Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
alted knowledge of the principles of Freemasonry which tliey communicate . Thc Royal Arch is thc highest order of Masonry , which can be called universal , and which may be adopted by men of all climes , and of every creed which acknowledges the Great Architect arid Supreme Ruler of the Universe . The " higher orders , " recognising ami adopting the principles of the Christian faith , are not
universal in the same sense . As R . A . Masons it is our duty and privilege to see that the principles ofthe Order are maintained and carried out to their full extent . These principles are , love to God , love to the brethren , charity towards all men , helping the distressed , and defending the cause of thc orphan and widow . Let us endeavour to act up to these principles , so that at last we may receive in the
Grand Chapter above the reward of " AA ' cll done , good and faithful servant ; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord . " The P . G . Chapter having been duly opened , and immediately thereafter adjourned , the companions were called from labour to refreshment . Thc Chairman then proposed in succession the toasts of the " Queen and the Craft , " thc " Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal
Family , " the "Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " and "The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland . " In reference to this last named , the chairman read an apology for absence which had been received from Comp Mackersy , expressing regret at his unavoidable absence , and a hope for the success of the meeting . In proposing the toast , the chairman referred to the full control exercised
by the Supreme Chapter , and to past meetings of the R . A . Order under her superintendence ; and expressed a hope that the present meeting would be a guarantee to the supreme body of the loyalty of the P . G . Chapter for Lanarkshire . In concluding , he ( the chairman ) was happy to say that the present state of R . A . Masonry in the province could bear favourable comparison with that
during any other year in the past history . In proposing "The other Sup . Grand R . A . Chapters , " Comp . AV . Smith attributed to them much credit , especially to those of England , America , France , and Germany ; remarking that they were far ahead of us in advocating and supporting every charitable institution that falls to be maintained by companions of the R . A . He hoped that
in our own country , anti more immediately in Glasgow , now that they had got a fresh start , they would put their shoulders to the wheel , and make renewed and increased endeavours to extend their charitius . The toast of the "Prov . Grand R . A . Chapter for Lanarkshire" was then proposed by Comp . William A \ ylie . In the course of his remarks he referred to the importance of thc toast , and to
thc principles of chanty and benevolence touched upon by the previous speakers , ami made graceful allusion to thc late lamented Comp . Walker Arnott , whose name , he said , would go down to posterity , equally lauded for his position in literature and as a botanist , and for his indefatigable services to Freemasonry . He was glad to know that the present Superintendent was no unworthy successor
to so eminent a companion . The M . E . Supt . shortly replied to the toast , remarking that he was not an orator but a worker . He had passed the best years of his life in the service of Craft Masonry , and could honestly say that while the latter was the school of their order , R . A . Masonry was its university . In conclusion he thanked thc companions , especially thc First Principals ,
for their cordial support in the past , and hoped by constant attention to his duties as P . G . Supt , to obtain their kindly aid in thc future . The toast of " Daughter Chapters" was proposed by Comp . Jas . Balfour . He was certain , he said , that the toast would meet with hearty approval at their hands , because the success anil prosperity of the Supreme and P . G . Chapters depended so greatly
upon the healthy and good working condition of the daughter chapters under the jurisdiction . They all knew sufficient of R . A . Masonry to admire the grand principles upon which it was constituted , the order and regularity which pervaded it , and thc good government necessitated at all times to carry out these principles . He hoped that their coming together that night would be the means of
diffusing a more lively interest in R . A . Masonry , for there was no denying the fact that there had not hitherto been such an amount of this in the province as there might have been . He would suggest that the Principals should invite each other to their meetings , and the visitors lend a hand at thc working of the degrees ; and in case of there being no initiations or exaltations , they might
form themselves into a Chapter of Instruction . Such reciprocity , he had no doubt , would tend greatly to increase the interest in R . A . Masonry . Several of the companions replied to the toast . After Comps . Jno . Miller and Jas . Duthie had briefly acknowledged it on behalf of their respective chapters , Comp . Wheeler made an elaborate reply , advocating unity in the Onler , more general and
systematic instruction in , and a higher appreciation of , its universal principles . From that night forward , he said , they should take a firmer and nobler step towards its advancement generall y . Comp . J . Brodc , in his reply , referred to the fact that the P . G . R . A . Chapter for Lanarkshire had been , for some time , dead , but was now alive again , and likely to flourish in thc future . Comp . Halkett made some
appropriate remarks on the working of R . A . Masonry in England anti elsewhere ; and recommended periodical social meetings of the companions to be held at short intervals , to consider as to the best methods of advancing R . A . Masonry in this province , as well , generally , throughout thc world . Comp . Annantl replied for Lodge 124 . He remarked that the want of success was not alone due to the
office-bearers of the several chapters , but a good deal also to the members . He hoped that henceforth , at thc end of every year , a grand demonstration would be held , that , in its issue , might tend to bind and consolidate the chapter , and the companions as well , in the social bond of unity . The P . G . Supt . next spoke in terms of commendation of the several replies which had been made by the First Princi pals . "The other Orders of Masonry" was then
Scotland.
