Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
consecrate institutions , not intended for the extension of narrow-minded creeds , but for the promotion of those glorious principles , Brotherly Love , Relief and Truth , throughout the world . On such occasions the Celts have ne ' er been
wanting , when the muster-roll was called we have ever been ready to girt ourselves for the fray , and our greatest ambition has always been to support our Grand Masters in such a manner as would bring no discredit on the Craft . ( Cheers . )
And now , Most AVorshipful Sir , on this the night of our jubilee , we who have held its helm in days gone by rejoice that we have been privileged to be present at the re-launching of the good ship Celtic on what we trust will prove
another prosperous and happy voyage , and of wafting it onwards and upwards to still higher honours than it has ever yet attained . AA ^ e rejoice that the rallying-cry of the Celts should have been answered by the large attendance bv which
you are this night supported ; we rejoice to see brethren like Lord James Murray , General Darby-Griffith , and others , though not members of the lodge , coming from far distances to do us honor ; we rejoice to see the Grand Lodge itself , led , so to to speak , by that veteran of the Craft
and our faithful friend , Brother John AA'hyte-Melville ; but , above all , we rejoice that we have this evening among us one of the most eloquent , one of the most hospitable and deservedly popular Grand Masters that ever filled the Masonic throne of Scotland . ( Loud and prolonged applause . )
After a solo upon the flute by Bro . Poyser , The Master asked permission to depart from the programme , as the Grand Master wished to retire . He therefore called upon
Major-General Darby-Griffith , who rose and proposed "The Countess of Rosslyn and the ladies , " for whom the Grand Master replied in a felicitous manner .
Bro . Councillor AVormald proposed "Freemasonry all over the World . " He said : Most AA ' orshipful Grand Master , Right AVorshi pful Masters , and Brethren , after the eloquent addresses to which you have already listened at
this auspicious and joyous jubilee of our Celtic Lodge , I cannot expect that any poor words of mine will interest you . But whatever may be lacking in the speech , is fully compensated for in the toast , and for it I claim a bumper from [
all true loyal Masons . The toast embodies within itself a fact and a compliment . It contains a fact : viz .. that Freemasonry exists all over the world . Now "facts are duels that winna ding , and canna be disputed , " and my
toast is the simple announcement of a fact known to all our Craft , and which defies contradiction . AVherever the light of civilisation has dawned , there Freemasonry has taken root , and brought forth its fruit : and wherever the culture of
civilisation has been deepest and most thorough , there the fruit of Freemasonry has been most abundant and beneficent . ( Applause . ) But my toast contains a compliment , as well as a fact . "Freemasonry all over the world , " is the highest tribute of respect that could possibly be paid to
the principles of Freemasonry . A falsehood , a sham , or a delusion m ay , and do , sometimes succeed within certain restricted limits of space and time , but sooner or later the bubble bursts , and the lie , the sham , and the delusion , with their respective
prophets—Go down to the dull earth from which they sprung , Unwept , unhonoured , and unsung . ( Applause . ) But this is in no sense true of our beloved Freemasonry . Coming down to us through the misty ages of the past—a past which
reaches well nigh back to the limit of the chronicled history of the world , it still lives in the midst of us , and is as fresh and young and vigourous on this evening of our Celtic jubilee , as when Solomon laid the foundation of the Temple at Jerusalem . ( Cheers . ) AVe are thus
constrained to ask : What is it that gives Freemasonry the power of perpetuating and diffusing itself in perennial bloom and freshness—not only renewing ils youth , but multiplying its offspring like the eagl ; ? Is it the happy social feeling and harmony the bonhomie and goodfellowshi p , the jollity and fun , which are the
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
invariable characteristics of our festive gatherings ? I answer , No ; though these things , in this iron age , this work-a-day world of incessant toil and feverish excitement , are not only not . to be despised , but rather w-elcomed . A larger infusion of the social element of our Craft amonast
all classes of society would make lives longer as well as happier . But the real secret of the perpetuity and diffusion of Freemasonry is to be found in the divine origin of our principles , and whatever is divine is suited to all ages , all peoples , all climes , all circumstances . These
principles are Truth , Justice , and Brotherhood . ( Applause . ) First , Truth . Freemasonry requires of all her members an unswerving allegiance to truth—eternal , unchangeable truth . Not a truth that is external to us , but truth within us , manifesting itself in deed as well as word . It is
required of all us that our plans and schemes , and ambitions , and acquirements should all be adjusted by the square of truth . Justice is the next fundamental principle of our Craft ; it is required of us that we be just to ourselves , just to our families , just to our friends , just to our
neighbours , just to our country , just to humanity . All our deeds and words , thoughts and feelings , must be brought to the test of the plumb-line of justice , or we are bastards and aliens from the commonwealth of Masonry . Brotherhood is the third and last , but not least , of the trinity of our
fundamental principles . This I regard as the crowning principle of our Craft—the chief cornerstone of our noble superstructure . The brotherhood of Freemasonry is not a mere sentimental notion , but a living active principle , which brings together and hinds together the sovereign and the subject , the peer and the peasant , the ruler
and those who are ruled , the master and workman , the teacher and the taught . Nor is our Freemasonry a mere recognition of the rights of brotherhood ; it also acknowledges the claims of brotherhood . Thus ever diffusing charity to the destitute , comfort to the disconsolate , sympathy to the bereaved , hope to the desponding , and joy to the broken-hearted : —
The quality of mercy is not strained , It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath ; it is twice bless'd—It blesseth him that gives and him that takes ; Tis mightiest in the mightiest ; it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown .
