Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
connected with the principles of the Order , u e give promi--nence to the necessity of labour , the value of industry , and the importance of commercial intercourse in advancing the wellbeing of the human race by promoting morality , and fostering that brotherly regard upon which its happiness so materially ¦ depends . In the name "Thistle and Rose" we have distinct reference to the patriotic element . It calls to our recollection the union of England and Scotlandand the consequent
advan-, tages that attended that union ; and the Freemasons of England and Scotland , however strongly attached they may be to thenrespective countries , however highly their patriotism may run , would never wish to see that union severed , and a less kindly feeling existing between the countries than at present . Whilst Freemasonry fosters patriotism as a virtue , it recognises union as a necessity . Tbe name '' Union and Crown" brings to our
-minds the idea of loyalty—a quality which strongly predominates in every Freemason's heart . We are eminently loyal ; we invariably speak of the Queen and the Craft in the same breath . This name is well represented , on this occassion by my largehearted and truly loyal friend , Bro . Gillies , a man who sticks to the union and vows by the crown . Bro . M'Taggart concluded by tendering anew bis thanks to the li . W . M . and
members of Shcttlcton St . John , and expressed a hope thattho principles which tho names of the lodges represented would continue to be respected by the Order and adhered to by the brethren of thc province of Glasgow . Bros . Wallace , Gillies , M'Robert , & c , having also appropriately returned thanks on behalf the visiting brethren . The toast of "The Health of Bro . M'Lcod , R . W . M-, and the
office-bearers of the Loige St . John , No . 12 S , " was proposed in a very kindly aud warm-hearted manner by the Prov . G . Secretary , and was honoured most enthusiastically . The R . W . Master , in a pithy speech , returned thanks for himself and office-bearers for the honour just done them by the Prov . G . Sec , mid for the cordial manner in which the brethren had received tbe toast . In the course of other toasts that followed , the R . W . M . proposed that of the " Masonic Press , " identifying with that toast the name of Bro . James Stevenson
of the FREEMASONS' MAGAZIXE AXD MASOXIC MIRROR , London and Glasgow , who was present amongst them this evening . In the course of bis remarks the R . W . M . introduced to the notice of the brethren the advantages afforded by having a special medium of their own , for conveying Masonic information and for the ventilation ot all questions affecting the interests of the Order ; these advantages were fully afforded by the Masonic Magazineof which Bro . Stevenson was the representative
, editor for Scotland , and to whom they were much indebted for tho courteous and attentive manner in which he tended for the interests of Scots Masonry in the Magazine , as evidenced by the numerous reports of Scots Masonic proceedings and articles generally of interest to Scots Masons , that had recently appeared in its pages . The toast having been received with the hig hest , honours
, Bro . Stevenson returned his cordial thanks . He gave a short retrospective view of Freemasonry as he had found it on his arrival in Scotland . And in referring to tbe motion recently brought before the Provincial Grand Lodge of a Masonic educational scheme for Glasgow , he hailed with pleasure this step as one taken in the right direction , and as evidencing a desire on the part of Scotch Masons to wipe off the reproach at present
attaching to Freemasonry in Scotland , that she—so pre-eminent as a warm-hearted nation , and her capital adorned by some of the most useful educational establishments in Great Britainshould be so utterly deficient of Masonic educational and benevolent institutions . This great want was peculiar to Scotch Masonry , for even in Ireland Masonic , benevolent ancl educational institutions existed , and were creditably supported and
conducted , whilst in England we have the three great Masonic charities of the Royal Masonic Institution for the Sons of Freemasons , a similar institution for the daughters of Freemasons , and the Institution for Aged Freemasons and their widows . Other toasts having been given and duly honoured , the brethren were called again to labour , ancl the lodge was closed according to ancient custom . We should add that during the time of refreshment , the happiness of the brethren was further promoted by some excellent singing from Bros . M'Leod , Gillies , Deans , Livingstone , & c .
RENFREWSHIRE ( WEST . ) GREEX * . —Lodge Greenock Kilwinning ( No . 12 ) . —The annual general meeting of this lodge for the election of
officebearers was held in the Council Chambers , on the evening of St . Andrew ' s Day , the 30 th ult ., when the following brethren were elected for the ensuing year : —Bros . E . Blackmore , R . W . M . ; J . B . Crawhall , I . P . M . ; J . Fleming , D . M . ; A . Tasker , S . W . ; D . Shaw , J . W . ; J . R . Allison , Treas . ; T . B . Newton , Sec ; Rev , C . Cole , B . D ., Chap . ; Rev . A . Fullarton , Assist . Chap . ; W . C . Tennant Sloan , Architect ; J . Morrison , S . D . ; J . R . Clarke . J . D . ; D . Middleton , Dir . of Music ; A . Roxburgh , S . Steward ; D . Cunningham , J . Steward ; A . Hamilton , I . G . ; and James Hannah , Tyler .
