Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Masonic Banquet At Alexandria, Dumbartonshire.
claims as a mortal Institution , which ought to be more widely acknowledged and understood . " Light for the mind" is the burden of the cry of our time ; illuminate the dismal abodes of ignorance , and send the torch of wisdom into the
darkest recesses of men s heart . It is the mission of every true Mason to assist in dispelling the clouds of ignorance and error ; it is his duty to aid the development of reason and truth , and to foster the growth of learning . ( Applause . ) An
uneducated man can have but little sympathy with ceremonies and allegories , which must be carefully studied before they can he understood and properly valued . It is like leading a blind man into a well-cultivated garden—every nook and corner of which is filled with different
varieties of variegated leaf , and gorgeously tinted flower , and exquisitely beautiful form—and expecting that he can admire the various colours or appreciate the lovely shades which are everywhere around him . Freemasonry draws men so
firmly together that the very word itself has become a household one for strong loving attachment , and is founded on the purest principles of truth , honour , and virtue . ( Cheers . ) That it stands the test of actual practice between man
and man has often been experienced , and often referred to . In war men have owed their lives in it ; in sickness they have received attendance and care ; in desolate countries they have been rescued and assisted . It has been recorded in the late war between the Germans and French
that the unhfted arm has been arrested when prepared to take a foeman ' s life—that wounded soldiers lying on the ground , and still in the deadly struggle , have had their passions lulled and brotherly emotion kindled by a single sign or word—and also that some of the wounded
soldiers found the tenderest nursing from those who had been their bitterest enemies . AA ell mayit be said — and said truly — behold these Masons ! how they love one another ! ( Cheers . ) Masonry , too , is above sectarian divisions and political factions , and may it long continue to
know among its members no distinction of creed , person , or party , but that it preserve its place as a noble , lofty , and pure ground , where we may all try to make ourselves wiser and better , as well as do the same to others . To help us in our course we have a light to guide us , in sight of which no Mason can lose his way . I think it
was a certain Baron Alderson who , when asked how long a sermon should be , replied , " Twenty minutes , with a leaning to the side of mercy . " I think the Chairman ' s remarks should not extend to a fourth of that time , and perhaps I should
best carry out the idea by sitting down at once ; but I should like before doing so to say a word or tivo to the ladies , who have so numerously honoured us with their most gracious presence . ( Cheers . ) I am afraid many of you ladies have
had some little fear of your husbands , brothers , or lovers perhaps , becoming Freemasons , as if some mysterious power would henceforth wrap their hearts and affections from your gaze , for which it would be utterly hopeless to seek a
means to unveil . You may cease having the slightest fear or doubt upon the matter . There are more mysterious tales told about Masons than they themselves know of . I tell you truly , and on the word of a Mason , that the guiding
principle of our Order is the very air ye yourselves breathe—love . In a Freemason your friend or relation has found a brother , who will not scruple to put forth a brother ' s love to warn him by any inpending danger , to assist him in
warding it off , and generally to stand shoulder to shoulder as brethren should to resist the attacks sometimes made by an unfeeling and heartless world . Wherever the principles of our beloved Order are carrred out , and men act up to their
profession , their actions are like the rays of the glorious Ruler of day , diffusing light and warmth to all around , and dissipating and dispelling the selfish coldness of human beings , and the hateful bigotry of sect and party . ( Cheers . )
Freemasons are one in heart as well as in sign and word—reverencing the AVord of their common Father , who has said , "Love thy neighbour as thyself . " But it is often asked , why so much mystery and guardedness and exclusiveness about it ? Let me tell you , then , the secret—
Grand Masonic Banquet At Alexandria, Dumbartonshire.
