Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
no body of Masons could find a more congenial or profitable employment than in the mutual study of , and instruction in , these beautiful ceremonials . This , then , is the object of these meetings ; and in calling them " Instruction Meetings , " the Lodge Marie Stuart docs not desire to assume the position of instructor , but rather the promoter of , and parluipatov in , a scheme of mutual
instruction . It is true we have given some little time ami study to the rituals of the Order , ar . d are constant in our efforts to bring them up to a hig h standard , always keeping the ancient landmarks in view ; but we are sensible that our work is anything but perfect , and it is within the objects of these meetings for any brother to suggest amendments or improvements , as it will be for us lo afford
any information or advice m our power . One great means of beautifying our ceremonials and increasing the power and effect of the symbolism , is the employment of music . This we are attempting to introduce on a scale worthy of the subject we seek to adorn , and although we have not yet got that branch of the work up to anything like a satisfactory pitch , I have no doubt that , with the
assistance of our musical brethren , we shall be able to do so shortly , and to make a fair beginning at next meeting . Another matter which I shall just touch upon is that we intend to have , at all our meetings , whether wc have initiations or not , a voluntary collection . You must be aware , brethren , that nothing can be done uovv-a-days without money , and the organisaticn of these meetings
is no exception to the rule . It is hoped , therefore , that , m putting your contributions into the box , you will be as liberal as you can . This practice we purpose to observe at all our meetings , public and private , and we hope , before this time next year , to have as much money from this source as will enable us to do some practical act ot charity—something by which we hope to show that
Freemasonry is something more than a name . The lodge was then opened in the first degree , and Bro . Alexander , of Lodge 3 I , became an affiliated member , after which a candidate received the E . A . Degree at the hands of Bro . Julius Brode , S . M ., in a most impressive manner . The proceedings , whieh reflect great credit on the R . W . M ., J . D . Porteous , for the care and attention bestowed on them ,
were then brought to a close with a few remarks from the R . W . M . regarding the several duties of the S . W ., the J . W ., the S . D ., and the J . D ., and a discussion elicited on several points in Freemasonry . We observe , from a circular issued by the lodge , that the next meetings for instruction will be held on the nth January and 22 nd February , at the Hall , Queen ' s Park Rooms , Crosshill .
ISLAY . KII . IIAI . TCIN LODGE ( NO . 552 ) . —The brethren of this lodge ; established in March last , held its first festival on the evening of Wednesday , the 23 rd Dec , in Port Ellen . A lodge meeting was held at four o ' clock to elect the office-bearers for the year 1875 , the following being the return : —Bros . A . Johnstone Hodge , ( H . M . ' s Inland
Revenue ) R . W . M . ; Capt . Lachlan McCuaig ( A . A . V . ) , S . W . ; Donah' Campbell , J . W . ; Duncan McArthuv , J . D . ; Francis Kean , I . G . ; Peter McDougall , O . G ; John Murphy , Sec . ; and Dougald Johnston , Lapbroaig , Treas . At five o ' clock the brethren marched by torchlight through the village to the time-honoured strains of " The Merry Masons" and " A Man ' s a Man for a' that , " played by a flute band .