given by Comp . A . McTaggart , who observed that that was thc fust time that that toast had been put upon a Masonic programme ; and in course of his remarks as to the origin and antiquity of Masonry , remarked that its principles culminated in the universal Order in the R . A . degree , and had its full exposition , as regards the three degrees , in thc ritual of the Royal Order of Scotland . He also
referred to the harmony of principle that existed in all the orders of Masonry ; and spoke with effect as to their suitability to man ' s moral , social , and intellectual capacity and condition . The toast was coupled with the name of M . E . C . Robert Bell , of St . Mungo Encampment ; who in his reply , expressed the pleasure it gave him to see and to know that so many of those present had taken the
Knight Templar degree . He hoped that those who had not yet been advanced to the high Order would see it their duty to make early application . Thc remaining toasts were "Visiting- Companions , " by Comp . Phillips ; "Benevolent Institutions , " by Comp . Duthie ; " The Press " by Comp Halkett ; and "The Ladies , " by Comp . Jno . Fraser . The proceedings were agreeably relieved
by songs , etc ., most prominent among which were an original piece of poetry , entitled " The A B C of Masonry , " recited by the author , Comp . Wheeler , and an impromptu song given by Comp . Robert Fraser , in which worthy and highly appreciative reference were made to the more notable companions present . A vote of thanks was passed to thc proprietors of St . Mark ' s Hall for their kindness in giving
the use of it for the meeting gratuitously ; and with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne , " and the pledging of the " last toast , " Happy to meet , etc , " the pleasant gathering broke up . RUTHERGLEN . —RovAI . ARCH LODGE ( No . ii ( i ) . — The . 100 th anniversary of this lodge was held in Bro . Don ' s Hall , Main-street , Rutherglen , on thc 1 yth ult ., and
was celebrated by a supper , torchlight procession and assembly . There was a large attendance of brethren and gcntlemen , * with their wives and sweethearts . Bro . AA ' m . Ferguson , R . AV . M ., occupied the chair ; there was also present , Bailies Edgar and Kinning , Councillor Laing , and several other worthy brethren and gentlemen . Bro . McGaveney acted as Croupier . The supper was served by
the host and hostess , which was most amply and tastefully suppliej . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given , thc Chairman said it gave him much pleasure to prcsidcatthis festival , supported by the municipal dignitaries of the Burgh of Rutherglen . I le was glad to sec that thc brethren had availed themselves of the opportunity of bringing so many ladies to grace the annual festival . It
was customary at such meetings as this for the Chairman lo give an outline of the Order , and thc benefits arising from it , with a history of the lodge , its progress and prospects . He did not intend to make a long speech , as he considered this unnecessary at a meeting of this description . They did not come , he expected , to hear long speeches , but to enjoy themselves otherwise . With
reference to the lodge over which he had the honour to preside , although his presidency of the lodge had been comparatively short , only being elected to his present high position within the last few months , he had , however , been closely associated wilh the lodge for a period of ten years , during which time he had witnessed many changes , and many of his best known brethren had gone to their reward .
