1891 Presentation to Celia Bowes Lyon (nee Cavendish-Bentick)

From the Dundee Advertiser - 14th September 1891

‘Excerpt from Dundee Advertiser of date 14th September 1891 relative to the presentation to the Countess of Strathmore of an address from the Provincial Grand Lodge in recognition of her services at the recent Masonic Bazaar in Edinburgh.’

The proceedings of the day commenced with the presentation of an address from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire to the Countess of Strathmore in recognition of her services at the recent Masonic Bazaar in Edinburgh.

In the City Assembly Rooms

This Ceremony took place in public within the City Assembly Rooms. By one o’clock, the hour fixed for the meeting, there was a large assemblage of Freemasons, ladies and other invited members of the public of Dundee. The platform party comprised Lord and Lady Strathmore, Lady Constance Bowes-Lyon, Lady Maud Bowes-Lyon; Lord Provost Mathewson, Mrs Mathewson and party; Ex-Lord Provost Hunter and party; ex-Provost Ballingall; Mr Leng M.P.; Sir Charles Dalrymple, Bart. M.P.; Colonel Kinloch of Logie; Colonel Rankine, Mrs Rankine and party; Colonel Smith and party; Colonel Jessiman and party; Mr & Mrs Berry and party; Mr Ralston, Glamis; Mr I. J. Weinberg, Dundee.

Amongst others present were: - Rev. Canon Douglas and Mrs Douglas, Kirriemuir; Rev W. Smith; Rev R. S. Ritchie, Mains; Rev E. J. Gough; Bailie McDonald, chairman of the Parochial Board; Captain R.W. Laburn, Convenor of the New Hospital Committee, and party; Bailie McCulloch, Treasurer Nicoll, Councillor Willsher, Mr Brown, Inspector of Poor; Mr D. Dewar, Chief Constable, &c.

The Countess of Strathmore was brought to the platform by the Lord Provost; The Earl led in Mrs Berry, and Lord Glamis, Mrs Hunter; Ex-Lord Provost Hunter, Lady Maud Bowes-Lyon; and Mr Leng M.P., Lady Constance Bowes-Lyon.

The Lord Provost said – There is no one who is more deserving of any honour that we can have an opportunity of bestowing than the Countess of Strathmore. (Applause) There is no one more ready to give assistance, and not only by herself but through her family, to every good work alike in Dundee, Forfarshire and elsewhere. (Applause.) We are met today to do honour to her Ladyship in connection with one of those great works, and I am sure we are all very glad to do so. (Applause.) I have now to call on Mr Berry to make the presentation. (Applause.)

Address by Mr Berry

Mr Berry, Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire, then said – My Lord Provost, my Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, before I say a few words in connection with the interesting ceremony we are met today to perform, I wish to offer an apology from His Lordship the Bishop of Brechin, who telephoned just half an hour ago to say that on coming away he felt himself a little indisposed and wish to express thus publicly to Lord and Lady Strathmore his very sincere regret that his acceptance could not be carried through on account of that illness. I have to make that apology. Many other apologies are here but reading them would take up too much time.

We are met today to perfect a resolution of our Provincial Grand Lodge, whereby the address which we voted should be formally presented to the Countess of Strathmore and family, and we would get over this very pleasant duty in a very few minutes were it not that I am called upon, as head of the Masonic Order in this County, to reply just in a very few words , to much that almost for a month past has been said and much that has been written anent our Masonic Order and the corner stone we are called upon as Masons to lay of the sick Hospital found necessary by the Parochial combination authorities of the City. In consequence of these observations, said and written, I have been requested to take this opportunity to answer some of the statements advanced, and to explain what really are now the principles of our brotherhood. I must ask therefore, your indulgence for a very few minutes. To those who ask us, therefore, “What is Masonry? for what purposes do Freemasons bind themselves together? What is the aim of the Order?” may I be allowed to offer this general reply.