Although the night was raw and gusty the procession had a . most imposing appearance , the office-bearers carrying the insignia of their oflices , and wearing their jewels . In the memory of that venerable individual , " the oldest inhabitant , " there never had been such a turn out of the people of Port Ellen . Old and young turned out to see the first demonstration of the kind ever witnessed in the
island . At six o ' clock the brethren with their lady friends , to the number o ( about fifty , sat down to a splendid dinner in a granary of Bro . McCuaig's , which was tastefully decorated for the occasion , a string band being in attendance . Bro . A . Johnstone Hodge , R . W . M ., in the chair , was faced by Bro . Allan McDougall , S . W ., and Bro . Lachlan McCuaig , J . W . Ample justice having been
done to the dinner , the chairman gave the first toast , "Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen , may God bless her , and cause the light of His countenance to shine upon her , and g ive her peace . " Air " National Anthem . " The chairman gave the next toast , "The Craft , " and spoke as follows : — " In my position to-night a duty devolves upon me which I could wish had fallen into abler hands . When 1 think
of the many eminent and highly cultivated brethren of out Order who have at different times discharged the same duty , I feel , almost to . 1 painful degree , my inability to follow in their footsteps ; but when , on the oilier hand , 1 remember the kind indulgence with which my brethren have invariably received my feeble efforts in the path which duty has marked out for me in "The Kildalton , "
I feel encouraged on this , the first public occasion which has offered , to explain , in a few brief remarks , as far as I dare , what Freemasonry is and what it is not . It is simply a peculiar system of " Ethics , " a system of moral philosophy in which truth , honour , and virtue are held up to view in their mosl beautiful and alluring forms , while falsehood , dishonour , and vice of every kind are
continually exhibited as worthy of the most unmitigated scorn and contempt . The earnest and intelligent Mason must p lace his heart under such a course of moral training as will result in th ; expulsion therefrom of all longings after immorality and vice , and the fostering and cherishing therein of every aspiration after moral excellence and virtue . To assist him in this labour of peace anil goodwill
to his fellow men , he is furnished with a rich and beautiful symbolism , the whole essence and bearing of which are of the purest and most refined description . While the garden of the heart is thus lo be cleaned of all noxious weeds , and planted vvith flowers of choicest perfume , that ot the intellect is not to be neglected . The liberal arts and sciences must be studied and cultivated , and lo stimulate the student lo exertion in this direction , examples of the mosl
Scotland.
brilliant character are continually before him , and reasons of the strongest kind urge him to perseverance . To assist him , his work is portioned into seven courses , so that lie may pursue knowledge methodically , little progress being attainable in any other manner . Freemasonry takes but little to do vvith politics , yet she insists on the most exemplary discharge of their duties as citizens by her
sons . She also inculcates the purest principles of patriotism . In social and domestic science however she takes an active interest , and p laces a high standard of merit before her sons . Kindness , forbearance and purity ot life are forcibly inculcated . Indeed , a worthy Mason is by virtue of his tenure , a kind father , a faithful husband , and a trustworthy friend . It
has been asserted by some that Freemasonry has no relig ion , and , curiously enough , others of her assailants accuse her of pretending to be in herself a system of religion . Such accusations as these arc utterly false and slanderous , Xo man knows better than a Mason that there is a divine being , who is the superfine ruler and governor of the universe , which is indeed his temple . " That wisdom , strength ,
and beauty are about His throne as pillars of His works ; for His wisdom is infinite , His strength is omnipotent , and beauty shines through the whole of His creation . In symmetry and order the heavens He has stretched forth as a canopy ; the earth He has planted as His footstool ; he crowns His temple with stars as with a diadem , and His hands extend their power and glory ; the sun and the
moon are the messengers of His will , and all His law is concord . " The Bible is His revealed- will , and is accepted as such by every Christian Mason . But Freemasonry belongs to no particular nation , people , or tongue . Whereevermen are found , there she can be traced , hence her unsectarian character is her glory , and at the same time , the secret of her vitality . Freemasonry , then , has many forms
of one religion . She does not pretend to be a religion , but she opens wide her arms and embraces in her brotherhood worshippers of every kind of religious persuasion , on the sole condition that the object of their adoration is the eternal God . Every Mason , however , is at perfect liberty to worship according to his own faith . The idea of a brotherhood such as this , is too grand and is
