Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
Smart , Treasurer ; and J . Crawford , Secretary . There was a large attendance of members and visiting brethren , among the latter being Bros . James Shaw , R . W . M ., 354 ; Duga ' ltl Butler , R . W . M ., 27 ; R . M . Yuill , R . W . M ., 275 ; {( lc . The lodge having been opened , and minutes of the last meeting read and approved of , the following candidates for initiation having been duly proposed and seconded ,
and there being no objections , received the E . A . degree at the hands of " the R . W . M .: —G . Finlay , . 1 . Taylor , J . Hutcheson , W . Robertson , and J . Charles . Two cases for charity were then brought forward , which were favourably entertained ; after which a deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow entered the hall , having concluded their annual inspection of the lodge books in
another apartment . The satisfactory result of this was announced from the dais by Bro . McTaggart , P . G . Secretary , Which he followed up by an able , interesting , and most useful address to the brethren on points , the observance of which woultl conduce to thc advancement ant ! improvement within tlie province ant ! generally . At the close , the R . W . M . ( Bro . Morgan ) thanked the P . G . L .
for tlieir kindness ; and with reference to one or two little short-comings in their working which Bro McTaggart had pointed out , saitl he would endeavour to have them remedied . Three of their number having been affiliated as members of Lodge Star , the deputation then withdrew , after which thc lodge closed in title form . GLASGOW . —LODGE ATHOLE ( NO . 413 ) . —The usual
meeting of this lodge , held in St . Mark's Ha !! , Buchananstreet , on 23 rd ult ., w-as an unusually agreeable ami successful one . The R . W . M ., Bro . John Wallace , presided ; and the other office-bearers present were Bros . John Miller , P . M . ; James Loutitt , D . M . ; Colin M'Kenzie , S . W . ; Daniel Leeds , J . W .: Wm . Loutitt , S . D . ; Robert M'Leish . J . D . ; and J . W . Stevenson , Secretary . Among
the numerous visitors present were Bro . A . B . Thorburn , R . W . M ., 4 ; David Home , J . W . 3 J ; Dr . M'lnncs , S . W ., 27 ; James Booth , S . W ., 8 7 ; and J . M . Oliver , S . W ., 3 60 . The general attendance was the largest that has been seen in the hall at any ordinary meeting for u lengthened period , no fewer than 103 in all , having signed the Tyler ' s book . Thc lodge having been opened , three approved
candidates came forward for initiation—namely , James Crichton , Wm . Lockey , and George Robertson , who , there being no objections , received the E . A . degree at the hands of the R . W . M . Thereafter , the chairman announced that , in fulfilment of his kind promise niatle some time ; igo , Brother G . Walter Baynham had come forward that evening , to favour them with a short lecture , which he
was sure they would all enjoy , Brother Baynham , who was seated on the dais at the Chairman ' s right , then commenced the delivery of his lecture , which was entitled " The Two Sides of Life . Of this we need but say that thc chairman ' s prediction was realized to the full . The lecture , which occupied about half-au-hour in delivery , is a witty and a wise one in happy combination ,
discovering in its author much insight into human , and particularly social , life and character , and containing not a few shrewd shots at " folly as it flies , " the most of which reach well home . It teems , we may add , with apt illustrations and anecdotes , which , we need scarcely add , were most felicitously " rendered . " Bro . Baynham ' s elocutionary abilities and practised skill in
dramatic delineation are as well , and much more widely known , without than within thc craft ; so that all and sundry wil ! readily believe that thc occasion was in the very truth a treat . The lecturer received that ( as he so well knows ) highest of all compliments , the rapt attention of his autlitors throughout , save when at some happier stroke they perforce gave way ; whilst universal and
prolonged applause rang through the lodge-room when he had concluded . On the cessation of this , the Chairman , ina few words , expressed his lively sense , in which he vvas sure every brother present would join , of the high gratification afforded them by Bro . Baynham ' s admirable lecture ; and said the least thing they could do was to award him a very hearty vote of thanks . This was
thereupon given with a will , and the demonstration was renewed in full force when Bro . Baynham , in briefly returning thanks for the reception he hatl met with , announced his willingness on some other occasion , perhaps before the end of thc present session , lo give " another of the same . " The lodge then adjourned to refreshment , when a very pleasant hour was spent . In the course of the proceedings the
Chairman proposed the toast of " / 'he Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow , " coupled with thc name of Bro . John Miller , P . G . Dir . of Music ; who , in a few words of reply , referred to the amount of work which fell to be gone through by the P . G . L ., not thc least of which was tlie annual visitations , just now commenced for the present year , which they paid in turn to each of the lodges