and I would advise every Mason present also to give good heed to it—the secret is this , " Seek and ye shall find . " There is no more mystery in it than in your Bible , beyond such tokens as are necessary to prevent us being imposed upon
by strangers , there is nothing in masonry opposed the Bible , nor is there anything prejudicial to the religion of any man . If a man acts up to the spirit of Masonry , he must of necessity
become a better citizen , a better husband and father , a better man altogether : and , ladies , will you allow me to say what I am certain you will not object to , be will become a more devoted , ardent , constant and true lover . ( Cheers . )
The Chairman then gave the first toast on the programme , " The Queen and Craft . "
The next part of the proceedings was of a very pleasant nature , being the presentation of various handsome articles to the retiring AA . M . In making the presentation ,
The Chairman said : I have now to propose for your acceptance the health of the retiring Worshipful Master , Bro . AVm . Graham . I cannot speak in too high terms of his Masonic enthusiasm and industry in the discharge of the
Mastership for the last two years , as well as his eminent services in discharging the onerous duties of Secretaryship for a considerable time previous . The results of his labours have tended much to the honour and prosperity of the lodge ,
which , of course , is a high gratification to all its sons . I would not be doing justice to Bro . Graham were I to characterise him as one who had merely done his duty , however arduous that might be ; but he has done much more , as many
of you can testify to the handsome way in which he has given his time and services wherever or whenever good could be done . ( Loud cheers . ) No . 321 felt this and recognised it , and their desire was to testify in some appropriate manner
their sense of his worth and services ; and I am happy to say they easily found the means to do so , each brother being more anxious than his neighbour to give . It was not a case of grumbling subscription , or of giving because it could
not well be helped , but each felt it to be a pleasure to have the opportunity . AA ' e have three testimonials , which I hope Bro . Graham will consider worthy of his acceptance , and of which I will now ask his acceptance . The first is the
handsome timepiece standing on the platform , the second , this beautiful Master ' s jewel , and the third , a gold albert and locket . May you long be spared worthily to use them . ( Cheers . ) Let me say in conclusion that I am proud that it has
fallen to my lot to be the presenter of these testimonials , for no one more highly appreciates the services of Bro . Graham . 1 again give you success and health to Bro . Graham , and may he always meet his friends on the level and part on
the square . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Graham acknowledged the gifts as follows : Mr . Chairman , ladies , and brethren , my feelings at the present moment , arising from your kindness , can be more easily imagined than
described . Every circumstance connected with these beautiful and valuable articles , presented by Bro . Mushet in such flattering terms , tends to raise them far above the level of my conception . The thought of such reward was as foreign on
my part as the movement has been successful on yours . The position I had the honour of tilling for the last two years and the other offices I have occupied , the performance of the duties connected with them was to me but a labour of
love . ( Applause . ) The Institution whose aim is the advancement morally and intellectually of its members , and which is further calculated to enforce the duties of brotherly love and charity , and to imprint on the memory the noblest
principles that can adorn the human mind , such an Institution may well command the undivided attention of its office-bearers . ( Cheers . ) For this 1 have laboured ; but your appreciation of my services is immeasurably too high ; however , I cannot but feel more profoundly the honour it
has pleased you to conler . lo every subscriber to these beautiful articles I pour out my heart of thanks ; but when this is done and the cup replaced , a few drops , like the tejrs of speechless love , will trickle back to rest at the bottom , and there sparkle till the hour that terminates my
Grand Masonic Banquet At Alexandria, Dumbartonshire.
earthly career shall have arrived . ( Loud applause . ) In retiring from the position of R . AV . M . of this lodge , may the laurels with which you have been pleased to crown me so stimulate me not only to continue to act
faithfully for every good cause , but to go on to much more and much better . ( Cheers . ) Brethren , I again tender you my wannest thanks for these tokens of your appreciation and esteem , which I highly value , and to the committee for their labour in the matter . ( Cheers . )
The Croupier now said : Mr . Chairman , ladies , and brethren , the toast which the Committee has given me to propose is one that requires no eulogium by way . of recommending it to you for an enthusiastic response . It is
" The three Grand Lodges—England , Ireland , and Scotland . " ( Cheers . ) Every brother will agree with me in saying that each in their several countries have important duties to perform . In the past , by their due observance of the interests
of the Craft , and promulgating and practising every principle that'wduld tend to elevate our noble Fraternity , the } - have raised the status of our Craft far above anything in the annals of Freemasonry . I therefore ask you , Mr .
Chairman and brethren , to join me in the toast , and wishing that w-e may long have such men at the head of our glorious Order ; and long may they protect the ancient landmarks , and further the interests of Masonry , and may they always have
good and honest brethren to honour and support them . He begged to couple the name of Bro . J ames Wallace , a member of the Grand Lodge Committee , with the toast . ( Loud cheering . ) Bro . AA ' allace acknowledged the toast in a few
general observations . The Chairman now called for a bumper in honour of their Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Smollett . He said : Bro . Alex . Smollett is so well known I may say to every inhabitant of the
Vale for his characteristic Masonic deportment , that J am certain it is not in the least necessary to preface the toast with any remarks of mine . As love begets love , so Bro . Smollett's warm and kindly charity makes him beloved by all . AVere
it necessary I could easily bear testimonial to his fervour and constancy of heart , his spotless truth and honesty of purpose , but such testimony is altogether unneeded . 1 know I shall best consult the feelings of all by simply expressing the
hope , which I believe is the hearty wish of every one present , that Bro . Smollett may long be permitted , before his removal to the Grand Lodge above , to perform his duties as a Christian , a gentleman , and a Mason . ( Cheers . )
Bro . J . M'Kmnon gave " The Ladies' in an eloquent and humorous speech . Bro . A \ m . Graham suitably replied . Bro . J . AVilkie gave " The A'isiting Brethren , " which was duly honoured , and acknowledged by Bro . Ross of No . iS .