( Applause . ) Or as St . Paul has described it : — " Charity suffereth long , and is kind ; charity envieth not ; charity vauntelh not itself , is not puffed up , doth not behave itself unseemly , seeketh not her own , is not easily provoked , thinketh no evil ; reioieeth not in iiiiquitv , but
rejoiceth in the truth ; beareth all things , belicveth all things , hopeth all things , cnduretli all things : charity never faileth . " ( Applause . ) These , brethren , .-. re the principles , and these the fruits of Freemasonry all over the world . X eed we wonder , then , that our late brother , Robert
Burns , should have concluded the grandest song he ever wrote , with a prayer for the universal diffusion of our principles , in the ever-memorable and stirring words : — Then let us pray that come what may , As come it will for a' that ,
Avhen man to man , the whole world o ' er , Shall brothers be for a' that . The toast was drunk with all the honours . A duet having been performed by Bros . Bridgman and Hope ,
The R . AV . M . rose and proposed " The Right Worshipful Masters of the metropolitan lodges , " and briefly alluded to the gratification he felt in seeing so many present to assist him in celebrating their jubilee .
Bro . Abbott R . AV . M . of Mary ' s Chapel , No . i , in elegant terms replied on behalf of himself and the other R . AV . Masters present , [ and took occasion to congratulate the Celtic Lodge on the great success which had attended their jubilee festival .
The R . AA . M . then proposed " A'isiting brethren from a distance , " which was responded to by-Lord James Murray . A number of complimentary toasts having been given , the R . AV . M . proposed " Happy to meet , sorry to part , and happy to meet again , " and the proceedings of a very happy evening terminated .
Grand Masonic Banquet At Alexandria, Dumbartonshire.
GRAND MASONIC BANQUET AT ALEXANDRIA , DUMBARTONSHIRE .
The seventh anniversary of the Alexandria and Bonhill St . Andrew ' s Royal Arch Lodge , No . 321 , was celebrated on Friday week , by a grand banquet and ball , in the Public Hall . JAlexatidria , Dumbartonshire , which was most tastefull y decorated with evergreens , flowers , & c . while
conspicuously displayed were various of the mottoes and signs emblematical of , and peculiar to , the Masonic Fraternity . Shortly after eight o ' clock the guests took their seats at the tables groaning under a load of all that was good and dainty , and once praise had been engaged in and a blessing asked , forks and knives were smartl y
handled , and the company " fell to" as only " merry Masons " and their friends can . The supper was indeed first-rate , and timely and admirably served , which fact called forth the unqualified praise of the large assemblage , not to speak of the credit which redounded to the enterprising purveyor Mr . James Bardsley .
