1900 Carnoustie Parish Church
Memorial Stone Laid with Masonic Honours.
25th August 1900
From a local Newspaper of 1900
The New Church
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The interesting and important ceremony of laying the memorial stone of the new Parish Church of Carnoustie, which is being erected in Dundee Street, opposite the present Church, took place on Saturday afternoon 25th August 1900.
The stone was laid with full Masonic honours by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire, and the whole proceedings were witnessed by a large concourse of people. The proceedings were favoured with splendid weather, and the attendance at the ceremony included, besides residenters and visitors staying in the town, a large number of people from Arbroath, Dundee and the surrounding district. Previous to the laying of the stone a special meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the municipal buildings, and after the ceremony a large company, on the invitation of the Trustees of the Church, sat down to dinner in Bruce’s Hotel.
The Provincial Lodge
The meeting of the Provincial Lodge was held at 3 p.m. The following office bearers were present – Right Worshipful Jas. Berry, P.G.M.; Hon C.M. Ramsay, D.P.G.M.; J.G. Sprunt, P.G.S.W.; W.J.W. Cameron, P.G.J.W.; A.D. Anderson, P.G. Secretary; A.C. Anderson, P.G. Assistant Secretary; John Herald, P.G. Treasurer; Andrew Naysmith, P.G.J.W.; Stewart Galloway, P.G. Chaplain; A. Armit, P.G. C.; A.J. Ramsay, P.G. Jeweller; D. Wishart Galloway P.G. A.; Issac P. Dyer, P.G. B.B.; C.G. Douglas, P.G. B.B., Fife and Kinross; John H. Bruce, P.G.S.; William Smith, P.G.D.C.; F.G. Kemp, P.G.S.B.; Robert McLaggan, P.G.I.G.; John McGregor, P.G.T.; A.W.R. Birrell, P.G. Marshal; W.S. Smith, P.G. Director of ceremonies; D.D. Beaton, ex-P.G.B.B.; and D. Laird, P.G. Officer.
Tribute to the Late Lord Airlie
After the Lodge had been constituted, the Provincial Grand Master made a short and appropriate reference to the late Earl of Airlie. He said since they last met as a Forfarshire Province they had sustained a sad loss at the front in South Africa in Brother Lord Airlie. Little more than twelve months ago he sent the Treasurer ere he left for Africa a handsome donation for the Forfarshire Jewel of office. He was then full of health and happiness, and enthusiastic for the service he was going to uphold and he hoped to be soon back again. Alas! It was a vain delusive wish. Young and strong, he who cherished
‘Noble longing for the strife
By the roadside fell and perished.’
When a brother was called away mature in years and of accomplished fame, there regrets were softened by the consideration that he had run the appointed course of man, that he had played his allotted part for the benefit of his fellow creatures, and that his portrait was hung, as it were, in the gallery of time. But they had no such earthly consolation here. High in position, richly endowed with worldly wealth, he had the power and the will to devote his time and his talents to the service of his country. But it was not to be; and they had only to bow in humble submission to the Heavenly Hand who saw fit, for a purpose unknown to them, but known to Him, to remove a well-beloved brother and to leave them here for a little while to mourn. The P.G. M. concluded by moving that an address of condolence be sent to the Countess of Airlie.
Brother the Hon. C. M. Ramsay seconded. He said he did not have the good fortune to know the late Earl as a Mason, but he knew him well otherwise, and had looked upon him as one of the best and kindest friends one could possibly have. He enjoyed a reputation second to none, and his loss was one of the greatest in the War. He worked himself up, and had gained an honourable position by sheer force of merit and persistence. (Applause.)
The motion was unanimously carried, and it was agreed to transmit a donation of three guineas to the Airlie Memorial Fund.