GHEEXOCK . —St . Johns Lodge ( Xo . 175 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge for the election of office-bearers for the current vear , was held in the lodge hull on the evening of St . Andrew ' s Day , 30 th ult . Tbe following were elected : —Bros . Donald Anderson , R . W . M . ; J . P . Muir , S . W . ; H . B . Crawfurd , J . W . ; A . Boas , Sec ; J . Herriot , Treas .,- Rev . W . Ross , Chap . ; Alex . Mann , S . D . ; J . Hogs , J . D- ; W . Wright , 1 st S . ; D . MTnnes , 2 nd S .: II . ChalmerTSrd S . ; J . 15 . S . ' Conins , 4 th S ,: E . Urie , P . M . ; A . M'Master , D . M . ; P . M . Black and 11 . Morison , O . M . ; A . Griulen , I . G . ; and J . Donn , Tyler .
PORT GLASGOW . —Lodge Doric Kilwinning ( Xo . 68 ) . —At a meetitii . of this ancient lodt-e held on the evening of the 3 rd instant " in the Alasonic Hall , Gillespie-lane , the following brethren wore elected office-bearers for the ensuing year , viz .: — Bros . 1 ) . M'Lelland , E . W . M . ; Ross , S . W . ; Holm , j ' . W . ; Frane , S . D . ; Graham . J . D . ; Fergie , Sec ; Hunter , Treas . ; Walpole , Chap . ; Weir , S- ; N . M'Intyre , I . G . ; and Watson , Tyler .
ISLE OP COIIVRAE . —Lodge ICelbum ( No . 459 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on the 6 tb inst ., when there were present all tbe office-bearers and an unusually large number of brethren , including many visitors . The lodge was opened in tbe first degree by Bro . the Rev . II . II . Richardson , M . A ., R . W . M ., assisted by Bros . A . Dickson , S . W . ; Captain Gillies , J . W ., & e . After tbe minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed , the lodge was raised to the second
degree , when Bro . John Wilson was examined previous to being raised . The R . W . M . congratulated the examinee on the great proficiency ho had made in the art of Freemasonry since his initiation , and especially complimented the instructor , ( Bro . W . Wishart ) on the way his pupil had been able to answer various questions on the first and second degrees . Having been entrusted , Bro . Wilson withdrew whilst the lodge was being
raised to the third degree , when , on his re-entry , he was duly raised to the sublime degree of M . M . After the charges had been delivered , the lodge was lowered to the first degree , when the following brethren were nominated as office-bearers for the ensu ' inr * vear , the installation to take place on St . John's Day : —Eros ' , the Rev . H . H . Richardson , M . A ., R . W . M . ( re-elected ); A . Dickson , S . W . ( re-elected ); A . M'Kay , J . W . ; J . Ross , Treas .
( re-elected ); W . Wishart , Sec ; D . Crawford , Dir . of Cers . ; J . McGown , M . D ., S . D . ( re-elected ); A . Hunter , J . D . ( re-elected ); J . King , 1 ' . Hunter , anil J . MiicMillan , Stewards ; A . Houston , I . G . ; and W . M'Wha , Tyler . A great and unanimous feeling
of regret was expressed at Bro . Captain James Gillies feeling it his duty to dec-hue being nominated for re-election to the chair of J . W ., which he had filled since the opening of the lodge . He explained to tbe brethren that his duties , especially during the summer months , made his attendance at the lodge so irregular that he felt it to be right , notwithstanding the strong wishes of the meeting that he should accept office , to resign his chair in favour of some other brother who could be more certain of
attending regularly . The R . W . M . gave the thanks of the lodge to Bro . Gillies for the great aid and assistance which he had given to the lodge , not only since its foundation , but in helping the movement so effectively to start the Lodge Kelburnc in the island . It was further determined that the lodge should celebrate St . John ' s Day by giving a-Masonic ball on tbe evening of that day , and a committee was appointed to carry out
arrangements similar to those of last year , which gave so much satisfaction . After some further private , business tbe lodge was closed in due form . We may mention that this lodge , which was only established in September , 1866 ( and consecrated on December 21 st , 1866 ) with thirteen members , now has fiftythree on its hooks , of whom thirty have been initiated by tha present R . W . M . Considering that the total population of the
island is only about 1 , 200 , women and children included , this shows that the principles of Freemasonry are graduall y beinnbrought to the knowledge of most of those capable of receiving them in this remote place .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
connected with the principles of the Order , u e give promi--nence to the necessity of labour , the value of industry , and the importance of commercial intercourse in advancing the wellbeing of the human race by promoting morality , and fostering that brotherly regard upon which its happiness so materially ¦ depends . In the name "Thistle and Rose" we have distinct reference to the patriotic element . It calls to our recollection the union of England and Scotlandand the consequent
