Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
It was renewed a few years ago by the present proprietor , and forms a very beautiful object in the landscape . The new stone bridge at Chatelherault was built by the late Duke of Hamilton ( to whose memory was erected the temple
containing his bust , which now overlooks us ) , and we need not wonder at its strength and picturesque appearance when we recollect that the late noble Duke was a Master Mason , and that he held the office of Provincial Grand Master of
the Middle Ward of the County of Lanark , and that the toth Duke was Grand Master Mason of Scotland . Ladies and gentlemen , we are standing within a few paces of Cadzow Forest , and quite close to the ruins of the old Castle ,
celebrated in history as the resting-place of Queen Mary on hsr way from Lochlevan Castle to the disastrous battle field of Langside . I wonder whether any of you regret that you did not live at the time
When princely Hamilton s abode Ennobled Cadzow ' s Gothic towers , When—The song went round , the goblet flowed . And revel sped the laughing hours .
These are said to have been good old times ; but , ladies and gentlemen , we live in happier days ; our lot has been cast under a brighter sun . Who would wish to " call back" the troublous times when
Proudly the chieftain marked his clan , On greenwood lap , all careless thrown , Yet missed his eye the boldest man That bore the name of Hamilton . I am sure it is the universal wish that the
Fernegare Branch will turn out to be a profitable investment to the Caledonian Railway Company . I am certain it will confer great advantages on the general public—be the means of largel y increasing the profits of many of our townsmen ,
and of developing the hidden resources of this immediate neighbourhood . It will be invaluable to the Lesmahagow mineral district , as it will give a shorter route to the present markets in the West of Scotland , and bv the aid of the
proposed East Kilbride Branch , will open up new Jrnarkets in that thriving locality . I hope the people of Lesmahagow will be well repaid for the benefits conferred by the building of Hamilton bridge 700 years ago . I will only
add that it is to Mr . Scott and Mr . Best that we are indebted for the very comfortable arrangements , and for the success of this day ' s proceedings . The whole expense has been borne
by Mr . Scott , and I ask you to join with me in wishing that , when this contract is completed , and when he has paid every man his due , he may have a comfortable balance to send to his banker .
Provost D ykes addressed the meeting , thanking the Freemasons for having done him and the Council the honour of inviting them to be present , and congratulating them on the highly satisfactory way in which the whole of the
proceedings had been conducted . He also bore testimony to the satisfactory way in which Bro . Scottwas executing thework and the peaceable
and orderl y manner in which the whole of his workmen conducted themselves , giving himself and the rest of the magistrates very little trouble .
Bro , Scott briefly acknowledged the compliment paid to him . The procession then returned in inverted order to the Town Hall . The banquet took place in the Masonic Hall ,
the property of No . 7 , and about 120 brethren sat down to an excellent repast , prepared b y Bro . Minto , the viands , wines , and liquors , being all of first-class quality . Bro . Mackay , as Acting Master of No . 7
, presided , having on his ri ght Bros . Scott and Forrest , P . G . S . M ., who in a eloquent speech responded on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lod ge . Bro . D . Mitchell proposed "The Visitors "
, which was responded to in a humourous speech b y Bro . Wm . Forrest , of 31 , who feelingly spoke ? f the presentation he had received the preced-> ng day at Wishaw .
Scotland.
Bro . Scott then presented the handsome silver trowel with which he had laid the stone to Bro . John Clark Forrest , P . G . S . M ., who said he would treasure it , and hand it down to his children as an heirloom .
" The Army , Navy , and Reserve Forces , was g iven in a highly eulogistic speech by Bro . Spalding , S . W ., and responded to by Bros . Main and Chaplain . The Lord of the Manor ( the Duke of Hamilton ) was proposed by Bro . Best , and enthusiastically received .
Bro . Dr . Robertson , in a neat speech , proposed the Provost , Magistrates , and Town Council . " The R . W . M ., Bro . Mackay , who is Treasurer of the Board , was called upon to reply , which he did in a brief , but pointed speech .
Bro . Forrest , P . G . S . M ., then gave " Bro . W . Scott , the guest of the evening , " alluding not only to his good qualities as a Mason , but also to his liberality as an employer , and that exhibited this day , by defraying all the expenses attending the demonstration .