The Procession
While the meeting of the Provincial Lodge was being held, brethren from Dalhousie Lodge and the brethren from Lodges at a distance assembled in Station Road. When all had been assembled, the members of the Provincial Lodge left the Municipal Buildings and joined them; and the Masons in full regalia and bearing their emblems of office, after being marshalled by the Past Marshall, then marched in a body, led by the Carnoustie Instrumental Band, which was under Bandmaster Chalmers, to the new Church. The turnout of Masons numbered nearly 300 and as they marched to the new Church they presented an imposing appearance, and passed all along the route between crowds of people. The Lodges represented, with the officials heading them, were: - No.40 St. Thomas, Arbroath – Andrew Ellis, R.W.M.; No. 47 Operative, Dundee – A.C. Stewart, R.W.M.; No. 49 Ancient, Dundee – John MacLauchlan, R.W.M.; No. 66 St. Ninian, Brechin – Brother Spence, R.W.M.; No. 78 St. David, Dundee – Peter Gray, R.W.M.; No. 90 Kilwinning, Forfar – Norman Craik; No. 99 Glamis; No 101 St. Vigean, Arbroath, Andrew Naysmith, P.M.; No. 120 St. Peters Montrose, Bro Whiteman, P.M.; No. 123, St James, Brechin – Brother Galloway, R.W.M.; No. 136 St Laurence, Laurencekirk – Brother Wilkie; No. 158 Thistle Operative, Dundee – Bro Coupar, R.W.M.; No. 225, Forfar and Kincardine, Dundee – Bro McRitchie, jun., R.W.M; No. 254 Caledonian, Dundee – Bro Rennie, R.W.M.; No. 299 Panmure, Arbroath – Alexander Mather R.W.M.; No. 317 Camperdown, Dundee – John Scott, R.W.M.; No. 448 Albert, Lochee – Bro Cant P.M.; No. 486 Broughty castle – Bro Keith; No. 593 Bruce, Froickheim – Bro D.D. Beaton, P.M.; No. 679 Dalhousie, Carnoustie – Bro Gibson, R.W.M.
The Ceremony
At the new church site commodious platforms were fitted up under the direction of Mr P. Vallance, one of the Trustees, and the platforms, the building sheds, and yard were profusely decorated with flags. The decorations, which were very attractive, were entrusted to Bro. D.T. Wilson, Arbroath. Large Flags were also hung across the Street. Besides the Masonic Brethren mentioned, amongst those present on the platform were – Provost Ramsay, Bailie Walker, ex-Bailie Souter; Rev A. R. Gibson, Minister of the Church; Rev James Philip, Carnoustie; Rev P.A. Andrew, Froickheim; Rev William McConnachie, Guthrie; Rev John Ceasar, Panbride; Rev A. J. Campbell, Rev John Heggie, Barry; Ex-Provost Ballingal, Dundee; Mr Frank Watson, clerk to the Trustees; Bailie Nicol, Dundee; Messrs R. O. Parker, R. C. Bowie, James Souter, J. R. Wilson, George Winter, George Gibson, William Yeaman, A. McRitchie, George Watt,; William Duncan, Carmyllie; William Nairn, Pitairlie; James Wright, Carmyllie; George Robertson, Alexander Hogg, John Salmond, James souter, Peter Vallance, John Kerr, W.T. Panton, Andrew Clark, William Yool, Frank Watson, R.H. Fleming, P. McGregor Chalmers, Thomas Leith, Alexander Dundas, Joseph Anderson, and Thomas Anderson.
There were also a large number of ladies on the platform.
On arriving at the platform, Brother Berry took his place at the table beside the column of the Church in which the memorial stone is placed. On the table were laid the Grand Jewels and insignia of office. The proceedings opened by the band playing the ‘National Anthem’ after which prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain. The company led by a Choir under Mr Tom Anderson, choirmaster of the Church, then sang the 2nd Paraphrase. Mr P. McGregor Chalmers, the Architect of the building then presented the Provincial Grand Master with a handsome silver trowel, bearing a suitable inscription.
Brother Berry said he thanked Mr Chalmers very heartily for presenting to him that beautiful trowel with which to lay the foundation stone of that church. It had given him great pleasure on many occasions to receive similar gifts. They were all valued and highly prized by him. That one would join them, and when he looked upon it, it would bring back the glorious day he had spent in Carnoustie under the canopy of heaven laying the foundation stone of that church. (Applause.)