associated with a philosophy too refined to be within the grasp of any narrow sectarianism which looks complacently upon itself as Ihe keeper of the door of heaven . Freemasonry , then , does not pretend that her light is the light that guides to heaven . On the contrary , she holds forth her light as symbolic of that great light , and as a beacon that shines across the dark waters , helping
to guide the earnest seeker after truth to that great light which is in truth the light and the life of the world . He who assumes more than this for Freemasonry , is either an ignorant pretender , or an enemy ; and it is the duty of every worthy Mason to disown and condemn all such assumptions . It may also safely be assumed that the very men who advance such dogmas are themselves less under
the influence of Freemasonry than any others . It is almost needless here to examine our noble science by its results . Suffice it to say that many noble monuments of her benevolence and charity are to be seen in our own and in other lar . ds . Wherever a Mason may wander on the surface of our earth , he can find a brother to greet him and take him to his bosom , and time after time our sailors
and our soldiers , as well as the pioneers of our civilisation have had reason to remember , with feelings of gratitude , that particular moment when they first beheld the light of Masonry . Kings , princes , and the great of every civilised land we always have amongst us , but what are we to conclude from this ? Surely wc may conclude that they find it to their advantage . Peace , concord , and love arc
emblazoned on our banners , and under turmoil and war Masonry always languishes . Let us hope then that she will continue to flourish until brotherly love , relief , and truth , will be as widely disseminated as they might be in the good time coming . In that lime , when " man ' s inhumanity to man shall cease to make countless thousands mourn . " Bro . Allan McDougall gave the next toast ,
" The Most Worship ful the Grand Master Mason of Scotland , " air , " Scots wha hac ; " Bro . Lachlan McCuaig gave "The Most Worshipful the Grand Master Mason of England , " air , " God bless the Prince of Wales ; " Bro . Colin Hay gave " The Most Worship ful the Grand Master Mason of Ireland , " air , "St . Patrick's Day . " Then followed from the chair "The Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " air ,
" Rule Britania , " acknowledged by Bro . John Murphy ; " The Clergy , " by Bro . Duncan McArlhur , air , " Old 100 th ; " "The Ladies , " by Bro . William Morison , air , " Here's a health to all good lasses , " acknowledged by Bro . A . W . Duig . Bro . Colin Hay , in his happiest manner , gave the " Kildalton Lodge , " air , "The Highland Laddie , " acknowledged by the Chairman ; " Poor and
distressed brethren , wherever scattered , " by Bro . John Kirk , air , " Here ' s a health to them that ' s awa '; " Bro . F . Kean gave " The Tyler , " air , " He ' s a jolly good fellow . " After a short interval the stirring strains of the quadrille band inviting to the dance announced the opening of the
assembly . Dancing was carried on with great spirit till morning was far advanced , when the happy company dispersed , highly delighted with their entertainment . We should have mentioned that Bro . Alex . Nisbet , of Glasgow , is to represent " the Kildalton " in the Grand Lodge during the year 187 : ; .
GREENOCK . The brethren of the Masonic Craft here , according to use and vvonl , celebrated the time-honoured festival of St . John the Evangelist , in a manner reflecting the highest credit on all concerned , 011 Monday . The lodges had large
and most enthusiastic meetings , and ihe proceedings cannot fail to interest both th e Craft in general and absent brethren in particular . GREENOCK KILWINNING ( NO . 12 ) . —This lodge met in the Council Chambers , James Newton , Esq . R . W . M ., occupied the chair . After an excellent dinner had been
Scotland.
partaken of , purveyed by Mr . T . Mackay , the chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts . Mr . Fyfe ( Lewis and Fyfe ) , proposed the " Navy , Army , and Volunteers . " The toast was coupled with the names of Mr . J . Carnon , of K . M . S . Aurora , and Captain Leitch , and was drunk with all the honours . In proposing " Her Majesty's Ministers , " Mr . 1 . D . M'Donald paid a high compliment to the Prime
Minister , and the able body of gentlemen who constituted the Cabinet . A most enjoyable evening was spent , and the meeting separated with " Happy to meet , sorry to part , and happy to meet again . " The brethren again met at eight o'clock for friendly intercourse , to receive deputations from other lodges , and reciprocate the compliment , frc , and spent a most pleasant evening .
LODGE GREENOCK ST . J ( No . 175 ) . —The brethren and friends of this lodge met in the White Hart Hotel , at four o ' clock , when a large company sat down to a very excellent and well-served dinner , where nothing desirable was wanting . The chair was occupied by Mr . Alexander M'Mastcr , R . W . M . of the lodge , who was supported on the right by Messrs . Charles Grey , Hen ton M'Ara , Andw .
