-
Articles/Ads
Article Saint Helena. Page 1 of 1 Article Saint Helena. Page 1 of 1 Article HISTORICAL NOTES ON SCOTCH LODGES. Page 1 of 2 Article HISTORICAL NOTES ON SCOTCH LODGES. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Saint Helena.
Saint Helena .
SAINT HELENA . —St . Helena Lodge ( No . 488 ) . —At a lodge of emergency held on Monday , the 3 rd September , at the Masonic Hall , Napoleonstreet , Jamestown , Mr . John Alfred Sykes , artificer of H . M . ' s gunboat Acorn , was regularly proposed and seconded as a candidate for initiation into the
mysteries and privileges of the Order . There were present on the occasion Bros . R . Dowling , P . M ., W . M . j Ackeley , P . M ., S . W . ; L . Mark , D . C , as J . W . j B . H . Knipe , Treas . j A . S . Brady , P . M ., Sec . j Thomas Carr , as S . D . j E . Thomas , J . D . ; J . S . Truebody , I . G . j Wm . Howes , Tyler j James Truebody , P . M . j VV . E . Dowling j and R . A . Clarke , Stwd . Visitors : Bros . J . Stanbury ,
202 j T . Baldwin , G . Bragg , A . J . Childs , Hy . Branton , and T . Davies , of 1 S 60 ( all naval brethren of H . M . 's ship Acorn ); B . M . C . Knipe , F . J . Broadway , E . Woodman , and F . Manuel , of 912 . The lodge having been opened , a ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . John A . Sykes , which proved unanimous , and being in attendance he was regularly initiated into the
mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry . The business being concluded , the brethren and their guests repaired to the banqueting-room , and sat down to an excellent repast , provided by their excellent Steward , Bro . R . A . Clarke , and a very enjoyable , pleasant , and merry evening was spent . On Monday , the ioth September , was the regular monthly
meeting of the lodge , which took place at the lodge house , when there were present Bros . R . Dowling , P . M . ; Ackely , P . M ., S . W . j L . Mark , as J . W . j B . H . Knipe , Treas . j A . S . Brady , P . M ., Secj R . A . Clarke , Stwd . j Thos . Carr , as S . D . ; E . Thomas , J . D . j Knipe , P . M . ( visitor ) , as I . G . j Howes , Tyler j Jas . Truebody , P . M . ; Adams , and W . E . Dowling . Visitors : Bros . G . Weston , W . M . j
F . J . Broadway , Secj Woodman , S . W . j G . J . Bruce , T . J . Scullard , Congdon , Haigh , Storer , and Manuel , of gi 2 j Capt . Atkinson , R . N ., St . John ' s Lodge , Maltaj Lieut . Valentine , R . N ., 1593 J Davies , Baldwin , Childs , and Bragg , of i 860 , Simons Town j Branton , 420 j J . Standbury , 202 j J . T . Gilbert , 159 ( all brethren from H . M . ' s ship Acorn ) j Jas . Marquand and Jas . J . Thatcher , of Star-in-the-East
Lodge , New Bedford , United States ot America . The lodge being opened , the minutes of the last regular and emergency meetings were read and confirmed . Bro . William E . Dowling ( son of the W . M . ) was regularly raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., and Bro . Sykes
was passed to the Degree of a F . C . All other business ended , the lodge was closed . The brethren and their numerous guests then adjourned to the banquet room , where an excellent repast was provided for them by their good Steward , Bro . Clarke , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly
honoured . The Worshipful Master expressed the pleasure of himself and brethren of the lodge at having so many brethren of the navy amongst them that evening , and whom they were always glad to meet at the lodge when at the Island . Bro . Capt . Atkinson , for himself and membersof his ship , said he felt it a great pleasure and honour to attend the
lodge on that occasion , where he met with the greatest of kindness and friendship , and he wished the lodge every ' happiness and prosperity . The toasts of the other visitors were duly honoured , and a most enjoyable evening was spent , interspersed , with songs and recitations , and the brethren separated . It is the usual custom of the lodge to entertain their
naval brethren when at the Island , and that occasion was one of the many jolly ones , where all seemed to enjoy themselves so well . And it is indeed a pleasure to them to come to such gathering ( as expressed by them ) after their long and somewhat monotonous tour round the West Coast of Africa . Bro . Capt . Atkinson and the brethren of his vessel invited
the members of both lodges on the Island and the Fraternity generally to a banquet at the St . Helena Hotel . The accompanying account of it speaks for itself . The banquet was held at the hotel in recognition of the many happy hours spent by the Freemasons of the Acorn amongst their brethren on the island . The centre of the table was occupied by Bro . Capt . Atkinson , who was
supported on his ughtby Bro . R . Uowhng , P . M ., W . M . 48 S , and on the left by Bro . R . M . L . Pritchard , P . M ., for the W . M . of 912 , who was unavoidably absent ; the head being occupied by Bro . Lieut . Valentine , the senior lieutenant , a son of the Rev . William Valentine , M . A ., and the foot by Bro . J . Stanbury , boatswain's mate , the beau ideal of a British tar .