Intimately connected with many of thc brethren present as he was , he could speak with safety as to their Masonic knowledge , and zeal iu everything tending to the good of the Order ; and , in fact , without their assistance he could never fill the position he did at present hold , and he begged to thank them for their support and the high honour they had conferred upon bim , and that nothing would be
wanting on his part to further the interest of the lodge and the Order in general . He had already devoted a large amount of time to the cause of Freemasonry , and he would double his exertions and leave nothing unturned that he could do to further thc cause of this noble Order . In our endeavours to work faithfully may wc all be guided by a higher power , and may the Great Architect of the Universe , in His
great love , teach us with the truths that the volume of the sacretl law contains to make us good Freemasons , good citizens , and good members of thc community . He would impress upon the younger members the necessity of attending the lodge meetings regularly , so that they might be well posted in Masonic matters . Bro . Councillor Lang then proposed the Army , Navy , and Volunteers , and in
doing so said that our defences were never in such a prosperous condition as at the present time . Thc Army Reform would no doubt in the end work well , though in the meantime some little diffidence was felt in adopting those laws which had been made for their guidance . In our Navy we all recognize a power of which no country could boast of . AVhat would we have been without it ? May
wc long enjoy that safety anil security , in the knowledge that we possess the first maritime fleet in the world . With regard to the Volunteers wc all know they possess great strength and with the legislation and reform that was about to take place , and put them on another footing , they would be the backbone for the defence of our homes . Bailie Kinning then replied in a humorous and a few well
chosen remarks . Thc following toasts were then given , that of the Royal Arch Lodge No . 116 from the chair coupled with the name of Bailie Edgar , the Council of the Burgh of Rutherglen by Bro . Wm . McGaveney , who referred to the spirit of the age now , to put good and intelligent men to represent them in council , and if their conduct ditl not meet with the approval of the electors they had only to
choose others to fill their places . This toast was coupled with the name of Bro . Bailie Edgar , who referred to his services in the Burgh over thirty years as a criterion of of his conduct as a magistrate . Their work was much more heavy now than in former years . He could remember when there was scarcely a case to be brought before the magistrates , but he regretted to say that now there were too many ; this he attributed to the increasing
Scotland.
population , ami the influx of new industries necessitating a corresponding increase in the people . They ( the magistrates ) dealt gentlywith first offences , except cases committed upon the sabbath , which were stringently punished . After the toast of the Ladies , which was proposed by Bro . Lang , and replied to by Bro . J . Hamilton , several songs were most pleasingly rendered by several of the brethren and
ladies . After the concert the brethren formed a torchlight procession and with their banners , clothing , and jewels , led by the Rutherglen Brass Band , really looked very striking . After going through thc principal streets they returned to the Hall and commenced the assembly , dancing being kept up with great spirit until morning , everyone being well pleased with the 106 th anniversary of
Lodge no . GLASGOW . —LODGE UNION AND CHOWN ( NO . 103 ) . — Thc monthly meeting of this prosperous anti well-attended lodge was held in the hall , 170 , Buchanan Street , Glasgow , on Monday , the 26 th ult . Bro . A . M . AVright , R . AV . M ., occupying the chair , supported by Bro . A , Bain , P . M . ; Bro . J . Gilles , P . M . ; R . Muir , D . M . ; D . Murray ,
S . M . ; W . Thomas , S . W . ; R . Munro , J . W . ; N . Cameron , Treas ., & c , & c . Among the visitors we noticed , Bros . A . Thorburn , R . W . M . Lodge Glasgow , No . 4 ; M . E . Drummond , R . W . M . No . 5 , Canongate and Leith , and a ' very large attendance of members and visitors . The R . W . M . opened the lodge , and the Secretary read the minutes of previous meetings , which were approved of . Mr . Robt .
