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Email the LodgeThe Roman Eagle Lodge CLX
A Brief History From
1785 - 1931
Among the Lodges of the Metropolitan district few have experienced so many turns of fortunes wheel as the Roman Eagle Lodge, which was founded in the same year that Fergusson of Craigdarroch assumed the Chair of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning.
The Charter of Lodge Roman Eagle was granted on the 7th of February 1785, by Grand Lodge, then presided over by Lord Haddo, as Grand Master, and Dr Nathaniel Spens, as Depute Grand Master.
Since then the original intention of the Founders has somewhat failed of fulfillment. It was to erect and maintain a Lodge whose working and records should be in the classical Latin tongue, and whose prestige of members and standard of erudition should be noteworthy in the annals of the Scottish Craft.
The Lodge however, still flourishes, and anyone who cares to read the earlier Minutes from 1785 to 1794 will be amply repaid by a perusal of the quaint but precise phrasing, and the apt way in which the Latin records deal with Masonic subjects. On the 4th of November 1794, Brother James Somerville, the English Secretary, was elected sole Secretary in room of Brother Alexander Aitchison, "on which account the Latin Language was holy laid aside, and the English substituted in its room."
The Charter was assented to by the Lodge of Edinburgh Saint Andrew and the Edinburgh Defensive Band. The Founders and First Office bearers were: -
John Brown, MD . . . Master.
James McDonald, MD . . D.M.
John Kewly MA . . . S.M.
Lawrence Welsh MD . . S.W.
John Craven BA . . . J.W.
Charles Throgmortan . . Treasurer.
Thomas Leslie . . . . Secretary.
James Clarke . . . . Steward.
John Duncan . . . . Steward.
Peter Cowie . . . . Tyler.
It is interesting to note that Brother George Laing, who occupied the Chair in 1871, was a grand - nephew of Dr Brown, and, during his term of office, affiliated another grand – nephew, Brother Wm. Younger Laing, a P.M. of the Strongman Lodge No. 45 E.C.
A son of Dr Brown also joined the Lodge, and is thus referred to in a Minute of October 1789,
The meeting places of the Lodge are somewhat difficult to trace, for the minutes frequently omit the precise address, and up to the acquisition in 1893 of the hall in Melbourne place, the Lodge simply occupied rented rooms, and made many removals. The first place of meeting seems to have been Somers Hotel
We mention a number of the other meeting places in rough chronological order: -
(St Stephens Lodge)
(Br Mcdonald was the Tyler and apparently kept a riding School)
(Defensive Band Lodge)
(The Thistle Lodge Room)
The first visit of Grand Lodge to Roman Eagle took place in St John’s Chapel, as well as the celebration of the Lodge Jubilee in 1835.
A year later we find the Brethren on St john’s Day dining together and opening the Lodge in the Historic White Horse Inn, Canongate.
Three years further on the Town took the old Lodge Room in Toddricks Wynd "to hold the public lamps," and the Lodge rented a room from Dr Black, the R.W.M., who fitted it up for them at his own expense. It seems to have been situated in Donaldsons Close. The Lodge occasionally meet in Old Freemasons’ Hall.
The point to be noted is that it was common in the eighteenth Century for Masons to be admitted at small scratch meetings, not necessarily in the ordinary Lodge room, and their admission simply reported at the next regular Lodge meeting.
After 1825 the Lodge varied its meeting places very frequently, and among other places we find they used Lodge St Stephen, Advocates Close; Lodge Defensive Band, Anchor Close; the room in Toddricks Wynd; St David’s Lodge Room in Hyndford Close; a room in Carrubbers’ Close; Browns inn at Shakespeare Square; St Andrew’s Lodge Room in Brodie’s Close, Lawnmarket; Eagle Tavern, High Street; Regent Tavern, Waterloo Place; Brother Fisher’s Calton Hill; and "St" John’s Coffee house, now occupied as the office of the city Superintendent of works.
The Lodge next migrated to Milne Square, Hunter Square, Simpson’s Tavern, Hill Place, and thence to a Tavern, 12 Fleshmarket Close, which remained the meeting place till 1847, when the Lodge removed to the National Hotel, W. Register Street, and thence in 1854 to St James Lodge, Writers Close. The visit to the in 1851 of the Duke of Atholl as Grand Master was paid in the Merchants’ Hall Hunter Square.
The removal to St James’ Lodge room is expressly stated to have been in consequence of a recent Act of Parliament. But the brethren soon reverted, first to the old rendezvous in Fleshmarket Close, again to the National Hotel, next to the Victoria Hotel, Broughton Place; in 1858 to St Crispin’s Hall, Toddricks Wynd; in 1861 to the Goldsmith’s Hall, 98 South Bridge; in 1867 to Iona or Melvile Hotel, 82 Nicolson Street.
The Lodge in fact, for years had become dissatisfied with its constant removals and a committee was appointed in 1869 to enquire as to a more permanent resting place or as to building a hall. A few years later, under Brother Laing’s master ship, a building fund was formed, but the desire to leave licensed premises did not succeed till 1886, when the lodge for a time went back to the union Hall, returning however, to the Hotel again in1889. In 1891 the building fund was again started by Brother Craig, and though the Lodge at the same time contributed £58 to the Masonic charity Fund Bazaar, the building fund received strong support, and in 1893 the Hall of the Chamber of Commerce at Melbourne Place was purchased for £950. The Hall was opened on the 15th of November 1893, by Sir Charles Dalrymple.
The removals of this Lodge have been referred to in more detail than usual to point the moral of how happy and thankful a Lodge should be to be able as some Lodges can, to look back upon unbroken occupancy of the same premises for hundreds of years. Even then, by damp, by carelessness, by unauthorised appropriation or destruction, valuable records and gifts and possessions are sometimes lost. How much more unfortunate must a Lodge be which has not had the good fortune of a permanent home. May every Lodge in Scotland have a house of its own, and the sooner the better.
