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Article MASONIC EXeUESIOET TO BOSLIN GASTLE. ← Page 9 of 14 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Exeuesioet To Boslin Gastle.
remembered that they have stood the corroding hand of time for upwards of four centuries . And I think that all present will agree with me in opinion that these pillars , these capitals , these architraves , these arches , these fretted cornices , these windows , and that vaulted rooft display no mean design , and no contemptible skill in execution . The whole scene around on this occasion is most impressive , and I do not envy the feelings of that Brother Mason who can stand unmoved
in a place where the elaborate workmanship and the pious devices of ancient Masons are around him , and the ashes of the hereditary Grand Master Masons of Scotland repose under his feet . It is fortunate that we have with us to-day a Brother who to an extensive acquaintance with the principles of Speculative Masonry adds an intimate knowledge of practical architecture , who can thus
bring the one to his aid in illustrating the other . He is to favour us with a few remarks on Ereemasonry and architecture , with a special application to the symbols and peculiarities of this ancient and sacred building ; and I have no doubt that the Brethren present will listen to what he has to advance with the utmost attention , as well as with great pleasure and profit . Before he commences however , I request the Brethren to join together in singing the 100 th Psalm . "
The B . W . Master then read this psalm according to the-version used in the Scottish kirk ; after which , it was sung in full chorus , the solemn music of the " Old Hundred" tune reverberating through the aisles and fretted vault with thrilling effect . He next read the third chapter of 1 st Cor ., in which the Apostle Paul describes himself as a wise master builder , laying the foundation of the Christian Church , and exhorting the Corinthians to be careful of the materials which they employed in assisting to rear this glorious and beneficent fabric ; for a
time , he intimates , would come , when everything improperly used , such as wood , hay , and stubble , would be tried by fire and consumed . Bro . A . Kerr then delivered an addressy the substance of which is as follows : — "Since the founding of our Lodge 150 years have passed away , carrying with them many institutions which in their early career appeared destined to exist long amidst the favourable opinion of society , but nothing remains of them now but a casual notice in some general record . During the same period several events
have also occurred , of such importance as to affect even the peace and safety of our country . There have been rebellions , battles , famine , and threatened invasion combined , with other circumstances which pressed heavily upon the productive classes , and , consequently , upon the institutions maintained amongst them . Notwithstanding all these , our Lodge has existed and maintained her position as an Operative Lodge , and in her old age is still flourishing with the vigour of youthaccording with the figure of our national and Mason
poets ' Ours is no sapling chance sown by the fountain , Blooming at Beltane , in winter to fade . ' "In the year 1707 , our Lodge was constituted by the Fellow Crafts or Journey men Masons of Edinburgh—who separated from the Lodge of Edinburgh , Mary ' s Chapel , which was at that time connected with the Incorporated Trades of the city—the object of the Journeymen being to obtain the control of the funds subscribed by them for benevolent purposes ; in that they were opposed by the
Lodge and ^ Incorporation . After seven years' contendings they obtained from the Lords of Council and Session authority to exist as a separate Lodge , and to exercise all the privileges of Masonry ; they were also presented by them with that crimson velvet purse ( pointing to the purse carried by the treasurer ) , which we have fondly preserved as a memorial of our early struggle . Our Lodge has continued to prosper , fulfilling all her engagements as a Lodge of Operatives ,
and exerting her influence in the cause of charity and benevolence . lo a few of the instances of a bygone age I would now refer , to show the generous character of those who have gone before us . In our early records there are frequent notices of relief being given not only to the Brother of the Craft , but to the stranger in time of need ; and when the contributions of the wealthy were being made for erecting the Orphan Hospital , which formerly stood to the east of the North Bridge of Edinburgh , and also for erecting the present Boyal Inrir-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Exeuesioet To Boslin Gastle.
remembered that they have stood the corroding hand of time for upwards of four centuries . And I think that all present will agree with me in opinion that these pillars , these capitals , these architraves , these arches , these fretted cornices , these windows , and that vaulted rooft display no mean design , and no contemptible skill in execution . The whole scene around on this occasion is most impressive , and I do not envy the feelings of that Brother Mason who can stand unmoved
in a place where the elaborate workmanship and the pious devices of ancient Masons are around him , and the ashes of the hereditary Grand Master Masons of Scotland repose under his feet . It is fortunate that we have with us to-day a Brother who to an extensive acquaintance with the principles of Speculative Masonry adds an intimate knowledge of practical architecture , who can thus
bring the one to his aid in illustrating the other . He is to favour us with a few remarks on Ereemasonry and architecture , with a special application to the symbols and peculiarities of this ancient and sacred building ; and I have no doubt that the Brethren present will listen to what he has to advance with the utmost attention , as well as with great pleasure and profit . Before he commences however , I request the Brethren to join together in singing the 100 th Psalm . "
The B . W . Master then read this psalm according to the-version used in the Scottish kirk ; after which , it was sung in full chorus , the solemn music of the " Old Hundred" tune reverberating through the aisles and fretted vault with thrilling effect . He next read the third chapter of 1 st Cor ., in which the Apostle Paul describes himself as a wise master builder , laying the foundation of the Christian Church , and exhorting the Corinthians to be careful of the materials which they employed in assisting to rear this glorious and beneficent fabric ; for a
time , he intimates , would come , when everything improperly used , such as wood , hay , and stubble , would be tried by fire and consumed . Bro . A . Kerr then delivered an addressy the substance of which is as follows : — "Since the founding of our Lodge 150 years have passed away , carrying with them many institutions which in their early career appeared destined to exist long amidst the favourable opinion of society , but nothing remains of them now but a casual notice in some general record . During the same period several events
have also occurred , of such importance as to affect even the peace and safety of our country . There have been rebellions , battles , famine , and threatened invasion combined , with other circumstances which pressed heavily upon the productive classes , and , consequently , upon the institutions maintained amongst them . Notwithstanding all these , our Lodge has existed and maintained her position as an Operative Lodge , and in her old age is still flourishing with the vigour of youthaccording with the figure of our national and Mason
poets ' Ours is no sapling chance sown by the fountain , Blooming at Beltane , in winter to fade . ' "In the year 1707 , our Lodge was constituted by the Fellow Crafts or Journey men Masons of Edinburgh—who separated from the Lodge of Edinburgh , Mary ' s Chapel , which was at that time connected with the Incorporated Trades of the city—the object of the Journeymen being to obtain the control of the funds subscribed by them for benevolent purposes ; in that they were opposed by the
Lodge and ^ Incorporation . After seven years' contendings they obtained from the Lords of Council and Session authority to exist as a separate Lodge , and to exercise all the privileges of Masonry ; they were also presented by them with that crimson velvet purse ( pointing to the purse carried by the treasurer ) , which we have fondly preserved as a memorial of our early struggle . Our Lodge has continued to prosper , fulfilling all her engagements as a Lodge of Operatives ,
and exerting her influence in the cause of charity and benevolence . lo a few of the instances of a bygone age I would now refer , to show the generous character of those who have gone before us . In our early records there are frequent notices of relief being given not only to the Brother of the Craft , but to the stranger in time of need ; and when the contributions of the wealthy were being made for erecting the Orphan Hospital , which formerly stood to the east of the North Bridge of Edinburgh , and also for erecting the present Boyal Inrir-