Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
ill the jewel of his office . The following is the revised }• ' for the current year : —Bros . William Bell , R . W . M . ; Tl , Pmas Fletcher , P . M . ; D . M . Neilson , D . M . ; John yyhyte , S , M . ; John D . Young , S . W . ; David Home , J . W . ; liobt . B . Dalefell , Treasurer ; John Dick , Secretary ; Peter lifownlie , S . D . ; John Reid , J . D . ; Jas . Ritchie , Architect ; lynid Lindsay , Chaplain ; Robt . Craig , Bible-Bearer ;
Clinics McFarlane , Director of Music ; Thos . A . Tennent , Jeweller ; John Wilson , Grand Marshal ; Jas Anderson , Senior Steward ; Jas . F . Pollock , Junior Steward ; lames Duthie , Junior Steward ; Angus Cameron , l . G . ; I ' . ihn Wright , G . G . ; R . D . Samuels , P . S . In the evening ihe lodge celebrated its 817 th anniversary in the Union Hotel Dunlop-street , when about seventy , including a few
\ isiting brethren , sat down to a recherche dinner , purveyed in first-class style by " mine host , " Bro . Whyte . The chair was occupied by the R . W . M ., Bro . Wm . Bell , who was supported to right and left by Bro . Fletcher , P . M . ; Bro . Robert Craig , P . M . ; Bro . ] no . Baird , P . M . ; Bro . lames McMillan , P . M . ; Bro . A . McTaggart , P . G . Secretary ; Bro . R . McDougall , R . W . M . 553 ; Bro . Rev .
Robt . Thomson ; Bro . John Dick , Secretary 3-J , and others . Bro . Neilson , D . M ., and Bro . John D . Young , S . W ., officiated as croupiers . Dinner having been disposed of , the usual loyal toasts were given from the chair , and duiy responded to . The chairman next gave " The Grand Lodges of England , Ireland , and Scotland , " which was also pledged with enthusiasm and all the honours ,
ihe toast being acknowledged , on behalf of England , by Bro . W . Ii . Bickerton ( Freemason ) , and , on that of Scotland , by Bro . John Baird . The next toast , also from the chair , was " The Provincial Lodge of Glasgow , and ' the Benevolent Fund . " It was coupled with the name of Bro . Baird , who returned thanks on behalf of the W . P . G . M ., Bro . Neilson and the
other office-bearers . He was glad to state that the Provincial Grand Lodge was at present in a most flourishing slate . In fact , he was quite satisfied that there was not another in Scotland more so . All the lodges in the produce were healthy , and in first-rate working condition . . tiler the "Army , Navy , and Reserved Forces" bad been duly honoured , Bro . Rev . R . Thomson proposed the " Lord
Provost , Councillors , and Magistrates of Glasgow . " ^ In commending the toast to the acceptance of the company , he referred to the fact that the Lord Provost was a recently made member of this lodge , and he thought the brethren ought to be highly gratified at his lordship selecting St . John ' s ( No . 32 ) to be made , passed , and raised in . In briefly touching upon what the Corporation of Glasgow
had done in the direction of City improvements , opening up and rooting out dens of iniquity and the like , Bro . Thomson said he had himself avowed that he would content to be taxed double for such public benefits , and he certainly thought that to the corporation the citizens owed iheir encomiums and their gratitude . The toast was replied to by Bro . Robert Craig , P . M ., an ex-member of the
U . ' .-in of Guild Court . "The Lodge Glasgow St . John , No . 3 bis" was then proposed by Bro . Fletcher , P . M ., who said he had great pleasure in doing so , and thought it had fallen into very good hands . The other Past Masters and himself could speak as to how the lodge had progressed in their times , and he hoped that during Bro . Bell ' s reign the same would continue . Let them , the
odice-bearers m particular , but give him their support and assistance and this would he the case ; and the place they A . re presently assembled in would next year be much too small to hold them . The R . W . M ., in replying to the toast , said that in the name of Lodge 3 J he thanked those present for the manner in which it had been received . It could not be denied that St . John ' s was a very old lodge ,
and if they would pardon him he would refer to some of tile leading points in its history since some 25 years ago . At the time of the negotiations between the lodge and the "Grand Lodge of Scotland , in 18 49 , William York was Grand Master , and continued so during the following year , in which their charter from Grand Lodge was got . On 91 I 1 April , 1851 , the lodge joined the procession at the
laying of the foundation-stone of Victoria Bridge by the Duke of Athole , Most Worshipful Grand Master , on which occasion a walking stick with a massive gold head was presented to his Grace , bearing this inscription : — " Presented to his Grace the Duke of Athole , Grand Master of Scotland , by the Glasgow Lodge of St . John , on the occasion of his laying the