Boag , Robert Morison , Wm . Wri ght , jun ., Simon H . Miller , & c ; and on the left by the Rev . J . A . Campbell , Dean of Guild , Anderson , Messrs . James Rodger , John Clapperton , James M'Lea , Kenneth M'Caskill , " james Auld , D . M . Simpson , Gilbert M'Coll , & c . Mr . John M . Pollock , was croupier and was supported by Messrs . Duncan M'Intyre , Neil Brown , Jas . Scott , Gair , Samuel Durham , V . S ., John
M'Q . uarric , James M'Bride , Alexander M'Laren , John M'Larcn , & c . Blessing was asked by the Rev . J . A . Campbell , and after the menu had been done full justice to , and thanks returned by the same rev . gentleman , the Secretary ( Bro . W . Wrig ht , jun . ) , read letters of apology for absence from Sir Michael Robert Shaw Stewart , Bart ., the Rev . Dr . M'Culloch , J . I . Grieve , Esq ., M . P ., and Provost Neill ,
who were all prevented through indisposition from being present . A letter of apology from Mr . A . II . Finlay was also read . The Right Worshipful Master then introduced the toast list by proposing " 1 ler Majesty the Queen , " and " The Prince and Princess of Wales . " Both toasts were cordially responded to . The Croupier next proposed " The Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " and said that Greenock
stood in the proud position of being the town in Scotland which was at the head of that movement . He wished to couple the toast with the name of Bro . M'Intyre . Bro . M'Intyre made a suitable reply . Bro . Morison , Leith , had much pleasure in proposing " Her Majesty ' s Ministers . " The only wrong thing the present Government had done was in abolishing the sugar duty . If they had not done
so , it would have been better for Greenock . Lx-Baihe Grey said that the toast which had been entrusted to him to propose was that of the " Lord Lieutenant of the County , Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , Bart . " Sir Michael ' s honours hung upon him most gracefully indeed , and when he was appointed R . W . M . for Scotland in succession to the Earl of Rosslyn , he ( Bro . G . ) could assure the company that a
gentleman who was better qualified to fill that important office could not have been chosen . Sir Michael was a Mason out and out . He was a loving husband , a kind father , and , so far as he had ever heard , a kind and agreeable landlord . He supposed that they were all aware Sir Michael had been appointed Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire by a Whig Government , and that said a good deal for the respect in
which he was held by his political opponents , and he had discharged his duties in a manner satisfactory not only to the Government but to all who were interested in the county . Bro . J . Clapperton gave "The Provost , Magistrates , and Town Council . " Mr . Anderson , Dean of Guild , returned thanks , and said that while other towns were going ahead it was not for Greenock to stand back , and he hoped that
the authorities would see fit to launch out m a plucky manner with a scheme for harbour extension , so that the railway communications might open up connections between Greenock and all the mineral fields in the country . Mr . Andrew Boag proposed the " Members for the Town and County . " Bro . Grieve had proved himself an able and persevering Member of Parliament , well fitted to represent
a large commercial town like Greenock , and well deserved the honour conferred upon him , and he hoped the hon . gentleman would long live to enjoy it . They had not had much experience of the member for the county , but he ( Bro Boag ) had no doubt when tried Colonel Mure would prove ' himself a good representative . Dean of Guild Anderson gave the " Clergy , " and coupled the toast with the name
of Rev . J . A . Campbell , whom ( he said ) they were glad to sec among them , and who , although not a member of the Craft , had kindly consented to be one of their guests . The toast having been duly received , the Rev . Mr . Campbell returned thanks , and subsequently proposed " Lodge Greenock St . John , " and made a few appropriate and complimentary remarks in regard to
the charitable objects of Freemasonry , praising specially the laudable efforts that were made in that way by the St . John ' s Lodge of Greenock . The Chairman suitably replied . He felt very grateful to Mr . Campbell for the flattering way in which he had referred to Freemasonry in general , and to the efforts of the lodge with which they were more particularly connected . When he said that