Thitty-eight sat down to an excellent repast provided by Bro . R . A . Clarke , who had evidently spared no trouble to provide the hosts and their guests with a first rate spread . At the end of the banquet , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by Bro . Capt . Atkinson , and drunk with honours , alter which followed a large number of songs and several recitations , between which speeches were made and duly responded to .
Good humour reigned around the festive board . A military officer , who wore the orthodox evening dress of a civilian , being called upon in turn for a song , requested his brother on the left , Sergt . Harris , of the Plymouth Division of the Royal Marines ( who wore the full uniform of that distinguished corps , his breast decorated by a row of medals ) , to get him out of his trouble , as he felt sure that a veteran soldier would never leave an officer
in distress . The gallant sergeant , being unable to comply , called upon Bro . Stanbury , who has an unlimited amount of songs at his command , and who replied that the request reminded him of an adventure he had had whilst serving on the West Coast some years back , when his captain , whilst out shooting in plain clothes , had been attacked by
a buffalo , which compelled him to climb a tree . On being pitched into by the skippsr for deserting him , he had replied that , although he would never desert an officer in uniform , the rules of the Service did not compel a blue jacket to recognise an officer in plain clothes . Most of the songs were accompanied on the St . Helena
Lodge harmonium by Bro . Lieut . Valentine , which added materially to one of the pleasantest evenings spent by the Fraternity on the island . The room was festooned with national flags—at the top were drooped the Union J ack and the American Ensign , the latter being in honour of three guests who were present . The table was most tastefully decorated with choice
Saint Helena.
flowers , showing that the fair sex had been diligent in exerting themselues on the occasion . Their exertions were not overlooked , but , on the contrary , their healths were drunk in bumpers , for , as the old Masonic ditty says : We ' re true and sincere , and just to the fair , They'll trust us on any occasion , . No mortal can more the ladies adore
Than a " Free and an Accepted Mason . " So happily passed away the evening that the ! small hours of Friday morning crept unawares upon the happy assembly , and the married men thought of the salutation , " Look at the clock ! " which awaited them on their return home . " Auld Lang Syne , " followed by the National Anthem , with three hearty cheers for the Acorns , was the finale of a truly happy gathering .
Historical Notes On Scotch Lodges.
HISTORICAL NOTES ON SCOTCH LODGES .
BY D . MURRAY LYON . GLASGOW KILWINNING , No . 4 . It has hitherto been very much the custom to ascribe to Mother Kilwinning the paternity of all the lodges which were found in last century to have adopted
its name . To have Kilwinning" incorporated in the designation of a lodge was regarded as a mark of antiquity , just as "Royal Arch" was meant to imply the possession of Degrees higher than those of Craft Masonry . In the establishment of the few Scotch lodges that were in existence apart from bodies of operative Masons in the third decade of the iSth century , as a rule , the sanction of
no authority higher than themselves was sought . Some , indeed , had asked and obtained from Kilwinning confirmation of their position , but the majority were self-constituted and independent . GLASGOW KILWINNING belonged to this class . It was erected at a communication under the presidency of John Anderson , Master of the " Lodge of Kilwidning held att Edinburgh" ( Scots Arms ) , at the
sign of the Globe , in the Gallowgate of Glasgow , 1 st April , 1735 . The sederunt bears the names of three Master Masons and five apprentices . The brethren of the lower grade having been passed Fellow Crafts and raised Masters , and a new member admitted , "the lodge was constitute . " Honoured with the privilege of nominating the Master of the new lodge for the current year , the
presiding brother named John Clerk , merchant , and afterwards " installed and congratulated " him . The Wardens —Robert Mollison , supervisor of excise , and James Montgomerie , merchant—were chosen and installed by the Master . The minute from which this information is derived is notable as containing the earliest record of the Third Degree being worked in the west country . And it is
only one day later than the first occasion of the Degree being conferred in Scotland , of which there is documentary evidence , viz ., in Canongate Kilwinning , March 31 , 1735 . The earliest mention of a Master ' s reception in Ayrshire is contained in the Kilwinning minute of 12 th July , 1735 , where it is reported by the Master that " at a lodge held at Irvine the fifth of April last Cuninghame of Collennan and
Forbes of Watertoun were received and admitted Fellows of Craft and Masters . " One of the brethren who were raised at the first communication of the Glasgow Kilwinning was present in Canongate Kilwinning as a " gentleman visitor " in December of the same year , and " sufficiently acquitted himself in a trial of his qualifications as a Master Mason . " Anolher visitor , somewhat boastful of his being a Master
Mason , was , after examination , declared to be a " verry weak entered prentice . " Shortly after his election to the Wardenship of Glasgow Kilwinning , Mr . Mollison removed to Ayrshire . He joined the Lodge of Kilwinning , and became one of its leading members . As a collector of excise , he was frequently in the district of Carrick , and on one of his journeys thither ,
in 1735 , we find him , in terms of a commission from Mother Kilwinning , "inquiring into the affairs " of certain Masons in Maybole and Girvan , charged with " admitting members to the lodge without accounting for or making payment of their entry-money . " He was Master of the lodge in 1741 , and was succeeded by William , Earl of Kilmarnock ,
who , on the day of his "installation and proclamation , " 20 th January , 1742 , admitted and " pass'd and rais'd " Alexander , Earl of Eglinton . Mr . Mollison was Deputy Master of Mother Kilwinning when , in 1 747 , he was appointed to the Provincial Grand Mastership of Glasgow province , and for several years discharged the duties of both offices .