Fyfe , whose application for admission into Freemasonry had been well received , entered and received the E . A . degree , Bro . Wright , R . W . M ., administering the ceremony in a most careful and impressive manner . After a little discussion of matters connected with the lodge , which was most amicably arranged , the lodge went from business to refreshment and harmony , and with toast and song spent
the evening in a most pleasant manner . POLLOkSHAWS— ROYAI . Alien LODGE ( NO . 153 ) . — The 92 ml anniversary of this lodge was celebrated on the 19 inst . at the Maxwell Arms Inn , by a grand supper and ball , present Bros . John Peters , R . AV . M ., Chairman ; Paton , S . W . ; Black , J . W . ; Rev . J . Rodgers Chaplain ; Johnson , Sec . ; Allen , Treas . ; A . B . Thorburn , R . W . M .
Glasgow , 4 ; J . Singleton , R . W . M . Scotia , 178 ; D . Lamb , D . M . 3 60 ; A . Mc . Gregor , R . W . M . 458 ; Scobie , R . W . M . t ; i 2 ; Wm . Jardine , Treas . 512 ; T . E . Schriden , Sec . 512 ; R . Mc . Ewan , J . W . 512 ; Julius Erode , R . W . M . Marie Stuart , 541 ; T . Russell , D . M . 55 6 ; J . Rust , E . C . ; and several others from thc various lodges in the district . At 8 o ' clock , thc office-bearers entered thc room , the band
playing a march , all being seated and a blessing asked . Supper was done ample justice to , every description of good things being provided by the host , Bro . T . Galbraith . After supper , " Behold how good a thing it is , " was sung by the company . The chairman being first on the programme , addressed the meeting as follows ; "Ladies , Brethren , and Gentlemen , I find from the programme
before me , that I ana to give an address , but as the programme is somewhat lengthy , and so many of the fair sex present who will enjoy the latter part of the programme best , I will make my remarks as brief as possible . It gives me very great pleasure to occupy the position in which I am placed to-night , it being now ninety-two years since the charter was received from the Grand Lodge , authorizing
this lodge to hold Masonic meetings , and since that time many hundreds have received , in this hall , the secrets of this , our ancient and most honourable Order , whose mysteries have , in all ages , been extolled by some as thc true faith , by others as an offshoot of his Satanic Majesty ; it has been praised by crowned heads , and banned by the priesthood , dreaded by others as a secret political engine ,
and admired by those in our fraternity for its complete indifference to all political matters . Freemasonry is still as complete a mystery to the uninitiated as it ever was . This brotherhood , which has outlived centuries of conflicts , of defeats and victories , and which has become so extended in its ramifications , must certainly contain , within iteejf , principles of paramount importance . I shall endeavour
to point out some of these . When a candidate is once introduced into a Masonic Lodge , he is made to feel that , whatever distinctions there may be in the outer world , inside our doors all are equal and meet upon the common basis of brotherhood . ( Cheers . ) He is also required to declare his belief in the existence of a God , the centre of all good , the source of all knowledge , and the foundation
of all light , and his first prayer is that he may be enabled to display the beauties of virtue to the praise and glory of that most holy name . His first lesson is one of charity and toleration , and our other lessons are such that no one who studies them can fail to become a truer and a better man . I do not claim for Masonry that it is a religion , but I say that Freemasonry is a pure , high-toned morality , to
the practice of which every brother has voluntarily and solemnly pledged himself , and this cannot be set aside without condemnation and loss of character , both to the individual and to the Craft . Freemasonry in its teachings indicates the virtues which should rule and govern the actions of all its members , anti these are based on such broad principles as enables gentlemen of all creeds , with
the exception of atheists , to range under its banners . I feci that Freemasonry cannot maintain its ancient and honourable reputation , increase the number of its members , or promote the high and noble objects of its founders , unless its laws are strictly enforced and its principles exhibited in their practical appreciation . Freemasonry is practical as well as theoretical , and unless we look upon
it as such and endeavour to carry out its requirements , we do ourselves and thc institution an injustice . I am glad to find that in Scotland its practical application is likely soon to take a more tangible shape by our having an institution devoted solely to the taking care of aged and infirm . Masons , their widows and orphans , although , during the year ' 873 , over £ 460 was disbursed by our Grand Lotlge in Edinburgh , towards relieving our poor brethren ; and this
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
alted knowledge of the principles of Freemasonry which tliey communicate . Thc Royal Arch is thc highest order of Masonry , which can be called universal , and which may be adopted by men of all climes , and of every creed which acknowledges the Great Architect arid Supreme Ruler of the Universe . The " higher orders , " recognising ami adopting the principles of the Christian faith , are not
universal in the same sense . As R . A . Masons it is our duty and privilege to see that the principles ofthe Order are maintained and carried out to their full extent . These principles are , love to God , love to the brethren , charity towards all men , helping the distressed , and defending the cause of thc orphan and widow . Let us endeavour to act up to these principles , so that at last we may receive in the