their motto was " Faith , Hope , and Charity , " he had somewhat flattered them , as they had only hitherto been able to give to a—he was about to say a few—many public institutions of a charitable character ; but he was happy lo tell Mr . Campbell that , at a recent meeting of a committee of the lodge , it was agreed , if at all within their reach , not only to continue their charitable work , but to increase their subscriptions to every deserving
institution in the town . Commissioner Brown said he had attended many of the annual meetings of this ledge , but this was the first occasion on which he was taken unawares . He was not aware that his name was down to propose a toast until a gentleman pointed it out—he might rather say Mr . Bain " detected " it—on the card . He was at first inclined to be angry , but when he discovered
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
no body of Masons could find a more congenial or profitable employment than in the mutual study of , and instruction in , these beautiful ceremonials . This , then , is the object of these meetings ; and in calling them " Instruction Meetings , " the Lodge Marie Stuart docs not desire to assume the position of instructor , but rather the promoter of , and parluipatov in , a scheme of mutual
instruction . It is true we have given some little time ami study to the rituals of the Order , ar . d are constant in our efforts to bring them up to a hig h standard , always keeping the ancient landmarks in view ; but we are sensible that our work is anything but perfect , and it is within the objects of these meetings for any brother to suggest amendments or improvements , as it will be for us lo afford
any information or advice m our power . One great means of beautifying our ceremonials and increasing the power and effect of the symbolism , is the employment of music . This we are attempting to introduce on a scale worthy of the subject we seek to adorn , and although we have not yet got that branch of the work up to anything like a satisfactory pitch , I have no doubt that , with the
assistance of our musical brethren , we shall be able to do so shortly , and to make a fair beginning at next meeting . Another matter which I shall just touch upon is that we intend to have , at all our meetings , whether wc have initiations or not , a voluntary collection . You must be aware , brethren , that nothing can be done uovv-a-days without money , and the organisaticn of these meetings
is no exception to the rule . It is hoped , therefore , that , m putting your contributions into the box , you will be as liberal as you can . This practice we purpose to observe at all our meetings , public and private , and we hope , before this time next year , to have as much money from this source as will enable us to do some practical act ot charity—something by which we hope to show that
Freemasonry is something more than a name . The lodge was then opened in the first degree , and Bro . Alexander , of Lodge 3 I , became an affiliated member , after which a candidate received the E . A . Degree at the hands of Bro . Julius Brode , S . M ., in a most impressive manner . The proceedings , whieh reflect great credit on the R . W . M ., J . D . Porteous , for the care and attention bestowed on them ,
were then brought to a close with a few remarks from the R . W . M . regarding the several duties of the S . W ., the J . W ., the S . D ., and the J . D ., and a discussion elicited on several points in Freemasonry . We observe , from a circular issued by the lodge , that the next meetings for instruction will be held on the nth January and 22 nd February , at the Hall , Queen ' s Park Rooms , Crosshill .
ISLAY . KII . IIAI . TCIN LODGE ( NO . 552 ) . —The brethren of this lodge ; established in March last , held its first festival on the evening of Wednesday , the 23 rd Dec , in Port Ellen . A lodge meeting was held at four o ' clock to elect the office-bearers for the year 1875 , the following being the return : —Bros . A . Johnstone Hodge , ( H . M . ' s Inland
Revenue ) R . W . M . ; Capt . Lachlan McCuaig ( A . A . V . ) , S . W . ; Donah' Campbell , J . W . ; Duncan McArthuv , J . D . ; Francis Kean , I . G . ; Peter McDougall , O . G ; John Murphy , Sec . ; and Dougald Johnston , Lapbroaig , Treas . At five o ' clock the brethren marched by torchlight through the village to the time-honoured strains of " The Merry Masons" and " A Man ' s a Man for a' that , " played by a flute band .