There were two candidates for the Grand Mastership at the institution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , viz ., William St . Clair of Roslin and the Earl of Home . Like Mary ' s Chapel , Glasgow Kilwinning instructed its representatives to vote for Lord Home . No division took place , and St . Clair was chosen by the unanimous voice of the brethren . He visited the lodge in May , 1730 . The Earl of Home was
at the institution of the Grand Lodge Master of Kilwinning Scots Arms . He held a cornet ' s commission in the 2 nd regiment of Dragoon Guards in 1735 , and got a troop of Churchill's Dragoons in 1740 . He rose to ihe rank of lieutenant-general in the army . He was in Scotland in 1745 when the Rebellion broke out , and joined Sir John Cope at Dunbat in September , and was at the battle of
Prestonpans . He joined the Royal army at Stirling in December , at the head of the Glasgow regiment of 600 men . At his death , in 1761 , he was Governor of Gibraltar . Although a self-constituted body , Glasgow Kilwinning professed to be a branch of the Kilwinning Fraternity . In the minute of a meeting which it held at Port Glasgow , in August 1735 , the Master and six other brethren , " well
mett , " are represented as having made a surgeon and a custom-house clerk " Free and Accepted Masons of the Mother Lodge of Kilwinning , who forthwith paid to the poor box of the said lodge held at Glasgow five shillings ster . each . " A fortnight afterwards a "select lodge " was held at the Old Coffeehouse in Glasgow , at which Harry , Lord Grey , was made , the Earl of Kilmarnock , then Master of Kilmarnock Kilwinning , being present
as a visitor . In December following , the lodge went to the house of a " musicianer" in the Salt Mercatt , and there initiated him—probably for the sake of the host ' s professional services , although he is credited with the sum of five shillings paid to the poor ' s box . About this time and long after , Glasgow Kilwinning was accustomed to visit with the highest penalty members " refusing to give attendance either at monthly or quarterly
Historical Notes On Scotch Lodges.
