Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
JUBILEE of the " CELTIC LODGE , EDINBURGH , No . 291 .
On Tuesday , the 28 th November , a Masonic banquet took place in the Ship Hotel , Edinburgh , in . celebration of the jubilee of the Lodge " Celtic , " Edinburgh and Leith , No . 291 . The Right Worshipful Master of the lodge , Bro . D .
Kinnear presided , and the Wardens were : Bros . J . H . Inches and George Glen . Shortly after the lodge had been opened , a deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland was announced , headed by the Most Worshipful
Grand Master , the Earl of Rosslyn . The deputation entered the lodge in the usual order , and on the appearance of the Grand Master , the brethren rose to their feet and vociferously cheered him . Amongst those who accompanied
the Grand Master were : Lord James Murray ; Major-General Darby-Griffith , C . B . ; Jn . Whyte-Melville , Past Grand Master : Major Hope of Luffness , P . G . Master for Haddingtonshire :
Bros . Councillors Wormald and Muirhead ; Wm . Mann , S . G . Warden ; W . Officer , J . G . Warden ; A . Hay , Grand Jeweller ; John Laurie , Grand Clerk ; M . Mackenzie , Chief Grand Marshal ; W . M . Bryce , Grand Tyler : and others .
The Right Worshipful Masters present were ; Bros . Abbott , Mary ' s Chapel , No . 1 ; Barrie . Canongate Kilwinning , No . 2 ; Hudson , Canongate and Leith , No . 5 ; Field , Journeymen
No . 3 ; Dr . Eraser , St . David ' s , No . 3 6 ; Dr . Loth , St . Andrew ' s , No . 48 ; Thomson , St . Stephen ' s , No . 145 ; Henry , St . Clair , No . 349 ; Douglas , Rille , No . 405 ; and Captain Allen , St . Kentigern , Penicuick , No . 429 .
The Grand Master having taken the chair , rose and said : Right Worshipful Sir , knowing , as I do , that you manage your office in a thoroughly proper manner , allow me to hand you back the mallet , your symbol of office , which you wield with so much credit . ( Applause . ) Bro . Kinnear . R . W . M ., then took the chair .
The brethren having partaken of cake , fruit , and wine .
The R . W . M . rose and proposed "The Holy Lodge of St . John , " which was drunk in silence . The R . W . M . then gave " The Queen . God bless her , ' which was received with much applause . The brethren having sung the ' •Queen ' s Anthem , "
The Past Grand Master , Bro . C . Whyte-Melville gave "The Great Steward of Scotland , Patron of Scottish Masoniy , the Princess ol Wales , raid the rest of the Royal family . " ( Loud applause . ) He said : Most Worshipful ( hand
Sir , Right Worshipful Grand . Master , Wardens , and Brethren , I was quite sure , as loyal Masons , you would receive this toast in the manner you have done . Von all remember the Prince when he was amongst you in this city , and the public act which he performed on that occasion . I
know , therefore , that you all regret and svmpa thise with His Royal Highness in the illnes : which has overtaken him ; hut I hope that , b ) God ' s providence , he will come through it , I hope lie will have a speedy recover } , and foi many years to come he an honour to ihe Craft ( Loud cheers . )
The toast was drunk with all the honours , the orchestra playing ' •The Prince of Wales Anthem . " Bro . Lord James Murray proposed "The Navy , Army , Militia , and Volunteers . '' lie
•said : 1 have been called upon to propose this toast rather unexpectedly , but 1 need say nothing , as it carries its own recommendation with it . But he was sure all would agree with him . that our forces , when called upon , would do in the
future as they had done in the past . ( Applause . ) The toast having heen drunk with the usual honours , and the " British Grenadiers " played by the orchestra , Bro . Major-General Darby-Griffith . C . B .. rose to reply , and was received with loud applause .