The fees of admission to the Lodge were at first: - Affiliation, 10s.; Entering, Passing and Raising, 36s.; but from the division which a century ago, was regularly made between the fees of each degree, which could be paid at different times, the books of the Lodge often mention other sums as paid representing a fee for a single or for two degrees, the fee for a Grand Lodge Diploma, or the fees payable to the Secretary or Tyler, or sometimes simply a payment to account.
The fees of admission to the Lodge were at first: - Affiliation, 10s.; Entering, Passing and Raising, 36s.; but from the division which a century ago, was regularly made between the fees of each degree, which could be paid at different times, the books of the Lodge often mention other sums as paid representing a fee for a single or for two degrees, the fee for a Grand Lodge Diploma, or the fees payable to the Secretary or Tyler, or sometimes simply a payment to account.
The Secretary got 2s. for every entrant, and 1s for every diploma, the price of the Lodge diploma being fixed in 1830 at 5s. The Tyler’s fee was 1s.6d for ordinary members and 1s for Soldiers.
In 1839 the fees were raised to £2, 2s., and for Military men to £1 1s. In 1846, a new plate for the diploma having been engraved, it was arranged with Bro. Mann that each member should in future be charged 1s. 6d for his diploma in lieu of the Lodge buying the plate.
In 1872, in view probably of the desire to increase the Lodge funds to enable a hall to be provided, the fee was raised to £2. 7s., and three years later to £2, 12s. 6d for residents, and £2, 7s. 6d for non-residents. The affiliation fee was afterwards fixed at 7s. 6d. In 1896 the entrance fee was raised to £3, 3s., and in 1906 to £3, 12s. 6d. In 1861 an annual test fee of 1s. was agreed to, increased in 1872 to 2s. 6d.
Apparently divinity students and clergymen were for a long time admitted free, and Soldiers and Sailors (non-commissioned) at half fees. This practise was abandoned in1888, when the fees for all intrants were made the same. It was also usual to accept work for fees.
While on the subject of fees, it may be noted that sometimes Grand Lodge, for a special occasion, required the services of a military band. It was the practice in such a case to arrange with some Lodge to enter the whole members of the band at once, and the terms were wont to be specially arranged.
An instance of this occurred on 24th September I846, when the Lodge was asked to admit the band of the 3rd Dragoons. Many Lodges, of course, similarly provided themselves with music on easy terms.
The following is a list of the R.W. Masters of the Lodge :
I787 William Charles Little, of Liberton, who assumed the surname Gilmour, on succeeding to the estate of Craigmillar.
1790 Edward Collis, of Barrow, in Ireland.
(James Denovan is referred to in the Minutes of 28th December 1801 as "Past Master," but this is probably for another reason than that he ever was in the chair of the Lodge. The name of Brother M`Grugar is in the same position in 1789, and George Black in I809.)
1800 Alexander Black, M.D. (The first intrant of the Lodge to occupy the chair.)
1801 Dugald John Campbell, of Skerrington, Ayrshire.
1803 Alexander Black, M.D.
1816 John Anderson, Glazier.
1817 Christopher Tod Brown, Whipmaker.
1818 W. S. Drysdale, Watchmaker.
blank in minutes from January 1820 to November 1823.
No date for Alex. Black, M. D.
1823 Anthony O`Neil, Firework and Figure Maker.
1824 John Forbes, Bookbinder.
1825 Anthony O`Neil.
1827 Thomas Brown, 12 Shakespeare Square. (First to sign "R.W. Master," on 27/12/27).
1829 Alexander Stewart.
1830 John Fisher, Teacher.
1833 George M`Kay. (In the Edinburgh directories for I834-36 "James M`Kay" is entered as Master of the Lodge.)
1834 James Marshall, S.S.C.
1836 James Bryce, 42 High Street.
1839 Alexander Black, M.D.
Minutes blank from 6th July I840 to 8th December 1842.
1842 Ninian Cowan, Spirit Merchant.
1843 John Coghill, Retired Officer of Yeomanry.
1845 James Hardy, Furrier, 9 Pitt Street.
1847 John Coghill. Retired.
1851 David Buchanan. (Son of W. Buchanan, Advocate, 33 Drummond Place).
1852 John Coghill. Retired.
1853 John Burnett, Caledonian Hotel, Castle Street.
1854 James Knox, Glazier.
1857 John Coghill. Retired.
1858 John Middleton, M.D.
1862 Robert Peel Ritchie, M.D.
1863 Wm. Cownie, Jr., Clothier.
1864 James Macfarlane, W.S., of Ballmill, Stirlingshire.
1865 Henry Imrie, Pastry Cook.
1866 Thomas Cairns, M.D. (St Andrews Lodge).
1867 James Paterson, Builder.
1871 George Laing, Jeweller, Nicolson Street. (P.M. Edinburgh Defensive Band.)
1876 William Mossman, Bookbinder.
1878 Edwin John Sykes, Medical Student. (Aff. from 1235 E.C.)
1879 James Gourlay, Architect.
1880 Wm. Greig, R.W.M. of St Stephens. Office Keeper, Scottish Widows Fund.
1881 W. H. Sherriff, M. D.
1882 Thomas B. Ironside, Searcher.
1887 Benjamin Miller, 46 Earl Grey Street.
1888 James Craig, Merchant.
1892 Thomas Barker, Conductor Ord. Store Corps.
1893 James Craig, Merchant.
1894 Fred. Eric Bailey, Photographer.
I 896 J. Campbell Irons, S. S. C.
1899 George M`Murdo Brown, Insurance Superintendent.
1902 William M`Lean, Cashier.
1905 William Adamson Ireland, Stationer.
1906 John Cossar, Upholsterer.
The list of Office-Bearers presents some points of interest. At the formation of the Lodge they were as follows :
Multum colendus Magister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R.W. Master.