meetings . " Brethren making respectful application " to be dismiss'd the lodge , and no longer to be reputed members , " had their request complied with , but were per . mitted to attend as visitors . In the absence of diplomas it was customary for brethren from a distance to be introduced on letters of recommendation . From a copy of one such document , engrossed in the books of Glasgow
Kilwinning under date 2 nd November , 1736 , information is obtained of , perhaps , the earliest regularly-organised lodge in America : " . . . Our lodge was constituted at Boston , in New England , by our Right Worshipful Master Henry Price , Provincial ! Grand Master , on the 31 st day of August A . M . 5733 , and is held at the Royal Exchange Tavern , in King's Street , the second and fourth
Wednesday of every month , —and is adorn d with the most eminent gentlemen of this great town , and keept up to it ' s primitive beuty and purity . . . Henry Price , G . M . James Gordon , D . P . G . M . ; Robt . Tomlinson , M . j Hueh M'Daniell , S . W . j Jno . Osburn , J . W . j F . Bretertfi , Secretary . " The establishment of a lodge of Free anri Accepted Masons in the then colony of Massachusetts Bay
followed upon Mr . Price ' s appointment to the Provincial Grand Mastership of New England , under the Grand Lodge at London . His commission was subsequently made to embrace " all North America . " This , however , did not prevent the introduction of Scotch charters , the first of which there is any record being that issued by the Grand Lodge to St . Andrew , Boston , Massachusettsin 1756
-, although Washington is understood to have been initiated in a Virginian lodge under a Scotch charter in 1752 . The Tappahannock ( Essex county , Virginia ) , chartered in 1758 , was the first American Kilwinning Lodge . In its earlier years the bulk of the lodge ' s members were merchants—with a sprinkling of writers , physicians , university students , and excisemen—master mariners and
" merchant sailors . " One of this class , the master and owner of the ship "FreeMason , " was in 1738 presented by the lodge with a " badge of Masonry to be placed on the stern of said ship . " The roll was swelled also by officers of the regiments that from time to time were quartered in Glasgow . There is a hiatus in these records from December , 1742 , to January , 1753 . VVe are thus left
in ignorance of the effect of the Rebellion of 1 744 upon the lodge . The " solemnities " of the St . John ' s Day communications embraced a dinner , toasts , songs , instrumental music , and a torch-light procession , the flambeaus being carried by boys from the poor's hospital . While , as the minutes record , the brethren were on such occasions accustomed to
enjoy themselves with "music , wine , and miith , in that innocence peculiar to the noble Ins . itution , " they were not unmindful ol the claims of Charity . On St . John ' s Day , 1 740 , the lodge gave a concert to a "genteel company " in the Merchant ' s Hall for the benefit of the poor . Mason songs sung by the brethren , with organ accompaniments , were a leading feature of the entertainment . A Charity
ball was given in 1742 . The fascinations of music were in those days largely employed to attract attendance at lodge communications—the " Mason songs " being " sung and played on musical instruments " at all stated meetings . In September , 1742 , the brethren resolved to " purchase an organ for the benefit of the lodge , " at a cost not to exceed £ 30 . This resolution was shortly afterwards given
effect to— " good brother Deans being paid , with a glass of thanks , twenty pounds eight shillings sterling , the price of that musical instrument which now adorns our lodge . " "Ladies and stranger Masons" had the privilege of hearing the organ , which could only be used apart from Masonic meetings at the request of at least three contributing members of the lodge .
These records contain what is perhaps the earliest notice of a Scotch Provincial Grand visitation , viz ., that made to Glasgow Kilwinning in March , 1739 , by the Provincial Grand Master of Argyle , Clydesdale , Dumbarton , Renfrew and Stirling . In the course of this and subsequent visits
the brethren were catechised on " the propper questions of Masonry "—a custom which has long since become obsolete j although the twin practice of "drinking the usual healths " had been retained in all its integrity . There are no Mason marks , or any mention of a Mark Degree , in these old minute books .
In accordance with a custom inaugurated by Mother Kilwinning towards the end of the 17 th century , and followed in after years by other lodges , Glasgow Kilwinning began at a very early stage of its existence to grant commissions to make Masons . The following is a copy of a letter of authority to work in Edinburgh : " Dearly beloved Brother , —
" Your letter to us of the 30 th of last Aprile , praying for a power to receive and admitt Masons as members of Glasgow Kilwinning , being read at our monthly meeting of May , it was unanimously resolved to comply with your request . In consequence of which resolution you are vested with power , privilege , and authority from us , as we doe hereby give you full power , priviledge , and authority
to receive and admitt all such of a worthy and honest character as shall apply to you to be received and admitted members of Glasgow Kilwinning ; and this we authorize you to doe tho' at a distance ftom our lodge . Provided always and wt this restriction that no brother or brethren shall be admitted or received under the name of Glasgow Kilwinning till he or they shall pay the sum of twenty
seven shillings and six pence sterling , as the ordinar and usual charge stipulated and appointed by our rules and regulations as the expense to be paid by ev'ry brother who shall be admkted . At same time , you are required pointedly and exactly to make remittance of such sums of money as you shall receive for the admission of a member or members , and that per first post or other opportunity
after such admission or admissions , and you are at the same time to send the name and designatijn of ev ' ry new brother with the date of his admission , so as he may be inrolled in our books . As we are well convinced of your abilitys , we think it noways necessary to putt you in mind of the charges and instructions to be given the young intrants . Wee therefore only add that we wish you , as a dear brother , all spiritual and temporal blessings in Chryst Jesus our at
Lord . Amen . These presents , retaining a power our pleasure to revoke and repeal them , are given at our Lodge of Glasgow Kilwinning , and sign'd and seal'd with our seals , the 23 d of July , in the yearof our Lord 174 '* of Masonry 5741 . Sic Subr ., George Murdoch , Glasgow Kilwinning ; William Clark , S . VV . ; Jno . Hamilton , P J . W . To our worthy and well beloved brother John Cumming . " In 1817 a member residing in Hamburg reported that
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Saint Helena.