advan-, tages that attended that union ; and the Freemasons of England and Scotland , however strongly attached they may be to thenrespective countries , however highly their patriotism may run , would never wish to see that union severed , and a less kindly feeling existing between the countries than at present . Whilst Freemasonry fosters patriotism as a virtue , it recognises union as a necessity . Tbe name '' Union and Crown" brings to our
-minds the idea of loyalty—a quality which strongly predominates in every Freemason's heart . We are eminently loyal ; we invariably speak of the Queen and the Craft in the same breath . This name is well represented , on this occassion by my largehearted and truly loyal friend , Bro . Gillies , a man who sticks to the union and vows by the crown . Bro . M'Taggart concluded by tendering anew bis thanks to the li . W . M . and
members of Shcttlcton St . John , and expressed a hope thattho principles which tho names of the lodges represented would continue to be respected by the Order and adhered to by the brethren of thc province of Glasgow . Bros . Wallace , Gillies , M'Robert , & c , having also appropriately returned thanks on behalf the visiting brethren . The toast of "The Health of Bro . M'Lcod , R . W . M-, and the
office-bearers of the Loige St . John , No . 12 S , " was proposed in a very kindly aud warm-hearted manner by the Prov . G . Secretary , and was honoured most enthusiastically . The R . W . Master , in a pithy speech , returned thanks for himself and office-bearers for the honour just done them by the Prov . G . Sec , mid for the cordial manner in which the brethren had received tbe toast . In the course of other toasts that followed , the R . W . M . proposed that of the " Masonic Press , " identifying with that toast the name of Bro . James Stevenson
of the FREEMASONS' MAGAZIXE AXD MASOXIC MIRROR , London and Glasgow , who was present amongst them this evening . In the course of bis remarks the R . W . M . introduced to the notice of the brethren the advantages afforded by having a special medium of their own , for conveying Masonic information and for the ventilation ot all questions affecting the interests of the Order ; these advantages were fully afforded by the Masonic Magazineof which Bro . Stevenson was the representative
, editor for Scotland , and to whom they were much indebted for tho courteous and attentive manner in which he tended for the interests of Scots Masonry in the Magazine , as evidenced by the numerous reports of Scots Masonic proceedings and articles generally of interest to Scots Masons , that had recently appeared in its pages . The toast having been received with the hig hest , honours
, Bro . Stevenson returned his cordial thanks . He gave a short retrospective view of Freemasonry as he had found it on his arrival in Scotland . And in referring to tbe motion recently brought before the Provincial Grand Lodge of a Masonic educational scheme for Glasgow , he hailed with pleasure this step as one taken in the right direction , and as evidencing a desire on the part of Scotch Masons to wipe off the reproach at present
attaching to Freemasonry in Scotland , that she—so pre-eminent as a warm-hearted nation , and her capital adorned by some of the most useful educational establishments in Great Britainshould be so utterly deficient of Masonic educational and benevolent institutions . This great want was peculiar to Scotch Masonry , for even in Ireland Masonic , benevolent ancl educational institutions existed , and were creditably supported and
conducted , whilst in England we have the three great Masonic charities of the Royal Masonic Institution for the Sons of Freemasons , a similar institution for the daughters of Freemasons , and the Institution for Aged Freemasons and their widows . Other toasts having been given and duly honoured , the brethren were called again to labour , ancl the lodge was closed according to ancient custom . We should add that during the time of refreshment , the happiness of the brethren was further promoted by some excellent singing from Bros . M'Leod , Gillies , Deans , Livingstone , & c .
RENFREWSHIRE ( WEST . ) GREEX * . —Lodge Greenock Kilwinning ( No . 12 ) . —The annual general meeting of this lodge for the election of
officebearers was held in the Council Chambers , on the evening of St . Andrew ' s Day , the 30 th ult ., when the following brethren were elected for the ensuing year : —Bros . E . Blackmore , R . W . M . ; J . B . Crawhall , I . P . M . ; J . Fleming , D . M . ; A . Tasker , S . W . ; D . Shaw , J . W . ; J . R . Allison , Treas . ; T . B . Newton , Sec ; Rev , C . Cole , B . D ., Chap . ; Rev . A . Fullarton , Assist . Chap . ; W . C . Tennant Sloan , Architect ; J . Morrison , S . D . ; J . R . Clarke . J . D . ; D . Middleton , Dir . of Music ; A . Roxburgh , S . Steward ; D . Cunningham , J . Steward ; A . Hamilton , I . G . ; and James Hannah , Tyler .
