1900 The Restoration of Brechin Cathedral - 22nd Sept 1900

MASONIC MEETING AND PROCESSION

The Masons mustered at the City Hall. The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened at three o’clock. Brother James Berry, Provincial Grand Master, presided. There was a large attendance, and other office bearers present were: Brothers Bruce Gardyne, Past Provincial (Depute- my correction) Grand Master; J.G. Sprunt, Provincial Grand Senior Warden; W. J. W. Cameron, P.G. Junior Warden; Andrew Naysmith, Provincial Grand Junior Deacon; A. Anderson, Provincial Grand Secretary; and John Herald, P.G. Treasurer, &c. The Grand Master and the deputation from Grand Lodge visited the Provincial Grand Lodge, and were received with all honours.

The Provincial Grand Master welcomed the Grand Master, thanked him for the honour conferred on the Province, and made a short statement as to its position.
The Grand Master in replying, congratulated the Provincial Grand Master on having a large and influential deputation there to honour him, for their attendance was a compliment to him.
In signing the minute of this Grand visitation the Grand Master gave his congratulations on the excellent condition in which the minutes and books of the Province had been kept, and the manner in which the work was conducted.

The members of the daughter Lodges meantime formed into processional order and marched past the hall; and the Provincial Grand Lodge and the Grand Master and his deputation then joined in. All the Brethren were in Masonic costume, and wore their aprons and sashes  and jewels of office. The Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Master were specially laden with their emblems of position. The former was preceded  by the acting Sword Bearer who carried a beautiful Damascus Blade, but found no cause in Brechin for bringing it into condition of activity. Preceded by a band, the masons formed a long line of procession.

There were deputations , headed generally by the R.W.M. of each Lodge, from these 28 Daughter Lodges: -

• Melrose St. John No. 1;
• Montrose Kilwinning No. 15, Montrose;
• St Thomas No. 40, Arbroath;
• Operative No. 47, Dundee;
• Ancient No. 49, Dundee;
• St. Ninians No. 66, Brechin;
• St. David No. 78, Dundee;
• Forfar Kilwinning No. 90, Forfar;
• Glamis No. 99, Glamis;
• St Vigeans No. 101, Arbroath;
• St Peter’s No. 120,
• Montrose; Royal Arch No. 122,
• Perth; St. James No. 123,
• Brechin; St. Laurence No. 134, Laurencekirk;
• Thistle Operative No. 158, Dundee;
• Incorporated Kilwinning No. 182, Montrose;
• Forfar & Kincardine No. 225, Dundee;
• St. Andrew No. 282, Lochlee;
• Airlie No. 286, Kirriemuir;
• Panmure No. 299, Arbroath;
• Lour No. 309, Forfar;
• Camperdown No. 317, Dundee;
• Albert No. 448, Lochee;
• Broughty Castle No. 486, Broughty Ferry;
• The Bruce No. 593, Froickheim; Dalhousie No. 679, Carnoustie;
• Dunnichen No. 684, Letham;
• Edzell Castle No. 870, Edzell;

There were between 300 and 400 Masons in the procession, but it would be difficult to estimate how many spectators witnessed the proceedings, for the holiday ordinance was in force by this time, and all the town seemed to be eager to see what was to be seen. The line of procession was crowded, windows and other good places were filled, and the precincts of the cathedral were crammed with old and young. The procession went by Swan Street, St. David Street, St. Mary Street, Castle Street and Chanonry Wynd and on arriving near the Cathedral it halted, and the members of the Lodges opened up to right and left so as to leave room for the Grand Master and the office bearers of the Grand Lodge to pass up the centre to their places near the memorial stone.

Daughter Lodges followed, and took places in the Nave. There were numerous ticket holders in an enclosure north of the chancel, and in the burying ground and adjacent open spaces there were crowds of spectators. Among the former were: - The Earl of Dalhousie and Brechin Castle party; The Right Hon J. A. Campbell, M.P.; Provost Scott, Ex-Provost Valentine, Mr Robert Duke, ex-Bailie Ferguson, Mr George Watt, Sheriff Clerk of Forfarshire; Rev Dr. Ferguson, Fearn; Rev J. Landreth, Logie-Pert; Rev A. R. Henderson, Maryton; Mr William smart, Dean of Guildry; Mr A. Cliff; Rev D. McMillan, Careston, Captain Stansfield of Dunninald; Mr Alexander Philip; Rev Hugh Macmaster, Dunnichen; Mr J. Shiress Will, Q.C.; Bailie Cumming; Rev J. Niblock Steuart, Montrose; Dr. Leishman, Mr A.R. McLean Murray, Rector, High School; Mr Charles Anderson, Solicitor; Mr William Fettes, Architect, Brechin; Mr Robert McLellan; Mr James Craig; Town Clerk; The Rev John A. Clark and the Rev. A.D. Tait Hutchison, Ministers of the Church; Mr John Shiell, S.S.C.; Mr A. Robertson, emeritius rector; Mr D.H. Edwards, Brechin; Rev John T. Allan, Maisondieu U.P.; Rev A. Mitchell, E.U.; Rev A. Anderson, Dun; Rev Alexander Middleton, Gardner Memorial church; Mr J. B. Don, Maulesden; Mr Duncan of Balfour; Mr John Lamb, Glencadam; Rev E. Beresford Cooke, the Rectory, Mr J.W.J. Cameron, Brechin; Rev Robert Paisley, East Parish; Mr David Spence; Mr James L. Aird, Solicitor; ex-Bailie Annandale, Mr D. W. Galloway; Rev John Stewart, Lochlee; Mr W.M. Prain and Mr James Ferguson, Edinburgh; Mr W. Archibald, Solicitor; Mr David Fenwick, Mr W. Anderson, solicitor &c. &c.

