Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
In 1821 they had 21 Provincial Grand Masters at home and abroad , and in 1871 , 31 at home and 14 abroad . ( Applause . ) I am quite sure such a statement must be gratifying to you . Masonry has had its ups and downs during the
past fifty years , and I hope Bro . M'Cormick's observations regarding the Masonic schools in Ireland will induce us to do likewise . If such things can be done in Ireland , I can see no reason why they should not be done in Scotland .
So lamentably behind have we been with these institutions that we ought to hang our heads with shame . Brethren , assist me to put an end to this state of things . ( Applause . ) I am sure there is no want of charity and benevolence among all the brethren , and I do sincerely hope ,
before long this state of things will be effectually remedied . The Grand Master concluded , amid loud applause , by thanking the brethren for the honour they had done him . Bro . J . Dundas Grant proposed " The Past Grand Masters and Office-bearers of the Grand
Lodge . " He said : It is a pleasing task for me to propose this toast , as the annals of the Grand Lodge showed that the office-bearers included those noblemen who were illustrious in the annals
of the country , and also illustrious in the annals of Masonry . ( Applause . ) Amongst them was PastG . Master the Earl of Dalhousie —( applause ) —a brother and nobleman of whom every one was proud . For a great many years he had done his utmost in the cause of education and
for the progress of the realm , and had played no unimportant part in the destinies of the country . I beg to couple the toast with the name of Bro . AVhyte-Melville , Past Grand Master , who was one of the most industrious of those who had
occupied the position of Grand Master . 1 am sure you will drink it with the utmost cordiality . ( Applause . ) [ The toast was drunk with all the honours . ] The orchestra having performed " Auld Robin
Grey , " Bro . AA'hyte-Melville rose , amid applause , to reply . He said : Grand Master , Right AVorshipful Master , A \ ardens , and Brethren , I beg to return you , in name of the Past Grand Masters
and office-bearers , our sincere thanks for the manner in which you have received the toast , and I can assure you I feel very grateful in being allowed to be present at this jubilee ceremony . There are now very few Past Grand Masters
alive in Scotland , which may be attributed to their very long tenure of office . The Duke of Athole was twenty-one years in office . There are , at present , five Past Grand Masters , and I beg , in their name , to thank you again most
cordially for the very kind manner m which you have received the toast . I think three years ' tenure of office long enough , as it brought into office many able and distinguished men , as
witness our present Grand Master . ( Loud applause . ) 1 will cordially support the scheme he is about to bring before the Grand Lodge . In conclusion , I beg to congratulate the R . AV . M . for being so fortunate as to possess the chair on
so auspicious an . The Grand Master again rose , and proposed " Prosperity to the Celtic Lodge , and the Health of the Right AVorshipful Master , " amid loud applause . He said : Right Worshipful Master
and Brethren , I am sure you will consider this the toast of the evening . I am also quite sure that , although you are about to drink your own good health , which is to celebrate this auspicious occasion , it is not everybody to whom the good
fortune falls to possess the chair of a lodge on the occasion of a jubilee , and if anything could tend more than another to promote the success of this happy meeting , it is to see you occupying the chair yourself , Right Worshipful Sir . (
Applause . ) When a lodge has completed fifty years of its existence , there is something brought to mind—it is , How has the time passed ? We find ourselves , on reflection , in the position of a man who is taking a journey , and thinks it time
to turn round and survey the beauty of the scenery through which he has passed . ( Cheers . ) You may gladly look back , and view the scenery passed by you . for there is no disgraceful mark upon it ; you have passed the time most profitably and successfully . Let me give you a few
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
notes of what this lodge has gone through during that time . There is one peculiar episode connected with the past , and that is , that the first individual who was made in this lodge is still alive . ( Applause ) And to show that the lodge was a lodge of good fellows , special
mention is made of him in your minutes ; not only was he a respectable man , but he retailed Highland whisky . ( Laughter and applause . ) There could benobetter certificate as to the quality of his whisky . ( Laughter . ) I also find that the lodge was noted for good living and good dressing , for
I find ^" 50 entered for each dress , sash , and apron . In the Masonic business of the lodge , I find my worthy grandfather , the Earl of Rosslyn , took a prominent part , for he and the Duke of Argyle were the Past Grand Masters present on several occasions . It was most agreeable to look back
on the past , for all the transactions of the lodge redounded to its credit and good name . The worthy brother your Right AVorshipful Master has been since the year 18 4 8 a member of Grand Lodge , and for a quarter of a century a Celt . As to the advantage of such gatherings as these ,
I think they are priceless . 'I hese meetings are the social spirit of Masonry , and a credit to the Craft . I hope many other celebrations such as this will take place , and may other lodges point to so brilliant a role of fame as the Celtic .