within the province , now 27 in number . The orthodox toast of "The Last Laitl Stones" having been neatly given by thc chairman and duly honoured , the J . W . ( Bro . Leeds ) gave "The Visiting Brethren , " of which he was happy to see so many present that evening , and hoped to see many of them back again . The toasts was coupled with thc name of Bro . Thorburn ( No . 4 ) , and by
him acknowledged . He was sure that he only spoke the mind of every visiting brother present in expressing his appreciation of the amusement and instruction they had received that night from Bro . Baynham's lecture ; and he only wished they could have many more like it . The pleasure of the harmony hour , we should add , was greatly enhanced by the singing of a glee party , consisting of
Bros . Miller , Shaw , and Robertson ; and the efforts in tlie humorous direction of Bros . Scott and J . C . Burne . The "last toast "having been honoured , the lodge was recalled to labour , anti , on its being fount ! that there vvas no more business , 1 itlge was then closet ! in due form . RENFREW . —Co , . \ rv KILWINNING LODGE ( NO . 370 ) . —On the 18 th ult . the usual fortnightly meeting of tlie R . C . K . Lodge , 370 , was held in their hall , lligii-strect ,
Scotland.
and after the transaction of business Bro . Anderson , R . W . M ., in a few well-chosen remarks , introduced to thc meeting Bro . Thomson , of Glasgow , who is well-known among Masons for the grand enthusiasm he has shown at all times vn providing for the wants of those of his brethren who may have been more unfortunate than the majority of us in connection with the gootl things of this
life . Bro . Thomson , who was received with applause , delivered an excellent address , taking for his subject " Charity , " which was listened to with great attention and frequently applauded , after which remarks were made by Bro . ex-Bailie Masson . The meeting then closed at an early hour , all having being well pleased with the evening ' s performance . This is thc second lecture which has
been given this season . The R . W . M . has arranged for a few more for the benefit of the Craft . GLASGOW . —LODGE MAHYIIII . L ( NO . 510 ) . —The bimonthly meeting of this lodge was heltl in the Masonic llall , 16 7 , Main-street , Maryhill , on 24 th ult . Bro . John Lockhart , R . W . M ., presided , anti there were present Bros . Hugh Nivcn , P . M . ; jno . McKay , D . M . ; Alex . Nevay ,
S . M . ; Wm . Carey , S . W . ; Jno . Govan , 1 reas . ; P . F . Craigie , Sec ; anti Matthew Wingate , S . D . There was a large attendance of members and visiting brethren , the occasion being the annual visitation by Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow . The lodge having been opened , anti minutes read by the Secretary , the deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge entered , being received by the
brethren with due honour . Having taken their seats upon the dais , the R . W . M . presented his mallet to Bro . A . McTaggart , P . G . Sec , who said he accepted tlie same in the name of Bro . J . B . Walker , P . G . Treas ., and himself , who had a special authority to come out and visit the lodge . He had much pleasure in returning the mallet to the R . W . M ., being quite satisfied that , while the latter heltl
it , it was iu trustworthy hands . Bro . McTaggart then briefly addressed thc lodge . He said it afforded him no small gratification to be there that night . I le was in the position of being able to report to the brethren that thc affairs of that lodge were in a highly satisfactory con . dilion . The certificate he had inscribed in their book , he thought , vvas amply sufficient in testimony of the fact . It
was to the effect that thc deputation had found affairs in excellent condition , and that the lodge was working in strict harmonv with thc laws of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . A higher certificate than that they could hardly have hatl . In the first place , the sederunt book was exceedingly well kept ; a fact which reflected great credit on their Outer Guard . This matter of thc sederunt book ,
he might state , was an important point , inasmuch as of late years a spurious body of Masonry had sprung up , the promoters of which professed to give it cheaper than it could be obtained in legitimate lodges ; but he ( Bro . McTaggart ) shrewdly suspected that it was just about value for the amount of money paid for it . It behoved them , therefore , to be well guarded ; and the speaker then gave them
some advice as to how to proceeil when a stranger sought admission to the lodge . Continuing , he said he was very glad to see that their minute book was in capital condition , anil gave not only a truthful but a very copious account of their proceedings . The rollbook was well kept , and the cash-book had been properly audited ; and he was glad to see from the latter that the
balance was on thc right side . The receipt-book was also well kept . As to their cash-book he wished to say a word or two . He observed that in three cases where they had made new members the fees were not paid on the night of initiation . This he warned them to avoid in tlie future . Thc first preparation of a candidate should be the payment of his money , and a record of the same taken and kept .