foundation-stone of the Victoria Bridge across the Clyde , at Stockwell-street , Glasgow , upon <; th April , 1851 . " Around the rim was the following : — "This staff is made of part of the oak from the original foundation of the old Stockwell Bridge , built in the reign of King David , son of Robert the Bruce , in the year 1365 , and taken down in the year i 8 ; o . " Our R . W . M ., it will be remembered , was
contractor for the bridge , as also for some of the finest buildings in Glasgow , among others , the Union Bank of Scotland , and the British Linen Bank . In 1 S 52 , our worth y Bible-Bearer , Bro . R . Craig , was elected to the chair , holding office over two years . To him succeeded Bro . David Manwell , in 1854 , Bro . Robert Cruickshank in 1 X 55 , and Bro . James Cruickshank , son of the latter , in
¦ 8 56 . He held the chair for two years , resigning it , in 'X . vS , to Bro . Jas . Craig , of Middleton . In " 1859 , Bro . David Winton was elected , and in this year Bro . Sir Arehd . Alison took the chair at our annual banquet . In _ ' 8 fii , Bro . Robert Craig , who , as I have stated , held office 'n 18 52-3 , was again appointed R . W . M ., succeeded , in the following year , by Bro . Councillor James Taylor , to
whom followed , in 1864 , Bro . Gavin Park , who also oc-« ipied the chair for two years . In 1866 , Bro . J . B . Walker was chosen as R . W . M ., and his reign marks an e'ra in our history , he having had the distinction of being the first bona-fide member , or Master of St . John ' s 3 J , to work the three degrees . In 1867-8 , the chair was occupied by Bro . Thos . Ramsay , and , in 1869-70 , by Bro . John Baird , During Bro . Baud ' s reign , you will remem-
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ber , the foundation-stone of the Albert Bridge was laid by the Earl of Dalhousic , G . M . M ., on which occasion St . John ' s Lodge turned out in procession to the number of 120 , and claimed the right of carrying the working jewels or the Grand Lodge . This privilege , however , was given to the Lodge Journeyman , ; No . 8 , an Edinburgh lodge . Against this Bro . Baird protested , maintaining
that Grand Lodge rules only gave them the right of carrying the jewels in Edinburgh or neighbourhood .- The protest was duly lodged , and he gained his case , the privilege being declared to belong to St . John's , in all time coming , of carrying the working jewels en occasions occurring within the province . In 18 72 , Bro . James Mc Millan was elected to the chair , and , in 1873 , Bro .
Thomas Smillie . At the beginning of the Masonic year now over—1874—Bro . Thomas Fletcher became our R . W . M ., under whose auspices , as you all know , the Lord Provost of Glasgow , Bro . James Bain , was initiated in this lodge . I may state that of these fifteen Masters who have held the chair since 1849 , the Great Architect of the Universe , to whom we all must bow , has seen fit to
remove five , leaving ten of them still with us . I have only to add , for myself , and office-bearers , that we ask their support . We ask the support of every member of the lodge ; and if it is given us , I have no fear that the Lodge St . John ' s will prosper in the future , as she has done in the past . " The Visiting Brethren" was the next toast , proposed in genial terms by Bro . J . D . Young , S . W ., and
coupled with the name of Bro . Robert McDougall , R . W . M ., Lodge St . Vincent , 553 . Bro . McDougall , in reply , said that on behalf of the visiting brethren , and more particularly in his own name and that of his lodge , he had great pleasure in returning thanks for the very cordial and Masonic way in which they had responded to the toast . Although he had not been much beyond the lodge to which
he belonged , he had the honour of knowing many of the brethren and of claiming the friendship of some belonging to St . John ' s . In fact , Lodge St . Vincent was greatly indebted for its existence to brethren of the lodge whose hospitality they were to night enjoying . The first name 011 the application for their charter was that of Bro . John Baird , followed by those of Bros . Fletcher , Smillie , and the
new R . W . M ., Bro . Bell . So the members of St . John ' s would sec that St . Vincent and they were no strangers . A chief argument in their application for a charter was the necessity of establishing a Freemason ' s lodge for the west end of Glasgow ; and he thought it had been well proved that there did exist such a want . Since the beginning , at 3 rd September last , they had entered at least fifty
members . That , in itself , surely showed the necessity of a lodge in the western district . And they did not open their doors to all and sundry . Candidates were never brought forward except by their own members , to whom they were well known . In concluding , Bro . McDougall remarked that they ( St . Vincent ) , as a young lodge , were of opinion that if they endeavnuredjo follow the example of St . 1 ohn ' s