Pro Magister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depute Master.
Submagister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Substitute Master.
Magistri Decanus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Master Deacon.
Interpretes (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Interpreters.
Senior Custos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. Warden.
Junior Custos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Warden.
Ab Aerario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer.
Nummularius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Collector.
Ab Epistolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary.
Scriba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clerk.
Custodum Decani (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wardens Deacons.
Pontifex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaplain.
Magnus Dispensator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Steward.
Dispensatores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stewards.
Janitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyler.
The principal point of interest in the above list is the fact of there being three deacons whose places can be easily judged from the old arrangement of Scottish Lodges, now so largely abandoned for the English form.
The Champion was wont to appear on public occasions in panoplied glory, to the no small satisfaction of the brethren, and the wonder of the populace. At the inauguration of the Wellington Statue, Brother Edmonston appeared accoutred in mail, clothed with a Roman toga and mounted on a splendid black horse, Brother Coghill on that occasion acting as Grand Marshal. Brother Coghill was afterwards elected Grand Director of Ceremonies, and in 1864. he presented Grand Lodge with a Grand Marshal's baton in ebony, mounted in silver.
The laying of the foundation stone of the High School by the Grand Master, Viscount Glenorchy, in I825 was another occasion on which the Champion appeared. The minutes give a most picturesque description of the procession route, and proceedings on that occasion.
They particularly specify that nine cheers were given immediately on the stone being declared well and truly laid, that the Champion was mounted on horseback in a full coat of mail, that the Tyler was dressed in a Roman togger (sic), and that a special band of bugles, an elegant new banner with the motto of the Lodge on it, and on the top a large eagle, and eagles, suns, rods, etc., were all in the procession.
No wonder that the "dense mass of spectators " applauded, " and as the Lodge Roman Eagle appeared, her Champion majestically mounted on horseback, her banner, her eagles soaring above the heads of the brethren, the respectability of her members, and above all her splendid appearance as a Lodge, drew forth the loudest shouts of acclamation from the assembled multitude." The brethren dined that evening in Bryce's Tavern, Covenant Close.
When the foundation stone of the South Bridge and the bridge at King's Stables Road were laid in I827, in the construction of the new southern and western approaches to the city, the Champion was supported on each side by an Indian attendant. The Lodge, on that occasion, was able to muster I60 members, who assembled in a court in Old Assembly Close.
A Roman Equestrian, attended by a leader and champion, was again in evidence when the Duke of Atholl laid the foundation stone of the Caledonian Railway Station in I847, and "by order of the Lodge, Brother Adam received a vote of thanks for his admirable conduct and classical appearance that day." On that occasion the Roman dress was borrowed from the Theatre Royal.
At the laying of the foundation stone of the present Freemasons' Hall in I858, and again when Craiglockhart Poorhouse was begun in I867, Brother James Young was the Champion. On the former occasion the R.W. Master of the Lodge, Brother Coghill, acted as Grand Marshal. Grand Lodge was opened in the Picture Gallery of Holyrood Palace, and not only did the band of the 16th Lancers head the procession, but a salute of I5 guns was fired from the Castle on the completion of the ceremony.
A suit of armour was presented in I870 by Brother Coghill for the Champion, ' and it was used at the ceremony for the Royal Infirmary in that year. On that occasion Lodge Journeymen and Edinburgh Defensive Band, headed by their band, met the Roman Eagle early in the forenoon, and the three Lodges then, headed by the Champion in armour on horseback, proceeded to the Trades Maiden Hospital for the Blue Blanket which was duly displayed before the Prince, now our King.
Again a glimpse, in the " Scotsman," of the Champion, two years later at the Watt Institute. " The Roman Eagle had its emblem carried by a stalwart trooper of the Scots Greys (Farrier-Major John Jamieson), while the Tyler was mounted on horseback and encased in mail and visored helmet after the fashion of the middle ages. This formidable warrior carried a battle axe with which he ever and anon made the military salute to some pretty face in the crowd."
These turn-outs for ceremonial purposes were till recently an occasion for great and sometimes peculiar display, and a special costume or uniform was always an attraction. When the memorial stone of the Royal Blind Asylum was placed, the Bible-Bearer was supported by a staff sergeant of the 79th on each side. The armour had to be repaired for the Champion for that occasion. It was again repaired in I879, but has since disappeared. Brother Lumsden had to borrow armour for the Champion ten years ago for the ceremony at the new North Bridge.
A remark here as to costume is appropriate. It is sometimes said that the brethren appeared or were commanded to appear in white " stockings " and gloves. The stockings were their neck-cloths or neck-ties and had nothing to do with their nether limbs.
The emblem of the Lodge was at first a silver eagle, but later it was gilded and changed to a golden eagle. The apron was trimmed with purple and bordered with silver fringes. The minute of 18th July 1785 anent these is interesting. The Master and a number of the brethren being then present
On 19th November I801 it was minuted :-
" At this meeting it was agreed upon that the office-bearers should have new clothing (the old being useless) at the expense of the Lodge. In the meantime (the Lodge having no funds) the office-bearers are to purchase their own clothing, and the Treasurer is desired to pay the expense of the same out of the first funds of the Lodge, that the Lodge should immediately get a large chest, with lock and key, to hold the regalia ; that the Lodge should immediately get new (common) clothing ; that the Lodge do get the candlesticks repaired, they being in great disorder. At the same time it was agreed upon that we should immediately get a lodge-room with all possible dispatch, so as to hold our first public meeting immediately, the other Lodges having all had at least two meetings already. Accordingly the Right Wor. Master has taken St Mary's Lodge-Room at the yearly rent of five pounds per annum."
It was the energy of the Master, Alexander Black, which at this period practically saved the Lodge from extinction, for the Lodge, had been dormant for upwards of four years, and was in debt, the Treasurer having absconded with its funds, the jewels had been hypothecated in security of the Lodge rent, there was no Lodge furniture or clothing, and it had only five members resident in Edinburgh.