It was all very well to say that the proposer and seconder of a candidate were his securities and as such liable for the amount , but , in practice , did they ever know of a case where they were fallen back upon and compelled to pay . He was very glad that night to find that they had been able to subscribe no less a sum than £ 1 13 s . to the Benevolent Fund of the Provincial Grand Lodge of
Glasgow . During last year he saw they had initiated thirty-one members , and of that number there was not a single case where the three degrees had been given to a candidate in one ni ght . In three cases two degrees had been given on thc same night , the remaining twenty-eight members admitted having received thc degrees according to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . He
might fearlessly say the records of the Provincial Grand Lodge had not shown another so clean a bill in this respect as the Lodge Maryhill . The hurrying through the three degrees in one ni ght was clearly contrary to Grand Lodge law , but the latter vvas often disregarded in this matter on the shallowest pretext . No single man could take up at once thc three degrees of Masonry ; and
it vvas therefore absurd in any man to seek them in one night , unless 10 cases of extreme emergency , for which Grand Lodge laws amply provided . In concluding Bro . M'Taggart said they would allow him to congratulate them on Ihe state of their lodge , and he hoped , if the deputation were spared , to sec them another year , that they would find him in an equally faultless position . It
was very gratifying that a lodge so young as theirs had made so much progress during its- short existence ; and he might say that if the Provincial Grand Lodge could in any way encourage them , it would be glad to do so . He thanked them for thc reception they had g iven the deputation . Bro . Geo . Sinclair , Treasurer and Convener of the P . G . Benevolent Fund , thereafter briefly addressed
the meeting with reference to his own department , adducing in proof of the very satisfactory progress and position of the Fund , the figures which he brought forward at the meeting of Lodge St . Mary ' s a week previous , as recorded in Ihe last issue of the Freemason . In looking over his books , he addetl , he did not find any applications for relief from Lotlge Maryhill for the last two years . He was very happy that this should be so , if there was no necessity
Scotland.
but if they did want they must not be backward in coming forward for schedules , with which he should be happy to supply them . The speaker having concluded , Bro . M'Taggart said they would allow him to supplement what Bro . Sinclair said by the announcement that the accounts of Brother Walker had been equally flourishing . When he was appointed Treasurer of the P . G . L . some six or seven
years ago , he was m thc unfortunate condition of having no funds . After his election , he ( Bro . M'Taggart ) remembembcred very well saying that there was not much use in having a Treasurer when there was no funds to take charge of ; and he proposed that the office should be abolished . This , however , was not done , and Bro . Walker was now in a different case . At tlie en d of last year he had a balance
in hand of over £ 30 . Moreover , he had been able to provide anil pay for , the fine new clothing which the deputation had brought out with them , and was then able to manage affairs without asking the lodges for a single penny more than they had been in the habit of paying . On the conclusion of Bro , M'Taggart ' s remarks , thc R . W . M ., on behalf of the lodge , returned thanks for the
encouragement the deputation hail given them to go on ; and thereafter [ stated his desire that those of their number not already affiliated to Lodge Maryhill should now be so . Accordingly Bros . Geo . Sinclair ; R . Robb ; P . G . Marshall , ami W . Philips , P . G . S . B ., stepped forward to the altar , and received affiliation at tlie lianas of Bro . M'Taggart . Bro . Sinclair having returned thanks for thc honour conferred
upon them , tile deputation retired , anil the lodge adjourned for a short time for refreshment , being afterwards closed in due form . GLASGOW . —CATHEDRAL CIIAI ' ( NO . 67 ) . —This Chapter held its regular monthly meeting in the F . M . H ., 22 , Struthers-street , Calton , on the 23 rd ult . —Companions present , J . Duthie , Z . ; J . Cunningham , H . ; W . Taylor ,