Our community is one originated, sustained, and governed by the desire that exists in each of its members to assist every other member, and to do good to mankind at large; a society whose avenues are carefully guarded, so that its members know and believe each other to be worthy of confidence; a society existing for the purpose of keeping its members, not only in the discharge of every moral duty, but in the cultivation and refinement of the moral and intellectual powers; a society, the members of which are obliged to render every kind office which justice or mercy may require to relieve the distressed and to sooth the afflicted. (Applause.) When Grand Lodge of Scotland held its centenary in 1836 a very great Forfarshire man spoke of Freemasonry as follows

“I reverence Freemasonry for that it employs symbolically the implements of the art which we profess – to teach us to contemplate the mighty hand of the creator, and of ever reminding us by them of that Almighty Architect of the Universe ‘Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters; who hath laid the foundations of the Earth so that they cannot be removed forever,’ while by another symbol it calls to our recollection that not only our deeds but the thoughts, too, of our inwards hearts are beneath the inspection of that ‘All Seeing Eye,’ which ‘never slumbereth nor sleepeth.’ I reverence Freemasonry when I reflect on the many occasions on which its principles have been brought into valuable practice; when I learn it has the power to bend the hardest heart to deeds of kindness and benevolence; that again and again it has availed to stay the uplifted arm of a deadly foe, and provide a refuge and a home for the homeless wanderer. I regard Freemasonry when I know that it teaches us to comfort the widow’s anxious ‘heart and still the orphans cry’”

What I have read to you now were the words of the most Noble the Marquis of Dalhousie, then not only your Grand Master, but was one of the most distinguished of British Statesmen; and what he said in 1836 is true now. But of all things we are asked to reply, Can you conceive that a member demits in disgust from our brotherhood and says our acts are tolerated tomfoolery? To you who are Freemasons here may I venture in your name to say that this man makes a confession most humiliating to himself. True moralists in every age have enlarged on the failure of every anticipated joy in human life, and the beautiful allegory of ‘The Fall’ was no doubt designed to teach us that even in his highest aspirations “man was born into trouble as the sparks fly upwards.” But it is from this fatal tendency of all things to vanity that a brother who demits can have been disappointed in masonry? That man can only be so disappointed who was originally unfit for membership. Had he complied with the oracular injunction of “know thyself,” the consideration of which is impressed on the member as an early stage of his attempted career, he would never have become a Freemason, and would have saved himself the disappointment. If he had probed his own heart and found “its true nature – that it did not contain one little corner in which the spark of “brotherly love” could be nursed and developed ; if he saw that he begrudged a mite to relieve the wants of the poor and needy – if he found he was one of those who regard time spent in the exercise of kindly feelings as lost – if he was one who “little hoped to find his way to heaven by doing acts of hospitality” – if he was one who found he could never appreciate the maxim of Polinius – “To thyself be true, and it must follow thou can’st not then be false to any man” – he should never have sought admission into the brotherhood. Men with traits like these in their character – men who think they should receive a hundred times for once they give – men who join “an Order” from mean and sordid motives or in an hour of idleness – demit in disgust from Masonry. We are thankful all men are not so; that there are men whose greatest delight is to have an opportunity of showing brotherly love; whose hearts beat with renewed impulse when they can relieve a sufferer; men who labour diligently according to the light that is in them to be true to their God, to their neighbour, and themselves. These are the men who become the chief stones of the building. And verily they have their reward; for in the words of Shelley, who was one of them

When the power of imparting joy Is equal to the will, the human soul Requires no other heaven.

I hope I have said enough about our principles. Do we now practice what we profess? The following statistics will, I think prove we do, although I am sorry to admit and in the presence of many here who know I do admit, that the Executive who ruled our Grand Lodge up to fifteen years ago were much to blame for the reproach on our good name. Previous to 1786 the finances of our Grand Lodge were scandalously abused, and it was almost a question whether it could have held out as a Grand Lodge twelve months more. In its wisdom that year, Grand Lodge elected a new Executive and new officials – men who though they faced a debt of £30,000 on our Grand Lodge property and due to our bankers were sanguine enough of reformation. Twelve months did not lapse till the reformation was complete and entire confidence was restored at home and abroad, and in an almost inconceivable short time not only was this debt of £30,000 paid off, but we were enabled also to hand over what was due to our ordinary benevolent fund. Our Executive fifteen years ago had a struggle to overtake annually the applications for relief from their ordinary funds and could barely spare grants in all of £150. Last year what a change! – your Executive having relieved necessitous cases to the amount of £1000, while we have in hand now a total capital of £50,000. Not content with the one benevolent fund – and from which we still give monthly grants – your Executive formed a resolution that the time had come when the continued prosperity of our Grand Lodge demanded it should become equally more useful and they accordingly resolved that a scheme should be perfected under an Annuity Board for the annual election of annuitants, aged, indigent brethren, widows and orphans, and Grand Lodge resolved accordingly, the fund being based on the half of the free yearly income solely of Grand Lodge. There has been elected on this fund 83 annuitants, some receiving £20, some £15, and others £10 annually; and Lady Campbell, recognising that her husband could not be Grand Master for ever, and before his retrial, inaugurated a scheme for a Grand Bazaar to supplement this annuity branch fund aiming at raising £10,000.