Before a year had passed the Lodge was again flourishing, " provided with everything requisite for a Lodge, to that degree of elegance and splendour which might be equalled but not surpassed by any Lodge in Edinburgh." It had even a chair which the Grand Master, the Earl of Aboyne, had specially asked the use of for St Andrew's day.
Among the other acquisitions were :-
1802 A Roman Dagger.
1807 A Bible.
12 Brass Eagles.
A Candlestick (cost £2, 15s. 6d. ).
1830 Rods for the Banner and the Sun.
1832 A "Transparency" mentioned as furnished for the Lodge at the Coronation of William IV. It was carried in the Centenary Procession of Grand Lodge in 1836.
1854 A Master's Chair.
1858 A Canopy for the Chair (when the Lodge removed to St Crispin's Hall).
1860 A Piano.
1896 Three Massive Brass Candlesticks.
From the Inventory taken in 1865 and other incidental references, we find that the old helmet belonging to the Lodge had got into the hands of an auctioneer in town and was not recovered. The Inventory mentions a Candelabra with five sockets and another with three, as well as a Book of Common Prayer and a Masonic Chart, but it says nothing about a Toga or Armour. There were also 20 Wooden Toddy Ladles, and a special Tyler's Cap and Coat. The latter may have been a Toga.
Valuable presents have also been made to the Lodge at various times. One of the earliest of these was a painting of Brother Alexander Black, who was four times R.W. Master, and each time helped the Lodge nobly in difficulty. The painting was hung , up in the Lodge room in 1806, and at the same time a silver cup subscribed for by 118 of the Brethren was presented to Brother Black personally. At a later date he was presented also with an elegant silver mounted snuff box. Other presents to the Lodge were :
A Masonic Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Muirhead.
Framed Engraving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. James Knox.
Framed Portrait of Lord Loughbrough . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Shank.
Portrait of R.W.M. Cownie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Horsburgh.
Chair in Crimson and Oak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. S. Handelaar.
Picture Album or Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Reid.
Masonic Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bros. Mossman and Wilmott.
Sword taken at Waterloo from one of the Imperial Guard of France by one of the Scots Greys, from whose son Bro. Ainslie got it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Wm. Ainslie, Scots Greys.
Masonic Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Belcher.
Mark Jewel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Marshall.
Corner Stones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Church.
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bro. Lundy.
Snuff Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Marshall.
Organ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. James Craig.
Tyler's Coat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Samuel Moses.
Two Eagles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Forrest.
A Sword from Afghanistan decorated with Masonic emblems . . . . . Bro. Brandish.
Mark Jewel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. M`Lean.
Mark Stones and Ashlars . . Bro. Barclay. ·'
Decanters . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Forrest.
besides Masonic and other fittings, finger plates, knockers for the hall, a portrait of Brother Craig, music for the degrees, etc.
Valuable presents have also been made to the Lodge at various times. One of the earliest of these was a painting of Brother Alexander Black, who was four times R.W. Master, and each time helped the Lodge nobly in difficulty. The painting was hung , up in the Lodge room in 1806, and at the same time a silver cup subscribed for by 118 of the Brethren was presented to Brother Black personally. At a later date he was presented also with an elegant silver mounted snuff box. Other presents to the Lodge were :
The members have been drawn from many different parts. The army has been represented by members from 1st Dragoon Guards, 93rd 92nd 91st and 72nd Queen's Royals, 55th 60th and 2nd Life Guards, 4th Royal Irish Dragoons, 79th Cameron’s, 3rd Dragoons, Royal Artillery, 76th Horseguards Blue, 2nd Dragoons, 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, 7th Hussars, 9th Lancers, 45th Regiment, 82nd and 2nd Bengal Fusiliers, 4th Hussars, 71st Highland Light Infantry, Scots Greys, and 1st Royal Scots.
In I831 a deputation from Lodge No. 211, Piershill Barracks, visited Roman Eagle, and on another occasion a Lodge in the Carabiniers is mentioned, also in I838, a deputation from a Lodge in the 1st Royals. The Roman Eagle Lodge was on good terms with these Military Lodges.
In I849 five Hungarian patriots, en route for America, were entered, passed, and raised in the Lodge.
During Burns' residence in Edinburgh in 1787-88, it is now certain that Burns was an occasional visitor at Masonic Lodges, and there is some ground for believing that on 23rd January 1788, he attended a meeting of the Roman Eagle, at which the Grand Master was present. He seems to have been an honoured guest on special, occasions when the Grand Master happened to visit the daughter Lodges.
The active members of the Lodge fluctuated very much. Frequently references are made to attendance’s of about 100 in prosperous times. But the numbers of carrying on the work were some times at a dangerous limit of fewness. At present there are 200 active members on the roll.
John Kerr, Lord Ballendine, heir to the Duke of Roxburgh, was affiliated from Lodge Kirk Newton and Ratho and raised, and at the same time Michael Stephanoff, a medical student from Lodge Osiris in Moscow, was admitted an honorary member. The later admissions of honorary members include Brothers Bachmety and Crooks from Antrim ; John Gray of the East India Merchant Fleet ; Kenneth Callender of Craigforth, a medical student and a member of Lodge Vernon Kilwinning just before its amalgamation with Lodge Canongate Kilwinning ; Alexander Reid, Chemist, of Lodge Glasgow, Montrose; John Donaldson, Painter, of Canongate and Leith ; David Aitkenhead of St Thomas, Arbroath ; Thomas Hay, R.W. Sub. Grand Master ; James Lundy of Stratherly ; Hamilton M`Clure, Surgeon ; Captain Walter Little, eldest son of the second R.W. Master ; David Reid of Lodge Thistle ; and Adam Thomas of Mary's Chapel, all "fluxus maris expectatori ad Letham " ; Joachim de Remm, nobilis Germanus circuli Glaviae apud Rigam in Livonia; James M`Kitterick Adair of Canongate Kilwinning ; Anthony George Forbes, M.D., of Lodge St John, Covent Garden ; Henry Bowles, Shaftesbury; Isaac Benners and William M`Dugald both of Saint Croix, and all medicals; James Robertson, Writer, Edinburgh, who, the same evening he was assumed, was also appointed Depute Master ( 1801 ) ; andWilliam Mowbray of Canongate Kilwinning.