they would be following a good example—and they meant to do so . The toast was also acknowledged by Bro . Wilson , 73 , Bro . McCall , 27 , and Bro . A . Arrick Smith , P . M ., Lodge Caledonian Railway , 354 . It might not be known to many present , Bro . Smith observed , but it was the fact , that lodge 354 held a position unique in Scotland . Their charter gave them power to hold a lodge at any point
whatever on the line of the Caledonian Railway . In fact , wherever the latter ran , they ran . He had much pleasure in replying on behalf of the " Flying Lodge . " In proposing the toast of " The Clergy , " Bro . A . McTaggart commented on the slight connection which subsisted between that body and Masonry in Scotland , as compared with that existing in England . In the latter , he said , three-fourths of the
clergy of all denominations , belonged to , and were delighted and proud to belong to , Masonic Lodges ; and if they got to be made Chaplains of lodges , thought it a high honour . One reason , he feared , for the difference was that our Scotch lodges had done nothing whatever to show that they were in earnest in the prosecution of true Masonic work . They were merely like children
playing at marbles and leaving true Masonry alone . In the department of benevolence , for example -. look what had been done by the paper , The Daily Mail . Why , probably it had done more for charity in Glasgow within the last two years than Alasonry had during the last ten years . Ii they could have some regularly organized scheme for the furtherance of the true work of Masonry ,
they would have the support , not only of the Clergy , but of the gentry , nobility , and of every well-meaning person in the community . The toast was coupled with the name of Bro . Rev . It . Thomson , who replied . Thereafter the toast of "The Right Worshipful Master" was proposed by Bro . M'Millan , P . M ., who said that in their new R . W . M . they were getting a good man , and he hoped they would
support him with the genuine feeling that ought to mark every Masonic lodge , in a way that would show them to be brothers indeed , and not in shadowy form merely . The toast hat iug been pledged with all the honours , the chairman briefl y replied . 1 le did think that Bro . M'Millan had said somewhat too much of him , but this much he ( the chairman ) could say—he would endeavour to do his duty
at all times . He hoped that in the time to come all would go as harmoniously as in times past ; and he would endeavour lo copy the example of Bro . Fletcher , during whose time of office nothing but harmony had prevailed . The toast of "The Past Office-bearers" was then given hy Bro . Young , S . W . lie would couple it with the name of Bro . John Dick , Secretary , whose merits were known to all of
them . Bro . Dick acknowledged the compliment . Hitherto , he said , the Office-bearers had worked together to do their duty ; and he thought that , upon the whole , they had good reason to look back upon last year as a very successful one—while , for his own part , he felt assured that the next would be the same . The remaining toasts were "The Ladies , " " The Croupiers , " and the orthodox " Happy to Meet , & c ; " followed by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne . "
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We have but to add that a select quadrille band was present during the evening , and played appropriate music after each toast , that the proceedings were further enlivened at intervals by the vocal talent of various brethren , and that altogether the 817 th anniversary festival of St . John's was a success complete . LODGE CLYDESDALE ( NO . eeC ) . —The first annual
festival of tin ' s young and flourishing lodge was held on 25 th ult . in the Crown-street Assembl y Rooms . The occasion was one of those on which the wives and sweethearts of the brethren are not more free than welcome to join them in social relaxation , and so it occurred that there would be about fifty couples present when dancing was commenced , soon after eight o'clock . Amongst visiting
brethren present were Bros . Malcolm Stark , D . Doig , and Corbett , as a deputation from Lodge St . Vincent , 553 ; Bro . Joseph Webster and others from Lodge St . Paul , 204 Ayr ; Bro . W . Ii . Bickerton ( Freemason ) , 3 60 ; Sec . The brethren of 556 , we may mention , appeared in their spick-and-span r . e . v clothing and jewels , and the scene , while dancing was going on , was a picturesque and
animated one . 1 he ball was brought to a close about midnight , and shortly thereafter , the company sat down to an excellent supper , purveyed by Bro . Middleton , of Trongatc . Bro . Wm . Phillips , R . W . M ., presided , Bro . I . B . McNaught , S . W ., officiating as croupier , supported by Bros . Thomas Russell , D . M . ; John McNaught , S . M . ; John Howie , J . W . ; John Frew , S . D . Hugh Weir , J . D . ; G . B . Yuill , Sec . ; T .