Bro . Scott , who , on rising , was greeted with loud cheers , said he only had to do his duty in that state of life in which he had been placed , and for the sake of the old lodge , Mother Kilwinning , he was glad that his ^ conduct had gained him the approbation of his brother Masons .
" The Caledonian Railway Company was given by Bro . Nesbet ; after which "The Health of the Acting Master of No . 7 , Bro . Mackay , " who briefly acknowledged the compliment . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a very happy day ' s proceedings , everything having gone off without the slightest hitch in the programme .
We should mention that Bros . Dr . Robertson , D . Mitchell , D . Wright , W . Dunlop , McCalbin , and Gardner , by their singing , and Bro . Schrider , by presiding at the organ , in the Town Hall , and at the harmonium in the evening , contributed much to the enjoyment of the mental part of the feast .
WISIIAW . —PRESENTATION TO BRO . FORREST On Monday evening the brethren of " St . Mary ' s , " Coltness ( No . 31 ) , met in Bro . Scott ' s Hall , where they were joined by influential deputations from " St . Clair ' s , " Cambusnethan ( 427 ) , and " St . J ohn ' s , " Woodhall , Holytown
( 305 ) . Shortly after seven o ' clock the lodge was opened in due form , after which Bro . Gilchrist , R . W . M . of " St . Mary ' s , " issued instructions for the lodge to be formed into marching order , and to proceed to Wishaw House , there to meet Bro . Forrest , and
accompany him back to the lodge-room , where he was to be presented with a mark of the esteem in which he was held by the brethren of the Craft . On leaving the hall , the procession was headed by the Clydesdale instrumental band , and as they marched through the policies of Wishaw
House as shades of evening were beginning to close , the strains of music , as they re-echoed through the woods and glens , had a grand and pleasing effect . On approaching Wishaw House the brethren were received by Bro . Forrest , who expressed regret at the absence of Mr . and Mrs .
Russell , who happened to be from home ; and would , he said , had they been present , heartily accorded the welcome to the Craft which he now humbly offered . Bro . Forrest then passed a high eulogy on Mr . and Mrs . Russell for the uniform kindness they had always shown to
himself since they came to reside at Wishaw House , and also for their readiness in giving the public an opportunity of enjoyment by admitting them to the grounds . Three cheers were then given for Mr . and Mrs . Russell and family , after which the procession was re-formed , joined by Bro . Forrest , and marched back to the
lodgeroom to the inspiring strains of the " Merry Masons . " When the lodge-room was again entered , after certain preliminaiies that are only known to the members of the " mystic tie , " the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and responded to with all the enthusiastic characteristics of the Order ; after which Bro . Gilchrist , R . W . M ., rose to propose the
Scotland.
toast of the evening , and , in a neat speech , presented Bro . Forrest with a full equipment " of Masonic regalia , tastefully decorated with gold and silver embroidery , in which were beautifully wrought his initials and the name and number of his lodge ; also a handsome
silver-mounted walking cane , bearing the following inscription : —Presented to Bro . Wm . Forrest , P . M . Lodge "St . Mary ' s , No . 31 , by the R . W . M ., office bearers , and brethren of said lodge , as a mark of esteem and respect . —14 th
September , 1874 . " The whole of the articles , which were from Bros . G . Kenning ' s Glasgow establishment , were greatly admired for the highly artistic style in which they were executed .
In making the presentation , Bro . Gilchrist said that in representing " St . Mary ' s " on this auspicious occasion , although the feeble , he hoped to be the faithful , interpreter of their sentiments . He had known Bro . Forrest for a long period of years , and he had always found
him to be the pioneer of everything that was likely to advance the interest of " St . Mary ' s " Lodge , and also to extend the general advantages that accrue from Masonry . ( Cheers . ) He then proposed the health of Bro . Forrest , which was responded to with Masonic honours .