( Loud applause . ) The toast having been received with all the honours , the following song , composed for the occasion by Bro . Alexander Maclagan . was sung by Bro . Councillor AA ormald : —
SUCCESS TO OUR BRAVE CELTIC MEN . Tune— " Will ye no come back again ?" Hail ! brother Craftsmen , great and free Come crown our glorious " Jubilee l " Come let us toast with , three times three ,
" Success to our brave Celtic men !" Success to our brave Celtic men ! Success to our brave Celtic men ! Come let us toast , with three times three , " Success to our biave Celtic men !"
They still are faithful , heart and hand , Still true to fame , and native land , To guard her honours , great and grand , So clear to our brave Celtic men ! So dear to our brave Celtic men ! So dear to our brave Celtic men ! To guard her honours , great and grand , So dear to our brave Celtic men !
AA'hen standing on Masonic ground Let no unworthy spot be found Let friendship , truth , and love abound , To crown our gallant Celtic men ! To crown our gallant Celtic men ! To crown our gallant Celtic men ! Let friendship , truth , and love abound , To crown our gallant Celtic men !
We hail this night a chieftain here , Brave Rosslyn ! to his country dear ! We'll toast his health , with cheer on cheer , Like Masons and true Celtic men ! Like Masons and true Celtic men ! Like Masons and true Celtic men ! AVe'll toast his health , with cheer on cheer , Like Masons and true Celtic men !
Lo ! fifty years by seal and sign , We prove our Origin Divine ! May our Great Light for ever shine ! Success to our brave Celtic men ! Success to our brave Celtic men ! Success to our brave Celtic men ! May our Great Light for ever shine 1 Success to our bravo Celtic men !
The Right Worshipful Master Bro . Kinnear returned thanks for the toast which the Grand Master had given . He said : This is a proud night for the Celtic , especially when they find so many eminent brethren present assisting to celebrate so important an event in our history .
During the past fifty years the number of members initiated in this lodge has been 1 , 408 and the number affiliated 700 , which made a total of 2 , 108 ( applause ) , or an average of forty-two per year . The number of Masters have been twenty-live including myself . As the Grand
Master is labouring tinder a severe cold , and will soon have to leave us , I will not take up the time of this meeting . I beg , Most AVorshipful Grand Master , to return you my most sincere thanks , and also to the members of Grand Lodge for their presence on this occasion .
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
Bro . Mann , S . G . AV , proposed "The Provincial Grand , Masters . " He said : In the first place , will you allow me to observe that I am delighted with this meeting , and I consider great credit is due to the Celts who made the arrangements .
( Applause . ) I am also delighted to know its prosperity , and to learn the' gratifying fact that through this lodge 1 , 400 men had seen the light and 700 affiliated from other lodges . It was interesting to look back into the roll of Prov .
Grand Masters , as it shows that the sons take up the Craft of their fathers . AA e have two present , one of them the oldest and the other the youngest Prov . G . M . Without taking up more time , I propose the toast , and I leave it to Bros .
AVhite-Melville and Hope which of them will reply . The toast having received all the honours , Bro . Hope , in a few appropriate remarks , returned thanks for the honour done to him .
Bro . J . AVhyte-Melville proposed " The Past Masters and Office-bearers of the Celtic Lodge , " which was received with applause . He said : I believe I am selected for this toast in consequence of being one of the oldest living members
of the lodge , and consequently able to speak of the Past Masters . I hold a list of them , and I find that out of the twenty-four who have passed the chair , eleven have gone to the Grand Lodge
above . I need not dwell on the efficient and able manner in which the affairs of this lodge have been hitherto conducted , but will simply couple the toast with the name of Bro . Hay . ( Applause ) .