B . Yuill , Treas . ; John Doig , B . B . ; li . W . Jackman , Architect ; W . J . E . Dobson , > . G . S . ; James Weir , S . S . ; T . Reid , J . S . ; Jas . Ross , l . G . ; Wm . Graham , O . G . After supper , toast and song alternately became the rule . In the former category were " The Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow , " by the chairman , replied to by Bro . G . C . 11 . McNaught ; " The Ladies , " by Dr . Russell , D . M .,
acknowledged on their behalf by Bro . J . Howie ; " Clydesdale Lodge , " by Bro . G . C . H . McNaught , and responded to by the R . W . M . ; "Strangers , " by Bro . J . B . McNaught , replied to by Bro . David Doig , 553 ; "The Chairman , " by Bro . Malcolm Stark , and duly acknowledged ; "The Press , " by Bro . Jackman , replied to b y Bro . Bickerton ( Freemason ); & c .
DUNFERMLINE . LODGE ST . J OHN- ( NO . 26 ) . —The annual festival and installation of office-bearers of this lodge for the ensuing year was held within their lodge-room , Maygate-street , on 28 th ult ., in enthusiastic style . The lodge having been opened , the R . W . M ., Bro . Robert Lindsay , said that as . there had been no opposition to the list of office-bearers , '
which had been duly proposed and seconded , he declared the same to be duly elected , and the installation was proceeded with . At the close , Bro . Lindsay briefly thanked thr brethren for the honour they had done him in reelecting him to the important position of R . W . M . Thereafter the brethren sat down to an excellent dinner , the R . W . M . presiding . Ample justice having been done to
the substantial , the usual preliminary loyal toasts were given by the chairman and drank with all honours . The Chairman then gave " The Grand Master of Scotland . " Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , they were aware , was connected with a noble ancestral line , and it might fairly be hoped that , in his hands , the cause of Scottish Masonry would be most honourably maintained . Amongst the
remaining toasts were " 1 he Three Grand Lodges ; " " The Health of the R . W . M ., Bro . Robert Lindsay , " proposed by Bro . Byers , who , in so doing , eulogised the Masonic abilities of their Master , and congratulated the lodge upon having to preside over them one so well fitted for that important office ; and " The Visiting Brethren , " proposed by the Chairman , and acknowledged by Bro . Romanes , of Lotlge Union , 250 .
DUNDEE . LODGE OPERATIVE ( NO . 47 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held in the lodge-room on Monday , December 28 , 1874 , for installation of office-bearers , and to celebrate the Festival of St . John ; the R . W . M ., Bro . Alexander Henry , presiding . The lodge was opened in due form , when the different office-beavers were dul y installed . The R . W . M .,
in the name of the brethren of the lodge , presented Bro . John Wilson , Junior Depute Master , with a beautiful M . M . jewel , in recognition of his services as Depute Master . The R . W . M . passed a very high eulogium on Bro . Wilson for the zealous manner in which he had performed the duties of Depute Master during a period of two years . Bro . Wilson was next presented with a valuable gem ring
and locket for Mrs . Wilson . Bro . Wilson replied in very feeling terms , thanking the brethren for the mark of respect paid to him and Mrs . Wilson , and assured the brethren he could never forget their kindness . Masonry to him was a labour of love , and whatever he could
do for the interest of the Order it would always be a pleasure to him to do so . The brethren were then called from labour to refreshment , and the rest of the evening spent in a most happy and harmonious manner , until the R . W . M . gave the parting toast— " Happy to meet , sorry to part , " etc . The lodge was then closed in due and ancient form .
CARLUKE . On Monday , 28 th ult ., the brethren of St . John ' s Lodge , No . 186 ( Carluke ) , met in Bro . Campbell ' s Black Bull Inn , Carluke , to celebrate St . John ' s Day . The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year : Bros . Richard Campbell , R . W . M . ; Thomas Sommerville , P . M . ; William Finlay , S . W . ; William Gregg , J . W . ; R .