He said : Most Worshipful G . Sir , Rt . Worshipful Master , Wardens , and Brethren , I do not know whether you expect me to return thanks for the navy , militia , and volunteers . ( Laughter . ) It would alter my speech if 1 have . ( Laughter ., ) Is there any militia present ? None . ( Laughter . ) Volunteers ? Plenrv . ( Laughter . ) For the
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
navy I have great pleasure in returning thanks . In former days our ships were made of wood , and floated ; but now they were made of iron , and sank . With regard to the present army , it is in a state of transition , not having had time to
recover from disestablishment . ( Laughter . ) It must have required long heads to frame the present warrants , and I only hope it may not require still longer ones to make the new arrangements answer . ( Laughter . ) We have one
certain good guarantee for the future of the army : His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge still presiding and looking after the interests of the army , and giving his valuable assistance to the War Minister . ( Applause . )
In speaking of the army under the old purchase system , which carried the glory of our country into many distant lands , I trust I may be allowed to pay a warm tribute of admiration to the gallant Scotch Horse now inEdinburgh , with whom
I was for so many years associated , In all the wars they were engaged they brilliantly distinguished themselves , while in lime of peace at home , ready for duty at a moment ' s warning , yet good and quiet citizens in quarters , as a letter from Lord Provost Lawson and the magistrates
bore strong testimony of when the Greys left your splendid city in 186 3 , afrer a sojourn of two years . ( Applause . ) In conclusion , I thank the W . M . for the kind way in which he proposed my health , and themanner in which you received it . ( Applause . ) The song " O ' er Nelson ' s Tomb , " having been
sung , The R . W . M . proposed "The Grand Lodges of England and Ireland , " which toast was enthusiastically received .
Bro . Dr . Burton replied on behalf of the Grand Lodge oi England in a few appropriate remarks . Bro . M'Corniick responded for the Grand Lodge of Ireland . He said that he had come direct from Dublin to pay homage to that jubilee ,
as he felt it to be his duty to be present , and on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Ireland he begged to thank them . They all knew they had dissension in that unhappy country , and no one knewlhe difficulties the Craft hail to encounter there , but thev had God on their side and would succeed .
( Applause . ) I wo years ago they had no schools , now they had two , male and female , of which he was governor . When the Boys' School was opened they had an empty treasury , but now they had ^ / ~ 7 , ooo . ( Applause . ) One brother , who died some time ago , had left them a legacy of ^ , " 500 . ( Applause . )
A trio having been performed by Ilros . L'ridg-111 . 111 , Mope , and I'oyser . The Right Worshipful Mister proposed ' •The Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Earl ol l . ' osslvn . M . W . Grand Master . Mason . " amid
prolonged applause , t > n quietness being restored , he said : I was perfectly sure you would receive the toast in an enthusiastic manner , his lordship being so thoroughly known to every lodge in Scotland , lie might say to the three Crafts .
( Applause . ) , 1 am sure every one present must regret the severe cold under which Ills lordship was at present suffering , but he trusted he would soon be belter . ( Applause . ) Xo one can feel more grateful than 1 < h > for the honour conferred
on this lodge by die large assemblage of brethren who have honoured us with their presence to-night . It is therefore littng that at this early period of the evening the toast should be given of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . ( Applause . )
There the most celebrated members ol the Graft have from an early period of the history of the country been assembled together to consider the interests and promote flic objects of Freemasonry , and they have , I venture to sav , accumulated a
larger amount of independent spirit and intelligence than in any similar convocation in our land . ( Applause . ) I am Mire that 1 carry along with me the conviction of every one present when I say that , at this moment , some of the ablest men in Scotland are members of the Grand
Lodge , while those who are at present its officebearers are as much honoured beyond its pale as by those who are privileged to step within and enjoy that happy communion and fellowship by which the meetings of its associated brothers are characterised . ( Applause . ) It would be quite
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
useless for me to traverse the series of . those distinguished names—connected as they are , not only with the Institution we all hold so dear , but with so many important associations which bring them into connection with the general public .
In such a gathering as ours nothing could be more surpertluous . I shall therefore pass from those general considerations suggested by the first portion of my toast to that specific one b y which it is closed . But before doing so perhaps
you and the brethren present will allow me to congratulate the Grand Lodge of Scotland in having got your consent to continue in the chair , which you so ably fill , and to the entire satisfaction of all Freemasons . ( Applause . ) As I
expect to have the pleasure of being at your banquet on Thursday first , with a large deputation from this lodge , I shall not say more thereanent at present . The Grand Lodge of Scotland is preeminently fortunate in having for its
Master , a nobleman who is the representative descendant of a great and illustrious famil y famous for the part its members have played in the political and social development of their country throughout the annals of Scottish story
from a very early time . ( Applause . ) The Earls of Rosslyn have attracted the historians by the exhibition of a prowess equal to that of their bravest aristocratic compeers . The days of Chivalry , in the proper sense of the term , have
now gone by , but there is still ample scope forthat manliness and ability which should always accompany high birth both in the promotion of those schemes of popular improvement and practical amelioration which the march of general enlightenment has now made much more
imperative than ever . ( Applause . ) Regarding , as I do , the Fraternity of Freemasons as having been through all times the leaders of free thought and the determined foes of oppression , I . have no hesitation in saying that the way in which they direct their councils are worthy of the highest honour as brethren and men . AVhen .
