Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
who were last in the order of procession , now passed through the ranks to the platform erected on the north-east of the foundation stone—the other lodges entering the enclosure according to seniority . The Prov . G . M . being received by the magistrates and town council , who had by a short distance preceeded the Masonic portion of the procession . The implements of the Craft having been placed before the Prov . G . M ., the
ceremony commenced by the Kilmarnock band playing the National Anthem . The Prov . G . Master then called upon the Prov . G . Chap ., Bro . Inglis , who offered up an appropriate prayer . The Old Hundred was next performed by the band , while the coins , & c , -were being placed in the cavities of the stone . Plumb-line , level , and square were then successively applied to the stone , and the Prov . G . Master finished the work by giving the stone
three distinct knocks , saying : — " May the Almighty Architect of the Universe grant a blessing upon the foundation stone we have now laid , and may He enable us to raise a superstructure upon it which to the latest ages shall prove a house of refuge and of consolation to the diseased poor of this town and neighbourhood . " Three cheers were then given , and while the band discoursed most appropriate music , a sheaf of corn was thrown upon the stone , and wine and oil poured upon it by the Prov . G .
Master , saying : — "Praise be to the Lord immortal and eternal , who formed the heavens , laid the foundations of the earth , and extended the waters beyond it—who supports the pillars of nations , and maintains in order and harmony surrounding -worlds . We implore thy aid , and may the continued blessing of an all-bounteous Providence be the lot of these our native shores ; and may the Almighty Ruler of Events deign to direct the hand of our gracious Sovereign , so that she may pour down
blessings upon her people ; and may that people , living nnder sage laws , in a free Government , ever feel grateful for the blessings they enjoy . " The following were the documents , & c , enclosed in the bottle placed in the cavity formed for its reception in the foundation stone : —The FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR of September 21 st , 1867 , presented by the representatives of i the MAGAZINE in Scotland , XV . R M . Thomson and Co ., Buchanan-street , Glasgow ; "The British . Irish , and Colonial
Masonic Calendar and Pocket Book and Diary for 1867 ; " "Report of Dr . Aitken to Parochial Board on the necessity of erecting a Fever Hospital in Kilmarnock ; " "Report of the Joint Committee of the Town Council and Parochial Board to their respective Boards , advising the erection of a Fever Hospital and Infirmary in Kilmarnock , May , 1 S 66 ; " circular issued by committee entrusted with the erection of an hospital , May , 1 S 67 ; circular issued by committee reporting progress ,
and requesting aid from friends ; copy of the "History of Kilmarnock , ' " by Archibald M'Kay ; copies of Glasgoio Herald , Mail , and ' Morning Journal newspapers ; copies of the newspapers in the county of Ayr , viz ., Advertiser , Observer , Ayrshire Express , Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald , Argus , Ayrshire Weelcly News , and Kilmarnock Standard ; Statistics from James S . Gregory , Esq ., Registrar ; " Digest of the Census of 1 S 61 in tbe District of Kilmarnockwith Registration Statistics" by
, , James S . Gregory , Registrar ; "Vital Statistics from the Registrar of Births , Deaths , and Marriages of 1 S 65 and 1866 . " The Masons' anthem was then given by the band , and three cheers by the large assemblage , after which Bro . Wylie spoke as follows : — Provost Dickie , Magistrates , Town Councillors , Ladies and Gentlemen , Right Worshipful Masters , Wardens , and Brethren , —It has been a privilege peculiar to our Order to lay with
pomp and ceremony the foundation stones of gorgeous palaces , solemn temples , and enduring monuments ; but I cannot imagine an occasion , however humble it may be , for the performance of our ceremony , more genial to the feelings of a true-hearted Mason , or a sincere lover of the human race , than the present . The structure which we have now commenced , and which you purpose to dedicate to the relief of your fellow-creatures , is like the mystical fabric of our ancient Institution , the chief
cornerstone of which is charity—that charity which extendeth the hand of relief to the poor , the afflicted , the widow , and tbe orphan . Sir , ifc is with cordial sympathy , therefore , as well as with sincere pride and gratification , that the Masonic Fraternity of Ayrshire have responded to your call , and borne their emblems to this spot to-day to lay with mystic ceremony the corner-stone of your new fever hospital and infirmary . 1 feel that I cannot allow the present opportunity to pass -without congratulating you on the commencement of an institution
which must hereafter prove to be conducive to the health and welfare of this large and prosperous town . Moralists have said there is nothing in the universe of God so independent as a . stone . Cold and passionless it stands , although tbe winds of heaven beat upon it , or the swelling ocean rises and embraces ifc . But no one who scans the subscription sheet of your building fund will say that the hearts of the men of Kilmarnock are
made of stone—colli anil passionless . You have commenced a . work of Christian benevolence here to-day , which shows your heart is in the right place , and which only could have been , moved by glowing streams of sympathy and affection . The poet has very beautifully and truthfully said : —