We have already referred to the meeting places of the Lodge. The meetings themselves were full of interest, partly for the occasions celebrated, often for the persons present and the records of the proceedings, and occasionally for glimpses of the manners and customs of olden days. The progress of Edinburgh since the great movements of the Lord Provost Drummond's time in the middle of the 18th century had been steady and sure, but the change during the last fifty years has almost been more noteworthy in life and habits than in structural improvements. In all probability the advent of the days of rapid transit and communication and of effective public lighting and policing has accomplished this change. Our meetings usually begin about eight o'clock. A generation or two generations ago they began usually much earlier in the afternoon, and one protest is specially recorded in the Roman Eagle minutes against any vote being taken after midnight.
The Lodge very early in its history Worked the Mark Degree. The first meeting for this purpose was held on 8th April 1785.
It was then worked by Brother Samuel Lynch, one of the founders, and by two visitors, Andrew Mitchell, Student of Physic a member of Canongate Kilwinning, and Adam Turnbull, "that it might as a degree be an adjunct of the Lodge in all time coming." Six members then took it and shortly after, at another meeting, other four were added. Brother Lynch " ut magister agens, fratres adstantes nitida oratione artis aedificatoriae scientia instruxit.
The second minute of the Lodge on the first page of the minute book bears the mark as well as the signature of Dr Kewley. A number of the marks are rather drawings of Masonic emblems, such as the beehive, than proper masons marks. We give some specimens. Brother Lynch in signing the minute adds after his mark the words " P.M.C.C. and C.P.K. antiguensis." He appears to have hailed from the West Indies like a number of the early initiates of the Lodge. The degree fell into disuse in the Lodge till 1829, when a number of brethren were made " Ark and Mark Masons." Ten years later it appears that another meeting was agreed to be held to give brethren who wished it this degree, but there is no minute of the meeting itself, if ever held.
Contrary, therefore, to the desires and expectations of the founders, the Mark Degree practically fell into desuetude in the Lodge till quite recent times, about 1860, when Mark Lodges began to be held from time to time as part of the ordinary routine of the Lodge.
It is evident from the records that it was worked in I870 from the Second Degree. The diplomas were issued then by the Lodge and not by Grand Lodge. Separate office-bearers for it used to be elected, a very convenient and useful practice, though, of course, such an election merely allows such office-bearers to work by courtesy of the regular officers of the Lodge, and does not give them substantive rank.
In 1891 the Lodge sent a special deputation to Lodge St Kentigern, 492 Penicuik, to work the Mark, when 35 brethren of St Kentigern and of St Leonard's, Loanhead; were advanced. Other similar excursions have followed since.
In regard to the working of the Lodge, one or two points of interest emerge. A joint meeting of two Lodges is hardly known nowadays, at least in the same way as Roman Eagle and Defensive Band fraternized
Again in I825 a similar joint meeting of the two Lodges was held, at which the Senior Wardens acted as Wardens and the two Junior Wardens acted as Deacons, among the other Lodges then present being that of the Carabiniers. We recollect, however, of a visit of Lodge St John, Haddington, No. 57 (with which Lodge Canongate Kilwinning has the curious mutual contract of membership to Lodge Dunbar Castle, when, during a sitting of the latter Lodge, the former met and was constituted on the floor within the body of the Dunbar Castle Lodge, both Lodges thus sitting at the same time in one room.
Instruction and lectures on the " Globes " . and other masonic subjects were by no means unknown in the early days of the Roman Eagle Lodge.
Instruction meetings or Lodges of Instruction have since been held at intervals.
Though the early work of the Lodge was in Latin, once or twice, for the benefit of an learned initiate, or because of the absence of a principal office-bearer, the work was in English.
Discipline has already been referred to in the case of Brother Figgans. In I828 it is noted that his diploma was refused to a brother for his bad conduct. A curious case of discipline occurred on 15th November 1831. " Among other business of the night a charge was brought against Brother Clunie for divulging the secrets of St John's Masonry and for making Royal Arch Masons and charging a fee for the same when he himself was not a Royal Arch." He was found guilty of exacting fees " under the pretence of initiating them into some mysteries unknown to St John's Masonry," and he was compelled to stop his proceedings and to apologise.
The first mention of a funeral Lodge since that held for Dr Brown was in 1871, for Brother James Paterson, the late R.W. Master, who was a native of Middlefield, and had taken an active interest in civic affairs, serving on the West Kirk Parochial Board, the City Road Trust, etc., and who now lies in Warriston Cemetery. Dr Thomas Cairns, who pronounced the funeral oration on that occasion, was himself the next to obey the call. A large Funeral Lodge was held for him in Oddfellows' Hall. Dr Cairns had a curious career. He was originally apprenticed a grocer in Alloa. He was afterwards licensed in the Free Church, but he abandoned the ministry, studied medicine, and qualified as a doctor, acquiring an extensive connection as a family doctor.
It remains to make some reference to the public ceremonies in which the Lodge took part, and to the visitings of other lodges and social gatherings in which it occasionally indulged. Some of the public ceremonies have been already referred to. Lodge Roman Eagle was usually quite ready to turn out in strength.
One of the earliest was the laying of the foundation stone of the old Fishmarket, in the provostship of James Hunter Blair.
The following extract from the "Globe " newspaper of December 8th 1807, is interesting in the same connection :-
"GRAND MASONIC MEETING" IN EDINBURGH.