The proceedings were commenced by the band playing the Queen’s anthem, then “O God of Bethel” was sung, and the Rev Dr. Colin Campbell, Dundee, Grand Chaplain, offered up a prayer very appropriate to the occasion.

At this stage Mr J. H. White, of Messrs J. H. White & Sons, Glasgow, the contractors for the work stepped forward and presented to the Grand Master the trowel and mallet to be used in the Ceremony. The trowel was of massive silver, with a handsomely carved black handle, and on the back had a beautiful engraving of the coat of arms of the old chapter of Brechin Cathedral, and bore the following inscription on the front: - “Presented by J. H. White, builder to the Hon. James Hozier M.P., Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of Scotland, on the occasion of his laying of the memorial stone in connection with the restoration of Brechin Cathedral – 22nd September 1900.”

The Grand Master suitably acknowledged the present, and afterwards said that he would leave the trowel and mallet in Brechin for some time to allow the people of the town an opportunity of seeing them.

The Grand officers then proceeded with the function. In a cavity of the Memorial Stone were placed a jar containing papers relative to the restoration, a copy of the “Dundee Advertiser” of that date and of the Cathedral Parochial Magazine and other papers. Then the 100th Psalm was sung, the stone was “laid in its bed according to the rules of Masonry,” and the Grand Master said – “May the Almighty Architect of the Universe look down with benignity upon our present undertaking and crown it with every success.” Corn – the emblem of plenty and abundance of God’s good gifts – was then thrown on the stone, wine and oil were poured upon it, and then the ceremony was closed.

The Grand Master, in acknowledging the toast ,said Freemasonry not only took an interest in the building of schools, but a special interest in religion altogether. He had attended many a Masonic function, but did not remember one, away from headquarters or Glasgow, where he had seen so many distinguished Masons gathered together. He concluded by proposing the health of the chairman.
This was heartily received, and was suitable acknowledged, and then the company separated.

The Grand Master then thanked the Executive for  the privilege granted the Masons of taking part in the ceremony. It was interesting because of the antiquity of the building now being restored, because the genius of the Architect was bring back much of the beauty of the Cathedral as it stood in the old days – (Applause.) – and because this restoration was really a national restoration. (Applause.) All denominations had contributed  to make the scheme a success, and everyone had given according to his means from princely donations – one by Mr Campbell and another by one who determined to remain anonymous – down to the more humble offerings of goodwill. (Applause.) Most cordially did he congratulate all concerned, and, above all, the Ministers of the Church – (applause) – upon the splendid success that had attended their glorious efforts; and most earnestly did he trust and pray that in the future, as in the past, this Brechin Cathedral might be the centre of Christian life and thought for many and many a year to come. (Applause.)

The Right Hon, J. A. Campbell, M.P., thanked the Masons for their assistance that day. They had a most impressive ceremonial in connection with the restoration of perhaps not one of the greatest Cathedrals, but certainly one of the most beautiful in Scotland. (Applause.) He gave a review of the steps taken to secure this, and stated that the subscriptions had now reached the sum of £10,130, leaving £1900 yet to collect. The congregation had done its best, and the committee had had sympathy and encouragement from people in Brechin and connected with it and with the district, belonging to all classes and to all denominations. (Applause.) It had been taken up as an object of national concern and of general interest. Many had replied to the committee’s appeals that they were fully occupied with the War funds, but he hoped that was only postponed, and that now, when the raising of War funds was at an end, or nearly so, their friends would bethink themselves of the claims of the Brechin Cathedral restoration – (Applause.) – and give them the £1900 as soon as possible. (Applause.)