" Our life is but a span—No summer rose so frail as dying man ; Did there no memory of our deeds survive , Death were more welcome than the happiest life . " That the work begun so auspiciously may go on prosperously and continue long after the great ocean of life has closed over those who have witnessed or taken part in the ceremony this
day , is my most earnest prayer . Provost Dickie then said , we are met here for a most important purpose , to witness the laying of the foundation stone of a building intended for the benefit of our fellow townsmen and those in the neighbourhood , who may be attacked with fever , or who may meet with accidents requiring medical treatment , and for which they have no convenience at home . Such an institution is much wanted here and in every large town ..
Th is want has been felt for very many years . Some public spirited gentlemen here , fully a quarter of a century ago , set on foot a subscription for the erection of a fever hospital . The greatest niiinbor of these gentlemen have passed away , only iv few survive , some of them are present to-day and rejoice at theiianticipations in process of being realised . I believe the difficulty of maintaining such an hospital when erected was the cause of delay . Those who have been attending to sanitary
affairsamong whom , principally , are the medical gentlemen—have year after year seen with alarm fever coming amongst us , and witnessed its ravages in families cooped up in small rooms and in densely crowded localities , where one member after another was seized , and in some instances a parent or both parents cut off ,, leaving children destitute . This institution will be of incalculable benefit when any member is attacked , for by removing the patient in time , infection may be prevented from spreading , and useful lives prolonged . Impressed with these views , a committee of the various public representative bodies took up the subject earnestly , and having a pretty large sum of monev
m bank , the produce of subscriptions by a iormer generation , they set to work to look after a site . Almost every corner of the town was examined , and at length the site on which we now stand was selected , and tbe property obtained . The funds , we are thankful to say , have been poured in upon us with no stinted hand . Among the more prominent donors the name of John Finnie , of Bouden Lodge , stands conspicuous , he having given tbe munificent sum of £ 500 ; indeed , all the branches of the
family of Finnie have of their abundance given most liberally . The subscriptions are not confined to the wealthy . The workmen are now alive to the importance of the hospital , and have cheerfully given of their hard-earned wages to have some stones in the building . We have many friends of our native town living at a distance , even in India , who have supported ns most handsomely . To all these contributors , who have thus cheered us by their kindness 1 desire now publiclin the
, y , name of the committee , to tender our warmest thanks . Our best thanks are also due to all who favour us with their company this day , and show an interest in the undertaking , and in an especial manner to the ancient brotherhood of Freemasons , who have in the most handsome way acceded to our request to lay the foundation stone in true Masonic style , someof whom , including the Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master for Ayrshire , Bro . Wylie , and other brethren of Mother
Kilwinning , who have come from a distance at their own expense . Last and not least , our thanks are due , and most kindly given to the ladies , who have condescended to countenance us on this occasion . The whole of this new building is tobe fitted up and used as an hospital—the old building for theresidence of those in charge , for culinary purposes , committee rooms , and also for convalescents . The whole arrangements , have been most carefully made by Mr . William Railton , architect , aiter consulting ivith those best informed on such matters , and also examining plans of existing institutions of a similar-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
who were last in the order of procession , now passed through the ranks to the platform erected on the north-east of the foundation stone—the other lodges entering the enclosure according to seniority . The Prov . G . M . being received by the magistrates and town council , who had by a short distance preceeded the Masonic portion of the procession . The implements of the Craft having been placed before the Prov . G . M ., the
ceremony commenced by the Kilmarnock band playing the National Anthem . The Prov . G . Master then called upon the Prov . G . Chap ., Bro . Inglis , who offered up an appropriate prayer . The Old Hundred was next performed by the band , while the coins , & c , -were being placed in the cavities of the stone . Plumb-line , level , and square were then successively applied to the stone , and the Prov . G . Master finished the work by giving the stone
three distinct knocks , saying : — " May the Almighty Architect of the Universe grant a blessing upon the foundation stone we have now laid , and may He enable us to raise a superstructure upon it which to the latest ages shall prove a house of refuge and of consolation to the diseased poor of this town and neighbourhood . " Three cheers were then given , and while the band discoursed most appropriate music , a sheaf of corn was thrown upon the stone , and wine and oil poured upon it by the Prov . G .