Dewar , Sec ; Hugh Wigson , Treas . ; Alexander Hamilton , D . M . ; Andrew Pearson , S . M . ; Peter Edmund . S . D . ; Archibald Davidson , J . D . ; George Russell , S . S . ; John Gregg , J . S . ; Alexander Marshall , Chaplain ; James Lochore , S . B . ; James Weir , l . G . ; Alexander Banken , Tyler . The brethren then sat down to supper—Bro . Richard Campbell , R . W . M ., in the chair . The night was passed with song and sentiment .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
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ill the jewel of his office . The following is the revised }• ' for the current year : —Bros . William Bell , R . W . M . ; Tl , Pmas Fletcher , P . M . ; D . M . Neilson , D . M . ; John yyhyte , S , M . ; John D . Young , S . W . ; David Home , J . W . ; liobt . B . Dalefell , Treasurer ; John Dick , Secretary ; Peter lifownlie , S . D . ; John Reid , J . D . ; Jas . Ritchie , Architect ; lynid Lindsay , Chaplain ; Robt . Craig , Bible-Bearer ;
Clinics McFarlane , Director of Music ; Thos . A . Tennent , Jeweller ; John Wilson , Grand Marshal ; Jas Anderson , Senior Steward ; Jas . F . Pollock , Junior Steward ; lames Duthie , Junior Steward ; Angus Cameron , l . G . ; I ' . ihn Wright , G . G . ; R . D . Samuels , P . S . In the evening ihe lodge celebrated its 817 th anniversary in the Union Hotel Dunlop-street , when about seventy , including a few
\ isiting brethren , sat down to a recherche dinner , purveyed in first-class style by " mine host , " Bro . Whyte . The chair was occupied by the R . W . M ., Bro . Wm . Bell , who was supported to right and left by Bro . Fletcher , P . M . ; Bro . Robert Craig , P . M . ; Bro . ] no . Baird , P . M . ; Bro . lames McMillan , P . M . ; Bro . A . McTaggart , P . G . Secretary ; Bro . R . McDougall , R . W . M . 553 ; Bro . Rev .
Robt . Thomson ; Bro . John Dick , Secretary 3-J , and others . Bro . Neilson , D . M ., and Bro . John D . Young , S . W ., officiated as croupiers . Dinner having been disposed of , the usual loyal toasts were given from the chair , and duiy responded to . The chairman next gave " The Grand Lodges of England , Ireland , and Scotland , " which was also pledged with enthusiasm and all the honours ,
ihe toast being acknowledged , on behalf of England , by Bro . W . Ii . Bickerton ( Freemason ) , and , on that of Scotland , by Bro . John Baird . The next toast , also from the chair , was " The Provincial Lodge of Glasgow , and ' the Benevolent Fund . " It was coupled with the name of Bro . Baird , who returned thanks on behalf of the W . P . G . M ., Bro . Neilson and the
other office-bearers . He was glad to state that the Provincial Grand Lodge was at present in a most flourishing slate . In fact , he was quite satisfied that there was not another in Scotland more so . All the lodges in the produce were healthy , and in first-rate working condition . . tiler the "Army , Navy , and Reserved Forces" bad been duly honoured , Bro . Rev . R . Thomson proposed the " Lord
Provost , Councillors , and Magistrates of Glasgow . " ^ In commending the toast to the acceptance of the company , he referred to the fact that the Lord Provost was a recently made member of this lodge , and he thought the brethren ought to be highly gratified at his lordship selecting St . John ' s ( No . 32 ) to be made , passed , and raised in . In briefly touching upon what the Corporation of Glasgow
had done in the direction of City improvements , opening up and rooting out dens of iniquity and the like , Bro . Thomson said he had himself avowed that he would content to be taxed double for such public benefits , and he certainly thought that to the corporation the citizens owed iheir encomiums and their gratitude . The toast was replied to by Bro . Robert Craig , P . M ., an ex-member of the
U . ' .-in of Guild Court . "The Lodge Glasgow St . John , No . 3 bis" was then proposed by Bro . Fletcher , P . M ., who said he had great pleasure in doing so , and thought it had fallen into very good hands . The other Past Masters and himself could speak as to how the lodge had progressed in their times , and he hoped that during Bro . Bell ' s reign the same would continue . Let them , the
odice-bearers m particular , but give him their support and assistance and this would he the case ; and the place they A . re presently assembled in would next year be much too small to hold them . The R . W . M ., in replying to the toast , said that in the name of Lodge 3 J he thanked those present for the manner in which it had been received . It could not be denied that St . John ' s was a very old lodge ,
and if they would pardon him he would refer to some of tile leading points in its history since some 25 years ago . At the time of the negotiations between the lodge and the "Grand Lodge of Scotland , in 18 49 , William York was Grand Master , and continued so during the following year , in which their charter from Grand Lodge was got . On 91 I 1 April , 1851 , the lodge joined the procession at the