Saint Helena .
SAINT HELENA . —St . Helena Lodge ( No . 488 ) . —At a lodge of emergency held on Monday , the 3 rd September , at the Masonic Hall , Napoleonstreet , Jamestown , Mr . John Alfred Sykes , artificer of H . M . ' s gunboat Acorn , was regularly proposed and seconded as a candidate for initiation into the
mysteries and privileges of the Order . There were present on the occasion Bros . R . Dowling , P . M ., W . M . j Ackeley , P . M ., S . W . ; L . Mark , D . C , as J . W . j B . H . Knipe , Treas . j A . S . Brady , P . M ., Sec . j Thomas Carr , as S . D . j E . Thomas , J . D . ; J . S . Truebody , I . G . j Wm . Howes , Tyler j James Truebody , P . M . j VV . E . Dowling j and R . A . Clarke , Stwd . Visitors : Bros . J . Stanbury ,
202 j T . Baldwin , G . Bragg , A . J . Childs , Hy . Branton , and T . Davies , of 1 S 60 ( all naval brethren of H . M . 's ship Acorn ); B . M . C . Knipe , F . J . Broadway , E . Woodman , and F . Manuel , of 912 . The lodge having been opened , a ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . John A . Sykes , which proved unanimous , and being in attendance he was regularly initiated into the
mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry . The business being concluded , the brethren and their guests repaired to the banqueting-room , and sat down to an excellent repast , provided by their excellent Steward , Bro . R . A . Clarke , and a very enjoyable , pleasant , and merry evening was spent . On Monday , the ioth September , was the regular monthly
meeting of the lodge , which took place at the lodge house , when there were present Bros . R . Dowling , P . M . ; Ackely , P . M ., S . W . j L . Mark , as J . W . j B . H . Knipe , Treas . j A . S . Brady , P . M ., Secj R . A . Clarke , Stwd . j Thos . Carr , as S . D . ; E . Thomas , J . D . j Knipe , P . M . ( visitor ) , as I . G . j Howes , Tyler j Jas . Truebody , P . M . ; Adams , and W . E . Dowling . Visitors : Bros . G . Weston , W . M . j
F . J . Broadway , Secj Woodman , S . W . j G . J . Bruce , T . J . Scullard , Congdon , Haigh , Storer , and Manuel , of gi 2 j Capt . Atkinson , R . N ., St . John ' s Lodge , Maltaj Lieut . Valentine , R . N ., 1593 J Davies , Baldwin , Childs , and Bragg , of i 860 , Simons Town j Branton , 420 j J . Standbury , 202 j J . T . Gilbert , 159 ( all brethren from H . M . ' s ship Acorn ) j Jas . Marquand and Jas . J . Thatcher , of Star-in-the-East
Lodge , New Bedford , United States ot America . The lodge being opened , the minutes of the last regular and emergency meetings were read and confirmed . Bro . William E . Dowling ( son of the W . M . ) was regularly raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., and Bro . Sykes
was passed to the Degree of a F . C . All other business ended , the lodge was closed . The brethren and their numerous guests then adjourned to the banquet room , where an excellent repast was provided for them by their good Steward , Bro . Clarke , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly
honoured . The Worshipful Master expressed the pleasure of himself and brethren of the lodge at having so many brethren of the navy amongst them that evening , and whom they were always glad to meet at the lodge when at the Island . Bro . Capt . Atkinson , for himself and membersof his ship , said he felt it a great pleasure and honour to attend the
lodge on that occasion , where he met with the greatest of kindness and friendship , and he wished the lodge every ' happiness and prosperity . The toasts of the other visitors were duly honoured , and a most enjoyable evening was spent , interspersed , with songs and recitations , and the brethren separated . It is the usual custom of the lodge to entertain their
naval brethren when at the Island , and that occasion was one of the many jolly ones , where all seemed to enjoy themselves so well . And it is indeed a pleasure to them to come to such gathering ( as expressed by them ) after their long and somewhat monotonous tour round the West Coast of Africa . Bro . Capt . Atkinson and the brethren of his vessel invited
the members of both lodges on the Island and the Fraternity generally to a banquet at the St . Helena Hotel . The accompanying account of it speaks for itself . The banquet was held at the hotel in recognition of the many happy hours spent by the Freemasons of the Acorn amongst their brethren on the island . The centre of the table was occupied by Bro . Capt . Atkinson , who was
supported on his ughtby Bro . R . Uowhng , P . M ., W . M . 48 S , and on the left by Bro . R . M . L . Pritchard , P . M ., for the W . M . of 912 , who was unavoidably absent ; the head being occupied by Bro . Lieut . Valentine , the senior lieutenant , a son of the Rev . William Valentine , M . A ., and the foot by Bro . J . Stanbury , boatswain's mate , the beau ideal of a British tar .