J . ; D . French , Scribe E . ; D . Rcnald . First Sojourner ; J . Naglc ; Sc-ond Sojourner ; J , Dickie , Phird Sojourner ; J . Mason , Scribe , N . Not only all the office-bearers were prcsent . but thc Treasurer and a full meeting of well qualified companions to constitute and hold the same . The visiting companions were G . W . Wheeler , Z ., 73 ; Gilchrist , P . Z ., 73 ; C . McKenzie , First Sojourner , eo ; and
Companion W . II . Bickerton , of Chapter 79 . A Lodge of Mark Masters was opened , and the minutes of the former meeting read and approved of . Applications were then rcail from Brothers William Nivcn , of Lodge 27 , and William Mitchell , of Lodge 3 , for admission into this Chapter , which were approved of . The candidates having been duly prepared , were led into thc lodge aud instructed
in the mysteries of this degree by Bro . Taylor , Past Z . The lodge was then closed on the Mark degree , and opened on the degree of Excellent Masters , when Bros . Laird , Niven , and Mitchell , were duly prepared and led into the lodge , and installed into the mysteries , by Companion Duthie , Z . The Lodge of Excellent Masters was then closed and the Holy Royal Arch Chapter opened , with Companion Duthie , Z .:
Comp . Cummin , II . ; Comp . Taylor , J . ; all the officebearers in their proper places . The three above named brethren being duly prepared , were led into the chapter by the First Sojourner and were instructed and received as Companions by the First Principal . A committee was , after discussion , appointed to make arrangements for the annual supper of the chapter , which is to take place in
F . M . H ., 22 , Struthers-street , Calton , on Tuesday , 27 th inst ., at 7 o ' clock , p . m . jfThc chapter was closed in due and ancient form by the three Principals , all the cempanions standing to order . GLASGOW . —GOVAN CIIAPTEH ( NO . 117 ) . —A . special meeting of this chapter was held in the Masonic Hall , Portland Buildings , Govan , on thc 22 nd ult ., at 8 p . m .
On the invitation of the officers , the chapter was opened by Comp . F . A . Barrow , P . G . Superintendent of Lanarkshire , for the purpose of installing newly-elected officebearers . He was assisted by Comps . Thomas Halket , acting II . ; James Balfour , acting J . ; and John Fraser , P . G . Scribe N . There were present Comps . John M'Farlanc , Z . of the Chapter ; John Sutherland , IL ; John
Hutcheson , J . ; Archibald W . Berry , S . E . ; John Miller , S . N . ; Robert Muir , Treasurer ; Thomas Lowther , First Soj . ; William Ferguson , Second Soj . ; Robert Dunlop , Third Soj . ; John M'Intyre , Janitor ; and a considerable number of companions belonging to the Govan and other chapters . When the chapter had been dul y opened , the P . G . Superintendent installed the above-named office-bearers into their
several offices , and at the close of the ceremony , which was performed in an able and impressive manner , he congratulated the Chapter upon its present prospects , and hoped that after that meeting they would have in the future a prosperous career , ' / 'hereafter , Companion Jas . M'Farlanc , M . E . Z ., thanked the P . G . Supt . for the kindness and courtesy he had shown the Chapter of Govan ,
and trusted that the remarks he had made would stimulate them to renewed efforts in the direction of promoting Royal Arch Masonry in thc district , as well as in Lanarkshire at large . The P . G . Supt . made a suitable reply , in the course of which he gave some useful advice to the office-bearers and companions present . Thc following companions of the deputation were then affiliated , by thc unanimous voice of the chapter , thc newly-installed
M . E . Z . officiating : —Thomas Halket , John Balfour , and John Fraser . Companion Halket , in replying for himself , said he would be most happy at any time to assist the chapter in any way within his power . Companions Balfour and Fraser also acknowledged thc honour paid them , the latter adding that he felt it the more from that being the first chapter within the province from which he hail received the distinction of honorary affiliation . Thc chapter was thereafter duly closed .