"Monday sen'night being St Andrew's Day, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, the members of the different Lodges, assembled in the Parliament House at Edinburgh to elect the officers for the following year. The election being concluded, the members of the Lodges, with their brethren and the proxies from the country, walked in procession by torchlight (the streets being lined by a detachment of the Royals and Lanark Militia) to the Tron Church, where an excellent and very appropriate sermon was preached to them by the Rev. Mr Brunton. After the sermon, the brethren went to their respective Lodges and celebrated the Festival of St Andrew. During the procession, there was a grand display of fireworks by the brethren of the Lodge Roman Eagle. The dress of the Tyler of this Lodge was according to the ancient Roman costume, and had a very fine effect."
we quote another Minute of 1815, which speaks for itself :-
"GRAND MASONIC PROCESSION," SEPTEMBER 1815.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Office-Bearers having agreed with the Magistrates of Edinburgh and the Sheriff of the county that there should be a Grand Masonic Procession at the laying of the foundation stone of the New Criminal Jail and Regent's Bridge.
" Public expectation from the preparations which were made a considerable time before was raised to the highest pitch, and notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, it was never more highly gratified. On the morning of that day the different Lodges of this city and neighbourhood began to assemble in their different Lodge rooms and places of meeting, and from thence proceeded to the Parliament Square to be marshalled in the order of procession.
"Grand and imposing as the whole procession appeared to the thousands assembled, curiosity was still ungratified until the appearance of the Birds of jove, preceded by their officer, a gigantic form armed in a complete coat of mail, mounted on a milk white charger. All eyes were instantly turned towards the Lodge Roman Eagle, and the skies re-echoed the shout of the admiring multitude.
On returning to the Parliament Square the order of procession was reversed, the junior Lodges returning first, and on their arrival at the Cross the ranks were opened and the Magistrates, Grand Lodge, etc., proceeded up the centre, the Brethren being all uncovered. The Magistrates proceeded to the Council Chambers, the Grand Lodge to the New Church Aisle to close the Lodge, and the rest of the Lodges to their respective places of meeting. The Lodge Roman Eagle dined together that day, when the evening was spent with the utmost harmony.
Grand Lodge visited Lodge Roman Eagle on 27th February 1787, headed by the Grand Master, Francis Charteris of Annisfield, and with Brother Ferguson of Craigdarroch, as Junior Grand Warden ; and again on 3rd March I789, in St John's Chapel, under Lord Napier, when, after the Grand Master had occupied the chair of Lodge Roman Eagle for two hours he retired, " omni circulo perquam numeroso, plaudente ter tripliciter cum honoribus optime meritis."
In 1874 when the Lodge was nearing its centenary, a special meeting was held in the Oddfellows' Hall to receive Sir M. Shaw Stewart, Grand Master, who was accompanied by the Earl of Mar and Kellie as Substitute Grand Master. The Centenary Banquet itself was held in 1885 in the Freemasons' Hall, when the Grand Master, Sir Archibald Campbell, the late Lord Blythswood, proposed the toast of the Lodge.
The visiting of other Lodges was a well recognised duty for social enjoyment as well as on special occasions
The cosmopolitan nature of the harmony on these occasions is frequently noted, as, for instance, in 1794 when Brother Allan, R.W. Master of Lodge Royal Arch, paid a visit, " after many songs in English, Latin, Gaelic, and German, the Lodge was duly closed." Many of the old Lodges were, in reality the meeting places of the educated men of the time, a sort of monthly convivial salon where the latest and best in song, or story, philosophy, and so forth were freely enjoyed and discussed. The refreshments were of a simple character, for in the very year last mentioned (1794) the committee of the Lodge "entered into a contract with Brother George Murray to furnish the Lodge with Toddy, Cheese, Bread, Coal, Candles, &c., at the following rates, viz.:- 20 members one shilling per bottle, when above that number the Lodge is to have two pence of drawback on each bottle."
In the early part of the 19th century the St Andrew's Day celebration was pretty much a festival of the Edinburgh Lodges jointly. They were accustomed to meet in such a place as the Parliament House, and after a sermon in St Giles or the Tron Church, they proceeded to some such place as Fortune's great ballroom, and spent the evening in enjoying instrumental and vocal music
STATEMENT OF MONTHLY MEETINGS.
FIRST MEETING, JANUARY 1817.
Henderson Paul's Account £ 8. 0. 0
Band £ 0. I2. 0
Room and Cleaning £ 0. 4. 0
Flambeaux Holding £ 0. 4. 0
Wax Candles £ 0. 2. 6
Candles £ 0. 5. 0
3 dozen Glasses broken £ 0. 18. 0
Total £10. 5. 6
Cash Drawn £ 5. 0. 0
Loss on Meeting £ 5. 5. 6
Roman Eagle Lodge,
26th November 1817.
A sidelight on Edinburgh history is thrown by two notes in the minutes. On 24th June 1832 : " Owing to the state of cholera in Edinburgh and adjacent places, the usual meetings of the Lodge were postponed from last St John's day till this date." On 7th Nov. I832 : " Cholera not being abated but raging much in Edinburgh, the meetings were further postponed till this date from summer St John's day."
Another sidelight appears on 10th Oct. 1850 : " After spending a happy evening the Lodge was closed sooner than usual in consequence of the Queen's expected arrival at Holyrood Palace, as the brethren were anxious to be present to see Her Majesty and to give her a hearty welcome." Not long before, the Lodge had attended with Grand Lodge at the Theatre Royal for Bro. Wyndham's benefit.
Discipline was sometimes enforced brevi manu, as when Bro. Macmillan refused to pay for damage to Bro. Walker's coat in discharge of his duties a strenuous Deacon indeed.