Thitty-eight sat down to an excellent repast provided by Bro . R . A . Clarke , who had evidently spared no trouble to provide the hosts and their guests with a first rate spread . At the end of the banquet , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by Bro . Capt . Atkinson , and drunk with honours , alter which followed a large number of songs and several recitations , between which speeches were made and duly responded to .
Good humour reigned around the festive board . A military officer , who wore the orthodox evening dress of a civilian , being called upon in turn for a song , requested his brother on the left , Sergt . Harris , of the Plymouth Division of the Royal Marines ( who wore the full uniform of that distinguished corps , his breast decorated by a row of medals ) , to get him out of his trouble , as he felt sure that a veteran soldier would never leave an officer
in distress . The gallant sergeant , being unable to comply , called upon Bro . Stanbury , who has an unlimited amount of songs at his command , and who replied that the request reminded him of an adventure he had had whilst serving on the West Coast some years back , when his captain , whilst out shooting in plain clothes , had been attacked by
a buffalo , which compelled him to climb a tree . On being pitched into by the skippsr for deserting him , he had replied that , although he would never desert an officer in uniform , the rules of the Service did not compel a blue jacket to recognise an officer in plain clothes . Most of the songs were accompanied on the St . Helena
Lodge harmonium by Bro . Lieut . Valentine , which added materially to one of the pleasantest evenings spent by the Fraternity on the island . The room was festooned with national flags—at the top were drooped the Union J ack and the American Ensign , the latter being in honour of three guests who were present . The table was most tastefully decorated with choice
Saint Helena.
flowers , showing that the fair sex had been diligent in exerting themselues on the occasion . Their exertions were not overlooked , but , on the contrary , their healths were drunk in bumpers , for , as the old Masonic ditty says : We ' re true and sincere , and just to the fair , They'll trust us on any occasion , . No mortal can more the ladies adore
Than a " Free and an Accepted Mason . " So happily passed away the evening that the ! small hours of Friday morning crept unawares upon the happy assembly , and the married men thought of the salutation , " Look at the clock ! " which awaited them on their return home . " Auld Lang Syne , " followed by the National Anthem , with three hearty cheers for the Acorns , was the finale of a truly happy gathering .
Historical Notes On Scotch Lodges.
HISTORICAL NOTES ON SCOTCH LODGES .
BY D . MURRAY LYON . GLASGOW KILWINNING , No . 4 . It has hitherto been very much the custom to ascribe to Mother Kilwinning the paternity of all the lodges which were found in last century to have adopted
its name . To have Kilwinning" incorporated in the designation of a lodge was regarded as a mark of antiquity , just as "Royal Arch" was meant to imply the possession of Degrees higher than those of Craft Masonry . In the establishment of the few Scotch lodges that were in existence apart from bodies of operative Masons in the third decade of the iSth century , as a rule , the sanction of
no authority higher than themselves was sought . Some , indeed , had asked and obtained from Kilwinning confirmation of their position , but the majority were self-constituted and independent . GLASGOW KILWINNING belonged to this class . It was erected at a communication under the presidency of John Anderson , Master of the " Lodge of Kilwidning held att Edinburgh" ( Scots Arms ) , at the
sign of the Globe , in the Gallowgate of Glasgow , 1 st April , 1735 . The sederunt bears the names of three Master Masons and five apprentices . The brethren of the lower grade having been passed Fellow Crafts and raised Masters , and a new member admitted , "the lodge was constitute . " Honoured with the privilege of nominating the Master of the new lodge for the current year , the
presiding brother named John Clerk , merchant , and afterwards " installed and congratulated " him . The Wardens —Robert Mollison , supervisor of excise , and James Montgomerie , merchant—were chosen and installed by the Master . The minute from which this information is derived is notable as containing the earliest record of the Third Degree being worked in the west country . And it is
only one day later than the first occasion of the Degree being conferred in Scotland , of which there is documentary evidence , viz ., in Canongate Kilwinning , March 31 , 1735 . The earliest mention of a Master ' s reception in Ayrshire is contained in the Kilwinning minute of 12 th July , 1735 , where it is reported by the Master that " at a lodge held at Irvine the fifth of April last Cuninghame of Collennan and
Forbes of Watertoun were received and admitted Fellows of Craft and Masters . " One of the brethren who were raised at the first communication of the Glasgow Kilwinning was present in Canongate Kilwinning as a " gentleman visitor " in December of the same year , and " sufficiently acquitted himself in a trial of his qualifications as a Master Mason . " Anolher visitor , somewhat boastful of his being a Master
Mason , was , after examination , declared to be a " verry weak entered prentice . " Shortly after his election to the Wardenship of Glasgow Kilwinning , Mr . Mollison removed to Ayrshire . He joined the Lodge of Kilwinning , and became one of its leading members . As a collector of excise , he was frequently in the district of Carrick , and on one of his journeys thither ,
in 1735 , we find him , in terms of a commission from Mother Kilwinning , "inquiring into the affairs " of certain Masons in Maybole and Girvan , charged with " admitting members to the lodge without accounting for or making payment of their entry-money . " He was Master of the lodge in 1741 , and was succeeded by William , Earl of Kilmarnock ,
who , on the day of his "installation and proclamation , " 20 th January , 1742 , admitted and " pass'd and rais'd " Alexander , Earl of Eglinton . Mr . Mollison was Deputy Master of Mother Kilwinning when , in 1 747 , he was appointed to the Provincial Grand Mastership of Glasgow province , and for several years discharged the duties of both offices .