At the Grand Bazaar every Province was represented, Forfarshire taking a leading part, and thanks to the noble house of Glamis and the nobility of Scotland generally, the sum aimed at was almost doubled at the close of the bazaar. (Applause.) Recognising the service of the noble Countess and family, our Provincial Lodge recorded in their minutes the gratitude of the Province for services leading up to such splendid results, and with acclimation ordered the address of thanks to be prepared, and which I am now about to present. In doing so. I express the hope that the noble family of Glamis will have many an opportunity of repeating such acts of kindness to our Scottish institutions. Not once nor twice have public men in Dundee risen in their places to acknowledge such services. Long, I say, may such deeds and acts of charity be continued, and long may the noble Countess and family, with her distinguished husband, be spared to be an honour to and be beloved by the County of Forfar. (Applause.)

The Address

The address was then handed to the Countess of Strathmore. Executed by Mr William Adamson, engraver, Edinburgh, it was beautifully illuminated, and it was enclosed in a handsome oak casket made by Messrs James Crichton & Co., Goldsmiths, Edinburgh. The address was in the following terms: -

"To the Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorn. Sept. 7th 1891. – May it please your Ladyship, - We, the Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire and the other Provincial Grand offices and members of the Provincial Grand Lodge do unanimously and with acclimation embrace this opportunity to mark our high appreciation of the unwearied, invaluable, and successful efforts put forth by your Ladyship, The Lady Glamis, and the other members of your family, in actively promoting the grand bazaar in Edinburgh in the first week of December 1890, with the object of raising £10,000 in aid of the annuity branch of the Fund of Scottish Masonic Benevolence. The grace and courtesy with which your Ladyship and your daughters lent your assistance on that occasion will ever be remembered, and in the name of the craft in Forfarshire we ask your Ladyship’s acceptance of this record of our gratitude and heartiest thanks. While thus addressing your Ladyship, we desire to remember that at intervals during a century and a half the noble House of Strathmore has been closely and honourably associated with the Scottish Craft, and that at the present moment several of your sons are in active membership in the County, whereby that connection with the fraternity is being perpetuated. That the Great Architect of the Universe may shower his blessings upon your Ladyship and your noble house is the prayer of the Craft in Forfarshire."

Signed at Dundee, under the seal of the Provincial Grand Lodge, this 12th Day of September 1891.

James Berry, Provincial Grand Master

A.D. Anderson, Provincial Grand Secretary

Reply by Lord Dalhousie

Lord Strathmore, who was received with prolonged applause, said – My Lord Provost, ladies and gentlemen, there might be occasions on which Lady Strathmore might prefer returning thanks in her own words for a complimentary address such as this which has today been presented to her, and for the kind words which Mr Berry has used. One thing may not be a little inappropriate. She had consented, and consented with great pleasure, to accept the invitation of the Forfarshire Freemasons to be present here today. She expected to find herself only amongst those who not only do not allow women to speak in their meetings, but who do not even allow them to be members of their order. (Applause.) well under these circumstances she naturally turned to me to convey to you her thanks and to express her deep sense of the kindle feelings which actuated this presentation today. Whether I am a fit person to undertake that duty is a question I do not wish to discuss. I do not lie under exactly the same disabilities as her Lady ship, but unfortunately I am not a Freemason, although I might have been one. (Applause). Weather it is my misfortune or my fault is also a question that cannot be decided. My own feeling is that it was very much my misfortune. I was never asked to join the body until I had reached that time of life when one does not easily fit into a new groove, and there is something irksome in beginning a new occupation at the lowest step of the ladder. I thus speak apologetically because in reading the address, which Mr Berry had kindly prepared I see he refers in terms for which I thank him to the old connection between my family and Freemasonry, Gentlemen that connection still exists. (Applause) For some years one of my sons held the office of Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire – the office which Mr Berry now so ably fills – and he resigned it because he felt his duties at home prevented him giving sufficient time to the duties of his office here.

But I have a stronger case on which to rest the connection. Lord Glamis is taking a deep interest in the affairs of Freemasonry – (Applause.) – and as the future head of our family I have no doubt he will continue to take an active interest in them and become a good Mason. (Applause.) I hope it may be so, and I shall be very glad if the connection should be so satisfactorily continued. I am glad because I myself, although, as I said before, not a Freemason, yet have a great respect for an institution which is descended in an unbroken line for so many ages. There may be those to whom the old title deeds of Freemasonry and its long descent have no charms; but to them you can say you have other claims – that you have the claim of a long continued course of good works and charitable actions. These are connections that I think would carry conviction to the minds of any men. (Applause.)