In 1850 the Lodge sent a special deputation to Midcalder to visit the Lodge there. They had a splendid drag and four beautiful greys. They had dinner at Kippen's Inn, and supper at 2 a.m. at the National Hotel when they came back.
The life of the Lodge was strong about that time. It was on the crest of one of its waves of prosperity, and this found expression in balls (sometimes joint with other Lodges, such as St Stephen's), dinners, and visits. The first Lodge picnic was held in 1870 to Habbie's Howe. Later ones followed to Crichton Castle and Roslin and other similar places of interest.
The Lodge was visited in 1869 by Prince Rhodocanakis, who on that occasion accompanied Lodge St Andrew.
Historical Notes
CONTINUED BY
Bro. JAMES BARCLAY, P. M.
Having perused the more " ancient " history of the Lodge from the pen of the late Bro. A. A. Murray himself a brother of some note in municipal and masonic circles, having been a Town Councillor for Broughton Ward from 1904. to 1906, Past Master of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2, and latterly Grand Scribe E. of Royal Arch Masonry, we now come to more recent events in the lodge which are within the recollection of its older members.
There are still brethren among us who were initiated in the lodge while it met at the Melville Hotel, 82 Nicolson Street, but their number is getting smaller as the years roll on. Grand Lodge has looked with disfavour on daughter lodges meeting in licensed premises, and encourages lodges when it is at all possible to acquire buildings of their own. Roman Eagle, being a dutiful daughter of Grand Lodge, searched about for suitable premises, and eventually discovered them in the Hall belonging to the Chamber of Commerce at 11 Melbourne Place, which it acquired in 1893 at the cost of £950. This amount was raised by loans from outside bodies and debentures from members. The moving spirit in the acquisition of these premises was Bro. James Craig, who had already served a period of 4 years as Master from 1888 till 1892, and after a year's rest, was recalled to labour again in order, no doubt, to carry through the negotiations in the purchase of the new hall. The path of progress is never an easy one, and Bro. Craig had great opposition to encounter in carrying out his scheme, as is shown in the Eulogy written by our Bard, Bro. George Brechin, on the death of Bro. Craig in 1910.
"Eagles long were wanderers lone,
From place to place oft hustled on ;
Brother Craig to our rescue came
And shouldered the financial game,
Out-talked, silenced opposition
And fixed our Eyrie in position,
Where for happy years we've rested
And found funds full well invested.
Solemnly think, of the departed,
Brother masons, all true-hearted,
Think of his ardour and his power,
Who found for us our Melbourne Bower."
The hall was declared open by the Depute Grand Master, Bro. Sir Charles Dalrymple, on 15th November 1893. Among the deputations present were 11 reigning masters, many of whose names are well known.
The foundation stone of the present North Bridge was laid on 25th May 1896 when 22 brethren from Roman Eagle were present, headed by Bro. Goldie, Substitute Master. At a previous meeting, on 12th May, we read " Bro. Lumsden undertook to look after armour for the Champion." Two points here deserve notice : Bro. Lumsden and the Armour. Take the latter point first. An interesting holograph letter is gummed into the minute book dated 4th May 1887, which shows that the armour had gone astray and an effort had been made to redeem it, but with what success is not known.
Sir & Brother,
Not having the pleasure of your name The Brothers may know that the Lodge Roman Eagle was first commenced by the students of the Collage of Edinburgh and was conducted in the Latin Tongue and no other. The colour of the regallary was dark Blewe when I first received the light in that Lodge. I wish to inform R.W.M. whin I left Edin A Brother J. Coghill was Master of this Lodge & intended that A subscription should be made to redeem the suit of Armer belonging to Eagle Lodge, if you have not got it Try to do so by all means. I will pay my part. Please let me know, & give my respects to the Brothers. As I wish all of them Health and happiness and may the Lodge flourish is the wish of the oldest Mason in the Three Countrey.
Romam. Eagle.
P. S. exquise the spilling the writing may pass for one 88 years old."
Bro. J. Campbell-Irons (1896-1899) was the next Master. He was an affiliated member, and curiously the feature of his reign should be the number of brethren affiliated during his three years of office, I3, compared with 26 initiates. The Lodge was comparatively prosperous at this time, so much so that 20 debentures were paid off. Bro. Campbell-Irons died in 1910, and at the Funeral Lodge Service ' held in 1913 Bro. Crow in his oration said:-
" Brother Campbell-Irons was an excellent man of business Towards the close of his life his connection with the Lodge became closer, and it was at this period that his tenure of the office of Master occurred. Few men have been called upon to bear such a number and variety of the cruel strokes of fortune as in his later years fell to his lot ; and every member of the Lodge who knew Brother Irons will testify that few men ever met such crushing misfortunes with greater grit and courage and fortitude than he displayed."
Bro. George McMurdo Brown (I899-1902) followed, and during his reign nothing of outstanding importance is recorded except that names among the entrants which are now familiar to us become more plentiful. The Lodge appears to have pursued the even tenor of its way. Initiates were not numerous, yet the flow was steady. Bro. Brown died in 1929.
Bro. William McLean (1902-1905) came next. Dark clouds now appear on the horizon, for the financial position of the Lodge gives cause for anxiety. A Committee meeting was held on 28th October 1903, to consider that question, at which it was " agreed to recommend the Lodge to keep on the Hall." This recommendation was put to the next monthly meeting by P.M. Bro. Craig and carried.
Regarding his successor, Bro. William Adamson Ireland (1905-1907), to quote again from Bro. Crow, at the Funeral Lodge Service, held on 30th May 1913: " Brother Ireland, a name that to most of us here calls forth remembrances of the kindliest affection and regard. Brother Ireland's fate seems a peculiarly hard one. He was cut down in his prime, and it seemed as if a premature fate had overtaken him. But he was never blessed with a sound constitution, and his restless energy and tireless life did not allow him to nurse it in the way that was absolutely essential to its preservation. He fell a victim to his own high sense of duty. His vitality was too great for the physical frame in which it was encased
Bro. Ireland was keenly interested in the history of the Lodge, and reprinted an article which appeared in " The People's Friend" of 20th November 1872, which indicated that Robert Burns visited the Lodge on 23rd January 1787, when the Grand Master was present.