Much of the beauty of Masonry is seen in its traditions and legends . To ignore this fact would be to put a check on the prevalence of truth . To discard fiction , would be to reject the rhetoric or poetry of literature , and to prohibit all orators from edifying their hearers with fine perorations .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
Smart , Treasurer ; and J . Crawford , Secretary . There was a large attendance of members and visiting brethren , among the latter being Bros . James Shaw , R . W . M ., 354 ; Duga ' ltl Butler , R . W . M ., 27 ; R . M . Yuill , R . W . M ., 275 ; {( lc . The lodge having been opened , and minutes of the last meeting read and approved of , the following candidates for initiation having been duly proposed and seconded ,
and there being no objections , received the E . A . degree at the hands of " the R . W . M .: —G . Finlay , . 1 . Taylor , J . Hutcheson , W . Robertson , and J . Charles . Two cases for charity were then brought forward , which were favourably entertained ; after which a deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow entered the hall , having concluded their annual inspection of the lodge books in
another apartment . The satisfactory result of this was announced from the dais by Bro . McTaggart , P . G . Secretary , Which he followed up by an able , interesting , and most useful address to the brethren on points , the observance of which woultl conduce to thc advancement ant ! improvement within tlie province ant ! generally . At the close , the R . W . M . ( Bro . Morgan ) thanked the P . G . L .
for tlieir kindness ; and with reference to one or two little short-comings in their working which Bro McTaggart had pointed out , saitl he would endeavour to have them remedied . Three of their number having been affiliated as members of Lodge Star , the deputation then withdrew , after which thc lodge closed in title form . GLASGOW . —LODGE ATHOLE ( NO . 413 ) . —The usual
meeting of this lodge , held in St . Mark's Ha !! , Buchananstreet , on 23 rd ult ., w-as an unusually agreeable ami successful one . The R . W . M ., Bro . John Wallace , presided ; and the other office-bearers present were Bros . John Miller , P . M . ; James Loutitt , D . M . ; Colin M'Kenzie , S . W . ; Daniel Leeds , J . W .: Wm . Loutitt , S . D . ; Robert M'Leish . J . D . ; and J . W . Stevenson , Secretary . Among
the numerous visitors present were Bro . A . B . Thorburn , R . W . M ., 4 ; David Home , J . W . 3 J ; Dr . M'lnncs , S . W ., 27 ; James Booth , S . W ., 8 7 ; and J . M . Oliver , S . W ., 3 60 . The general attendance was the largest that has been seen in the hall at any ordinary meeting for u lengthened period , no fewer than 103 in all , having signed the Tyler ' s book . Thc lodge having been opened , three approved
candidates came forward for initiation—namely , James Crichton , Wm . Lockey , and George Robertson , who , there being no objections , received the E . A . degree at the hands of the R . W . M . Thereafter , the chairman announced that , in fulfilment of his kind promise niatle some time ; igo , Brother G . Walter Baynham had come forward that evening , to favour them with a short lecture , which he
was sure they would all enjoy , Brother Baynham , who was seated on the dais at the Chairman ' s right , then commenced the delivery of his lecture , which was entitled " The Two Sides of Life . Of this we need but say that thc chairman ' s prediction was realized to the full . The lecture , which occupied about half-au-hour in delivery , is a witty and a wise one in happy combination ,
discovering in its author much insight into human , and particularly social , life and character , and containing not a few shrewd shots at " folly as it flies , " the most of which reach well home . It teems , we may add , with apt illustrations and anecdotes , which , we need scarcely add , were most felicitously " rendered . " Bro . Baynham ' s elocutionary abilities and practised skill in
dramatic delineation are as well , and much more widely known , without than within thc craft ; so that all and sundry wil ! readily believe that thc occasion was in the very truth a treat . The lecturer received that ( as he so well knows ) highest of all compliments , the rapt attention of his autlitors throughout , save when at some happier stroke they perforce gave way ; whilst universal and
prolonged applause rang through the lodge-room when he had concluded . On the cessation of this , the Chairman , ina few words , expressed his lively sense , in which he vvas sure every brother present would join , of the high gratification afforded them by Bro . Baynham ' s admirable lecture ; and said the least thing they could do was to award him a very hearty vote of thanks . This was
thereupon given with a will , and the demonstration was renewed in full force when Bro . Baynham , in briefly returning thanks for the reception he hatl met with , announced his willingness on some other occasion , perhaps before the end of thc present session , lo give " another of the same . " The lodge then adjourned to refreshment , when a very pleasant hour was spent . In the course of the proceedings the
Chairman proposed the toast of " / 'he Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow , " coupled with thc name of Bro . John Miller , P . G . Dir . of Music ; who , in a few words of reply , referred to the amount of work which fell to be gone through by the P . G . L ., not thc least of which was tlie annual visitations , just now commenced for the present year , which they paid in turn to each of the lodges