Master , saying : — "Praise be to the Lord immortal and eternal , who formed the heavens , laid the foundations of the earth , and extended the waters beyond it—who supports the pillars of nations , and maintains in order and harmony surrounding -worlds . We implore thy aid , and may the continued blessing of an all-bounteous Providence be the lot of these our native shores ; and may the Almighty Ruler of Events deign to direct the hand of our gracious Sovereign , so that she may pour down
blessings upon her people ; and may that people , living nnder sage laws , in a free Government , ever feel grateful for the blessings they enjoy . " The following were the documents , & c , enclosed in the bottle placed in the cavity formed for its reception in the foundation stone : —The FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR of September 21 st , 1867 , presented by the representatives of i the MAGAZINE in Scotland , XV . R M . Thomson and Co ., Buchanan-street , Glasgow ; "The British . Irish , and Colonial
Masonic Calendar and Pocket Book and Diary for 1867 ; " "Report of Dr . Aitken to Parochial Board on the necessity of erecting a Fever Hospital in Kilmarnock ; " "Report of the Joint Committee of the Town Council and Parochial Board to their respective Boards , advising the erection of a Fever Hospital and Infirmary in Kilmarnock , May , 1 S 66 ; " circular issued by committee entrusted with the erection of an hospital , May , 1 S 67 ; circular issued by committee reporting progress ,
and requesting aid from friends ; copy of the "History of Kilmarnock , ' " by Archibald M'Kay ; copies of Glasgoio Herald , Mail , and ' Morning Journal newspapers ; copies of the newspapers in the county of Ayr , viz ., Advertiser , Observer , Ayrshire Express , Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald , Argus , Ayrshire Weelcly News , and Kilmarnock Standard ; Statistics from James S . Gregory , Esq ., Registrar ; " Digest of the Census of 1 S 61 in tbe District of Kilmarnockwith Registration Statistics" by
, , James S . Gregory , Registrar ; "Vital Statistics from the Registrar of Births , Deaths , and Marriages of 1 S 65 and 1866 . " The Masons' anthem was then given by the band , and three cheers by the large assemblage , after which Bro . Wylie spoke as follows : — Provost Dickie , Magistrates , Town Councillors , Ladies and Gentlemen , Right Worshipful Masters , Wardens , and Brethren , —It has been a privilege peculiar to our Order to lay with
pomp and ceremony the foundation stones of gorgeous palaces , solemn temples , and enduring monuments ; but I cannot imagine an occasion , however humble it may be , for the performance of our ceremony , more genial to the feelings of a true-hearted Mason , or a sincere lover of the human race , than the present . The structure which we have now commenced , and which you purpose to dedicate to the relief of your fellow-creatures , is like the mystical fabric of our ancient Institution , the chief
cornerstone of which is charity—that charity which extendeth the hand of relief to the poor , the afflicted , the widow , and tbe orphan . Sir , ifc is with cordial sympathy , therefore , as well as with sincere pride and gratification , that the Masonic Fraternity of Ayrshire have responded to your call , and borne their emblems to this spot to-day to lay with mystic ceremony the corner-stone of your new fever hospital and infirmary . 1 feel that I cannot allow the present opportunity to pass -without congratulating you on the commencement of an institution
which must hereafter prove to be conducive to the health and welfare of this large and prosperous town . Moralists have said there is nothing in the universe of God so independent as a . stone . Cold and passionless it stands , although tbe winds of heaven beat upon it , or the swelling ocean rises and embraces ifc . But no one who scans the subscription sheet of your building fund will say that the hearts of the men of Kilmarnock are
made of stone—colli anil passionless . You have commenced a . work of Christian benevolence here to-day , which shows your heart is in the right place , and which only could have been , moved by glowing streams of sympathy and affection . The poet has very beautifully and truthfully said : —
