A Visit To Canongate Kilwinning Lodge.

A VISIT TO CANONGATE KILWINNING LODGE .

The brethren of the Canongate Kilwinning Lodge enjoy the distinction of possessing the oldest Masonic lodge room in the world . The appointment of the princi pal room in the building to-day is practically the same as it was more than century ago . The chairs , benches , tables , implements , & c , in vogue then are in use now . They bear the marks of wear and tear , but each succeeding year enhances their value , and no wonder the brethren regard these relics of an honourable

past with feelings akin to veneration . It was in a volume of the Transactions of the Ouatuor Coronati Lodge that I first saw an excellent lithograph of the famous picture " The Inauguration of Robert Burns as Poet-Laureate of the Lodge Canongate Kilwinning , ist March , 1873 , " the original painting of which is in the possession of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . I was so greatly interested in the picture , that I resolved , on the first opportunity , to view the interior of the lodge therein depicted .

A few weeks ago I happened to be in Edinburgh , and having purchased from Comp . R . S . Brown , G . S . E . ( S . C . ) , a lithograph and key of the Burns' picture for the sum of 4 s ., I made a pilgrimage to the Canongate Kilwinning Lodge , being conducted thither by Bro . George Crawford , the I . P . M . The lodge is situated in St . John-street . " This street enters by a spacious elliptical archway from the Canongate , once the Court end of the town , and main avenue from the Palace of

Holyrood into the city , and which contained , for several hundred years , all that has become historically interesting in Scotland . St . John-street is so named with reference to St . John ' s Cross , in the Canongate , where Charles I ., at his ceremonial entry into Edinburgh in 1633 , knighted the Provost . In the latter half of last century , and beginning of the present , this street was occupied solely by persons of distinction—nobles , judges , and country gentlemen—now it is possessed

as exclusively by persons of the middle rank . The first door on the right is that which led to the apartments occupied , in 1766 , by Tobias Smollett , author of ' Roderick Randon . ' No . 1 was the house of Sir Charles Preston , Bart ., of Valleyfield , renowned for his gallant defence of Fort St . John against the American General Montgomery , when Major of the Cameronians . No . 3 was occupied by Lord Blantyre . No . 5 by George , eighth Earl of Dalhousie , Grand Master

Mason , initiated in the K . C . Lodge in 1766 . No . S was the house of Andrew Carmichael , the last Earl of Hyndford . In No . 10 resided James Ballantyne , the faithful printing coadjutor and warm admirer of the author of ' Waverley . ' In No . 13 dwelt that eccentric genius , lames Burnet , Advocate-Lord Mondoddo—who was initiated in the lodge on the 24 th November , 1757 and at whose house Burns was frequently a visitor . The

, first building un the west side of the street is the lodge , and an adjoining one was the town residence of the Earl of Wemjss , who was Grand Master in 1786-7 . " At the present time some of these houses , though tenanted , present a curious and forlorn appearance with their broken windows , general dilapidation , and quaint projections from each flat for the family washing . At the lodge gates we were met by the R . W . M ., Bro . Robert Bathgate . " This , " said he , pointing to . the

exterior of an exceedingly unpretentious building , " is the Canongate Kilwinning Lodge . " I must confess that for a moment a feeling of disappointment was uppermost in my mind , and I questioned the wisdom of having put these worthy brethren to the trouble of showing me the lodge . Fortunately , however , they were unconscious of this momentary lack of appreciation , and when we had ascended the stairs and entered the room where for a period of 160 years the

brethren of the Canongate Kilwinning Lodge have assembled for meeting , I was not surprised to learn that Freemasons from all parts of the world visit Edinburgh for the main purpose of seeing what it was then my privilege to behold . With the aid of the Burns picture , and surrounded by all the visible tokens of former days , it required only a slight exercise of imagination to conjure up many a past scene enacted within the four walls of this ancient room , where eminent men whose

names adorn the page of history together with many others of lesser degree had met on the level and parted on the square . Over the fireplace hangs an oil painting beneath which is the following inscription— " William St . Clair , of Rosslyn , H . G . M . M ., Initiated a Mason in Lodge Canongate Kilwinning , 2 nd June , 1736 . " The artist is believed to have been Allan Ramsay , son of the poet , who became a Freemason in 1736 . During this year two important events

happenedthe formation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and the resignation into the hands of Grand Lodge by St . Clair , ol Roslin , of all right , claim , or title whatever , which he or his successors had to preside as Grand Master over the Masons ot Scotland . It is needless to add that when the Grand Lodge was duly constituted William St , Clair was elected the first Grand Master . Facing the above picture , and in a recess , on the opposite side of the room stands the oldest

pipe organ at present in use in Scotland . It was built in 1734 at a cost of about 70 guineas . The flat keys are black , and the raised ones which once were white are now of a deep orange colour . That the organ was not the only source of instrumental music is evident , for in the minutes there are several references to visits paid to the lodge by the members of local volunteer bands who were Freemasons . At a meeting on December