The toast having been drunk with all the honours , Bro . A . Hay , Grand Jeweller , in reply , said : It is with no ordinary feelings of pleasure that on this , the jubilee night of our mother lodge , on the part of the other Past Masters and myself , I have to return our heartfelt thanks for the
honour which has just been conferred upon us , an honour all the more enhanced by having our healths proposed by such a valued friend as Past Grand Master Bro . AVhyte-Melville , and by the kind terms in which he has spoken of that body
of office-bearers to which we are proud to belong . Although comparatively a young lodge , the Celtic can lay claim to having done some little service to the state since its institution , fifty years ago , both as regards the number of brethren it has
enrolled under its banner , and the high position it has all along maintained among the lodges in the metropolitan district . There are now , alas ! few of the brethren alive who took an active part in the consecrating of the lodge ; but
we still hear old members of other lodges speak with enthusiasm of the gorgeous appearance the Celts made , in their Highland costume , when George IV . visited Scotland in 1822 , and with what pride they marched up the rugged steps of
the Calton-hill , headed by their bagpipes , to assist in laying the foundation-stone of the national monument there . ( Applause . ) Fifty years have passed since our first Master , Brother Ferney , opened his lodge , and during that period the
Cabinets of the world have deliberated , and with what results ? Kingdoms , and dynasties , and institutions have been rent asunder , or have tottered to their fall , and many of them are but rising to fall again . Fifty years have rolled past
in Masonry too , and the Grand Lodges of the world have deliberated , and in glorious unity , they are proving by ever-recurring centenaries and jubilees such as this , that our foundations are stronger than those of adamant , and that the
zenith of our power shall only have been touched when there are no more votaries to kneel at her shrine—when , in a word , " Man to man , the wide world o'er , shall brothers be . " ( Applause . ) As a lodge , the Celtic can also claim to having
proved itself an energetic and faithful adherent to the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and on all occasions when summoned to rally round our chiefs—though not , as in days of yore , in answer to the fiery cross , amid the mountains and glens
of our native land , to wm perishable glory at the dagger ' s point , and leave desolation where we found peace—but , in more civilised days , to lay the foundation-stones of edifices and temples destined for the improvemmt , embellishment , and philanthropy of our native country , and to
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
In 1821 they had 21 Provincial Grand Masters at home and abroad , and in 1871 , 31 at home and 14 abroad . ( Applause . ) I am quite sure such a statement must be gratifying to you . Masonry has had its ups and downs during the
past fifty years , and I hope Bro . M'Cormick's observations regarding the Masonic schools in Ireland will induce us to do likewise . If such things can be done in Ireland , I can see no reason why they should not be done in Scotland .
So lamentably behind have we been with these institutions that we ought to hang our heads with shame . Brethren , assist me to put an end to this state of things . ( Applause . ) I am sure there is no want of charity and benevolence among all the brethren , and I do sincerely hope ,
before long this state of things will be effectually remedied . The Grand Master concluded , amid loud applause , by thanking the brethren for the honour they had done him . Bro . J . Dundas Grant proposed " The Past Grand Masters and Office-bearers of the Grand
Lodge . " He said : It is a pleasing task for me to propose this toast , as the annals of the Grand Lodge showed that the office-bearers included those noblemen who were illustrious in the annals
of the country , and also illustrious in the annals of Masonry . ( Applause . ) Amongst them was PastG . Master the Earl of Dalhousie —( applause ) —a brother and nobleman of whom every one was proud . For a great many years he had done his utmost in the cause of education and
for the progress of the realm , and had played no unimportant part in the destinies of the country . I beg to couple the toast with the name of Bro . AVhyte-Melville , Past Grand Master , who was one of the most industrious of those who had
occupied the position of Grand Master . 1 am sure you will drink it with the utmost cordiality . ( Applause . ) [ The toast was drunk with all the honours . ] The orchestra having performed " Auld Robin
Grey , " Bro . AA'hyte-Melville rose , amid applause , to reply . He said : Grand Master , Right AVorshipful Master , A \ ardens , and Brethren , I beg to return you , in name of the Past Grand Masters
and office-bearers , our sincere thanks for the manner in which you have received the toast , and I can assure you I feel very grateful in being allowed to be present at this jubilee ceremony . There are now very few Past Grand Masters