laying of the foundation-stone of Victoria Bridge by the Duke of Athole , Most Worshipful Grand Master , on which occasion a walking stick with a massive gold head was presented to his Grace , bearing this inscription : — " Presented to his Grace the Duke of Athole , Grand Master of Scotland , by the Glasgow Lodge of St . John , on the occasion of his laying the
foundation-stone of the Victoria Bridge across the Clyde , at Stockwell-street , Glasgow , upon <; th April , 1851 . " Around the rim was the following : — "This staff is made of part of the oak from the original foundation of the old Stockwell Bridge , built in the reign of King David , son of Robert the Bruce , in the year 1365 , and taken down in the year i 8 ; o . " Our R . W . M ., it will be remembered , was
contractor for the bridge , as also for some of the finest buildings in Glasgow , among others , the Union Bank of Scotland , and the British Linen Bank . In 1 S 52 , our worth y Bible-Bearer , Bro . R . Craig , was elected to the chair , holding office over two years . To him succeeded Bro . David Manwell , in 1854 , Bro . Robert Cruickshank in 1 X 55 , and Bro . James Cruickshank , son of the latter , in
¦ 8 56 . He held the chair for two years , resigning it , in 'X . vS , to Bro . Jas . Craig , of Middleton . In " 1859 , Bro . David Winton was elected , and in this year Bro . Sir Arehd . Alison took the chair at our annual banquet . In _ ' 8 fii , Bro . Robert Craig , who , as I have stated , held office 'n 18 52-3 , was again appointed R . W . M ., succeeded , in the following year , by Bro . Councillor James Taylor , to
whom followed , in 1864 , Bro . Gavin Park , who also oc-« ipied the chair for two years . In 1866 , Bro . J . B . Walker was chosen as R . W . M ., and his reign marks an e'ra in our history , he having had the distinction of being the first bona-fide member , or Master of St . John ' s 3 J , to work the three degrees . In 1867-8 , the chair was occupied by Bro . Thos . Ramsay , and , in 1869-70 , by Bro . John Baird , During Bro . Baud ' s reign , you will remem-
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ber , the foundation-stone of the Albert Bridge was laid by the Earl of Dalhousic , G . M . M ., on which occasion St . John ' s Lodge turned out in procession to the number of 120 , and claimed the right of carrying the working jewels or the Grand Lodge . This privilege , however , was given to the Lodge Journeyman , ; No . 8 , an Edinburgh lodge . Against this Bro . Baird protested , maintaining
that Grand Lodge rules only gave them the right of carrying the jewels in Edinburgh or neighbourhood .- The protest was duly lodged , and he gained his case , the privilege being declared to belong to St . John's , in all time coming , of carrying the working jewels en occasions occurring within the province . In 18 72 , Bro . James Mc Millan was elected to the chair , and , in 1873 , Bro .
Thomas Smillie . At the beginning of the Masonic year now over—1874—Bro . Thomas Fletcher became our R . W . M ., under whose auspices , as you all know , the Lord Provost of Glasgow , Bro . James Bain , was initiated in this lodge . I may state that of these fifteen Masters who have held the chair since 1849 , the Great Architect of the Universe , to whom we all must bow , has seen fit to
remove five , leaving ten of them still with us . I have only to add , for myself , and office-bearers , that we ask their support . We ask the support of every member of the lodge ; and if it is given us , I have no fear that the Lodge St . John ' s will prosper in the future , as she has done in the past . " The Visiting Brethren" was the next toast , proposed in genial terms by Bro . J . D . Young , S . W ., and
coupled with the name of Bro . Robert McDougall , R . W . M ., Lodge St . Vincent , 553 . Bro . McDougall , in reply , said that on behalf of the visiting brethren , and more particularly in his own name and that of his lodge , he had great pleasure in returning thanks for the very cordial and Masonic way in which they had responded to the toast . Although he had not been much beyond the lodge to which
he belonged , he had the honour of knowing many of the brethren and of claiming the friendship of some belonging to St . John ' s . In fact , Lodge St . Vincent was greatly indebted for its existence to brethren of the lodge whose hospitality they were to night enjoying . The first name 011 the application for their charter was that of Bro . John Baird , followed by those of Bros . Fletcher , Smillie , and the
new R . W . M ., Bro . Bell . So the members of St . John ' s would sec that St . Vincent and they were no strangers . A chief argument in their application for a charter was the necessity of establishing a Freemason ' s lodge for the west end of Glasgow ; and he thought it had been well proved that there did exist such a want . Since the beginning , at 3 rd September last , they had entered at least fifty
members . That , in itself , surely showed the necessity of a lodge in the western district . And they did not open their doors to all and sundry . Candidates were never brought forward except by their own members , to whom they were well known . In concluding , Bro . McDougall remarked that they ( St . Vincent ) , as a young lodge , were of opinion that if they endeavnuredjo follow the example of St . 1 ohn ' s