I he chair was worthily occupied by Bro . James Mushet , R . W . M . of the lodge ; the duties of croupier being able discharged by Bro . Wiliiam Graham , P . M . After supper , The Chairman said : I have now , according to the programme , to make a few remarks
preliminary to the business of the evening , and first I would say we would be very ungrateful if we did not acknowledge that the banquet to-night was really a dainty dish fit to beset before a king . It is said to the typical of the Englishman that , after having eaten and drank , his soul begins to
lift itself up and he bursts forth in a speech . AA e are more homely in Scotland ; we simply say , ' •when the bags are fu' the pipes get up . " ( Laughter . ) As a general rule , however , few succeed in this kind of dinner or supper speechmaking , and I am afraid I will not be an
exception to the general rule . No doubt the sight of such a numerous company is very cheering , and should make one almost feel happy in itself , as it is a sure evidence of the continued prosperity of our lodge , and I have to congratulate you on the very gay and happy appearance of this
meeting . This , I believe , is the seventh anniversary of our lodge , and each year seems to surpass its predecessor in a more flourishing turn-out . ( Applause . ) Your chairman was afraid last year that our Masonic tree may have attained its greatest growth as regards our success in a
locality so limited as this , but I am stronger of opinion , and the more I stud y Freemasonry I am the more convinced that Masons have only to act up to their glorious lights to cause it * o take deeper root and grow still larger and large ) so that not to be a Freemason will be a term of
reproach as marking out the man unworthy of the fraternal regards of a brother . ( Loud cheers . ) The statistics which I have received from your Secretary are very encouraging . Throughout the past year we have had twenty-five meetings and have added twenty-nine members ; twenty-four
to the Fraternity and five affiliated , thus increasing our roll to 270 . Last year it stood 241 ; and after an expenditure of £ 27 4 s . id . we have still at our credit a balance of , £ 79 18 s . sd ., being an increase to our reserve fund of ^ 9 after defraying all expenses . ( Loud cheers . )
There has been nothing very striking in the history of Masonry , especially of a local interest , during the last year , excepting its continued and growing prosperity and the increased hold it has obtained on the minds of the people , among the best or greatest of the land as well as the highest
in rank , from royalty downwards . The earnest desire exhibited to cement by Masonic charity the different ranks of the people on a more equal footing is a far better si gn of the progress of the times than the mere addition of numbers . Bro . A . O . Ewing last anniversary said : " But after all what availed the ordinary branches of
education unless the people could be imbued with those high and holy principles which were the distinguishing feature of the Masonic Fraternity . " At the present time , when our Legislature and the public generally are full of the Mibject of education , it may be well to remember that Freemasonry plays a not unimportant part among the many teachers of mankind : and that it advances
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
consecrate institutions , not intended for the extension of narrow-minded creeds , but for the promotion of those glorious principles , Brotherly Love , Relief and Truth , throughout the world . On such occasions the Celts have ne ' er been
wanting , when the muster-roll was called we have ever been ready to girt ourselves for the fray , and our greatest ambition has always been to support our Grand Masters in such a manner as would bring no discredit on the Craft . ( Cheers . )
And now , Most AVorshipful Sir , on this the night of our jubilee , we who have held its helm in days gone by rejoice that we have been privileged to be present at the re-launching of the good ship Celtic on what we trust will prove
another prosperous and happy voyage , and of wafting it onwards and upwards to still higher honours than it has ever yet attained . AA ^ e rejoice that the rallying-cry of the Celts should have been answered by the large attendance bv which
you are this night supported ; we rejoice to see brethren like Lord James Murray , General Darby-Griffith , and others , though not members of the lodge , coming from far distances to do us honor ; we rejoice to see the Grand Lodge itself , led , so to to speak , by that veteran of the Craft
and our faithful friend , Brother John AA'hyte-Melville ; but , above all , we rejoice that we have this evening among us one of the most eloquent , one of the most hospitable and deservedly popular Grand Masters that ever filled the Masonic throne of Scotland . ( Loud and prolonged applause . )
After a solo upon the flute by Bro . Poyser , The Master asked permission to depart from the programme , as the Grand Master wished to retire . He therefore called upon
Major-General Darby-Griffith , who rose and proposed "The Countess of Rosslyn and the ladies , " for whom the Grand Master replied in a felicitous manner .