therelore , I ask you to connect with the toast the name of the distinguished nobleman who occupies the highest position in the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and has so highly honoured us with his presence and kindness to-night , I know that your response will be no less hearty than
unanimous , and that with the enthusiasm which all true Mason ? feel for the Grand Lodge and our much-esteemed Grand Master , the Earl of Rosslyn . you will now drink to the prosperity of the one and the happiness and long life of the other . ( Loud applause . ) [ The toast was drunk with full Masonic , honours . ]
Bro . M'Corniick having sung " 1 'hc Grand Lodge above , " The Most Worshipful the Grand Master rose amid enthusiastic applause , and said : Right Worshipful Sir , Wardens , and Brethren , after
listening to the very beautiful song which has just bee-i sung , which has afforded me so much profit and pleasure , I hardl y know how I can speak to a matter-of-fact toast , like the present . It is . however , a great satisfaction to me to lie
present on this occasion . ( A pplause ) . Meetings of that kind were precious occasions , as it gave evidence of increased prosperity . It showed that the lodge was a pillar of support upon which a ( hand Master could reckon . Many of the neutral world had termed the Freemasons
a socialistic oody . but he could safely say it was one of the most loyal bodies in the world . ( Applause . ) Onall occasions I have experienced the most unflinching loyaltv from the Celtic Lodge , and also from till other lodges . (
Applause . ) As you all know the present satisfactory state of the Giand Lodge , it will be interesting for you also to know how stood the Grand Lodge fifty years ago . We all had our shortcomings , but the comparison which I am
going to make also show that we also had our congratulations . In 1 S 21 the number of Masons reported to Grand Lodge as having seen the light was 823 , and in the year 1 S 70 , 3 , 000 . ( Applause . ) That was a gratifying fact , and
showed a steady increase . Since 1821 , 226 charters had been granted , and during the past ten years 100 new lodges had been opened . In 1821 there were 297 lodges at home and 14 abroad . In 1 S 71 , 399 at homo and 10 S abroad ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
JUBILEE of the " CELTIC LODGE , EDINBURGH , No . 291 .
On Tuesday , the 28 th November , a Masonic banquet took place in the Ship Hotel , Edinburgh , in . celebration of the jubilee of the Lodge " Celtic , " Edinburgh and Leith , No . 291 . The Right Worshipful Master of the lodge , Bro . D .
Kinnear presided , and the Wardens were : Bros . J . H . Inches and George Glen . Shortly after the lodge had been opened , a deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland was announced , headed by the Most Worshipful
Grand Master , the Earl of Rosslyn . The deputation entered the lodge in the usual order , and on the appearance of the Grand Master , the brethren rose to their feet and vociferously cheered him . Amongst those who accompanied
the Grand Master were : Lord James Murray ; Major-General Darby-Griffith , C . B . ; Jn . Whyte-Melville , Past Grand Master : Major Hope of Luffness , P . G . Master for Haddingtonshire :
Bros . Councillors Wormald and Muirhead ; Wm . Mann , S . G . Warden ; W . Officer , J . G . Warden ; A . Hay , Grand Jeweller ; John Laurie , Grand Clerk ; M . Mackenzie , Chief Grand Marshal ; W . M . Bryce , Grand Tyler : and others .
The Right Worshipful Masters present were ; Bros . Abbott , Mary ' s Chapel , No . 1 ; Barrie . Canongate Kilwinning , No . 2 ; Hudson , Canongate and Leith , No . 5 ; Field , Journeymen
No . 3 ; Dr . Eraser , St . David ' s , No . 3 6 ; Dr . Loth , St . Andrew ' s , No . 48 ; Thomson , St . Stephen ' s , No . 145 ; Henry , St . Clair , No . 349 ; Douglas , Rille , No . 405 ; and Captain Allen , St . Kentigern , Penicuick , No . 429 .
The Grand Master having taken the chair , rose and said : Right Worshipful Sir , knowing , as I do , that you manage your office in a thoroughly proper manner , allow me to hand you back the mallet , your symbol of office , which you wield with so much credit . ( Applause . ) Bro . Kinnear . R . W . M ., then took the chair .
The brethren having partaken of cake , fruit , and wine .
