The Aberdeen Mason Lodge.

it is stated : — ' That it was made appear , by an extract from some of their old writings mentioned in the memorial and other documents produced , that in the year one thousand five hundred and forty-one , there had been a regular lodge formed in

Aberdeen , but that their records had by accident been burned , so that , until the twenty-sixth day of December , one thousand six hundred and seventy , their records were destroyed ; Jtlid that , since that period doAvnwards , they have kept a

regular lodge , and authentick record of their proceedings , and the grand lodge is perfectly satisfied with these documents ; ' and the charter goes on' Declaring their precedency in the grand lodge to be aud commence from the twenty-sixth day of December , one thousand six hundred and seventy

years . " The earliest portion of the history of the Aberdeen Lodge is partly traditionary , and so far can only be received as such , and partly derived from an edition of the Rules of the Society , printed in 1680 or 82 . Unfortunately , no copy of the

rules can now be found . The last copy knoAvn of belonged to a gentleman Avho died upAA r ards of twenty years ago , and it Avas probably after his death , treated as merely Avaste paper , and destroyed .

" Tradition says that a builder named Scott , with several assistants , all from Melrose , Avere employed by the Bishop of Aberdeen at the building of the cathedral church , and that by Scott and his assistants St . John ' s ( the Aberdeen ) Lodge Avas founded . What the nature , form , or objects of this ' lodge' Avere , must necessarily be

conjectural . That there were certain formalities , ceremonies , or secrets peculiar to admissions into the Fraternity , is no matter of doubt or question , nor that great precaution and circumspection Avere exercised in communicating them in Aberdeen .

Various retired and secluded spots in the vicinity are mentioned Avhere Masonic meetings Avere held , in a tent set up for the purpose ; and Kennedy , in his ' Annals of Aberdeen , ' says that the Masons sometimes even crossed the Dee , and ' had their

assemblies for initiating candidates into the mysteries of the art' in the adjoining county of Kincardine . We hear of no similar proceedings on the part of any other trade or profession . The chief officer among the Masons was called Deacon ,

as we find was likewise the case in the Mother Kilwinning , and other ancient lodges . The first cathedral church of Aberdeen (

dedicated to St . Machar *) stood only for about two hundred years , and was demolished by Bishop Kinnimonth , to make room for the present edifice , Avhich he founded in 1357 . Outside the present building , from the foundation upwards , are to be

seen numerous Mason-marks , snch as are familiar to , and still in use among the Craft . And on the only original portion now remaining of King ' s College , Old Aberdeen , especially on the north side and east gable of the College Chapel , similar

marks abound . Copies have been taken of a number of these marks on both buildings , with a view to have them lithographed , for distribution among the brethren .

" The mark-book of the Aberdeen Lodge , now in excellent condition , was begun in 1670 , and contains the marks of the brethren appended to their respective names—just such marks are to be seen on the building mentioned . The book is

rather strongly bound in vellum , and carefully fastened and secured by a brass rod and padlock . " The lodge , after it was formed , is said to have prospered , and been joined by the practical Masons of the neighbourhood , as well as by other persons .

The earliest mention of the Masons , as a constituted body , that has yet been observed is in relation to the foundation by them , in conjunction Avith the wrights , of a chantry and altar AA'ithin the ancient parish church of St . Nicholas in Aberdeen . This chantry was dedicated to the Masons' patron saint , St . John the Baptist . The

date of its foundation is uncertain ; but a burgess of Aberdeen , by charter , dated 9 th October , 1486 , granted to its altar and chaplain an annuity of £ 2 Is ., to be levied from a certain tenement belonging to him , and tAvo merks from another ;

and , by a second charter , granted in 1491 , he gave further annuities for the same objects . " After this the Masons are repeatedly referred to in the Council Register of Aberdeen ; and on the 5 th of August , 1527 , they , and some of the

other trades , Avere granted by the Magistrates and Council a Seal of Cause , Avith poAvers to them and their Deacons to " ressaue , ouptak , and inbring ouery one of ye said Craft yat enteris of new , " & c , & c . —in short , all the powers and privileges then

usually granted to incorporated bodies ; and , for some reason or other , a second deed , under the common seal , Avas granted to the same parties .