within the province , now 27 in number . The orthodox toast of "The Last Laitl Stones" having been neatly given by thc chairman and duly honoured , the J . W . ( Bro . Leeds ) gave "The Visiting Brethren , " of which he was happy to see so many present that evening , and hoped to see many of them back again . The toasts was coupled with thc name of Bro . Thorburn ( No . 4 ) , and by
him acknowledged . He was sure that he only spoke the mind of every visiting brother present in expressing his appreciation of the amusement and instruction they had received that night from Bro . Baynham's lecture ; and he only wished they could have many more like it . The pleasure of the harmony hour , we should add , was greatly enhanced by the singing of a glee party , consisting of
Bros . Miller , Shaw , and Robertson ; and the efforts in tlie humorous direction of Bros . Scott and J . C . Burne . The "last toast "having been honoured , the lodge was recalled to labour , anti , on its being fount ! that there vvas no more business , 1 itlge was then closet ! in due form . RENFREW . —Co , . \ rv KILWINNING LODGE ( NO . 370 ) . —On the 18 th ult . the usual fortnightly meeting of tlie R . C . K . Lodge , 370 , was held in their hall , lligii-strect ,
Scotland.
and after the transaction of business Bro . Anderson , R . W . M ., in a few well-chosen remarks , introduced to thc meeting Bro . Thomson , of Glasgow , who is well-known among Masons for the grand enthusiasm he has shown at all times vn providing for the wants of those of his brethren who may have been more unfortunate than the majority of us in connection with the gootl things of this
life . Bro . Thomson , who was received with applause , delivered an excellent address , taking for his subject " Charity , " which was listened to with great attention and frequently applauded , after which remarks were made by Bro . ex-Bailie Masson . The meeting then closed at an early hour , all having being well pleased with the evening ' s performance . This is thc second lecture which has
been given this season . The R . W . M . has arranged for a few more for the benefit of the Craft . GLASGOW . —LODGE MAHYIIII . L ( NO . 510 ) . —The bimonthly meeting of this lodge was heltl in the Masonic llall , 16 7 , Main-street , Maryhill , on 24 th ult . Bro . John Lockhart , R . W . M ., presided , anti there were present Bros . Hugh Nivcn , P . M . ; jno . McKay , D . M . ; Alex . Nevay ,
S . M . ; Wm . Carey , S . W . ; Jno . Govan , 1 reas . ; P . F . Craigie , Sec ; anti Matthew Wingate , S . D . There was a large attendance of members and visiting brethren , the occasion being the annual visitation by Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow . The lodge having been opened , anti minutes read by the Secretary , the deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge entered , being received by the
brethren with due honour . Having taken their seats upon the dais , the R . W . M . presented his mallet to Bro . A . McTaggart , P . G . Sec , who said he accepted tlie same in the name of Bro . J . B . Walker , P . G . Treas ., and himself , who had a special authority to come out and visit the lodge . He had much pleasure in returning the mallet to the R . W . M ., being quite satisfied that , while the latter heltl
it , it was iu trustworthy hands . Bro . McTaggart then briefly addressed thc lodge . He said it afforded him no small gratification to be there that night . I le was in the position of being able to report to the brethren that thc affairs of that lodge were in a highly satisfactory con . dilion . The certificate he had inscribed in their book , he thought , vvas amply sufficient in testimony of the fact . It
was to the effect that thc deputation had found affairs in excellent condition , and that the lodge was working in strict harmonv with thc laws of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . A higher certificate than that they could hardly have hatl . In the first place , the sederunt book was exceedingly well kept ; a fact which reflected great credit on their Outer Guard . This matter of thc sederunt book ,
he might state , was an important point , inasmuch as of late years a spurious body of Masonry had sprung up , the promoters of which professed to give it cheaper than it could be obtained in legitimate lodges ; but he ( Bro . McTaggart ) shrewdly suspected that it was just about value for the amount of money paid for it . It behoved them , therefore , to be well guarded ; and the speaker then gave them
some advice as to how to proceeil when a stranger sought admission to the lodge . Continuing , he said he was very glad to see that their minute book was in capital condition , anil gave not only a truthful but a very copious account of their proceedings . The rollbook was well kept , and the cash-book had been properly audited ; and he was glad to see from the latter that the
balance was on thc right side . The receipt-book was also well kept . As to their cash-book he wished to say a word or two . He observed that in three cases where they had made new members the fees were not paid on the night of initiation . This he warned them to avoid in tlie future . Thc first preparation of a candidate should be the payment of his money , and a record of the same taken and kept .