GHEEXOCK . —St . Johns Lodge ( Xo . 175 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge for the election of office-bearers for the current vear , was held in the lodge hull on the evening of St . Andrew ' s Day , 30 th ult . Tbe following were elected : —Bros . Donald Anderson , R . W . M . ; J . P . Muir , S . W . ; H . B . Crawfurd , J . W . ; A . Boas , Sec ; J . Herriot , Treas .,- Rev . W . Ross , Chap . ; Alex . Mann , S . D . ; J . Hogs , J . D- ; W . Wright , 1 st S . ; D . MTnnes , 2 nd S .: II . ChalmerTSrd S . ; J . 15 . S . ' Conins , 4 th S ,: E . Urie , P . M . ; A . M'Master , D . M . ; P . M . Black and 11 . Morison , O . M . ; A . Griulen , I . G . ; and J . Donn , Tyler .
PORT GLASGOW . —Lodge Doric Kilwinning ( Xo . 68 ) . —At a meetitii . of this ancient lodt-e held on the evening of the 3 rd instant " in the Alasonic Hall , Gillespie-lane , the following brethren wore elected office-bearers for the ensuing year , viz .: — Bros . 1 ) . M'Lelland , E . W . M . ; Ross , S . W . ; Holm , j ' . W . ; Frane , S . D . ; Graham . J . D . ; Fergie , Sec ; Hunter , Treas . ; Walpole , Chap . ; Weir , S- ; N . M'Intyre , I . G . ; and Watson , Tyler .
ISLE OP COIIVRAE . —Lodge ICelbum ( No . 459 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on the 6 tb inst ., when there were present all tbe office-bearers and an unusually large number of brethren , including many visitors . The lodge was opened in tbe first degree by Bro . the Rev . II . II . Richardson , M . A ., R . W . M ., assisted by Bros . A . Dickson , S . W . ; Captain Gillies , J . W ., & e . After tbe minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed , the lodge was raised to the second
degree , when Bro . John Wilson was examined previous to being raised . The R . W . M . congratulated the examinee on the great proficiency ho had made in the art of Freemasonry since his initiation , and especially complimented the instructor , ( Bro . W . Wishart ) on the way his pupil had been able to answer various questions on the first and second degrees . Having been entrusted , Bro . Wilson withdrew whilst the lodge was being
raised to the third degree , when , on his re-entry , he was duly raised to the sublime degree of M . M . After the charges had been delivered , the lodge was lowered to the first degree , when the following brethren were nominated as office-bearers for the ensu ' inr * vear , the installation to take place on St . John's Day : —Eros ' , the Rev . H . H . Richardson , M . A ., R . W . M . ( re-elected ); A . Dickson , S . W . ( re-elected ); A . M'Kay , J . W . ; J . Ross , Treas .
( re-elected ); W . Wishart , Sec ; D . Crawford , Dir . of Cers . ; J . McGown , M . D ., S . D . ( re-elected ); A . Hunter , J . D . ( re-elected ); J . King , 1 ' . Hunter , anil J . MiicMillan , Stewards ; A . Houston , I . G . ; and W . M'Wha , Tyler . A great and unanimous feeling
of regret was expressed at Bro . Captain James Gillies feeling it his duty to dec-hue being nominated for re-election to the chair of J . W ., which he had filled since the opening of the lodge . He explained to tbe brethren that his duties , especially during the summer months , made his attendance at the lodge so irregular that he felt it to be right , notwithstanding the strong wishes of the meeting that he should accept office , to resign his chair in favour of some other brother who could be more certain of
attending regularly . The R . W . M . gave the thanks of the lodge to Bro . Gillies for the great aid and assistance which he had given to the lodge , not only since its foundation , but in helping the movement so effectively to start the Lodge Kelburnc in the island . It was further determined that the lodge should celebrate St . John ' s Day by giving a-Masonic ball on tbe evening of that day , and a committee was appointed to carry out
arrangements similar to those of last year , which gave so much satisfaction . After some further private , business tbe lodge was closed in due form . We may mention that this lodge , which was only established in September , 1866 ( and consecrated on December 21 st , 1866 ) with thirteen members , now has fiftythree on its hooks , of whom thirty have been initiated by tha present R . W . M . Considering that the total population of the
island is only about 1 , 200 , women and children included , this shows that the principles of Freemasonry are graduall y beinnbrought to the knowledge of most of those capable of receiving them in this remote place .