Provost Scott said that, as Provost of the Ancient City of Brechin, he was glad to be able to congratulate the gentlemen who conceived the idea of restoring their old Cathedral on the success of the scheme in so far as it had been carried out and the certainty of its being completed.
Thereafter the Grand Master, remarking that they had enjoyed the Queen’s weather, called for three cheers for Her Majesty, and that was cordially responded to: The band played “Rule Britannia” and the Cathedral bells rang. The procession then returned to the hall in inverted order. The Grand Master announced that Captain Hope of Bridgecastle had resigned the office of Depute Grand Master, and that he intended to appoint the Hon. C. Maule Ramsay to that office. This was received by the Brethren with much applause. The proceedings were then terminated.

From the Newspaper of that Day

Restoration of Brechin Cathedral

Placing the memorial stone

Imposing Ceremony

On Saturday afternoon the Grand Master Mason of Scotland, supported by a large gathering of Freemasons, and in the presence of the Executive Committee and a full and varied representation of the citizens of Brechin, laid the memorial stone in connection with the restoration of Brechin Cathedral. Part of the afternoon was on the recommendation of the Magistrates, observed as a holiday by shopkeepers and others, and as the weather was excellent there was a large attendance from town and country to witness the proceedings, which, fortunately, passed of without the slightest hitch.

About two o’ clock the Grand Master and the deputation from Grand Lodge were, on the invitation of the Executive Committee, entertained at luncheon in the large hall of the Mechanics Institute. There was a large company of Freemasons and others. The chair was occupied by the Right Hon. James  A. Campbell of Stracathro, M.P., the chairman of the Restoration Executive Committee, and he was supported on the right by the Hon. James Hozier,  M.P., Grand Master Mason of Scotland; the Very Rev. Dr. Scott, Edinburgh; Sheriff Johnston; Colonel Henry Lumsden of Pitcaple, Provincial Grand Master of Aberdeenshire West; Mr John Graham of Broadstone, Grand Master Depute. On the left of the Chairman were the Earl of Dalhousie; Mr James Berry, Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire; Sir J. Balfour Paul Lyon, King of Arms; Mr John Honeyman, the architect of the restoration; the Rev Dr. Colin Campbell, Dundee, Grand Chaplain; Mr David Reid, Grand Treasurer; Lieutenant Colonel C. J. Johnstone of Lesmurdie, Provincial Grand Master of Elgin and Moray; Mr W. J. Sandiford-Thomson, Provincial Grand Master of Kincardineshire; Mr Thomas Chalmers, Provincial Grand Master of Perthshire East. The croupiers were: - Provost Scott, Brechin; the Hon C. Maule Ramsay, Brechin Castle; the Rev J. A. Clark and the Rev A. D. Tait Hutchieson, ministers of the Cathedral; Mr James Craig, Town Clerk; and Mr Charles Anderson, Solicitor.

There were also present: - From Grand Lodge – Brothers Major F. W. Allan, Past Senior Grand Warden; W. Murray Denholm, Senior Grand Deacon; John Carruthers, Junior Grand Warden; James Caldwell, Past Grand Deacon; R. K. Inches, Grand Jeweller; J. McNaught Campbell, Past Grand Bible Bearer;

George Crawford, Grand Director of Ceremonies;  James Gunn, Grand Bard; James Thomson, Past and acting Sword Bearer; Arthur J. Curle, Grand Organist; Robert N. Johnston, Grand Marshal; William Scott, Grand Inner Guard; members of Grand Committee – James Taylor Jun., James A.S. Kerr, Allan Mackenzie, John Walker, and Robert Bathgate; Grand Stewards – Major David S. Millar, George Glenn, Emil Christensen, William Adamson, and William Ellict; James Smith, Past Master Lodge No. 405, E. A. Chisholm, Chief Clerk to Grand Lodge, David Laird, Grand Lodge officer, George Keay, Grand Tyler, &c.

Mr Philip, Solicitor, Secretary to the Executive Committee, intimated apologies for absence from the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P., Lord Saltoun, Past Grand Master; The Earl of Strathmore, the Earl of Kintore, Lord Kinnaird, Lord Kelvin, Lord Stomonth-Darling, Lord Pearson, The Hon. Hew Dalrymple, Sir Andrew McLean, Sir Leonard Lyell, Sir William Laird, Sir William Ogilvie Dalgliesh, Colonel Blair Imrie of Lunan, Sir John Reid, Sheriff Guthrie, Sheriff Thom, Sheriff Robertson, Sheriff Crawford, Very Rev Dr. Leishman, Professor Cooper, Glasgow; Very Rev Dr. Cameron Lees, Edinburgh; Principle Story, Glasgow University; Principal Marshall Lang, Aberdeen University; Mr. W. Shaw Adamson, Careston Castle; Mr Patrick Chalmers of Aldbar; Mr William Ferguson of Kinmundie; Mr Harry Cheyne, W.S., Edinburgh; Mr. D.C. Thomson, Dundee; Mr Jas Smart, Brechin; Rev Dr. Luke, St. Vigeans; Mr Robert Lamb, Dundee; Mr G. W. Baxter; General don, London; Mr R. Fitzroy Bell, advocate; Mr D. Murray Lyon, Grand Secretary; Mr McNabb of Keithock; Mr James Smart, Mr Adamson of Careston, Captain Scott of Balhall, Mr Paton of Cairnbank, &c.