Bro . Forrest , on rising to reply , was received with loud and prolonged cheers . Words failed him , he said , to express himself in terms sufficiently eloquent for the honour that had been conferred upon him on this occasion . They had made him a proud man —( cheers ) not only by
the handsome and tangible token of esteem with which they had presented him , but with their appearance thero that ni ght in such large numbers in response to the invitation of the committee to meet in his honour . ( Applause . ) He was not a hand , he said , at framing neat
speeches , but only spoke out from the heart whatever happened to be uppermost , and he could not deny the pride and pleasure he experienced in being thus recognised for any little interest he had taken in the affairs of " St . Mary ' s , " Coltness . Some of the nleasantost
evenings of his life had been spent in a Masonic Lodge , and a large proportion of those ware spent in the Lodge that was now met to do him honour . ( Cheers . ) The most of those who formed the local lodge when first he was connected with Masonry in Wishaw were now no
more , but thc great Architect of the Universe had been pleased to spare him fco a good old age and from the result of that evening and former marks of approbation he had received from the Craft , he was sure that he would be pardoned when he said that his life had been spent— "not
without honour . " ( Cheers . ) He again thanked them for the handsome token of their esteem , and said that while it was God ' s will to spare him he would always look upon the gifts with a happy remembrance of the brethren of " St . Mary ' s , " Coltness . ( Applause . )
The next toast was that of " St . Clair ' s , " Cambusnethan , to which Bro . Smith , R . W . M ., replied , in the course of which he complimented Bro . Forrest on the active interest he had always shown in anything pertaining to the advancement of Freemasonry , and concluded by hoping that
their venerable brother mi ght be spared to weat out to rags the handsome regalia with which he that night had been presented , and he was sure " St . Mary ' s " would be happy to present him with another set . ( Applause . ) In reply to the toast of " St . John ' s , "
Woodhall , ( Holytown ) , Bro . M'Murdo , R . W . M ., also paid a tribute to Bro . Forrest . After au acquaintance , he said , extending over a long course of years , he had never known Bro . Forrest to deviate from what he considered his duty to thc ancient and honourable Order with which
they were all connected . " St . Mary ' s , " Coltness , he said , in thus honouring Bro . Forrest , was doing honour to herself , as he ( Bro . Forrest ) had been instrumental in a high degree in bringing about that happy state of prosperity
which was now a characteristic of the Lodge . ( Cheers . ) The rest of the evening was spent in song and sentiment , and the company broke up at a seasonable hour , after spending a most enjoyable evening .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
It was renewed a few years ago by the present proprietor , and forms a very beautiful object in the landscape . The new stone bridge at Chatelherault was built by the late Duke of Hamilton ( to whose memory was erected the temple
containing his bust , which now overlooks us ) , and we need not wonder at its strength and picturesque appearance when we recollect that the late noble Duke was a Master Mason , and that he held the office of Provincial Grand Master of
the Middle Ward of the County of Lanark , and that the toth Duke was Grand Master Mason of Scotland . Ladies and gentlemen , we are standing within a few paces of Cadzow Forest , and quite close to the ruins of the old Castle ,
celebrated in history as the resting-place of Queen Mary on hsr way from Lochlevan Castle to the disastrous battle field of Langside . I wonder whether any of you regret that you did not live at the time
When princely Hamilton s abode Ennobled Cadzow ' s Gothic towers , When—The song went round , the goblet flowed . And revel sped the laughing hours .
These are said to have been good old times ; but , ladies and gentlemen , we live in happier days ; our lot has been cast under a brighter sun . Who would wish to " call back" the troublous times when
Proudly the chieftain marked his clan , On greenwood lap , all careless thrown , Yet missed his eye the boldest man That bore the name of Hamilton . I am sure it is the universal wish that the
Fernegare Branch will turn out to be a profitable investment to the Caledonian Railway Company . I am certain it will confer great advantages on the general public—be the means of largel y increasing the profits of many of our townsmen ,
and of developing the hidden resources of this immediate neighbourhood . It will be invaluable to the Lesmahagow mineral district , as it will give a shorter route to the present markets in the West of Scotland , and bv the aid of the
proposed East Kilbride Branch , will open up new Jrnarkets in that thriving locality . I hope the people of Lesmahagow will be well repaid for the benefits conferred by the building of Hamilton bridge 700 years ago . I will only
add that it is to Mr . Scott and Mr . Best that we are indebted for the very comfortable arrangements , and for the success of this day ' s proceedings . The whole expense has been borne
by Mr . Scott , and I ask you to join with me in wishing that , when this contract is completed , and when he has paid every man his due , he may have a comfortable balance to send to his banker .