There were two candidates for the Grand Mastership at the institution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , viz ., William St . Clair of Roslin and the Earl of Home . Like Mary ' s Chapel , Glasgow Kilwinning instructed its representatives to vote for Lord Home . No division took place , and St . Clair was chosen by the unanimous voice of the brethren . He visited the lodge in May , 1730 . The Earl of Home was
at the institution of the Grand Lodge Master of Kilwinning Scots Arms . He held a cornet ' s commission in the 2 nd regiment of Dragoon Guards in 1735 , and got a troop of Churchill's Dragoons in 1740 . He rose to ihe rank of lieutenant-general in the army . He was in Scotland in 1745 when the Rebellion broke out , and joined Sir John Cope at Dunbat in September , and was at the battle of
Prestonpans . He joined the Royal army at Stirling in December , at the head of the Glasgow regiment of 600 men . At his death , in 1761 , he was Governor of Gibraltar . Although a self-constituted body , Glasgow Kilwinning professed to be a branch of the Kilwinning Fraternity . In the minute of a meeting which it held at Port Glasgow , in August 1735 , the Master and six other brethren , " well
mett , " are represented as having made a surgeon and a custom-house clerk " Free and Accepted Masons of the Mother Lodge of Kilwinning , who forthwith paid to the poor box of the said lodge held at Glasgow five shillings ster . each . " A fortnight afterwards a "select lodge " was held at the Old Coffeehouse in Glasgow , at which Harry , Lord Grey , was made , the Earl of Kilmarnock , then Master of Kilmarnock Kilwinning , being present
as a visitor . In December following , the lodge went to the house of a " musicianer" in the Salt Mercatt , and there initiated him—probably for the sake of the host ' s professional services , although he is credited with the sum of five shillings paid to the poor ' s box . About this time and long after , Glasgow Kilwinning was accustomed to visit with the highest penalty members " refusing to give attendance either at monthly or quarterly
Historical Notes On Scotch Lodges.
meetings . " Brethren making respectful application " to be dismiss'd the lodge , and no longer to be reputed members , " had their request complied with , but were per . mitted to attend as visitors . In the absence of diplomas it was customary for brethren from a distance to be introduced on letters of recommendation . From a copy of one such document , engrossed in the books of Glasgow
Kilwinning under date 2 nd November , 1736 , information is obtained of , perhaps , the earliest regularly-organised lodge in America : " . . . Our lodge was constituted at Boston , in New England , by our Right Worshipful Master Henry Price , Provincial ! Grand Master , on the 31 st day of August A . M . 5733 , and is held at the Royal Exchange Tavern , in King's Street , the second and fourth
Wednesday of every month , —and is adorn d with the most eminent gentlemen of this great town , and keept up to it ' s primitive beuty and purity . . . Henry Price , G . M . James Gordon , D . P . G . M . ; Robt . Tomlinson , M . j Hueh M'Daniell , S . W . j Jno . Osburn , J . W . j F . Bretertfi , Secretary . " The establishment of a lodge of Free anri Accepted Masons in the then colony of Massachusetts Bay
followed upon Mr . Price ' s appointment to the Provincial Grand Mastership of New England , under the Grand Lodge at London . His commission was subsequently made to embrace " all North America . " This , however , did not prevent the introduction of Scotch charters , the first of which there is any record being that issued by the Grand Lodge to St . Andrew , Boston , Massachusettsin 1756
-, although Washington is understood to have been initiated in a Virginian lodge under a Scotch charter in 1752 . The Tappahannock ( Essex county , Virginia ) , chartered in 1758 , was the first American Kilwinning Lodge . In its earlier years the bulk of the lodge ' s members were merchants—with a sprinkling of writers , physicians , university students , and excisemen—master mariners and
" merchant sailors . " One of this class , the master and owner of the ship "FreeMason , " was in 1738 presented by the lodge with a " badge of Masonry to be placed on the stern of said ship . " The roll was swelled also by officers of the regiments that from time to time were quartered in Glasgow . There is a hiatus in these records from December , 1742 , to January , 1753 . VVe are thus left