Grand Chapter above the reward of " AA ' cll done , good and faithful servant ; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord . " The P . G . Chapter having been duly opened , and immediately thereafter adjourned , the companions were called from labour to refreshment . Thc Chairman then proposed in succession the toasts of the " Queen and the Craft , " thc " Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal
Family , " the "Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " and "The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland . " In reference to this last named , the chairman read an apology for absence which had been received from Comp Mackersy , expressing regret at his unavoidable absence , and a hope for the success of the meeting . In proposing the toast , the chairman referred to the full control exercised
by the Supreme Chapter , and to past meetings of the R . A . Order under her superintendence ; and expressed a hope that the present meeting would be a guarantee to the supreme body of the loyalty of the P . G . Chapter for Lanarkshire . In concluding , he ( the chairman ) was happy to say that the present state of R . A . Masonry in the province could bear favourable comparison with that
during any other year in the past history . In proposing "The other Sup . Grand R . A . Chapters , " Comp . AV . Smith attributed to them much credit , especially to those of England , America , France , and Germany ; remarking that they were far ahead of us in advocating and supporting every charitable institution that falls to be maintained by companions of the R . A . He hoped that
in our own country , anti more immediately in Glasgow , now that they had got a fresh start , they would put their shoulders to the wheel , and make renewed and increased endeavours to extend their charitius . The toast of the "Prov . Grand R . A . Chapter for Lanarkshire" was then proposed by Comp . William A \ ylie . In the course of his remarks he referred to the importance of thc toast , and to
thc principles of chanty and benevolence touched upon by the previous speakers , ami made graceful allusion to thc late lamented Comp . Walker Arnott , whose name , he said , would go down to posterity , equally lauded for his position in literature and as a botanist , and for his indefatigable services to Freemasonry . He was glad to know that the present Superintendent was no unworthy successor
to so eminent a companion . The M . E . Supt . shortly replied to the toast , remarking that he was not an orator but a worker . He had passed the best years of his life in the service of Craft Masonry , and could honestly say that while the latter was the school of their order , R . A . Masonry was its university . In conclusion he thanked thc companions , especially thc First Principals ,
for their cordial support in the past , and hoped by constant attention to his duties as P . G . Supt , to obtain their kindly aid in thc future . The toast of " Daughter Chapters" was proposed by Comp . Jas . Balfour . He was certain , he said , that the toast would meet with hearty approval at their hands , because the success anil prosperity of the Supreme and P . G . Chapters depended so greatly
upon the healthy and good working condition of the daughter chapters under the jurisdiction . They all knew sufficient of R . A . Masonry to admire the grand principles upon which it was constituted , the order and regularity which pervaded it , and thc good government necessitated at all times to carry out these principles . He hoped that their coming together that night would be the means of
diffusing a more lively interest in R . A . Masonry , for there was no denying the fact that there had not hitherto been such an amount of this in the province as there might have been . He would suggest that the Principals should invite each other to their meetings , and the visitors lend a hand at thc working of the degrees ; and in case of there being no initiations or exaltations , they might
form themselves into a Chapter of Instruction . Such reciprocity , he had no doubt , would tend greatly to increase the interest in R . A . Masonry . Several of the companions replied to the toast . After Comps . Jno . Miller and Jas . Duthie had briefly acknowledged it on behalf of their respective chapters , Comp . Wheeler made an elaborate reply , advocating unity in the Onler , more general and
systematic instruction in , and a higher appreciation of , its universal principles . From that night forward , he said , they should take a firmer and nobler step towards its advancement generall y . Comp . J . Brodc , in his reply , referred to the fact that the P . G . R . A . Chapter for Lanarkshire had been , for some time , dead , but was now alive again , and likely to flourish in thc future . Comp . Halkett made some
appropriate remarks on the working of R . A . Masonry in England anti elsewhere ; and recommended periodical social meetings of the companions to be held at short intervals , to consider as to the best methods of advancing R . A . Masonry in this province , as well , generally , throughout thc world . Comp . Annantl replied for Lodge 124 . He remarked that the want of success was not alone due to the
office-bearers of the several chapters , but a good deal also to the members . He hoped that henceforth , at thc end of every year , a grand demonstration would be held , that , in its issue , might tend to bind and consolidate the chapter , and the companions as well , in the social bond of unity . The P . G . Supt . next spoke in terms of commendation of the several replies which had been made by the First Princi pals . "The other Orders of Masonry" was then
Scotland.