Provost D ykes addressed the meeting , thanking the Freemasons for having done him and the Council the honour of inviting them to be present , and congratulating them on the highly satisfactory way in which the whole of the
proceedings had been conducted . He also bore testimony to the satisfactory way in which Bro . Scottwas executing thework and the peaceable
and orderl y manner in which the whole of his workmen conducted themselves , giving himself and the rest of the magistrates very little trouble .
Bro , Scott briefly acknowledged the compliment paid to him . The procession then returned in inverted order to the Town Hall . The banquet took place in the Masonic Hall ,
the property of No . 7 , and about 120 brethren sat down to an excellent repast , prepared b y Bro . Minto , the viands , wines , and liquors , being all of first-class quality . Bro . Mackay , as Acting Master of No . 7
, presided , having on his ri ght Bros . Scott and Forrest , P . G . S . M ., who in a eloquent speech responded on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lod ge . Bro . D . Mitchell proposed "The Visitors "
, which was responded to in a humourous speech b y Bro . Wm . Forrest , of 31 , who feelingly spoke ? f the presentation he had received the preced-> ng day at Wishaw .
Scotland.
Bro . Scott then presented the handsome silver trowel with which he had laid the stone to Bro . John Clark Forrest , P . G . S . M ., who said he would treasure it , and hand it down to his children as an heirloom .
" The Army , Navy , and Reserve Forces , was g iven in a highly eulogistic speech by Bro . Spalding , S . W ., and responded to by Bros . Main and Chaplain . The Lord of the Manor ( the Duke of Hamilton ) was proposed by Bro . Best , and enthusiastically received .
Bro . Dr . Robertson , in a neat speech , proposed the Provost , Magistrates , and Town Council . " The R . W . M ., Bro . Mackay , who is Treasurer of the Board , was called upon to reply , which he did in a brief , but pointed speech .
Bro . Forrest , P . G . S . M ., then gave " Bro . W . Scott , the guest of the evening , " alluding not only to his good qualities as a Mason , but also to his liberality as an employer , and that exhibited this day , by defraying all the expenses attending the demonstration .
Bro . Scott , who , on rising , was greeted with loud cheers , said he only had to do his duty in that state of life in which he had been placed , and for the sake of the old lodge , Mother Kilwinning , he was glad that his ^ conduct had gained him the approbation of his brother Masons .
" The Caledonian Railway Company was given by Bro . Nesbet ; after which "The Health of the Acting Master of No . 7 , Bro . Mackay , " who briefly acknowledged the compliment . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a very happy day ' s proceedings , everything having gone off without the slightest hitch in the programme .
We should mention that Bros . Dr . Robertson , D . Mitchell , D . Wright , W . Dunlop , McCalbin , and Gardner , by their singing , and Bro . Schrider , by presiding at the organ , in the Town Hall , and at the harmonium in the evening , contributed much to the enjoyment of the mental part of the feast .
WISIIAW . —PRESENTATION TO BRO . FORREST On Monday evening the brethren of " St . Mary ' s , " Coltness ( No . 31 ) , met in Bro . Scott ' s Hall , where they were joined by influential deputations from " St . Clair ' s , " Cambusnethan ( 427 ) , and " St . J ohn ' s , " Woodhall , Holytown
( 305 ) . Shortly after seven o ' clock the lodge was opened in due form , after which Bro . Gilchrist , R . W . M . of " St . Mary ' s , " issued instructions for the lodge to be formed into marching order , and to proceed to Wishaw House , there to meet Bro . Forrest , and
accompany him back to the lodge-room , where he was to be presented with a mark of the esteem in which he was held by the brethren of the Craft . On leaving the hall , the procession was headed by the Clydesdale instrumental band , and as they marched through the policies of Wishaw
House as shades of evening were beginning to close , the strains of music , as they re-echoed through the woods and glens , had a grand and pleasing effect . On approaching Wishaw House the brethren were received by Bro . Forrest , who expressed regret at the absence of Mr . and Mrs .