A right hearty vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Mushet for his admirable conduct in the chair , and the company retired for a short time to allow of the hall being cleared for the dance .
EDiNnuRGH . —Funeral Lodge .- The " Roman Eagle" Lodge , No . 160 , met on Thursday evening , 7 th inst ., in the lodge-room , Iona Hotel , Nicolsonstreet , Edinburgh , for the purpose of holding a funeral lodge as a tribute to the memory of their late Right AVorshipful Master , Bro . James
Paterson , who died on the 26 th tilt . From the high esteem in which the deceased Master was deservedly held by the brethren , and the fact that he was the builder of some of the very best buildings in Scotland in stone work , such as the Edinburgh
Savings Bank , General Post Office , the Tower , Portobello , & c , & c , and was a very large employer of labour , the attendance was unusually large . The service was ably conducted by the Past Master Bro . Thos . Cairns , M . D ., to whom a cordial vole of thanks was given at the close .
ALLOA . —The annual meeting of the Alloa St . John ' s Lodge , No . 69 , was held in the lodge-room , Royal Oak Hotel , on Monday evening last , when the following office-bearers were elected : Bros . AVilliam Brown , R . AV . M . ; Alexander Kirk , S . AV . ; John M'Ansh , J . W . ; Andrew Alike , Treas . ; J ohn
Johnston , Sec ; James Whitehead , B . B . ; John M'Gregor , P . M . ; Thomas Stirling , D . M . ; Rev . Alex . Bryson , Chap . ; Peter Brothevston , Surgeon ; Andrew Black , Custodier of Jewels ; David Sneddon , Medal-bearer ; James Fairlie , Edinburgh , Proxy Master ; David Wotherspoon , Tyler . .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Masonic Banquet At Alexandria, Dumbartonshire.
claims as a mortal Institution , which ought to be more widely acknowledged and understood . " Light for the mind" is the burden of the cry of our time ; illuminate the dismal abodes of ignorance , and send the torch of wisdom into the
darkest recesses of men s heart . It is the mission of every true Mason to assist in dispelling the clouds of ignorance and error ; it is his duty to aid the development of reason and truth , and to foster the growth of learning . ( Applause . ) An
uneducated man can have but little sympathy with ceremonies and allegories , which must be carefully studied before they can he understood and properly valued . It is like leading a blind man into a well-cultivated garden—every nook and corner of which is filled with different
varieties of variegated leaf , and gorgeously tinted flower , and exquisitely beautiful form—and expecting that he can admire the various colours or appreciate the lovely shades which are everywhere around him . Freemasonry draws men so
firmly together that the very word itself has become a household one for strong loving attachment , and is founded on the purest principles of truth , honour , and virtue . ( Cheers . ) That it stands the test of actual practice between man
and man has often been experienced , and often referred to . In war men have owed their lives in it ; in sickness they have received attendance and care ; in desolate countries they have been rescued and assisted . It has been recorded in the late war between the Germans and French
that the unhfted arm has been arrested when prepared to take a foeman ' s life—that wounded soldiers lying on the ground , and still in the deadly struggle , have had their passions lulled and brotherly emotion kindled by a single sign or word—and also that some of the wounded
soldiers found the tenderest nursing from those who had been their bitterest enemies . AA ell mayit be said — and said truly — behold these Masons ! how they love one another ! ( Cheers . ) Masonry , too , is above sectarian divisions and political factions , and may it long continue to
know among its members no distinction of creed , person , or party , but that it preserve its place as a noble , lofty , and pure ground , where we may all try to make ourselves wiser and better , as well as do the same to others . To help us in our course we have a light to guide us , in sight of which no Mason can lose his way . I think it
was a certain Baron Alderson who , when asked how long a sermon should be , replied , " Twenty minutes , with a leaning to the side of mercy . " I think the Chairman ' s remarks should not extend to a fourth of that time , and perhaps I should
best carry out the idea by sitting down at once ; but I should like before doing so to say a word or tivo to the ladies , who have so numerously honoured us with their most gracious presence . ( Cheers . ) I am afraid many of you ladies have
had some little fear of your husbands , brothers , or lovers perhaps , becoming Freemasons , as if some mysterious power would henceforth wrap their hearts and affections from your gaze , for which it would be utterly hopeless to seek a
means to unveil . You may cease having the slightest fear or doubt upon the matter . There are more mysterious tales told about Masons than they themselves know of . I tell you truly , and on the word of a Mason , that the guiding
principle of our Order is the very air ye yourselves breathe—love . In a Freemason your friend or relation has found a brother , who will not scruple to put forth a brother ' s love to warn him by any inpending danger , to assist him in