given by Comp . A . McTaggart , who observed that that was thc fust time that that toast had been put upon a Masonic programme ; and in course of his remarks as to the origin and antiquity of Masonry , remarked that its principles culminated in the universal Order in the R . A . degree , and had its full exposition , as regards the three degrees , in thc ritual of the Royal Order of Scotland . He also
referred to the harmony of principle that existed in all the orders of Masonry ; and spoke with effect as to their suitability to man ' s moral , social , and intellectual capacity and condition . The toast was coupled with the name of M . E . C . Robert Bell , of St . Mungo Encampment ; who in his reply , expressed the pleasure it gave him to see and to know that so many of those present had taken the
Knight Templar degree . He hoped that those who had not yet been advanced to the high Order would see it their duty to make early application . Thc remaining toasts were "Visiting- Companions , " by Comp . Phillips ; "Benevolent Institutions , " by Comp . Duthie ; " The Press " by Comp Halkett ; and "The Ladies , " by Comp . Jno . Fraser . The proceedings were agreeably relieved
by songs , etc ., most prominent among which were an original piece of poetry , entitled " The A B C of Masonry , " recited by the author , Comp . Wheeler , and an impromptu song given by Comp . Robert Fraser , in which worthy and highly appreciative reference were made to the more notable companions present . A vote of thanks was passed to thc proprietors of St . Mark ' s Hall for their kindness in giving
the use of it for the meeting gratuitously ; and with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne , " and the pledging of the " last toast , " Happy to meet , etc , " the pleasant gathering broke up . RUTHERGLEN . —RovAI . ARCH LODGE ( No . ii ( i ) . — The . 100 th anniversary of this lodge was held in Bro . Don ' s Hall , Main-street , Rutherglen , on thc 1 yth ult ., and
was celebrated by a supper , torchlight procession and assembly . There was a large attendance of brethren and gcntlemen , * with their wives and sweethearts . Bro . AA ' m . Ferguson , R . AV . M ., occupied the chair ; there was also present , Bailies Edgar and Kinning , Councillor Laing , and several other worthy brethren and gentlemen . Bro . McGaveney acted as Croupier . The supper was served by
the host and hostess , which was most amply and tastefully suppliej . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given , thc Chairman said it gave him much pleasure to prcsidcatthis festival , supported by the municipal dignitaries of the Burgh of Rutherglen . I le was glad to sec that thc brethren had availed themselves of the opportunity of bringing so many ladies to grace the annual festival . It
was customary at such meetings as this for the Chairman lo give an outline of the Order , and thc benefits arising from it , with a history of the lodge , its progress and prospects . He did not intend to make a long speech , as he considered this unnecessary at a meeting of this description . They did not come , he expected , to hear long speeches , but to enjoy themselves otherwise . With
reference to the lodge over which he had the honour to preside , although his presidency of the lodge had been comparatively short , only being elected to his present high position within the last few months , he had , however , been closely associated wilh the lodge for a period of ten years , during which time he had witnessed many changes , and many of his best known brethren had gone to their reward .