6 th , i ; y 8 , the Treasurer reported that 15 new members had lately been admitted , besides several of the individuals of the Band of the 2 nd Battalion and Kc-giment of Edinburgh Volunteers gratis , on consideration that their services H ' tre required on St . Andrew's Day . " During the first half of the present century Ite room was Jet for band practice , the teaching of music , a day school , and , for a few weeks free of rent , to Mr . Cargtll for teaching a Sabbath-school . The lodge

walls are covered with paintings , engravings , lithographs , crayons , photographs , letters , heraldic designs , banners , & c . In the South-east is " Burns' Corner , " where are collected several interesting mementos of the poet . Among the number ' noticed photographs of his Masonic apron , his " Clarinda , " an old playbill , and the original list of subscribers to the Burns' Mausoleum Fund , & c . I cannot •e Wtmbt r all the interesting mallets , batons , squares , compasses , levels ,

ballotuoxes , china bowls , snuff mulls , crystal measures , and antique silver pointed out to rne , but I shall not forget the coat and vest that was worn by the Tyler of the lod ge prior to the year 18 35 , with the sleeves quite as long , or longer , than the coat itself . The same coat and vest were worn by the Tyler when the lodge yisited Cleikenn Inn , Innerleithen , when James Hogg , the Ettrick shepherd , was initiated , in order that he might be elected the Poet-Laureate of the Canongate

,, "W | nning Lodge . I should also mention two volumes of the Sacred Law—a Breeches" Bible , 1589 , presented by Bro . J . Campbell , 1735 , and another Blacketter f 0 li 0 l 3 jDie ( I 0 ^ i presented by Bro . G . Scott , 1737 . The Charter of the od ge dates back to the 6 th December , 1677 , this lodge being the oldest daughter the mother Killwinning Lodge . The earliest lodge minute in preservation is

"" M careluil y and beautifully written . It bears the date 13 th February , 1735 A . U ., L nd reads as follows : ''Canongate , Fcby . ye 13 th , 1735 : A : M : 5735 . 'The j .. % 'o having met according to adjournment do appoint Rd . Bulkeley , Edwd . J "' " , and Geo . Frazer to meet in order to prepare regulations and by-Laws to c laid before the Rt . Worship ful the Master and Wardens against Thursday , the ?/! " "istant . To which time the Lodgee stands adjurn'd . Thos . Trotter , Master , sa - Bulkeley Ed . Miller , Wardens . "

A Visit To Canongate Kilwinning Lodge.

The following is the earliest minute recorded in the books of a Scottish lodge of the admission of Master Masons under the modern Masonic Constitution : " Canongate , 31 st March , 1735 . Year of M . 5735 . ' The Masters of the Lodge having mett according to adjournment , being duely form'd with a Lodge , admitted William Montgomery , Fellow Craft ; and Willam Robertson , Robert Blissett , and George Frazer , Master Masons , and the said George Frazer , nominated by the R . W ., the Master to be S . W . in the room of Mr . Bulkeley , who

desired to reign with the approbation of the Masters and Lodge , after having served in that station for a considerable time to the entire satisfaction of the R . W . the Master and the whole Members of the Lodge , and adjourns in terms of the preceeding Minute . " In a small room below the lodge there stands a large cupboard , which I was informed was full of old Masonic documents . It would appear desirable to secure their preservation in a safe , and I was glad to learn th « the lodge has the matter in contemplation . The building has been recently lit

throughout with the electric light . Doubtless , this is a boon , but I could not join in the congratulations of the brethren at its introduction , as I would rather have seen the lodge lit with candles , and thus preserve in its entirety the general antiquity which in everything else prevades the building . Before leaving the lodge , I purchased for ios . 6 d . a history of the lodge , compiled by Bro . Allan Mackenzie , who deserves the hearty appreciation , not only of the members of his own lodge , but of the brethren in the Craft . His production is certainly the best

and cheapest lodge history I have seen , ' and is an elegant tribute , not only to his own labour and research , but also to the celebrated lodge of which he is so distinguished a member . In conclusion , I avail myself of this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the great kindness received from Bro . G . Crawford and Bro . R . Bathgate , the R . W . Master , in conducting me over their lodge premises , and wishing the Canongate Kilwinning Lodge a continuance of prosperity and success . W . M ., Whitby .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . F . DIXON BRAMALD , No . 1755 . It is with sincere regret that we have to chronicle the death of this young , promising , and energetic brother who , we hope , entered the Grand Lodge above on August 14 th . Bro . Bramald was a native of Wakefield , in Yorkshire , and our brethren in this province will receive this news with regret . The deceased more recently became resident and established in business in Clifton , and it was whilst here he was initiated into Freemasonry in the Eldon Lodge , No . 175 1 ; , in the Province of