warding it off , and generally to stand shoulder to shoulder as brethren should to resist the attacks sometimes made by an unfeeling and heartless world . Wherever the principles of our beloved Order are carrred out , and men act up to their
profession , their actions are like the rays of the glorious Ruler of day , diffusing light and warmth to all around , and dissipating and dispelling the selfish coldness of human beings , and the hateful bigotry of sect and party . ( Cheers . )
Freemasons are one in heart as well as in sign and word—reverencing the AVord of their common Father , who has said , "Love thy neighbour as thyself . " But it is often asked , why so much mystery and guardedness and exclusiveness about it ? Let me tell you , then , the secret—
Grand Masonic Banquet At Alexandria, Dumbartonshire.
and I would advise every Mason present also to give good heed to it—the secret is this , " Seek and ye shall find . " There is no more mystery in it than in your Bible , beyond such tokens as are necessary to prevent us being imposed upon
by strangers , there is nothing in masonry opposed the Bible , nor is there anything prejudicial to the religion of any man . If a man acts up to the spirit of Masonry , he must of necessity
become a better citizen , a better husband and father , a better man altogether : and , ladies , will you allow me to say what I am certain you will not object to , be will become a more devoted , ardent , constant and true lover . ( Cheers . )
The Chairman then gave the first toast on the programme , " The Queen and Craft . "
The next part of the proceedings was of a very pleasant nature , being the presentation of various handsome articles to the retiring AA . M . In making the presentation ,
The Chairman said : I have now to propose for your acceptance the health of the retiring Worshipful Master , Bro . AVm . Graham . I cannot speak in too high terms of his Masonic enthusiasm and industry in the discharge of the
Mastership for the last two years , as well as his eminent services in discharging the onerous duties of Secretaryship for a considerable time previous . The results of his labours have tended much to the honour and prosperity of the lodge ,
which , of course , is a high gratification to all its sons . I would not be doing justice to Bro . Graham were I to characterise him as one who had merely done his duty , however arduous that might be ; but he has done much more , as many
of you can testify to the handsome way in which he has given his time and services wherever or whenever good could be done . ( Loud cheers . ) No . 321 felt this and recognised it , and their desire was to testify in some appropriate manner
their sense of his worth and services ; and I am happy to say they easily found the means to do so , each brother being more anxious than his neighbour to give . It was not a case of grumbling subscription , or of giving because it could
not well be helped , but each felt it to be a pleasure to have the opportunity . AA ' e have three testimonials , which I hope Bro . Graham will consider worthy of his acceptance , and of which I will now ask his acceptance . The first is the
handsome timepiece standing on the platform , the second , this beautiful Master ' s jewel , and the third , a gold albert and locket . May you long be spared worthily to use them . ( Cheers . ) Let me say in conclusion that I am proud that it has
fallen to my lot to be the presenter of these testimonials , for no one more highly appreciates the services of Bro . Graham . 1 again give you success and health to Bro . Graham , and may he always meet his friends on the level and part on
the square . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Graham acknowledged the gifts as follows : Mr . Chairman , ladies , and brethren , my feelings at the present moment , arising from your kindness , can be more easily imagined than
described . Every circumstance connected with these beautiful and valuable articles , presented by Bro . Mushet in such flattering terms , tends to raise them far above the level of my conception . The thought of such reward was as foreign on
my part as the movement has been successful on yours . The position I had the honour of tilling for the last two years and the other offices I have occupied , the performance of the duties connected with them was to me but a labour of
love . ( Applause . ) The Institution whose aim is the advancement morally and intellectually of its members , and which is further calculated to enforce the duties of brotherly love and charity , and to imprint on the memory the noblest
principles that can adorn the human mind , such an Institution may well command the undivided attention of its office-bearers . ( Cheers . ) For this 1 have laboured ; but your appreciation of my services is immeasurably too high ; however , I cannot but feel more profoundly the honour it
has pleased you to conler . lo every subscriber to these beautiful articles I pour out my heart of thanks ; but when this is done and the cup replaced , a few drops , like the tejrs of speechless love , will trickle back to rest at the bottom , and there sparkle till the hour that terminates my
Grand Masonic Banquet At Alexandria, Dumbartonshire.