Intimately connected with many of thc brethren present as he was , he could speak with safety as to their Masonic knowledge , and zeal iu everything tending to the good of the Order ; and , in fact , without their assistance he could never fill the position he did at present hold , and he begged to thank them for their support and the high honour they had conferred upon bim , and that nothing would be
wanting on his part to further the interest of the lodge and the Order in general . He had already devoted a large amount of time to the cause of Freemasonry , and he would double his exertions and leave nothing unturned that he could do to further thc cause of this noble Order . In our endeavours to work faithfully may wc all be guided by a higher power , and may the Great Architect of the Universe , in His
great love , teach us with the truths that the volume of the sacretl law contains to make us good Freemasons , good citizens , and good members of thc community . He would impress upon the younger members the necessity of attending the lodge meetings regularly , so that they might be well posted in Masonic matters . Bro . Councillor Lang then proposed the Army , Navy , and Volunteers , and in
doing so said that our defences were never in such a prosperous condition as at the present time . Thc Army Reform would no doubt in the end work well , though in the meantime some little diffidence was felt in adopting those laws which had been made for their guidance . In our Navy we all recognize a power of which no country could boast of . AVhat would we have been without it ? May
wc long enjoy that safety anil security , in the knowledge that we possess the first maritime fleet in the world . With regard to the Volunteers wc all know they possess great strength and with the legislation and reform that was about to take place , and put them on another footing , they would be the backbone for the defence of our homes . Bailie Kinning then replied in a humorous and a few well
chosen remarks . Thc following toasts were then given , that of the Royal Arch Lodge No . 116 from the chair coupled with the name of Bailie Edgar , the Council of the Burgh of Rutherglen by Bro . Wm . McGaveney , who referred to the spirit of the age now , to put good and intelligent men to represent them in council , and if their conduct ditl not meet with the approval of the electors they had only to
choose others to fill their places . This toast was coupled with the name of Bro . Bailie Edgar , who referred to his services in the Burgh over thirty years as a criterion of of his conduct as a magistrate . Their work was much more heavy now than in former years . He could remember when there was scarcely a case to be brought before the magistrates , but he regretted to say that now there were too many ; this he attributed to the increasing
Scotland.
population , ami the influx of new industries necessitating a corresponding increase in the people . They ( the magistrates ) dealt gentlywith first offences , except cases committed upon the sabbath , which were stringently punished . After the toast of the Ladies , which was proposed by Bro . Lang , and replied to by Bro . J . Hamilton , several songs were most pleasingly rendered by several of the brethren and
ladies . After the concert the brethren formed a torchlight procession and with their banners , clothing , and jewels , led by the Rutherglen Brass Band , really looked very striking . After going through thc principal streets they returned to the Hall and commenced the assembly , dancing being kept up with great spirit until morning , everyone being well pleased with the 106 th anniversary of
Lodge no . GLASGOW . —LODGE UNION AND CHOWN ( NO . 103 ) . — Thc monthly meeting of this prosperous anti well-attended lodge was held in the hall , 170 , Buchanan Street , Glasgow , on Monday , the 26 th ult . Bro . A . M . AVright , R . AV . M ., occupying the chair , supported by Bro . A , Bain , P . M . ; Bro . J . Gilles , P . M . ; R . Muir , D . M . ; D . Murray ,
S . M . ; W . Thomas , S . W . ; R . Munro , J . W . ; N . Cameron , Treas ., & c , & c . Among the visitors we noticed , Bros . A . Thorburn , R . W . M . Lodge Glasgow , No . 4 ; M . E . Drummond , R . W . M . No . 5 , Canongate and Leith , and a ' very large attendance of members and visitors . The R . W . M . opened the lodge , and the Secretary read the minutes of previous meetings , which were approved of . Mr . Robt .