they would be following a good example—and they meant to do so . The toast was also acknowledged by Bro . Wilson , 73 , Bro . McCall , 27 , and Bro . A . Arrick Smith , P . M ., Lodge Caledonian Railway , 354 . It might not be known to many present , Bro . Smith observed , but it was the fact , that lodge 354 held a position unique in Scotland . Their charter gave them power to hold a lodge at any point
whatever on the line of the Caledonian Railway . In fact , wherever the latter ran , they ran . He had much pleasure in replying on behalf of the " Flying Lodge . " In proposing the toast of " The Clergy , " Bro . A . McTaggart commented on the slight connection which subsisted between that body and Masonry in Scotland , as compared with that existing in England . In the latter , he said , three-fourths of the
clergy of all denominations , belonged to , and were delighted and proud to belong to , Masonic Lodges ; and if they got to be made Chaplains of lodges , thought it a high honour . One reason , he feared , for the difference was that our Scotch lodges had done nothing whatever to show that they were in earnest in the prosecution of true Masonic work . They were merely like children
playing at marbles and leaving true Masonry alone . In the department of benevolence , for example -. look what had been done by the paper , The Daily Mail . Why , probably it had done more for charity in Glasgow within the last two years than Alasonry had during the last ten years . Ii they could have some regularly organized scheme for the furtherance of the true work of Masonry ,
they would have the support , not only of the Clergy , but of the gentry , nobility , and of every well-meaning person in the community . The toast was coupled with the name of Bro . Rev . It . Thomson , who replied . Thereafter the toast of "The Right Worshipful Master" was proposed by Bro . M'Millan , P . M ., who said that in their new R . W . M . they were getting a good man , and he hoped they would
support him with the genuine feeling that ought to mark every Masonic lodge , in a way that would show them to be brothers indeed , and not in shadowy form merely . The toast hat iug been pledged with all the honours , the chairman briefl y replied . 1 le did think that Bro . M'Millan had said somewhat too much of him , but this much he ( the chairman ) could say—he would endeavour to do his duty
at all times . He hoped that in the time to come all would go as harmoniously as in times past ; and he would endeavour lo copy the example of Bro . Fletcher , during whose time of office nothing but harmony had prevailed . The toast of "The Past Office-bearers" was then given hy Bro . Young , S . W . lie would couple it with the name of Bro . John Dick , Secretary , whose merits were known to all of
them . Bro . Dick acknowledged the compliment . Hitherto , he said , the Office-bearers had worked together to do their duty ; and he thought that , upon the whole , they had good reason to look back upon last year as a very successful one—while , for his own part , he felt assured that the next would be the same . The remaining toasts were "The Ladies , " " The Croupiers , " and the orthodox " Happy to Meet , & c ; " followed by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne . "
Scotland.
We have but to add that a select quadrille band was present during the evening , and played appropriate music after each toast , that the proceedings were further enlivened at intervals by the vocal talent of various brethren , and that altogether the 817 th anniversary festival of St . John's was a success complete . LODGE CLYDESDALE ( NO . eeC ) . —The first annual
festival of tin ' s young and flourishing lodge was held on 25 th ult . in the Crown-street Assembl y Rooms . The occasion was one of those on which the wives and sweethearts of the brethren are not more free than welcome to join them in social relaxation , and so it occurred that there would be about fifty couples present when dancing was commenced , soon after eight o'clock . Amongst visiting
brethren present were Bros . Malcolm Stark , D . Doig , and Corbett , as a deputation from Lodge St . Vincent , 553 ; Bro . Joseph Webster and others from Lodge St . Paul , 204 Ayr ; Bro . W . Ii . Bickerton ( Freemason ) , 3 60 ; Sec . The brethren of 556 , we may mention , appeared in their spick-and-span r . e . v clothing and jewels , and the scene , while dancing was going on , was a picturesque and
animated one . 1 he ball was brought to a close about midnight , and shortly thereafter , the company sat down to an excellent supper , purveyed by Bro . Middleton , of Trongatc . Bro . Wm . Phillips , R . W . M ., presided , Bro . I . B . McNaught , S . W ., officiating as croupier , supported by Bros . Thomas Russell , D . M . ; John McNaught , S . M . ; John Howie , J . W . ; John Frew , S . D . Hugh Weir , J . D . ; G . B . Yuill , Sec . ; T .