Although the night was raw and gusty the procession had a . most imposing appearance , the office-bearers carrying the insignia of their oflices , and wearing their jewels . In the memory of that venerable individual , " the oldest inhabitant , " there never had been such a turn out of the people of Port Ellen . Old and young turned out to see the first demonstration of the kind ever witnessed in the
island . At six o ' clock the brethren with their lady friends , to the number o ( about fifty , sat down to a splendid dinner in a granary of Bro . McCuaig's , which was tastefully decorated for the occasion , a string band being in attendance . Bro . A . Johnstone Hodge , R . W . M ., in the chair , was faced by Bro . Allan McDougall , S . W ., and Bro . Lachlan McCuaig , J . W . Ample justice having been
done to the dinner , the chairman gave the first toast , "Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen , may God bless her , and cause the light of His countenance to shine upon her , and g ive her peace . " Air " National Anthem . " The chairman gave the next toast , "The Craft , " and spoke as follows : — " In my position to-night a duty devolves upon me which I could wish had fallen into abler hands . When 1 think
of the many eminent and highly cultivated brethren of out Order who have at different times discharged the same duty , I feel , almost to . 1 painful degree , my inability to follow in their footsteps ; but when , on the oilier hand , 1 remember the kind indulgence with which my brethren have invariably received my feeble efforts in the path which duty has marked out for me in "The Kildalton , "
I feel encouraged on this , the first public occasion which has offered , to explain , in a few brief remarks , as far as I dare , what Freemasonry is and what it is not . It is simply a peculiar system of " Ethics , " a system of moral philosophy in which truth , honour , and virtue are held up to view in their mosl beautiful and alluring forms , while falsehood , dishonour , and vice of every kind are
continually exhibited as worthy of the most unmitigated scorn and contempt . The earnest and intelligent Mason must p lace his heart under such a course of moral training as will result in th ; expulsion therefrom of all longings after immorality and vice , and the fostering and cherishing therein of every aspiration after moral excellence and virtue . To assist him in this labour of peace anil goodwill
to his fellow men , he is furnished with a rich and beautiful symbolism , the whole essence and bearing of which are of the purest and most refined description . While the garden of the heart is thus lo be cleaned of all noxious weeds , and planted vvith flowers of choicest perfume , that ot the intellect is not to be neglected . The liberal arts and sciences must be studied and cultivated , and lo stimulate the student lo exertion in this direction , examples of the mosl
Scotland.
brilliant character are continually before him , and reasons of the strongest kind urge him to perseverance . To assist him , his work is portioned into seven courses , so that lie may pursue knowledge methodically , little progress being attainable in any other manner . Freemasonry takes but little to do vvith politics , yet she insists on the most exemplary discharge of their duties as citizens by her
sons . She also inculcates the purest principles of patriotism . In social and domestic science however she takes an active interest , and p laces a high standard of merit before her sons . Kindness , forbearance and purity ot life are forcibly inculcated . Indeed , a worthy Mason is by virtue of his tenure , a kind father , a faithful husband , and a trustworthy friend . It
has been asserted by some that Freemasonry has no relig ion , and , curiously enough , others of her assailants accuse her of pretending to be in herself a system of religion . Such accusations as these arc utterly false and slanderous , Xo man knows better than a Mason that there is a divine being , who is the superfine ruler and governor of the universe , which is indeed his temple . " That wisdom , strength ,
and beauty are about His throne as pillars of His works ; for His wisdom is infinite , His strength is omnipotent , and beauty shines through the whole of His creation . In symmetry and order the heavens He has stretched forth as a canopy ; the earth He has planted as His footstool ; he crowns His temple with stars as with a diadem , and His hands extend their power and glory ; the sun and the
moon are the messengers of His will , and all His law is concord . " The Bible is His revealed- will , and is accepted as such by every Christian Mason . But Freemasonry belongs to no particular nation , people , or tongue . Whereevermen are found , there she can be traced , hence her unsectarian character is her glory , and at the same time , the secret of her vitality . Freemasonry , then , has many forms
of one religion . She does not pretend to be a religion , but she opens wide her arms and embraces in her brotherhood worshippers of every kind of religious persuasion , on the sole condition that the object of their adoration is the eternal God . Every Mason , however , is at perfect liberty to worship according to his own faith . The idea of a brotherhood such as this , is too grand and is