I do not wish to detain you much longer, but I would like to make a word of apology for Lady Glamis, who took an active interest in the bazaar. (Applause.) It had been her intention until last night to be present at this meeting, but she was unavoidably prevented. It does not however, require the considerations I have mentioned to make Lady Strathmore and those who have been associated with her – to make them feel very deeply the high honour you have conferred on them today. (Applause.) Lady Strathmore and those associated with her tried to be of some little use, and it is more than a recompense to them to receive from you such a kind and hearty recognition. (Applause.) There is much to do this afternoon that I feel I must not detain you longer, and on behalf of Lady Strathmore and those who assisted her I beg to return you heartfelt thanks for the honour you have done them by this presentation today, and I speak for them when I say that the recollection of your kind recognition of their services will be to them always a most pleasant recollection. (Applause.)

Sir Charles Dalrymple M.P.

Sir Charles Dalrymple, M.P., said – Owing to the circumstances that I have the honour to hold a high position in the Masonic Order I am permitted to submit to you a resolution which you will cordially respond to – that of a hearty vote of thanks to the Lord Provost for presiding on this interesting occasion. (Applause.)

The Lord Provost

The Lord Provost – I do not think I require to say it gives me great pleasure indeed to occupy the chair on this interesting occasion. I am sure we in Dundee have been deeply indebted to the Strathmore family on many previous occasions, and as allusion has been made to good services given to past Provosts I feel myself that when occasion requires I shall feel it my duty to claim the privileges accorded to my predecessors in calling on the Earl and Countess of Strathmore and family to exercise the same kindness towards me that they have shown towards my predecessors. (Applause.)

Three hearty cheers were given for the Countess of Strathmore, and the proceedings then terminated.

Masonic Address to the Countess of Strathmore

Dundee Advertiser 29th August 1891

It may be remembered that at the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire held in January last reference was made to the gratifying success which had attended the Masonic Bazaar in Edinburgh promoted for the purpose of augmenting to annuity fund of the order. At that meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge particular notice was taken of the great assistance which had been rendered to the bazaar by the contributions of the Forfarshire stall. The stall was presided over by the Countess of Strathmore, Lady Glamis, and others of Glamis Castle, who during the week the bazaar was open, were in constant attention at the hall, and by their individual and combined efforts they made the Forfarshire stall one of the prominent features of the exhibition.

To their efforts in great measure was due the very pleasing result which attended the Bazaar, and the Provincial Grand Lodge took the earliest opportunity of recognising the services of the Countess, Lady Glamis and the Strathmore family; and on the motion of Mr James Berry the Provincial Grand Master, it was unanimously agreed to offer the best thanks of the Provincial Grand Lodge to the Countess and the family for their kindness, and to present them with an illuminated address, expressing the sentiments of the brethren. The resolution was at one put into effect, and a suitable address was drawn up, and has now been beautifully illuminated by Mr William Adamson, Edinburgh, lithographer to the Grand Lodge of Scotland. This address is to be enclosed in a handsome oaken casket, beautifully mounted with silver. The oak from which the casket is made was selected by the Countess and is part of a beam taken out Glamis Castle while the building was under repair about 300 years ago.

The casket is a fine work of art and has been made by Messrs James Crichton & Company, jewellers, George Street, Edinburgh. The lid bears a small silver coronet and on the sides and ends are representations of the crests of the Glamis family and Masonic crests. Yesterday, we understand, Mr Berry received intimation from Lord Strathmore that the Countess and party from Glamis Castle would come to Dundee on Saturday, 12th September, in time for the presentation to be made at one o’clock. The Provincial Master will make the presentation and Sir Archibald Campbell will be asked to preside. Invitations to witness the ceremony will be issued to the Lord Provost and leading citizens, and on the conclusion thereof carriages ordered by Grand Lodge will be in attendance to convey the Strathmore party to the Sick Hospital grounds, where Sir Archibald is to lay the memorial stone. Both functions being now arranged for the same day will cause a much larger attendance of the members of the craft from the country in honour of the distinguished and popular Lord Lieutenant and family. Underneath is a drawing of the casket.

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Transcribed by Iain D. McIntosh, Jan 2014