Fyfe , whose application for admission into Freemasonry had been well received , entered and received the E . A . degree , Bro . Wright , R . W . M ., administering the ceremony in a most careful and impressive manner . After a little discussion of matters connected with the lodge , which was most amicably arranged , the lodge went from business to refreshment and harmony , and with toast and song spent
the evening in a most pleasant manner . POLLOkSHAWS— ROYAI . Alien LODGE ( NO . 153 ) . — The 92 ml anniversary of this lodge was celebrated on the 19 inst . at the Maxwell Arms Inn , by a grand supper and ball , present Bros . John Peters , R . AV . M ., Chairman ; Paton , S . W . ; Black , J . W . ; Rev . J . Rodgers Chaplain ; Johnson , Sec . ; Allen , Treas . ; A . B . Thorburn , R . W . M .
Glasgow , 4 ; J . Singleton , R . W . M . Scotia , 178 ; D . Lamb , D . M . 3 60 ; A . Mc . Gregor , R . W . M . 458 ; Scobie , R . W . M . t ; i 2 ; Wm . Jardine , Treas . 512 ; T . E . Schriden , Sec . 512 ; R . Mc . Ewan , J . W . 512 ; Julius Erode , R . W . M . Marie Stuart , 541 ; T . Russell , D . M . 55 6 ; J . Rust , E . C . ; and several others from thc various lodges in the district . At 8 o ' clock , thc office-bearers entered thc room , the band
playing a march , all being seated and a blessing asked . Supper was done ample justice to , every description of good things being provided by the host , Bro . T . Galbraith . After supper , " Behold how good a thing it is , " was sung by the company . The chairman being first on the programme , addressed the meeting as follows ; "Ladies , Brethren , and Gentlemen , I find from the programme
before me , that I ana to give an address , but as the programme is somewhat lengthy , and so many of the fair sex present who will enjoy the latter part of the programme best , I will make my remarks as brief as possible . It gives me very great pleasure to occupy the position in which I am placed to-night , it being now ninety-two years since the charter was received from the Grand Lodge , authorizing
this lodge to hold Masonic meetings , and since that time many hundreds have received , in this hall , the secrets of this , our ancient and most honourable Order , whose mysteries have , in all ages , been extolled by some as thc true faith , by others as an offshoot of his Satanic Majesty ; it has been praised by crowned heads , and banned by the priesthood , dreaded by others as a secret political engine ,
and admired by those in our fraternity for its complete indifference to all political matters . Freemasonry is still as complete a mystery to the uninitiated as it ever was . This brotherhood , which has outlived centuries of conflicts , of defeats and victories , and which has become so extended in its ramifications , must certainly contain , within iteejf , principles of paramount importance . I shall endeavour
to point out some of these . When a candidate is once introduced into a Masonic Lodge , he is made to feel that , whatever distinctions there may be in the outer world , inside our doors all are equal and meet upon the common basis of brotherhood . ( Cheers . ) He is also required to declare his belief in the existence of a God , the centre of all good , the source of all knowledge , and the foundation
of all light , and his first prayer is that he may be enabled to display the beauties of virtue to the praise and glory of that most holy name . His first lesson is one of charity and toleration , and our other lessons are such that no one who studies them can fail to become a truer and a better man . I do not claim for Masonry that it is a religion , but I say that Freemasonry is a pure , high-toned morality , to
the practice of which every brother has voluntarily and solemnly pledged himself , and this cannot be set aside without condemnation and loss of character , both to the individual and to the Craft . Freemasonry in its teachings indicates the virtues which should rule and govern the actions of all its members , anti these are based on such broad principles as enables gentlemen of all creeds , with
the exception of atheists , to range under its banners . I feci that Freemasonry cannot maintain its ancient and honourable reputation , increase the number of its members , or promote the high and noble objects of its founders , unless its laws are strictly enforced and its principles exhibited in their practical appreciation . Freemasonry is practical as well as theoretical , and unless we look upon
it as such and endeavour to carry out its requirements , we do ourselves and thc institution an injustice . I am glad to find that in Scotland its practical application is likely soon to take a more tangible shape by our having an institution devoted solely to the taking care of aged and infirm . Masons , their widows and orphans , although , during the year ' 873 , over £ 460 was disbursed by our Grand Lotlge in Edinburgh , towards relieving our poor brethren ; and this