alive in Scotland , which may be attributed to their very long tenure of office . The Duke of Athole was twenty-one years in office . There are , at present , five Past Grand Masters , and I beg , in their name , to thank you again most
cordially for the very kind manner m which you have received the toast . I think three years ' tenure of office long enough , as it brought into office many able and distinguished men , as
witness our present Grand Master . ( Loud applause . ) 1 will cordially support the scheme he is about to bring before the Grand Lodge . In conclusion , I beg to congratulate the R . AV . M . for being so fortunate as to possess the chair on
so auspicious an . The Grand Master again rose , and proposed " Prosperity to the Celtic Lodge , and the Health of the Right AVorshipful Master , " amid loud applause . He said : Right Worshipful Master
and Brethren , I am sure you will consider this the toast of the evening . I am also quite sure that , although you are about to drink your own good health , which is to celebrate this auspicious occasion , it is not everybody to whom the good
fortune falls to possess the chair of a lodge on the occasion of a jubilee , and if anything could tend more than another to promote the success of this happy meeting , it is to see you occupying the chair yourself , Right Worshipful Sir . (
Applause . ) When a lodge has completed fifty years of its existence , there is something brought to mind—it is , How has the time passed ? We find ourselves , on reflection , in the position of a man who is taking a journey , and thinks it time
to turn round and survey the beauty of the scenery through which he has passed . ( Cheers . ) You may gladly look back , and view the scenery passed by you . for there is no disgraceful mark upon it ; you have passed the time most profitably and successfully . Let me give you a few
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
notes of what this lodge has gone through during that time . There is one peculiar episode connected with the past , and that is , that the first individual who was made in this lodge is still alive . ( Applause ) And to show that the lodge was a lodge of good fellows , special
mention is made of him in your minutes ; not only was he a respectable man , but he retailed Highland whisky . ( Laughter and applause . ) There could benobetter certificate as to the quality of his whisky . ( Laughter . ) I also find that the lodge was noted for good living and good dressing , for
I find ^" 50 entered for each dress , sash , and apron . In the Masonic business of the lodge , I find my worthy grandfather , the Earl of Rosslyn , took a prominent part , for he and the Duke of Argyle were the Past Grand Masters present on several occasions . It was most agreeable to look back
on the past , for all the transactions of the lodge redounded to its credit and good name . The worthy brother your Right AVorshipful Master has been since the year 18 4 8 a member of Grand Lodge , and for a quarter of a century a Celt . As to the advantage of such gatherings as these ,
I think they are priceless . 'I hese meetings are the social spirit of Masonry , and a credit to the Craft . I hope many other celebrations such as this will take place , and may other lodges point to so brilliant a role of fame as the Celtic .
( Loud applause . ) The toast having been received with all the honours , the following song , composed for the occasion by Bro . Alexander Maclagan . was sung by Bro . Councillor AA ormald : —
SUCCESS TO OUR BRAVE CELTIC MEN . Tune— " Will ye no come back again ?" Hail ! brother Craftsmen , great and free Come crown our glorious " Jubilee l " Come let us toast with , three times three ,
" Success to our brave Celtic men !" Success to our brave Celtic men ! Success to our brave Celtic men ! Come let us toast , with three times three , " Success to our biave Celtic men !"
They still are faithful , heart and hand , Still true to fame , and native land , To guard her honours , great and grand , So clear to our brave Celtic men ! So dear to our brave Celtic men ! So dear to our brave Celtic men ! To guard her honours , great and grand , So dear to our brave Celtic men !
AA'hen standing on Masonic ground Let no unworthy spot be found Let friendship , truth , and love abound , To crown our gallant Celtic men ! To crown our gallant Celtic men ! To crown our gallant Celtic men ! Let friendship , truth , and love abound , To crown our gallant Celtic men !
We hail this night a chieftain here , Brave Rosslyn ! to his country dear ! We'll toast his health , with cheer on cheer , Like Masons and true Celtic men ! Like Masons and true Celtic men ! Like Masons and true Celtic men ! AVe'll toast his health , with cheer on cheer , Like Masons and true Celtic men !
Lo ! fifty years by seal and sign , We prove our Origin Divine ! May our Great Light for ever shine ! Success to our brave Celtic men ! Success to our brave Celtic men ! Success to our brave Celtic men ! May our Great Light for ever shine 1 Success to our bravo Celtic men !