in ignorance of the effect of the Rebellion of 1 744 upon the lodge . The " solemnities " of the St . John ' s Day communications embraced a dinner , toasts , songs , instrumental music , and a torch-light procession , the flambeaus being carried by boys from the poor's hospital . While , as the minutes record , the brethren were on such occasions accustomed to
enjoy themselves with "music , wine , and miith , in that innocence peculiar to the noble Ins . itution , " they were not unmindful ol the claims of Charity . On St . John ' s Day , 1 740 , the lodge gave a concert to a "genteel company " in the Merchant ' s Hall for the benefit of the poor . Mason songs sung by the brethren , with organ accompaniments , were a leading feature of the entertainment . A Charity
ball was given in 1742 . The fascinations of music were in those days largely employed to attract attendance at lodge communications—the " Mason songs " being " sung and played on musical instruments " at all stated meetings . In September , 1742 , the brethren resolved to " purchase an organ for the benefit of the lodge , " at a cost not to exceed £ 30 . This resolution was shortly afterwards given
effect to— " good brother Deans being paid , with a glass of thanks , twenty pounds eight shillings sterling , the price of that musical instrument which now adorns our lodge . " "Ladies and stranger Masons" had the privilege of hearing the organ , which could only be used apart from Masonic meetings at the request of at least three contributing members of the lodge .
These records contain what is perhaps the earliest notice of a Scotch Provincial Grand visitation , viz ., that made to Glasgow Kilwinning in March , 1739 , by the Provincial Grand Master of Argyle , Clydesdale , Dumbarton , Renfrew and Stirling . In the course of this and subsequent visits
the brethren were catechised on " the propper questions of Masonry "—a custom which has long since become obsolete j although the twin practice of "drinking the usual healths " had been retained in all its integrity . There are no Mason marks , or any mention of a Mark Degree , in these old minute books .
In accordance with a custom inaugurated by Mother Kilwinning towards the end of the 17 th century , and followed in after years by other lodges , Glasgow Kilwinning began at a very early stage of its existence to grant commissions to make Masons . The following is a copy of a letter of authority to work in Edinburgh : " Dearly beloved Brother , —
" Your letter to us of the 30 th of last Aprile , praying for a power to receive and admitt Masons as members of Glasgow Kilwinning , being read at our monthly meeting of May , it was unanimously resolved to comply with your request . In consequence of which resolution you are vested with power , privilege , and authority from us , as we doe hereby give you full power , priviledge , and authority
to receive and admitt all such of a worthy and honest character as shall apply to you to be received and admitted members of Glasgow Kilwinning ; and this we authorize you to doe tho' at a distance ftom our lodge . Provided always and wt this restriction that no brother or brethren shall be admitted or received under the name of Glasgow Kilwinning till he or they shall pay the sum of twenty
seven shillings and six pence sterling , as the ordinar and usual charge stipulated and appointed by our rules and regulations as the expense to be paid by ev'ry brother who shall be admkted . At same time , you are required pointedly and exactly to make remittance of such sums of money as you shall receive for the admission of a member or members , and that per first post or other opportunity
after such admission or admissions , and you are at the same time to send the name and designatijn of ev ' ry new brother with the date of his admission , so as he may be inrolled in our books . As we are well convinced of your abilitys , we think it noways necessary to putt you in mind of the charges and instructions to be given the young intrants . Wee therefore only add that we wish you , as a dear brother , all spiritual and temporal blessings in Chryst Jesus our at
Lord . Amen . These presents , retaining a power our pleasure to revoke and repeal them , are given at our Lodge of Glasgow Kilwinning , and sign'd and seal'd with our seals , the 23 d of July , in the yearof our Lord 174 '* of Masonry 5741 . Sic Subr ., George Murdoch , Glasgow Kilwinning ; William Clark , S . VV . ; Jno . Hamilton , P J . W . To our worthy and well beloved brother John Cumming . " In 1817 a member residing in Hamburg reported that