associated with a philosophy too refined to be within the grasp of any narrow sectarianism which looks complacently upon itself as Ihe keeper of the door of heaven . Freemasonry , then , does not pretend that her light is the light that guides to heaven . On the contrary , she holds forth her light as symbolic of that great light , and as a beacon that shines across the dark waters , helping
to guide the earnest seeker after truth to that great light which is in truth the light and the life of the world . He who assumes more than this for Freemasonry , is either an ignorant pretender , or an enemy ; and it is the duty of every worthy Mason to disown and condemn all such assumptions . It may also safely be assumed that the very men who advance such dogmas are themselves less under
the influence of Freemasonry than any others . It is almost needless here to examine our noble science by its results . Suffice it to say that many noble monuments of her benevolence and charity are to be seen in our own and in other lar . ds . Wherever a Mason may wander on the surface of our earth , he can find a brother to greet him and take him to his bosom , and time after time our sailors
and our soldiers , as well as the pioneers of our civilisation have had reason to remember , with feelings of gratitude , that particular moment when they first beheld the light of Masonry . Kings , princes , and the great of every civilised land we always have amongst us , but what are we to conclude from this ? Surely wc may conclude that they find it to their advantage . Peace , concord , and love arc
emblazoned on our banners , and under turmoil and war Masonry always languishes . Let us hope then that she will continue to flourish until brotherly love , relief , and truth , will be as widely disseminated as they might be in the good time coming . In that lime , when " man ' s inhumanity to man shall cease to make countless thousands mourn . " Bro . Allan McDougall gave the next toast ,
" The Most Worship ful the Grand Master Mason of Scotland , " air , " Scots wha hac ; " Bro . Lachlan McCuaig gave "The Most Worshipful the Grand Master Mason of England , " air , " God bless the Prince of Wales ; " Bro . Colin Hay gave " The Most Worship ful the Grand Master Mason of Ireland , " air , "St . Patrick's Day . " Then followed from the chair "The Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " air ,
" Rule Britania , " acknowledged by Bro . John Murphy ; " The Clergy , " by Bro . Duncan McArlhur , air , " Old 100 th ; " "The Ladies , " by Bro . William Morison , air , " Here's a health to all good lasses , " acknowledged by Bro . A . W . Duig . Bro . Colin Hay , in his happiest manner , gave the " Kildalton Lodge , " air , "The Highland Laddie , " acknowledged by the Chairman ; " Poor and
distressed brethren , wherever scattered , " by Bro . John Kirk , air , " Here ' s a health to them that ' s awa '; " Bro . F . Kean gave " The Tyler , " air , " He ' s a jolly good fellow . " After a short interval the stirring strains of the quadrille band inviting to the dance announced the opening of the
assembly . Dancing was carried on with great spirit till morning was far advanced , when the happy company dispersed , highly delighted with their entertainment . We should have mentioned that Bro . Alex . Nisbet , of Glasgow , is to represent " the Kildalton " in the Grand Lodge during the year 187 : ; .
GREENOCK . The brethren of the Masonic Craft here , according to use and vvonl , celebrated the time-honoured festival of St . John the Evangelist , in a manner reflecting the highest credit on all concerned , 011 Monday . The lodges had large
and most enthusiastic meetings , and ihe proceedings cannot fail to interest both th e Craft in general and absent brethren in particular . GREENOCK KILWINNING ( NO . 12 ) . —This lodge met in the Council Chambers , James Newton , Esq . R . W . M ., occupied the chair . After an excellent dinner had been
Scotland.
partaken of , purveyed by Mr . T . Mackay , the chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts . Mr . Fyfe ( Lewis and Fyfe ) , proposed the " Navy , Army , and Volunteers . " The toast was coupled with the names of Mr . J . Carnon , of K . M . S . Aurora , and Captain Leitch , and was drunk with all the honours . In proposing " Her Majesty's Ministers , " Mr . 1 . D . M'Donald paid a high compliment to the Prime
Minister , and the able body of gentlemen who constituted the Cabinet . A most enjoyable evening was spent , and the meeting separated with " Happy to meet , sorry to part , and happy to meet again . " The brethren again met at eight o'clock for friendly intercourse , to receive deputations from other lodges , and reciprocate the compliment , frc , and spent a most pleasant evening .
LODGE GREENOCK ST . J ( No . 175 ) . —The brethren and friends of this lodge met in the White Hart Hotel , at four o ' clock , when a large company sat down to a very excellent and well-served dinner , where nothing desirable was wanting . The chair was occupied by Mr . Alexander M'Mastcr , R . W . M . of the lodge , who was supported on the right by Messrs . Charles Grey , Hen ton M'Ara , Andw .