It was all very well to say that the proposer and seconder of a candidate were his securities and as such liable for the amount , but , in practice , did they ever know of a case where they were fallen back upon and compelled to pay . He was very glad that night to find that they had been able to subscribe no less a sum than £ 1 13 s . to the Benevolent Fund of the Provincial Grand Lodge of
Glasgow . During last year he saw they had initiated thirty-one members , and of that number there was not a single case where the three degrees had been given to a candidate in one ni ght . In three cases two degrees had been given on thc same night , the remaining twenty-eight members admitted having received thc degrees according to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . He
might fearlessly say the records of the Provincial Grand Lodge had not shown another so clean a bill in this respect as the Lodge Maryhill . The hurrying through the three degrees in one ni ght was clearly contrary to Grand Lodge law , but the latter vvas often disregarded in this matter on the shallowest pretext . No single man could take up at once thc three degrees of Masonry ; and
it vvas therefore absurd in any man to seek them in one night , unless 10 cases of extreme emergency , for which Grand Lodge laws amply provided . In concluding Bro . M'Taggart said they would allow him to congratulate them on Ihe state of their lodge , and he hoped , if the deputation were spared , to sec them another year , that they would find him in an equally faultless position . It
was very gratifying that a lodge so young as theirs had made so much progress during its- short existence ; and he might say that if the Provincial Grand Lodge could in any way encourage them , it would be glad to do so . He thanked them for thc reception they had g iven the deputation . Bro . Geo . Sinclair , Treasurer and Convener of the P . G . Benevolent Fund , thereafter briefly addressed
the meeting with reference to his own department , adducing in proof of the very satisfactory progress and position of the Fund , the figures which he brought forward at the meeting of Lodge St . Mary ' s a week previous , as recorded in Ihe last issue of the Freemason . In looking over his books , he addetl , he did not find any applications for relief from Lotlge Maryhill for the last two years . He was very happy that this should be so , if there was no necessity
Scotland.
but if they did want they must not be backward in coming forward for schedules , with which he should be happy to supply them . The speaker having concluded , Bro . M'Taggart said they would allow him to supplement what Bro . Sinclair said by the announcement that the accounts of Brother Walker had been equally flourishing . When he was appointed Treasurer of the P . G . L . some six or seven
years ago , he was m thc unfortunate condition of having no funds . After his election , he ( Bro . M'Taggart ) remembembcred very well saying that there was not much use in having a Treasurer when there was no funds to take charge of ; and he proposed that the office should be abolished . This , however , was not done , and Bro . Walker was now in a different case . At tlie en d of last year he had a balance
in hand of over £ 30 . Moreover , he had been able to provide anil pay for , the fine new clothing which the deputation had brought out with them , and was then able to manage affairs without asking the lodges for a single penny more than they had been in the habit of paying . On the conclusion of Bro , M'Taggart ' s remarks , thc R . W . M ., on behalf of the lodge , returned thanks for the
encouragement the deputation hail given them to go on ; and thereafter [ stated his desire that those of their number not already affiliated to Lodge Maryhill should now be so . Accordingly Bros . Geo . Sinclair ; R . Robb ; P . G . Marshall , ami W . Philips , P . G . S . B ., stepped forward to the altar , and received affiliation at tlie lianas of Bro . M'Taggart . Bro . Sinclair having returned thanks for thc honour conferred
upon them , tile deputation retired , anil the lodge adjourned for a short time for refreshment , being afterwards closed in due form . GLASGOW . —CATHEDRAL CIIAI ' ( NO . 67 ) . —This Chapter held its regular monthly meeting in the F . M . H ., 22 , Struthers-street , Calton , on the 23 rd ult . —Companions present , J . Duthie , Z . ; J . Cunningham , H . ; W . Taylor ,