earthly career shall have arrived . ( Loud applause . ) In retiring from the position of R . AV . M . of this lodge , may the laurels with which you have been pleased to crown me so stimulate me not only to continue to act
faithfully for every good cause , but to go on to much more and much better . ( Cheers . ) Brethren , I again tender you my wannest thanks for these tokens of your appreciation and esteem , which I highly value , and to the committee for their labour in the matter . ( Cheers . )
The Croupier now said : Mr . Chairman , ladies , and brethren , the toast which the Committee has given me to propose is one that requires no eulogium by way . of recommending it to you for an enthusiastic response . It is
" The three Grand Lodges—England , Ireland , and Scotland . " ( Cheers . ) Every brother will agree with me in saying that each in their several countries have important duties to perform . In the past , by their due observance of the interests
of the Craft , and promulgating and practising every principle that'wduld tend to elevate our noble Fraternity , the } - have raised the status of our Craft far above anything in the annals of Freemasonry . I therefore ask you , Mr .
Chairman and brethren , to join me in the toast , and wishing that w-e may long have such men at the head of our glorious Order ; and long may they protect the ancient landmarks , and further the interests of Masonry , and may they always have
good and honest brethren to honour and support them . He begged to couple the name of Bro . J ames Wallace , a member of the Grand Lodge Committee , with the toast . ( Loud cheering . ) Bro . AA ' allace acknowledged the toast in a few
general observations . The Chairman now called for a bumper in honour of their Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Smollett . He said : Bro . Alex . Smollett is so well known I may say to every inhabitant of the
Vale for his characteristic Masonic deportment , that J am certain it is not in the least necessary to preface the toast with any remarks of mine . As love begets love , so Bro . Smollett's warm and kindly charity makes him beloved by all . AVere
it necessary I could easily bear testimonial to his fervour and constancy of heart , his spotless truth and honesty of purpose , but such testimony is altogether unneeded . 1 know I shall best consult the feelings of all by simply expressing the
hope , which I believe is the hearty wish of every one present , that Bro . Smollett may long be permitted , before his removal to the Grand Lodge above , to perform his duties as a Christian , a gentleman , and a Mason . ( Cheers . )
Bro . J . M'Kmnon gave " The Ladies' in an eloquent and humorous speech . Bro . A \ m . Graham suitably replied . Bro . J . AVilkie gave " The A'isiting Brethren , " which was duly honoured , and acknowledged by Bro . Ross of No . iS .
A right hearty vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Mushet for his admirable conduct in the chair , and the company retired for a short time to allow of the hall being cleared for the dance .
EDiNnuRGH . —Funeral Lodge .- The " Roman Eagle" Lodge , No . 160 , met on Thursday evening , 7 th inst ., in the lodge-room , Iona Hotel , Nicolsonstreet , Edinburgh , for the purpose of holding a funeral lodge as a tribute to the memory of their late Right AVorshipful Master , Bro . James
Paterson , who died on the 26 th tilt . From the high esteem in which the deceased Master was deservedly held by the brethren , and the fact that he was the builder of some of the very best buildings in Scotland in stone work , such as the Edinburgh
Savings Bank , General Post Office , the Tower , Portobello , & c , & c , and was a very large employer of labour , the attendance was unusually large . The service was ably conducted by the Past Master Bro . Thos . Cairns , M . D ., to whom a cordial vole of thanks was given at the close .
ALLOA . —The annual meeting of the Alloa St . John ' s Lodge , No . 69 , was held in the lodge-room , Royal Oak Hotel , on Monday evening last , when the following office-bearers were elected : Bros . AVilliam Brown , R . AV . M . ; Alexander Kirk , S . AV . ; John M'Ansh , J . W . ; Andrew Alike , Treas . ; J ohn
Johnston , Sec ; James Whitehead , B . B . ; John M'Gregor , P . M . ; Thomas Stirling , D . M . ; Rev . Alex . Bryson , Chap . ; Peter Brothevston , Surgeon ; Andrew Black , Custodier of Jewels ; David Sneddon , Medal-bearer ; James Fairlie , Edinburgh , Proxy Master ; David Wotherspoon , Tyler . .