B . Yuill , Treas . ; John Doig , B . B . ; li . W . Jackman , Architect ; W . J . E . Dobson , > . G . S . ; James Weir , S . S . ; T . Reid , J . S . ; Jas . Ross , l . G . ; Wm . Graham , O . G . After supper , toast and song alternately became the rule . In the former category were " The Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow , " by the chairman , replied to by Bro . G . C . 11 . McNaught ; " The Ladies , " by Dr . Russell , D . M .,
acknowledged on their behalf by Bro . J . Howie ; " Clydesdale Lodge , " by Bro . G . C . H . McNaught , and responded to by the R . W . M . ; "Strangers , " by Bro . J . B . McNaught , replied to by Bro . David Doig , 553 ; "The Chairman , " by Bro . Malcolm Stark , and duly acknowledged ; "The Press , " by Bro . Jackman , replied to b y Bro . Bickerton ( Freemason ); & c .
DUNFERMLINE . LODGE ST . J OHN- ( NO . 26 ) . —The annual festival and installation of office-bearers of this lodge for the ensuing year was held within their lodge-room , Maygate-street , on 28 th ult ., in enthusiastic style . The lodge having been opened , the R . W . M ., Bro . Robert Lindsay , said that as . there had been no opposition to the list of office-bearers , '
which had been duly proposed and seconded , he declared the same to be duly elected , and the installation was proceeded with . At the close , Bro . Lindsay briefly thanked thr brethren for the honour they had done him in reelecting him to the important position of R . W . M . Thereafter the brethren sat down to an excellent dinner , the R . W . M . presiding . Ample justice having been done to
the substantial , the usual preliminary loyal toasts were given by the chairman and drank with all honours . The Chairman then gave " The Grand Master of Scotland . " Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , they were aware , was connected with a noble ancestral line , and it might fairly be hoped that , in his hands , the cause of Scottish Masonry would be most honourably maintained . Amongst the
remaining toasts were " 1 he Three Grand Lodges ; " " The Health of the R . W . M ., Bro . Robert Lindsay , " proposed by Bro . Byers , who , in so doing , eulogised the Masonic abilities of their Master , and congratulated the lodge upon having to preside over them one so well fitted for that important office ; and " The Visiting Brethren , " proposed by the Chairman , and acknowledged by Bro . Romanes , of Lotlge Union , 250 .
DUNDEE . LODGE OPERATIVE ( NO . 47 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held in the lodge-room on Monday , December 28 , 1874 , for installation of office-bearers , and to celebrate the Festival of St . John ; the R . W . M ., Bro . Alexander Henry , presiding . The lodge was opened in due form , when the different office-beavers were dul y installed . The R . W . M .,
in the name of the brethren of the lodge , presented Bro . John Wilson , Junior Depute Master , with a beautiful M . M . jewel , in recognition of his services as Depute Master . The R . W . M . passed a very high eulogium on Bro . Wilson for the zealous manner in which he had performed the duties of Depute Master during a period of two years . Bro . Wilson was next presented with a valuable gem ring
and locket for Mrs . Wilson . Bro . Wilson replied in very feeling terms , thanking the brethren for the mark of respect paid to him and Mrs . Wilson , and assured the brethren he could never forget their kindness . Masonry to him was a labour of love , and whatever he could
do for the interest of the Order it would always be a pleasure to him to do so . The brethren were then called from labour to refreshment , and the rest of the evening spent in a most happy and harmonious manner , until the R . W . M . gave the parting toast— " Happy to meet , sorry to part , " etc . The lodge was then closed in due and ancient form .
CARLUKE . On Monday , 28 th ult ., the brethren of St . John ' s Lodge , No . 186 ( Carluke ) , met in Bro . Campbell ' s Black Bull Inn , Carluke , to celebrate St . John ' s Day . The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year : Bros . Richard Campbell , R . W . M . ; Thomas Sommerville , P . M . ; William Finlay , S . W . ; William Gregg , J . W . ; R .
Dewar , Sec ; Hugh Wigson , Treas . ; Alexander Hamilton , D . M . ; Andrew Pearson , S . M . ; Peter Edmund . S . D . ; Archibald Davidson , J . D . ; George Russell , S . S . ; John Gregg , J . S . ; Alexander Marshall , Chaplain ; James Lochore , S . B . ; James Weir , l . G . ; Alexander Banken , Tyler . The brethren then sat down to supper—Bro . Richard Campbell , R . W . M ., in the chair . The night was passed with song and sentiment .