Brother Gibson, R.W.M., Lodge Dalhousie in name of that Lodge, presented Brother Berry with a handsome mallet, with silver plate, an which was an inscription suitable to the occasion.
Brother Berry thanked the Lodge for the gift, which he said was an emblem of the authority of the chair. At the closing of their Lodges the mallet was always returned, but on that occasion he was not to give it back again. He was to keep it as a memento of the duty he was to perform. He was indebted very much to the Dalhousie Lodge and to its Right Worshipful Master for thinking him worthy of the honour of laying the memorial stone. (Applause.)
He then called upon the Provincial Grand Secretary (Brother A. D. Anderson) and the Provincial Grand Treasurer (Brother John Herald) to place in the cavity in the stone, several articles and coins of the realm. This was done accordingly, a glass jar containing the following articles being deposited: - List of P.G. Officials, 1900-1901; programme of ceremony, copy of circular calling the meeting, copy of Bye Laws of P.G. Lodge, list of officials and copy of Bye Laws of Dalhousie Lodge, list of office bearers of Carnoustie Parish Church, financial statement of the Church, plan of the new church building, Life and Work, Missionary Records, list of tradesmen, several newspapers and coins of the realm.
The hundredth Psalm was then sung, during which a stone was lowered by the derrick on to the top of the stone containing the jar. Thereafter, with level and plumb and square, the stone was placed in position with Masonic ritual by Brother Hon C. M. Ramsay, D.P.G.M., and Brother Sprunt, the Worshipful Senior P.G. Warden.
“Well and Truly Laid”
Brother Berry, addressing the audience, then stated that it was now his duty to inform them that, in compliance with the request that had been made to him through the building committee, he, as Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire, and as representing the Freemasons of this County, had well and truly laid the foundation stone of that building. He hoped that, with the blessing of Almighty God, it would be erected and dedicated without accident to anyone. While the ceremony of laying in public the foundation stone of an edifice was always regarded with interest by the public, the ceremony was regarded with peculiar interest by masons, because it reminded them of Him who was made the chief corner stone. The stone had now been consecrated by the pouring in of Corn and wine and oil. These elements had a meaning in their symbolism, for by them they were reminded that the cultivation of virtue, the practice of duty, the resistance of temptation, the submission to suffering, the devotion to truth, the maintenance of integrity, and those other graces of spiritual life, must be consecrated by holy obedience and firm reliance upon Providence.
He ventured to return to them, in the name of the Provincial Grand Lodge, their warmest thanks for the invitation to be present that day. It always gave masons great pleasure to perform such ceremonies. This was a red-letter day to the Freemasons of Forfarshire. He had had great pleasure in performing such duties in regard to public buildings throughout the country, and he had been honoured by being sent by the Grand Lodge to lay the foundation stone that day, but it had been a labour of love for him to be there. He congratulated the Minister, the Kirk Session and the congregation on the prospect of having that handsome church erected in Carnoustie. (Applause.)
When they decided, in consequence of the old building, in which he had often worshipped, being unfit to be adapted to the wants and the accommodation of the community, he thought the congregation made a wise resolution in agreeing to have a pile erected worthy of the rising Burgh, and, he might say in the presence of the Provost, worthy of the Church of Scotland. (Applause.)
Still a Good Deal to Do
He had a copy of the financial statement of the church sent to him, and he was sorry to say that they were still a long way behind, and they had yet a good deal of money to gather. He would remind them that the churches of the twelfth and thirteenth century, which were the brightest and best examples of church architecture, were built by priest and people, by clergy and laity, who had a deep reverence, and who were overpowered by faith and a feeling that no cost was too great to build a temple to Him who did not live in temples made by hands. If they were a united congregation they would find ways and means whereby they would be able to erect and dedicate that church free to Almighty God. (Applause.)
It had been well said by an eminent freemason who had laid the foundation stone of the restored parish church of Arbroath, that they revered the Church of Scotland because it was closely identified with the history of the country and with their Scottish life.
