in doing his duty towards Freemasonry in general . Whatever he could

do to assist the Provincial Lodge he would do , and after what had fallen from the Grand Master with regard to supporting the chair he trusted that when they had difficult meetings , as they might have when they came to the alteration of their rules , support to the chair might not be wanting . He assured the Grand Master that as chairman he would treat every Brother

who desired to be heard with that courtesy with which they would be heard . In conclusion , his Lordship said that his father , dead though he was , was very likely watching his son in the chapel at that moment ; and knowing his interest in Freemasonry , it had occurred to him that they might all , on passing out at the door , walk round his grave and drop a white flower upon it in

Masons In Roslin Chapel.

remembrance that that was a chapel he loved so well , and that it was in Scotland that he flourished in Freemasonry . After thanksgiving and praise Grand Lodge withdrew and the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed , and the brethren

reverently acted on Lord Rosslyn s suggestion and placed white flowers on the Past Grand Master ' s grave , Lord Rosslyn placing a beautiful wreath of white flowers . Tbe company was afterwards photographed by Brother W . Drummond Young , Edinburgh .

The members of the Lodges from the Province then adjourned to a marquee in a beautiful spot not far from the chapel , where nearly a thousand Masons and their friends partook of luncheon . The members of Grand Lodge and the Office-bearers of the Province , with a number of their friends , on the invitation of the Earl of Rosslyn , assembled in the Town Hall , where lunch was served . His Lordship presided , and was supported by Sir Charles Dalrymple and the Grand Officers .

Lord Rosslyn afterwards proposed the toast of the Queen , and made a graceful reference to the Diamond Jubilee . Then he gave the Prince of Wales , and spoke of the interest which His Royal Highness takes in the promotion of the benevolent aspect of Freemasonry , and his ambition to further the interests of the Order .

Bro . Cathcart Provincial Grand Depute-Master proposed the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and in doing so said that one of the most distinguished of their Past Grand Masters was Sir Charles Dalrymple . Sir Charles Dalrymple , in replying , said he was a neighbour there , and very familiar with the interesting neighbourhood , and

many a friend was brought to see the beautiful historic chapel ; but the occasion was of great interest in a Masonic sense , both on account of the historic connection between Masonry and Lord Rosslyn ' s house , and because of the journey which his Masonic friends in Fife and Kinross had made to see him installed in

these very interesting circumstances . He asked the company , so far as not members of that body , to join in drinking to its properity in the hope that the proceedings of that day might be a happy augury for the relation of Lord Rosslyn towards it in time to come .

Lord Rosslyn . in responding , said he was sure they all felt the absence of the Grand Master Mason . If the Provincial Grand Lodge of Fife and Kinross had broken the bounds of propriety in coming to Midlothian for his installation , they had done so because there were certain connections with his family which rendered such a ceremony desirable in Roslin Chapel . It

was a unique place , a romantic place—a place full of Masonic and historic interest . He trusted they would have time to go more closely into its beauties , and would consider whether he was not justified in using the word " desirable" in referring to having installed there a descendant of the great William St . Clair . On looking through the records of the Province , which was

erected in 1745 , he found that during those 150 years they had supplied no fewer than four Grand Masters of Scotland—one of them Lord Rothes , then his own great-grandfather , and then his father , and Brother Whyte-Melville , Fife , had not been shortcoming of good Masons . Holding office in Grand Lodge had been a pleasure and honour to him ; and though his period of

office was coming to an end , they would find him ready to do his duty as an office-bearer or private member . As to the references to the Grand Mastership , his Lordship said he would rather wait his time till he had further insight to these mysterious regions , which he could not dilate upon now owing to the presence of so many who were not Brother Masons .

The Provincial Grand Senior Warden proposed the toast of the Provincial Grand Lodges , and Dr . Middleton replied . Lord Rosslyn proposed the health of the Provincial Grand Secretary aud Treasurer , and complimented him on the excellence of the arrangements . —" Scotsman . "

It is an invariable and commendable custom in Lodges to have preferment in selecting brethren for office , for the members who have become so by initation over those who have joined by affiliation . An affiliate , of course , assumes all the rights and

privileges of an ordinary member , but a " mother" is not fulfilling her duty if , all things being equal , she neglects the rightful claims of a regular member and favours the claims of one by adoption . — " Glasgow Evening News . "

"A Sprig Of Acacia."

" A SPRIG OF ACACIA . "

THE funeral of Bro . Harry House , a member of the Devizes Town Council , and a prominent Mason , took place at the cemetery on Saturday . The Mayor and Corporation attended , and there was also a contingent of members of the Wiltshire Lodge of Fidslity present . The Rev . Dr . Burges officiated , and at the close of the service the Masons filed past the open grave , each throwing a sprig of acacia on the coffin .