" Our life is but a span—No summer rose so frail as dying man ; Did there no memory of our deeds survive , Death were more welcome than the happiest life . " That the work begun so auspiciously may go on prosperously and continue long after the great ocean of life has closed over those who have witnessed or taken part in the ceremony this
day , is my most earnest prayer . Provost Dickie then said , we are met here for a most important purpose , to witness the laying of the foundation stone of a building intended for the benefit of our fellow townsmen and those in the neighbourhood , who may be attacked with fever , or who may meet with accidents requiring medical treatment , and for which they have no convenience at home . Such an institution is much wanted here and in every large town ..
Th is want has been felt for very many years . Some public spirited gentlemen here , fully a quarter of a century ago , set on foot a subscription for the erection of a fever hospital . The greatest niiinbor of these gentlemen have passed away , only iv few survive , some of them are present to-day and rejoice at theiianticipations in process of being realised . I believe the difficulty of maintaining such an hospital when erected was the cause of delay . Those who have been attending to sanitary
affairsamong whom , principally , are the medical gentlemen—have year after year seen with alarm fever coming amongst us , and witnessed its ravages in families cooped up in small rooms and in densely crowded localities , where one member after another was seized , and in some instances a parent or both parents cut off ,, leaving children destitute . This institution will be of incalculable benefit when any member is attacked , for by removing the patient in time , infection may be prevented from spreading , and useful lives prolonged . Impressed with these views , a committee of the various public representative bodies took up the subject earnestly , and having a pretty large sum of monev
m bank , the produce of subscriptions by a iormer generation , they set to work to look after a site . Almost every corner of the town was examined , and at length the site on which we now stand was selected , and tbe property obtained . The funds , we are thankful to say , have been poured in upon us with no stinted hand . Among the more prominent donors the name of John Finnie , of Bouden Lodge , stands conspicuous , he having given tbe munificent sum of £ 500 ; indeed , all the branches of the
family of Finnie have of their abundance given most liberally . The subscriptions are not confined to the wealthy . The workmen are now alive to the importance of the hospital , and have cheerfully given of their hard-earned wages to have some stones in the building . We have many friends of our native town living at a distance , even in India , who have supported ns most handsomely . To all these contributors , who have thus cheered us by their kindness 1 desire now publiclin the
, y , name of the committee , to tender our warmest thanks . Our best thanks are also due to all who favour us with their company this day , and show an interest in the undertaking , and in an especial manner to the ancient brotherhood of Freemasons , who have in the most handsome way acceded to our request to lay the foundation stone in true Masonic style , someof whom , including the Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master for Ayrshire , Bro . Wylie , and other brethren of Mother
Kilwinning , who have come from a distance at their own expense . Last and not least , our thanks are due , and most kindly given to the ladies , who have condescended to countenance us on this occasion . The whole of this new building is tobe fitted up and used as an hospital—the old building for theresidence of those in charge , for culinary purposes , committee rooms , and also for convalescents . The whole arrangements , have been most carefully made by Mr . William Railton , architect , aiter consulting ivith those best informed on such matters , and also examining plans of existing institutions of a similar-