1823 Newport Ferry Pier

Laying the Foundation Stone of the Landing Slip, Newport (Dundee/Newport Ferry)

The Right Honorable James, Earl of Rosslyn, Most Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Fifeshire, having been requested by the parliamentary trustees to the public spirited gentlemen, interested in the improvements of the Ferries over the Tay, to lay the foundation stone of the landing slip at Newport in ample Masonic form, fixed Wednesday the 10th of September 1823 for that purpose. As the Counties of Fife and Forfar were equally interested in this great improvement. The R.H. (Right Honorable) and M.W.P.G.M. (Most Worshipful Provincial Grand Master) of Fife requested the assistance of his M.W. Brother in the craft of Forfarshire, which invitation being readily accepted from Forfarshire Secretary, by command of his Master issued on the 26th August a circular to the respective Lodges that such a Ceremonial was to take place, and that their attendance on the M.W.P.G.M. would be expected. On the 4th Sept a second circular was issued stating the time and place of meeting in Dundee and of crossing the Tay, and requesting the brethren composing the deputation from Lodges out of Dundee would breakfast with the W.P.G.M. in Norrens (??) at 10 o’clock on the morning of 10th September.

There were present: -

The Lodges Represented

The Dundee Lodges formed each ‘en corps’ and under their Depute or Substitute Master led the procession from the Sailors Hall to the entrance point of the Eastern Protection Wall of Dundee Harbour when the whole Masonic body embarked in the steam boats which the ferry trustees had placed under the orders of the M.W.P.G.M. (The Old Sailors' Hall in Dundee - Now Closed)
The Tay River presented a most beautiful spectacle, Steam boats, yachts, ships of war and of trade with their streamers gaily displayed on a beautiful day enlivened the scene.

On landing at Newport the Masonic line reformed thro’ which a special deputation dispatched by the M.W.M. of Fifeshire repaired on board to present the complements of his Lordship and his brethren of Fife to the M.W.M. of Forfarshire. On landing the procession was reformed and conducted by the Fifeshire deputation to a church about half a mile west of Newport where the Grand Lodge of Forfarshire was received in the most cordial and affectionate manner by Earl Rosslyn and his Grand Lodge.

The two Grand Lodges having conversed and proceeded to the spot where the foundation stone was to be laid and a circle having being formed a solemn prayer was offered up by the Rev’d. Dr. Gillespie of ….. The R.H. ∓ M.W.P.G.M. of Fife then explained to his assembled brethren & the numerous spectators the object of the present ceremony in a most eloquent and impressive address after which he proceeded with the assistance of the office bearers of the Grand Lodges to lay the stone and prove the work in ample form.

The consecration being concluded, His Lordship in the most graceful manner expressed to the M.W.P.G.M. of the Forfarshire Grand Lodge how much he and his brethren of Fife were gratified by the companionship and support of the men of Angus – which complement being approvingly acknowledged – the Forfarshire Grand Lodge filed off to the place of embarkation and after crossing reached the Sailors Hall Dundee again in perfect safety, the M.W.P.G.M. was pleased to pay his men their ….& dismiss them with a blessing.

©Research by Iain D. McIntosh, 2020