Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
The Ceremony . —The site of the baths is a spacious area in the Low Carlton , lately occupied by some old tenements , immediately behind tbe range of lofty buildings which form the south frontage of AVaterloo Place . A slight excavation had been here made for the foundationstone , on the side of which was a raised bench , covered with green and crimson , for the accommodation of the Grand Lodge . Opposite to this erection was a commodious platformwhich was assigned to the Lord
, Provost , Magistrates , and Town Council . The approach of tbe procession to tbe site was announced by the inspiring notes of the Freemasons' march , performed in excellent style by the band of the Greys . The various bodies were arrayed in the stations appropriated to them without the slightest confusion taking place . The Grand Lodge was represented by the Right Hon . Lord Glenlyon , M . W . G . Master Mason of Scotland , and his office-bearers . On the
bench before the Grand Lodge were the cornucopia , and silver vases containing wine and oil . The effect of the entire scene at this point of the proceedings , owing to the accumulation of civic and Masonic splendour which it displayed , and the eager curiosity manifested by thousands of spectators on the ground , perched in windows , and on the roofs of the adjoining houses , was in the highest degree striking and picturesque . All beinarrangedthe ceremonial was commenced with the offering
g , up of an impressive and appropriate prayer , by the Rev . Bro . Boyle , of the Episcopal Church , Portobello , Chaplain to the Grancl Lodge . The stone having been lowered , the different parts of the Masonic ceremonial , which need not be here detailed , were gone through in clue form . The Grand Master then descended , and took his station beside
the stone with the mallet in his hands . Having satisfied himself , by inspection anil inquiry , that everything had been executed in due Masonic order , his lordship ( addressing his Masonic Brethren ) said" Having perfect confidence in your skill , it now only remains to me to finish this ceremony . " Then , striking the stone three several blows , he said— " May it support the work during all future generations , " a sentiment which was greeted with immense applause . His lordship then ascended to his place oti the platformand addressed the Lord Provost
, , the gentlemen , and originators of the institution , ancl concluded in the following words : — " I beg again to congratulate you upon this occasion , and my earnest prayer is , that what we have this day begun may be continued in prosperity , and be attended with benefit to the workingclasses of Edinburgh . "—( Renewed cheers ) . The LORD PROVOST , in reply , said— " Right AVorshipful Grand Master , I congratulate your lordship on being privileged to lay the foundation
of this structure . Your predecessors have laid the foundation-stones of gorgeous palaces and solemn temples , and undying monuments , which nave been planned with most exquisite taste , and finished with the most perfect skill , at a cost which has often drained the treasuries of kingdoms . These were generally raised to gratify the self-love of vain-glorious mortals ; but the structure which we have now commenced , though comparativelhumblehas an importance which few of those magnificent
y , edifices coulcl pretend to . "—( Loud cheers ) . The Rev . Bro . BOYLE , after alluding with ( he said ) singular satisfaction to what had been said by the Grand Master and Lord Provost , pronounced the parting benediction . The immense assemblage then dispersed with the same quietness and order which had characterized the entire proceedings .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
The Ceremony . —The site of the baths is a spacious area in the Low Carlton , lately occupied by some old tenements , immediately behind tbe range of lofty buildings which form the south frontage of AVaterloo Place . A slight excavation had been here made for the foundationstone , on the side of which was a raised bench , covered with green and crimson , for the accommodation of the Grand Lodge . Opposite to this erection was a commodious platformwhich was assigned to the Lord
, Provost , Magistrates , and Town Council . The approach of tbe procession to tbe site was announced by the inspiring notes of the Freemasons' march , performed in excellent style by the band of the Greys . The various bodies were arrayed in the stations appropriated to them without the slightest confusion taking place . The Grand Lodge was represented by the Right Hon . Lord Glenlyon , M . W . G . Master Mason of Scotland , and his office-bearers . On the
bench before the Grand Lodge were the cornucopia , and silver vases containing wine and oil . The effect of the entire scene at this point of the proceedings , owing to the accumulation of civic and Masonic splendour which it displayed , and the eager curiosity manifested by thousands of spectators on the ground , perched in windows , and on the roofs of the adjoining houses , was in the highest degree striking and picturesque . All beinarrangedthe ceremonial was commenced with the offering
g , up of an impressive and appropriate prayer , by the Rev . Bro . Boyle , of the Episcopal Church , Portobello , Chaplain to the Grancl Lodge . The stone having been lowered , the different parts of the Masonic ceremonial , which need not be here detailed , were gone through in clue form . The Grand Master then descended , and took his station beside
the stone with the mallet in his hands . Having satisfied himself , by inspection anil inquiry , that everything had been executed in due Masonic order , his lordship ( addressing his Masonic Brethren ) said" Having perfect confidence in your skill , it now only remains to me to finish this ceremony . " Then , striking the stone three several blows , he said— " May it support the work during all future generations , " a sentiment which was greeted with immense applause . His lordship then ascended to his place oti the platformand addressed the Lord Provost
, , the gentlemen , and originators of the institution , ancl concluded in the following words : — " I beg again to congratulate you upon this occasion , and my earnest prayer is , that what we have this day begun may be continued in prosperity , and be attended with benefit to the workingclasses of Edinburgh . "—( Renewed cheers ) . The LORD PROVOST , in reply , said— " Right AVorshipful Grand Master , I congratulate your lordship on being privileged to lay the foundation
of this structure . Your predecessors have laid the foundation-stones of gorgeous palaces and solemn temples , and undying monuments , which nave been planned with most exquisite taste , and finished with the most perfect skill , at a cost which has often drained the treasuries of kingdoms . These were generally raised to gratify the self-love of vain-glorious mortals ; but the structure which we have now commenced , though comparativelhumblehas an importance which few of those magnificent
y , edifices coulcl pretend to . "—( Loud cheers ) . The Rev . Bro . BOYLE , after alluding with ( he said ) singular satisfaction to what had been said by the Grand Master and Lord Provost , pronounced the parting benediction . The immense assemblage then dispersed with the same quietness and order which had characterized the entire proceedings .