The Right Worshipful Master Bro . Kinnear returned thanks for the toast which the Grand Master had given . He said : This is a proud night for the Celtic , especially when they find so many eminent brethren present assisting to celebrate so important an event in our history .
During the past fifty years the number of members initiated in this lodge has been 1 , 408 and the number affiliated 700 , which made a total of 2 , 108 ( applause ) , or an average of forty-two per year . The number of Masters have been twenty-live including myself . As the Grand
Master is labouring tinder a severe cold , and will soon have to leave us , I will not take up the time of this meeting . I beg , Most AVorshipful Grand Master , to return you my most sincere thanks , and also to the members of Grand Lodge for their presence on this occasion .
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
Bro . Mann , S . G . AV , proposed "The Provincial Grand , Masters . " He said : In the first place , will you allow me to observe that I am delighted with this meeting , and I consider great credit is due to the Celts who made the arrangements .
( Applause . ) I am also delighted to know its prosperity , and to learn the' gratifying fact that through this lodge 1 , 400 men had seen the light and 700 affiliated from other lodges . It was interesting to look back into the roll of Prov .
Grand Masters , as it shows that the sons take up the Craft of their fathers . AA e have two present , one of them the oldest and the other the youngest Prov . G . M . Without taking up more time , I propose the toast , and I leave it to Bros .
AVhite-Melville and Hope which of them will reply . The toast having received all the honours , Bro . Hope , in a few appropriate remarks , returned thanks for the honour done to him .
Bro . J . AVhyte-Melville proposed " The Past Masters and Office-bearers of the Celtic Lodge , " which was received with applause . He said : I believe I am selected for this toast in consequence of being one of the oldest living members
of the lodge , and consequently able to speak of the Past Masters . I hold a list of them , and I find that out of the twenty-four who have passed the chair , eleven have gone to the Grand Lodge
above . I need not dwell on the efficient and able manner in which the affairs of this lodge have been hitherto conducted , but will simply couple the toast with the name of Bro . Hay . ( Applause ) .
The toast having been drunk with all the honours , Bro . A . Hay , Grand Jeweller , in reply , said : It is with no ordinary feelings of pleasure that on this , the jubilee night of our mother lodge , on the part of the other Past Masters and myself , I have to return our heartfelt thanks for the
honour which has just been conferred upon us , an honour all the more enhanced by having our healths proposed by such a valued friend as Past Grand Master Bro . AVhyte-Melville , and by the kind terms in which he has spoken of that body
of office-bearers to which we are proud to belong . Although comparatively a young lodge , the Celtic can lay claim to having done some little service to the state since its institution , fifty years ago , both as regards the number of brethren it has
enrolled under its banner , and the high position it has all along maintained among the lodges in the metropolitan district . There are now , alas ! few of the brethren alive who took an active part in the consecrating of the lodge ; but
we still hear old members of other lodges speak with enthusiasm of the gorgeous appearance the Celts made , in their Highland costume , when George IV . visited Scotland in 1822 , and with what pride they marched up the rugged steps of
the Calton-hill , headed by their bagpipes , to assist in laying the foundation-stone of the national monument there . ( Applause . ) Fifty years have passed since our first Master , Brother Ferney , opened his lodge , and during that period the
Cabinets of the world have deliberated , and with what results ? Kingdoms , and dynasties , and institutions have been rent asunder , or have tottered to their fall , and many of them are but rising to fall again . Fifty years have rolled past
in Masonry too , and the Grand Lodges of the world have deliberated , and in glorious unity , they are proving by ever-recurring centenaries and jubilees such as this , that our foundations are stronger than those of adamant , and that the
zenith of our power shall only have been touched when there are no more votaries to kneel at her shrine—when , in a word , " Man to man , the wide world o'er , shall brothers be . " ( Applause . ) As a lodge , the Celtic can also claim to having
proved itself an energetic and faithful adherent to the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and on all occasions when summoned to rally round our chiefs—though not , as in days of yore , in answer to the fiery cross , amid the mountains and glens
of our native land , to wm perishable glory at the dagger ' s point , and leave desolation where we found peace—but , in more civilised days , to lay the foundation-stones of edifices and temples destined for the improvemmt , embellishment , and philanthropy of our native country , and to