Russell , who happened to be from home ; and would , he said , had they been present , heartily accorded the welcome to the Craft which he now humbly offered . Bro . Forrest then passed a high eulogy on Mr . and Mrs . Russell for the uniform kindness they had always shown to
himself since they came to reside at Wishaw House , and also for their readiness in giving the public an opportunity of enjoyment by admitting them to the grounds . Three cheers were then given for Mr . and Mrs . Russell and family , after which the procession was re-formed , joined by Bro . Forrest , and marched back to the
lodgeroom to the inspiring strains of the " Merry Masons . " When the lodge-room was again entered , after certain preliminaiies that are only known to the members of the " mystic tie , " the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and responded to with all the enthusiastic characteristics of the Order ; after which Bro . Gilchrist , R . W . M ., rose to propose the
Scotland.
toast of the evening , and , in a neat speech , presented Bro . Forrest with a full equipment " of Masonic regalia , tastefully decorated with gold and silver embroidery , in which were beautifully wrought his initials and the name and number of his lodge ; also a handsome
silver-mounted walking cane , bearing the following inscription : —Presented to Bro . Wm . Forrest , P . M . Lodge "St . Mary ' s , No . 31 , by the R . W . M ., office bearers , and brethren of said lodge , as a mark of esteem and respect . —14 th
September , 1874 . " The whole of the articles , which were from Bros . G . Kenning ' s Glasgow establishment , were greatly admired for the highly artistic style in which they were executed .
In making the presentation , Bro . Gilchrist said that in representing " St . Mary ' s " on this auspicious occasion , although the feeble , he hoped to be the faithful , interpreter of their sentiments . He had known Bro . Forrest for a long period of years , and he had always found
him to be the pioneer of everything that was likely to advance the interest of " St . Mary ' s " Lodge , and also to extend the general advantages that accrue from Masonry . ( Cheers . ) He then proposed the health of Bro . Forrest , which was responded to with Masonic honours .
Bro . Forrest , on rising to reply , was received with loud and prolonged cheers . Words failed him , he said , to express himself in terms sufficiently eloquent for the honour that had been conferred upon him on this occasion . They had made him a proud man —( cheers ) not only by
the handsome and tangible token of esteem with which they had presented him , but with their appearance thero that ni ght in such large numbers in response to the invitation of the committee to meet in his honour . ( Applause . ) He was not a hand , he said , at framing neat
speeches , but only spoke out from the heart whatever happened to be uppermost , and he could not deny the pride and pleasure he experienced in being thus recognised for any little interest he had taken in the affairs of " St . Mary ' s , " Coltness . Some of the nleasantost
evenings of his life had been spent in a Masonic Lodge , and a large proportion of those ware spent in the Lodge that was now met to do him honour . ( Cheers . ) The most of those who formed the local lodge when first he was connected with Masonry in Wishaw were now no
more , but thc great Architect of the Universe had been pleased to spare him fco a good old age and from the result of that evening and former marks of approbation he had received from the Craft , he was sure that he would be pardoned when he said that his life had been spent— "not
without honour . " ( Cheers . ) He again thanked them for the handsome token of their esteem , and said that while it was God ' s will to spare him he would always look upon the gifts with a happy remembrance of the brethren of " St . Mary ' s , " Coltness . ( Applause . )
The next toast was that of " St . Clair ' s , " Cambusnethan , to which Bro . Smith , R . W . M ., replied , in the course of which he complimented Bro . Forrest on the active interest he had always shown in anything pertaining to the advancement of Freemasonry , and concluded by hoping that
their venerable brother mi ght be spared to weat out to rags the handsome regalia with which he that night had been presented , and he was sure " St . Mary ' s " would be happy to present him with another set . ( Applause . ) In reply to the toast of " St . John ' s , "
Woodhall , ( Holytown ) , Bro . M'Murdo , R . W . M ., also paid a tribute to Bro . Forrest . After au acquaintance , he said , extending over a long course of years , he had never known Bro . Forrest to deviate from what he considered his duty to thc ancient and honourable Order with which
they were all connected . " St . Mary ' s , " Coltness , he said , in thus honouring Bro . Forrest , was doing honour to herself , as he ( Bro . Forrest ) had been instrumental in a high degree in bringing about that happy state of prosperity
which was now a characteristic of the Lodge . ( Cheers . ) The rest of the evening was spent in song and sentiment , and the company broke up at a seasonable hour , after spending a most enjoyable evening .