After Luncheon, which was purveyed by Mr. Pirie, the Chairman proposed the toast of “The Queen,” which was loyally received.
Mr Henry Johnston, Q.C., Sheriff of Forfarshire, proposed the toast of “The Church of Scotland,” and he said he ventured to think that not only the Ministers of the Established Church of Scotland, but his fellow dissenters, would agree with him that it was very well that this toast should be committed to a dissenter – (Applause) – and he thought, under the particular circumstances, that even those who gloried in being dissenters would approve of its being placed in the hands of an Episcopalian. They would pardon him, however, if in speaking to this toast he felt there was just a little irony in the situation. Their forefathers had destroyed the magnificent buildings the Roman Catholics have erected, which were handed down to Episcopalians, and of which they took possession. Their sons were making a somewhat late repentance. He did not however, see either on the back of Dr Campbell or on the back of Dr. Scott just the amount of sackcloth and ashes which he might expect. (Laughter)

The disciples had repented of what their apostles did, and they were now proposing to restore one at least of those magnificent buildings which once covered this country. That they were proposing to do so, and that in doing so they were supported by the members of the Free Church, members of the united Presbyterian Church, and members of the Episcopal Church, was but one token of what no one could fail to have been aware of who had lived in Scotland for the last thirty years – that there had been spreading through the Churches a spirit of liberality which was unknown before (Applause) The restoration of Brechin Cathedral was a great gain to the nation and to the Church – (applause) – and no one could wish the cause more speed than a member of that Church who would fain that it were restored to its own communion, but who knew perfectly well that it never could be, and who knew also that if it were it would not have the means to do it justice. (Applause.)

He proposed the toast with cordiality, because those of that Church to which he belonged believed in the principles of establishment. (Applause.) They believed the Church had even a more divine right and origin than the right of Kings, and that no nation could remain Christian and not as a nation recognise its Christianity by a national Church – (Applause.) – and as to the Church of Scotland, he thought he might say without hesitation that when its day of trial came it would find the Episcopal Church of Scotland by its side. (Applause.)  

The Rev. Dr. Scott, in replying thanked Sheriff Johnston for the kindly way in which he had introduced the toast. This was not an occasion for controversy, though if it were he would have been delighted to break a lance with him. (Laughter.) All that he had to say was that he wished for their friend’s own sake that his knowledge of Scottish Church history were as extensive and correct as his knowledge of Scottish Law. (Laughter.) The occasion reminded them unmistakably of the great antiquity of the Church of Scotland and of the claims which the Church of Scotland had upon the support of the Scottish people. That old building which under the loving and skilful hands of Mr Honeyman was now being restored, carried them back through successive structures very varied in type, and through very stormy periods in history to a remote antiquity. It was averred with some show of probability that the Church of Scotland was amongst the oldest national churches in Christendom. It was certainly the fact that the Church was the oldest of their national Scottish institutions. It might be said to have been the parent and fosterer of the State. Though it had gone through a very chequered history and had suffered punishments, still that Church existed, preaching the same pure sacraments as were administered by the first missionaries to this country. Though it were an old Church, he defied any one to say on an occasion like this that the Church of Scotland was a moribund Church. (Applause.) The very fact that they were gathered together to lay the memorial stone of this restoration was a sermon of itself. Had the Church been content with the miserable patrimony that was rescued from those that spoiled the churches – (laughter) – the Church would very soon have disappeared from the land. But the truth was that its patrimony was not sufficient anywhere all over the country to support the Church, and so it had increased the endowments by thousands and its charges by hundreds; and not content with that, had set about all over the country restoring and beautifying the old churches and such grand churches as had been referred to. (Applause.) they did not administer in the interests of a denomination but of a country. There was nothing they were not willing to share with Episcopalians and Presbyterian brethren on the same terms as they held; and as long as they held that position he thought they would be able to hold up their faces and speak out frankly anywhere. (Applause.)

The Chairman next gave the toast of “The Grand Lodge of Scotland,” and said that outsiders such as he had the opinion that whatever Freemasonry was, its objects where brotherhood and benevolence. (Applause.)