Somerset , and was early promoted to office . After bravel y battling with the terrible influenza for three successive winters , our brother , on the advice of his medical man determined to journey to and establish himself in New Zealand . At a meeting of his mother lodge , about this time ( September 1891 ) , a Past Master rose to propose the health of a brother about to leave England . He said ; "The toast I have to offer you is not upon the list , but it will be received with enthusiasm especially by the members of our own lodge . It is the health of a brother whom

we very much respect , who , though initiated not so very long ago , was already placed on the ladder of office , and whom we had hoped to see eventuall y in the chair of the lodge . Unfortunately his health has broken down , and he is to take his departure to the other end of the world—to New Zealand—where we wish him Godspeed and the blessings of health , wealth , and long life . We look forward to the time when the subject of this toast , our truly respected Bro . Bramald , will return to the Old Country and again to office in his mother lodge . " A hope

unfortunately never realised . Our departed brother ' s last Masonic speech in this country was in reply to the above , and on rising he was surprised and visibly affected . It read as follows : "I feel these leave-takings very deeply . I have to go to a distant land where I know not a soul , but one of my greatest comforts is that I go to the Colony a Freemason , and I feel I shall have the loving greetings of Masons in the far-off land . I am grateful to the brethren for the loving kindness and sympathy that has been extended to me in the

hour of sickness , and for the memories of kindly affection , and pleasant evenings , and happy Masonic instruction will continue to dwell in my mind though thousands of miles away . I am glad to say that I am a better man than before I became a Mason , and I assure you that I . shall often think of you and this lodge , and 1 hope heaven's blessing may rest upon you . " Our brother was right in his faith in the brethren on the other side . Our issue containing the notice of his departure from England preceded him , and more than one inquiry or other was awaiting his steamer and leaving welcome messages for him at the post-office

and for this thoughtfulness we thank our New Zealand brethren very sincerely . It was a very thoughtful kindness . Our brother kept in touch with his mother lodge for some time and with the brethren thereof till the last . He soon associated himself with Freemasonry in the new country , and he is now gone from us at a comparatively early age . "The shorter life the longer immortality . " He seemed better all the summer , but as winter set in he faded away , and left this transitory life on Friday morning , August 14 th . Our heartfelt sympathy goes forth to his good wife—now a widow—and his dear children , to whom may the G . A . O . T . U . grant strength and fortitude in this their hour of trouble and sorrow .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Chorlton Chapter , No . 1387 . The installation meeting was held on Wednesday , the 7 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Chorlton-cum-Hardy , when the chapter was opened by Comp . F . S . Bedford M . E . Z ., and the minutes of the regular meeting were read and confirmed . The Treasurer ' s account was passed and adopted . The sum of five guineas was granted to the Alpass Institution . Comp . Bedford installed Comp . Seth Wrigley into the chair as M . E . Z ., and Comp . Henry Nail , t' . Z ., installed Comp . Daniel Wood as H Richmond should

Comp . W . have been installed into the chair of J . but he was unfortunately detained in London . The investiture of officers then took place by the ME / and the Principals and officers were addressed by Comp . Nail . The following companions were present—Comps . I ' . S . Bedford , M . E . Z . ; Seth Wrigley , II .: John M . Crone ist A . S . 5 H . Nail , P . Z ., P . P . G . T ., D . C . ; Fred . Renshlw , P . Z . J . E . BattV , A > . Z ; Wm . Rushton , J . Schofield , H . G . Farthing , and Hugh W . Bloomer . Visitors : Comos U . Thomas , M . E . Z . 204 ; G . A . Myers , P . Z ., P . P . G . D . C . ; Geo . S . Smith , P . Z ., P . P . G . Org . ; Thos . Shorrock , H . G . Ward , and Chas . Shaw .

Broxbourne Chapter , No . 2353 . A meeting of this chapter was held on Saturday , the 10 th inst ., at the Hidlev Ho ' el New Barnet , when there were present Comps . E . C . Mnlvey , M . E . Z . ; S . Lichtenf- ' ld H . ; H . Gardiner , J . ; L . J . Gittins , Scribe E . ; j . W . Hunt , P S ; T 1 Pmllios ist A . S . ; J . Heilbrun , 2 nd 1 A . S . ; G . Angold , D . C . ; C . E . Greening , Stwd . : H Evenden , Janitor ; and McVey .

The minutes of the consecration meeting and emergency meetings w ; re read and confirmed , also the by-laws adopted by the By-law Committee . Ihe election of Principals and officers for the ensuing year then too c place , and the Audit Com nittee were appointed . The chapler havin / been closed , the companions adjourned to rehvshmen' id an enjoyable evening was spent .