Bro . Councillor AVormald proposed "Freemasonry all over the World . " He said : Most AA ' orshipful Grand Master , Right AVorshi pful Masters , and Brethren , after the eloquent addresses to which you have already listened at
this auspicious and joyous jubilee of our Celtic Lodge , I cannot expect that any poor words of mine will interest you . But whatever may be lacking in the speech , is fully compensated for in the toast , and for it I claim a bumper from [
all true loyal Masons . The toast embodies within itself a fact and a compliment . It contains a fact : viz .. that Freemasonry exists all over the world . Now "facts are duels that winna ding , and canna be disputed , " and my
toast is the simple announcement of a fact known to all our Craft , and which defies contradiction . AVherever the light of civilisation has dawned , there Freemasonry has taken root , and brought forth its fruit : and wherever the culture of
civilisation has been deepest and most thorough , there the fruit of Freemasonry has been most abundant and beneficent . ( Applause . ) But my toast contains a compliment , as well as a fact . "Freemasonry all over the world , " is the highest tribute of respect that could possibly be paid to
the principles of Freemasonry . A falsehood , a sham , or a delusion m ay , and do , sometimes succeed within certain restricted limits of space and time , but sooner or later the bubble bursts , and the lie , the sham , and the delusion , with their respective
prophets—Go down to the dull earth from which they sprung , Unwept , unhonoured , and unsung . ( Applause . ) But this is in no sense true of our beloved Freemasonry . Coming down to us through the misty ages of the past—a past which
reaches well nigh back to the limit of the chronicled history of the world , it still lives in the midst of us , and is as fresh and young and vigourous on this evening of our Celtic jubilee , as when Solomon laid the foundation of the Temple at Jerusalem . ( Cheers . ) AVe are thus
constrained to ask : What is it that gives Freemasonry the power of perpetuating and diffusing itself in perennial bloom and freshness—not only renewing ils youth , but multiplying its offspring like the eagl ; ? Is it the happy social feeling and harmony the bonhomie and goodfellowshi p , the jollity and fun , which are the
Jubilee Of The "Celtic Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 291.
invariable characteristics of our festive gatherings ? I answer , No ; though these things , in this iron age , this work-a-day world of incessant toil and feverish excitement , are not only not . to be despised , but rather w-elcomed . A larger infusion of the social element of our Craft amonast
all classes of society would make lives longer as well as happier . But the real secret of the perpetuity and diffusion of Freemasonry is to be found in the divine origin of our principles , and whatever is divine is suited to all ages , all peoples , all climes , all circumstances . These
principles are Truth , Justice , and Brotherhood . ( Applause . ) First , Truth . Freemasonry requires of all her members an unswerving allegiance to truth—eternal , unchangeable truth . Not a truth that is external to us , but truth within us , manifesting itself in deed as well as word . It is
required of all us that our plans and schemes , and ambitions , and acquirements should all be adjusted by the square of truth . Justice is the next fundamental principle of our Craft ; it is required of us that we be just to ourselves , just to our families , just to our friends , just to our
neighbours , just to our country , just to humanity . All our deeds and words , thoughts and feelings , must be brought to the test of the plumb-line of justice , or we are bastards and aliens from the commonwealth of Masonry . Brotherhood is the third and last , but not least , of the trinity of our
fundamental principles . This I regard as the crowning principle of our Craft—the chief cornerstone of our noble superstructure . The brotherhood of Freemasonry is not a mere sentimental notion , but a living active principle , which brings together and hinds together the sovereign and the subject , the peer and the peasant , the ruler
and those who are ruled , the master and workman , the teacher and the taught . Nor is our Freemasonry a mere recognition of the rights of brotherhood ; it also acknowledges the claims of brotherhood . Thus ever diffusing charity to the destitute , comfort to the disconsolate , sympathy to the bereaved , hope to the desponding , and joy to the broken-hearted : —
The quality of mercy is not strained , It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath ; it is twice bless'd—It blesseth him that gives and him that takes ; Tis mightiest in the mightiest ; it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown .
( Applause . ) Or as St . Paul has described it : — " Charity suffereth long , and is kind ; charity envieth not ; charity vauntelh not itself , is not puffed up , doth not behave itself unseemly , seeketh not her own , is not easily provoked , thinketh no evil ; reioieeth not in iiiiquitv , but
rejoiceth in the truth ; beareth all things , belicveth all things , hopeth all things , cnduretli all things : charity never faileth . " ( Applause . ) These , brethren , .-. re the principles , and these the fruits of Freemasonry all over the world . X eed we wonder , then , that our late brother , Robert
Burns , should have concluded the grandest song he ever wrote , with a prayer for the universal diffusion of our principles , in the ever-memorable and stirring words : — Then let us pray that come what may , As come it will for a' that ,
Avhen man to man , the whole world o ' er , Shall brothers be for a' that . The toast was drunk with all the honours . A duet having been performed by Bros . Bridgman and Hope ,
The R . AV . M . rose and proposed " The Right Worshipful Masters of the metropolitan lodges , " and briefly alluded to the gratification he felt in seeing so many present to assist him in celebrating their jubilee .