Boag , Robert Morison , Wm . Wri ght , jun ., Simon H . Miller , & c ; and on the left by the Rev . J . A . Campbell , Dean of Guild , Anderson , Messrs . James Rodger , John Clapperton , James M'Lea , Kenneth M'Caskill , " james Auld , D . M . Simpson , Gilbert M'Coll , & c . Mr . John M . Pollock , was croupier and was supported by Messrs . Duncan M'Intyre , Neil Brown , Jas . Scott , Gair , Samuel Durham , V . S ., John
M'Q . uarric , James M'Bride , Alexander M'Laren , John M'Larcn , & c . Blessing was asked by the Rev . J . A . Campbell , and after the menu had been done full justice to , and thanks returned by the same rev . gentleman , the Secretary ( Bro . W . Wrig ht , jun . ) , read letters of apology for absence from Sir Michael Robert Shaw Stewart , Bart ., the Rev . Dr . M'Culloch , J . I . Grieve , Esq ., M . P ., and Provost Neill ,
who were all prevented through indisposition from being present . A letter of apology from Mr . A . II . Finlay was also read . The Right Worshipful Master then introduced the toast list by proposing " 1 ler Majesty the Queen , " and " The Prince and Princess of Wales . " Both toasts were cordially responded to . The Croupier next proposed " The Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " and said that Greenock
stood in the proud position of being the town in Scotland which was at the head of that movement . He wished to couple the toast with the name of Bro . M'Intyre . Bro . M'Intyre made a suitable reply . Bro . Morison , Leith , had much pleasure in proposing " Her Majesty ' s Ministers . " The only wrong thing the present Government had done was in abolishing the sugar duty . If they had not done
so , it would have been better for Greenock . Lx-Baihe Grey said that the toast which had been entrusted to him to propose was that of the " Lord Lieutenant of the County , Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , Bart . " Sir Michael ' s honours hung upon him most gracefully indeed , and when he was appointed R . W . M . for Scotland in succession to the Earl of Rosslyn , he ( Bro . G . ) could assure the company that a
gentleman who was better qualified to fill that important office could not have been chosen . Sir Michael was a Mason out and out . He was a loving husband , a kind father , and , so far as he had ever heard , a kind and agreeable landlord . He supposed that they were all aware Sir Michael had been appointed Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire by a Whig Government , and that said a good deal for the respect in
which he was held by his political opponents , and he had discharged his duties in a manner satisfactory not only to the Government but to all who were interested in the county . Bro . J . Clapperton gave "The Provost , Magistrates , and Town Council . " Mr . Anderson , Dean of Guild , returned thanks , and said that while other towns were going ahead it was not for Greenock to stand back , and he hoped that
the authorities would see fit to launch out m a plucky manner with a scheme for harbour extension , so that the railway communications might open up connections between Greenock and all the mineral fields in the country . Mr . Andrew Boag proposed the " Members for the Town and County . " Bro . Grieve had proved himself an able and persevering Member of Parliament , well fitted to represent
a large commercial town like Greenock , and well deserved the honour conferred upon him , and he hoped the hon . gentleman would long live to enjoy it . They had not had much experience of the member for the county , but he ( Bro Boag ) had no doubt when tried Colonel Mure would prove ' himself a good representative . Dean of Guild Anderson gave the " Clergy , " and coupled the toast with the name
of Rev . J . A . Campbell , whom ( he said ) they were glad to sec among them , and who , although not a member of the Craft , had kindly consented to be one of their guests . The toast having been duly received , the Rev . Mr . Campbell returned thanks , and subsequently proposed " Lodge Greenock St . John , " and made a few appropriate and complimentary remarks in regard to
the charitable objects of Freemasonry , praising specially the laudable efforts that were made in that way by the St . John ' s Lodge of Greenock . The Chairman suitably replied . He felt very grateful to Mr . Campbell for the flattering way in which he had referred to Freemasonry in general , and to the efforts of the lodge with which they were more particularly connected . When he said that
their motto was " Faith , Hope , and Charity , " he had somewhat flattered them , as they had only hitherto been able to give to a—he was about to say a few—many public institutions of a charitable character ; but he was happy lo tell Mr . Campbell that , at a recent meeting of a committee of the lodge , it was agreed , if at all within their reach , not only to continue their charitable work , but to increase their subscriptions to every deserving
institution in the town . Commissioner Brown said he had attended many of the annual meetings of this ledge , but this was the first occasion on which he was taken unawares . He was not aware that his name was down to propose a toast until a gentleman pointed it out—he might rather say Mr . Bain " detected " it—on the card . He was at first inclined to be angry , but when he discovered