The R . W . M . rose and proposed "The Holy Lodge of St . John , " which was drunk in silence . The R . W . M . then gave " The Queen . God bless her , ' which was received with much applause . The brethren having sung the ' •Queen ' s Anthem , "
The Past Grand Master , Bro . C . Whyte-Melville gave "The Great Steward of Scotland , Patron of Scottish Masoniy , the Princess ol Wales , raid the rest of the Royal family . " ( Loud applause . ) He said : Most Worshipful ( hand
Sir , Right Worshipful Grand . Master , Wardens , and Brethren , I was quite sure , as loyal Masons , you would receive this toast in the manner you have done . Von all remember the Prince when he was amongst you in this city , and the public act which he performed on that occasion . I
know , therefore , that you all regret and svmpa thise with His Royal Highness in the illnes : which has overtaken him ; hut I hope that , b ) God ' s providence , he will come through it , I hope lie will have a speedy recover } , and foi many years to come he an honour to ihe Craft ( Loud cheers . )
The toast was drunk with all the honours , the orchestra playing ' •The Prince of Wales Anthem . " Bro . Lord James Murray proposed "The Navy , Army , Militia , and Volunteers . '' lie
•said : 1 have been called upon to propose this toast rather unexpectedly , but 1 need say nothing , as it carries its own recommendation with it . But he was sure all would agree with him . that our forces , when called upon , would do in the
future as they had done in the past . ( Applause . ) The toast having heen drunk with the usual honours , and the " British Grenadiers " played by the orchestra , Bro . Major-General Darby-Griffith . C . B .. rose to reply , and was received with loud applause .
He said : Most Worshipful G . Sir , Rt . Worshipful Master , Wardens , and Brethren , I do not know whether you expect me to return thanks for the navy , militia , and volunteers . ( Laughter . ) It would alter my speech if 1 have . ( Laughter ., ) Is there any militia present ? None . ( Laughter . ) Volunteers ? Plenrv . ( Laughter . ) For the
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
navy I have great pleasure in returning thanks . In former days our ships were made of wood , and floated ; but now they were made of iron , and sank . With regard to the present army , it is in a state of transition , not having had time to
recover from disestablishment . ( Laughter . ) It must have required long heads to frame the present warrants , and I only hope it may not require still longer ones to make the new arrangements answer . ( Laughter . ) We have one
certain good guarantee for the future of the army : His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge still presiding and looking after the interests of the army , and giving his valuable assistance to the War Minister . ( Applause . )
In speaking of the army under the old purchase system , which carried the glory of our country into many distant lands , I trust I may be allowed to pay a warm tribute of admiration to the gallant Scotch Horse now inEdinburgh , with whom
I was for so many years associated , In all the wars they were engaged they brilliantly distinguished themselves , while in lime of peace at home , ready for duty at a moment ' s warning , yet good and quiet citizens in quarters , as a letter from Lord Provost Lawson and the magistrates
bore strong testimony of when the Greys left your splendid city in 186 3 , afrer a sojourn of two years . ( Applause . ) In conclusion , I thank the W . M . for the kind way in which he proposed my health , and themanner in which you received it . ( Applause . ) The song " O ' er Nelson ' s Tomb , " having been
sung , The R . W . M . proposed "The Grand Lodges of England and Ireland , " which toast was enthusiastically received .
Bro . Dr . Burton replied on behalf of the Grand Lodge oi England in a few appropriate remarks . Bro . M'Corniick responded for the Grand Lodge of Ireland . He said that he had come direct from Dublin to pay homage to that jubilee ,
as he felt it to be his duty to be present , and on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Ireland he begged to thank them . They all knew they had dissension in that unhappy country , and no one knewlhe difficulties the Craft hail to encounter there , but thev had God on their side and would succeed .
( Applause . ) I wo years ago they had no schools , now they had two , male and female , of which he was governor . When the Boys' School was opened they had an empty treasury , but now they had ^ / ~ 7 , ooo . ( Applause . ) One brother , who died some time ago , had left them a legacy of ^ , " 500 . ( Applause . )
A trio having been performed by Ilros . L'ridg-111 . 111 , Mope , and I'oyser . The Right Worshipful Mister proposed ' •The Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Earl ol l . ' osslvn . M . W . Grand Master . Mason . " amid
prolonged applause , t > n quietness being restored , he said : I was perfectly sure you would receive the toast in an enthusiastic manner , his lordship being so thoroughly known to every lodge in Scotland , lie might say to the three Crafts .