Bro . Abbott R . AV . M . of Mary ' s Chapel , No . i , in elegant terms replied on behalf of himself and the other R . AV . Masters present , [ and took occasion to congratulate the Celtic Lodge on the great success which had attended their jubilee festival .
The R . AA . M . then proposed " A'isiting brethren from a distance , " which was responded to by-Lord James Murray . A number of complimentary toasts having been given , the R . AV . M . proposed " Happy to meet , sorry to part , and happy to meet again , " and the proceedings of a very happy evening terminated .
Grand Masonic Banquet At Alexandria, Dumbartonshire.
GRAND MASONIC BANQUET AT ALEXANDRIA , DUMBARTONSHIRE .
The seventh anniversary of the Alexandria and Bonhill St . Andrew ' s Royal Arch Lodge , No . 321 , was celebrated on Friday week , by a grand banquet and ball , in the Public Hall . JAlexatidria , Dumbartonshire , which was most tastefull y decorated with evergreens , flowers , & c . while
conspicuously displayed were various of the mottoes and signs emblematical of , and peculiar to , the Masonic Fraternity . Shortly after eight o ' clock the guests took their seats at the tables groaning under a load of all that was good and dainty , and once praise had been engaged in and a blessing asked , forks and knives were smartl y
handled , and the company " fell to" as only " merry Masons " and their friends can . The supper was indeed first-rate , and timely and admirably served , which fact called forth the unqualified praise of the large assemblage , not to speak of the credit which redounded to the enterprising purveyor Mr . James Bardsley .
I he chair was worthily occupied by Bro . James Mushet , R . W . M . of the lodge ; the duties of croupier being able discharged by Bro . Wiliiam Graham , P . M . After supper , The Chairman said : I have now , according to the programme , to make a few remarks
preliminary to the business of the evening , and first I would say we would be very ungrateful if we did not acknowledge that the banquet to-night was really a dainty dish fit to beset before a king . It is said to the typical of the Englishman that , after having eaten and drank , his soul begins to
lift itself up and he bursts forth in a speech . AA e are more homely in Scotland ; we simply say , ' •when the bags are fu' the pipes get up . " ( Laughter . ) As a general rule , however , few succeed in this kind of dinner or supper speechmaking , and I am afraid I will not be an
exception to the general rule . No doubt the sight of such a numerous company is very cheering , and should make one almost feel happy in itself , as it is a sure evidence of the continued prosperity of our lodge , and I have to congratulate you on the very gay and happy appearance of this
meeting . This , I believe , is the seventh anniversary of our lodge , and each year seems to surpass its predecessor in a more flourishing turn-out . ( Applause . ) Your chairman was afraid last year that our Masonic tree may have attained its greatest growth as regards our success in a
locality so limited as this , but I am stronger of opinion , and the more I stud y Freemasonry I am the more convinced that Masons have only to act up to their glorious lights to cause it * o take deeper root and grow still larger and large ) so that not to be a Freemason will be a term of
reproach as marking out the man unworthy of the fraternal regards of a brother . ( Loud cheers . ) The statistics which I have received from your Secretary are very encouraging . Throughout the past year we have had twenty-five meetings and have added twenty-nine members ; twenty-four
to the Fraternity and five affiliated , thus increasing our roll to 270 . Last year it stood 241 ; and after an expenditure of £ 27 4 s . id . we have still at our credit a balance of , £ 79 18 s . sd ., being an increase to our reserve fund of ^ 9 after defraying all expenses . ( Loud cheers . )
There has been nothing very striking in the history of Masonry , especially of a local interest , during the last year , excepting its continued and growing prosperity and the increased hold it has obtained on the minds of the people , among the best or greatest of the land as well as the highest
in rank , from royalty downwards . The earnest desire exhibited to cement by Masonic charity the different ranks of the people on a more equal footing is a far better si gn of the progress of the times than the mere addition of numbers . Bro . A . O . Ewing last anniversary said : " But after all what availed the ordinary branches of
education unless the people could be imbued with those high and holy principles which were the distinguishing feature of the Masonic Fraternity . " At the present time , when our Legislature and the public generally are full of the Mibject of education , it may be well to remember that Freemasonry plays a not unimportant part among the many teachers of mankind : and that it advances