He also said that it didn’t matter so very much whether the church was old or new, provided the people and the minister adapted themselves to the signs of the times, and made their churches what they existed for.
After a complimentary reference to his friend the venerable pastor of Panbride, Mr Caesar, Brother Berry thought the church in the district could safely stand the test, for no time in the history of the two parishes of Panbride and Carnoustie had there been more activity or more enthusiasm displayed. He hoped that if Mr Caesar got his church hall erected he would find it eminently useful for the wants that he had created, and that he would find it a help to his ministry at Panbride. He did not know Mr Gibson, but he had been told that he was a downright earnest worker and that he had the respect of his large congregation. Evidence of his hard work was shown in the sum that had already been raised for that new church. He congratulated Mr Gibson on what he had already accomplished, and trusted that he would stand the test and adapt his church to the sign of the times, and that that building would be adapted not only to the wants of the congregation, but would be a convenient meeting place for that rising burgh. In conclusion, Brother Berry said that he desired that the Church of Scotland might long live and continue to send out able and learned men, to uphold its ancient prestige. He thanked his brother masons, and especially Hon Mr Ramsay for their kindness in assisting him in his work that day. He also congratulated Provost Ramsay on the progress that has been made in the burgh in the past 25 years, and expressed the hope that Carnoustie would continue to raise up good and true men, who had no axes to grind, but who would be willing to serve the community with their best abilities – men who would be shining lights in the country. (Hear, hear and Applause.)
Returning Thanks.
Bailie Soutar said he deemed it a very high honour indeed to have the right to reply to the address, which they had just listened too. It happened that he occupied a seat as one of the trustees of the church, and on account of that he had been asked by the trustees to address them in their name. He though he echoed the voice of the trustees and of the congregation also in expressing the deep debt of gratitude they felt to all the Masonic brethren who had gathered to do honour in the laying of the foundation stone. (Hear, hear) They were all especially indebted to the Provincial Grand Master for the interest and enthusiasm he had shown from the first time he had taken this matter in hand. They were also deeply indebted to the Provincial Grand Depute Master, the Hon C. M. Ramsay, who had been one of the truest friends that Carnoustie had ever had. (Applause.) He had always been willing to take a hand in everything that was for the good of the burgh; and this was also characteristic of the family to which he belonged. (Applause.)
The family were non-sectarian in the good they desired to do. No matter what denomination it was, what institution it was, or what was the object in view – so long as it was a good object – they would always find the Hon C. M. Ramsay’s family doing their utmost in the good work. Bailie Soutar also thanked the local Lodge of Freemasons for the interest they had given the Provincial Grand Lodge in connection with the day’s proceedings. It had been said that “faint heart never won a fair lady.” He thought he was right in saying that “faint heart” never built a church.
When the trustees saw around them such a numerous body of those who were willing to help in the erection of the church, and after the encouragement they had got that day, he thought they should not loose heart.
The difficulties they had to meet would not be great when they came to meet them in reality. While they had decided to erect a new church, instead of spending £2000 on the old one, he hoped they would continue to have reverence for the old building which had come through so any vicissitudes. It had, however, served its day and generation, and they required a new church for present needs, especially in the summer time, when they had so many visitors who were always willing to help the burgh in its enterprises. (Applause.)
Brother Berry then announced that an opportunity would be given to anyone who cared to lay a contribution on the foundation stone, and in the name of the Provincial Grand Lodge placed a few pounds from the freemasons of Forfarshire on the stone.
From the Minute Book of Provincial Grand Lodge.
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Minute of a Special Meeting |
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Brother James Berry Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire in the chair. |
Circular of business Carnoustie Parish Church Foundation Stone |
“Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire |
Apologies |
The Lodge was duly constituted |
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Before proceeding to the business for which the meeting was called, Bro Berry made an appropriate reference to the lamented death of Brother the Earl of Airlie and in sympathetic language moved an address of condolence to be sent to the Countess of Airlie, and to enable him to do so, he moved the suspension of standing orders. |
Transcribed by Iain D. McIntosh, Jan 2014
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