( Applause . ) , 1 am sure every one present must regret the severe cold under which Ills lordship was at present suffering , but he trusted he would soon be belter . ( Applause . ) Xo one can feel more grateful than 1 < h > for the honour conferred
on this lodge by die large assemblage of brethren who have honoured us with their presence to-night . It is therefore littng that at this early period of the evening the toast should be given of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . ( Applause . )
There the most celebrated members ol the Graft have from an early period of the history of the country been assembled together to consider the interests and promote flic objects of Freemasonry , and they have , I venture to sav , accumulated a
larger amount of independent spirit and intelligence than in any similar convocation in our land . ( Applause . ) I am Mire that 1 carry along with me the conviction of every one present when I say that , at this moment , some of the ablest men in Scotland are members of the Grand
Lodge , while those who are at present its officebearers are as much honoured beyond its pale as by those who are privileged to step within and enjoy that happy communion and fellowship by which the meetings of its associated brothers are characterised . ( Applause . ) It would be quite
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
useless for me to traverse the series of . those distinguished names—connected as they are , not only with the Institution we all hold so dear , but with so many important associations which bring them into connection with the general public .
In such a gathering as ours nothing could be more surpertluous . I shall therefore pass from those general considerations suggested by the first portion of my toast to that specific one b y which it is closed . But before doing so perhaps
you and the brethren present will allow me to congratulate the Grand Lodge of Scotland in having got your consent to continue in the chair , which you so ably fill , and to the entire satisfaction of all Freemasons . ( Applause . ) As I
expect to have the pleasure of being at your banquet on Thursday first , with a large deputation from this lodge , I shall not say more thereanent at present . The Grand Lodge of Scotland is preeminently fortunate in having for its
Master , a nobleman who is the representative descendant of a great and illustrious famil y famous for the part its members have played in the political and social development of their country throughout the annals of Scottish story
from a very early time . ( Applause . ) The Earls of Rosslyn have attracted the historians by the exhibition of a prowess equal to that of their bravest aristocratic compeers . The days of Chivalry , in the proper sense of the term , have
now gone by , but there is still ample scope forthat manliness and ability which should always accompany high birth both in the promotion of those schemes of popular improvement and practical amelioration which the march of general enlightenment has now made much more
imperative than ever . ( Applause . ) Regarding , as I do , the Fraternity of Freemasons as having been through all times the leaders of free thought and the determined foes of oppression , I . have no hesitation in saying that the way in which they direct their councils are worthy of the highest honour as brethren and men . AVhen .
therelore , I ask you to connect with the toast the name of the distinguished nobleman who occupies the highest position in the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and has so highly honoured us with his presence and kindness to-night , I know that your response will be no less hearty than
unanimous , and that with the enthusiasm which all true Mason ? feel for the Grand Lodge and our much-esteemed Grand Master , the Earl of Rosslyn . you will now drink to the prosperity of the one and the happiness and long life of the other . ( Loud applause . ) [ The toast was drunk with full Masonic , honours . ]
Bro . M'Corniick having sung " 1 'hc Grand Lodge above , " The Most Worshipful the Grand Master rose amid enthusiastic applause , and said : Right Worshipful Sir , Wardens , and Brethren , after
listening to the very beautiful song which has just bee-i sung , which has afforded me so much profit and pleasure , I hardl y know how I can speak to a matter-of-fact toast , like the present . It is . however , a great satisfaction to me to lie
present on this occasion . ( A pplause ) . Meetings of that kind were precious occasions , as it gave evidence of increased prosperity . It showed that the lodge was a pillar of support upon which a ( hand Master could reckon . Many of the neutral world had termed the Freemasons
a socialistic oody . but he could safely say it was one of the most loyal bodies in the world . ( Applause . ) Onall occasions I have experienced the most unflinching loyaltv from the Celtic Lodge , and also from till other lodges . (
Applause . ) As you all know the present satisfactory state of the Giand Lodge , it will be interesting for you also to know how stood the Grand Lodge fifty years ago . We all had our shortcomings , but the comparison which I am
going to make also show that we also had our congratulations . In 1 S 21 the number of Masons reported to Grand Lodge as having seen the light was 823 , and in the year 1 S 70 , 3 , 000 . ( Applause . ) That was a gratifying fact , and
showed a steady increase . Since 1821 , 226 charters had been granted , and during the past ten years 100 new lodges had been opened . In 1821 there were 297 lodges at home and 14 abroad . In 1 S 71 , 399 at homo and 10 S abroad ,