J . ; D . French , Scribe E . ; D . Rcnald . First Sojourner ; J . Naglc ; Sc-ond Sojourner ; J , Dickie , Phird Sojourner ; J . Mason , Scribe , N . Not only all the office-bearers were prcsent . but thc Treasurer and a full meeting of well qualified companions to constitute and hold the same . The visiting companions were G . W . Wheeler , Z ., 73 ; Gilchrist , P . Z ., 73 ; C . McKenzie , First Sojourner , eo ; and
Companion W . II . Bickerton , of Chapter 79 . A Lodge of Mark Masters was opened , and the minutes of the former meeting read and approved of . Applications were then rcail from Brothers William Nivcn , of Lodge 27 , and William Mitchell , of Lodge 3 , for admission into this Chapter , which were approved of . The candidates having been duly prepared , were led into thc lodge aud instructed
in the mysteries of this degree by Bro . Taylor , Past Z . The lodge was then closed on the Mark degree , and opened on the degree of Excellent Masters , when Bros . Laird , Niven , and Mitchell , were duly prepared and led into the lodge , and installed into the mysteries , by Companion Duthie , Z . The Lodge of Excellent Masters was then closed and the Holy Royal Arch Chapter opened , with Companion Duthie , Z .:
Comp . Cummin , II . ; Comp . Taylor , J . ; all the officebearers in their proper places . The three above named brethren being duly prepared , were led into the chapter by the First Sojourner and were instructed and received as Companions by the First Principal . A committee was , after discussion , appointed to make arrangements for the annual supper of the chapter , which is to take place in
F . M . H ., 22 , Struthers-street , Calton , on Tuesday , 27 th inst ., at 7 o ' clock , p . m . jfThc chapter was closed in due and ancient form by the three Principals , all the cempanions standing to order . GLASGOW . —GOVAN CIIAPTEH ( NO . 117 ) . —A . special meeting of this chapter was held in the Masonic Hall , Portland Buildings , Govan , on thc 22 nd ult ., at 8 p . m .
On the invitation of the officers , the chapter was opened by Comp . F . A . Barrow , P . G . Superintendent of Lanarkshire , for the purpose of installing newly-elected officebearers . He was assisted by Comps . Thomas Halket , acting II . ; James Balfour , acting J . ; and John Fraser , P . G . Scribe N . There were present Comps . John M'Farlanc , Z . of the Chapter ; John Sutherland , IL ; John
Hutcheson , J . ; Archibald W . Berry , S . E . ; John Miller , S . N . ; Robert Muir , Treasurer ; Thomas Lowther , First Soj . ; William Ferguson , Second Soj . ; Robert Dunlop , Third Soj . ; John M'Intyre , Janitor ; and a considerable number of companions belonging to the Govan and other chapters . When the chapter had been dul y opened , the P . G . Superintendent installed the above-named office-bearers into their
several offices , and at the close of the ceremony , which was performed in an able and impressive manner , he congratulated the Chapter upon its present prospects , and hoped that after that meeting they would have in the future a prosperous career , ' / 'hereafter , Companion Jas . M'Farlanc , M . E . Z ., thanked the P . G . Supt . for the kindness and courtesy he had shown the Chapter of Govan ,
and trusted that the remarks he had made would stimulate them to renewed efforts in the direction of promoting Royal Arch Masonry in thc district , as well as in Lanarkshire at large . The P . G . Supt . made a suitable reply , in the course of which he gave some useful advice to the office-bearers and companions present . Thc following companions of the deputation were then affiliated , by thc unanimous voice of the chapter , thc newly-installed
M . E . Z . officiating : —Thomas Halket , John Balfour , and John Fraser . Companion Halket , in replying for himself , said he would be most happy at any time to assist the chapter in any way within his power . Companions Balfour and Fraser also acknowledged thc honour paid them , the latter adding that he felt it the more from that being the first chapter within the province from which he hail received the distinction of honorary affiliation . Thc chapter was thereafter duly closed .
Much of the beauty of Masonry is seen in its traditions and legends . To ignore this fact would be to put a check on the prevalence of truth . To discard fiction , would be to reject the rhetoric or poetry of literature , and to prohibit all orators from edifying their hearers with fine perorations .