Bro. Ireland maintained that Burns not only visited the Lodge on that occasion but was made its Bard !
Bro. Ireland's memory is perpetuated in the Lodge at every Festival of St John in the song " Hameland Dreams " which he composed and dedicated to the Lodge. The sentiment of the song is of " Absent Brethren," but to those of us who remember Bro. Ireland our sentiment is of " The Absent Brother."
Bro. John Cossar (1907) followed. Those were the latter end of the bad old days when Freemasonry had not yet entirely shaken itself free of the thraldom of bacchanalianism. In those days the Lodges with very few exceptions held their St John's Day and installation of office-bearers on the same evening, and it was the custom to send deputations from each Lodge to every other Lodge in the district to offer and receive mutual congratulations on this the festive day of the masonic year.
Bro. Cossar acquitted himself well as host for the evening, emphasised the dignity and importance of Lodge Roman Eagle with its professional and academic origin, its classical working and its Latin records. But one felt it was an unnecessary ordeal for a new master to face coming so soon after his installation and before he could have got settled comfortably down into his new office.
This was a period of hard work. Bro. Cossar was only one year in the Chair, yet he had the record number (at that time) of 62 entrants. Financial prosperity therefore followed and we read of the remaining debentures being paid off. The Initiation fees were now raised to £4. 4.s., and Life Membership at, £1, 1s. instituted
Bro. Thomas Crow (1908-1911) was comparatively fortunate during his term as master, for the prosperity of the Lodge was by this time assured. A large number of young and enthusiastic brethren had been admitted who in turn introduced their friends, which further enhanced the popularity of the Lodge
The aesthetic atmosphere of the Lodge was also distinctly improved by a beautiful drapery in Lodge colours round the Master's table presented by Bro. Solomon (which other Lodges did us the honour of copying). A musical service was also compiled, the hymn books for which were presented by Bro. Ireland and the other members of the Lodge in the employment of Messrs Dobson, Molle, & Co. An orchestra further embellished the working from time to time, and from this period onward it was not unusual to find " standing room only " at the more important meetings.
The Trust Benevolent Fund instituted at this time was an outgrowth of Life Membership. It was designed to receive a moiety of the Life Membership fees which would thus be placed to Capital instead of being disbursed with the Lodge Benevolent Fund. It also receives donations from individual brethren and from the Lodge itself. The interest derived from this Fund is annually placed to the credit of the Lodge Benevolent Fund. The Fund has now (1931) £355 invested, which yields an annual income of £ I7.
Bro. Alexander Doull (1911) was a very old member of the Lodge who took a great interest in its welfare, and had in former years held many offices including that of Treasurer.
The prosperity of the Lodge continued during his reign with the happy result that the last instalment of the Bond was paid off, and at a special meeting held on 31st May 1912 " the free and unencumbered Titles of the Lodge premises were handed over to Bro. Doull, R.W.M., on behalf of the Lodge, the Hall was now our own and free of either rent or interest." Bro. Doull died on 2nd August 1918.
Bro. J. Solomon (1912-1915) took a " flying jump " from the door to the Chair, omitting the intervening offices. An interesting and unique presentation for the embellishment of the Third Degree was made at this time by Bro. Johnston, of a beautiful piece of woodwork with inlaid masonic emblems which has been greatly admired. Tracing boards in an oak cabinet were also presented by Bro. James Barclay, at that time Secretary.
And now we come to the War years when the motto of the Lodge was " strictly Business." All extraneous social activities such as receptions, socials, picnics, etc., were rigidly excluded, and the Lodge conserved its resources for the future, which at that time and for long afterwards was uncertain. Early during the War Grand Lodge issued a recommendation that all Lodges under its jurisdiction should abstain from alcoholic liquors for the duration, which Roman Eagle to its credit religiously obeyed, until the ban was removed after the Armistice. A heavy toll was exacted from our members. The attendance at the meetings, large as became a popular lodge, soon suffered from the progressively increasing demand for men to stem the onrush of the enemy. Khaki was prominent at every meeting, even among the office bearers.
Reunions were frequent too, for many of our members who had gone to distant lands took the opportunity to visit their Mother Lodge during a fleeting visit home. One such occasion left a vivid impression when Bro. James Alexander Young, who came from New Zealand, in replying to the toast of his health, described how the Call came to him, at Wellington. Posters, he said, were exhibited asking for men with " Military experience." He timidly entered a recruiting office, when he was asked what military experience he had. He mentioned the Boys' Brigade at Edinburgh. " That is enough ! The very man we want." He was received with open arms, and before he realised it he was clad in khaki.
Next morning he found him self on board a troopship bound for Samoa, which was reached just one day too late to catch the Germans who had destroyed the Wireless Station and other odds and ends. Soon afterwards the ship arrived at the Mediterranean where it zig-zagged to elude the submarines which infested these waters, and in due time arrived at Gallipoli, where Bro. Young got a " blighty " and hence his visit to Roman Eagle. Some few months afterwards, however, word came to the Lodge that Bro. Young had died from wounds received in action. Such news unfortunately was all too common in those days, and one would have got hardened but for the fact that none knew whose turn was next.
Bro. James Barclay (1915-1917) followed Bro. Solomon in the chair, and after I8 months of office the Call to active service came to him too, and Bro. Solomon resumed the Mallet until the next election of office bearers when :-
Bro. Alexander J. Crosbie (1917) was elected Master. Bro. Crosbie was (as he was so often reminded) an old soldier. He was a sergeant in the Gordon Highlanders, and was with his regiment at the storming of the Heights of Dargai in 1897, and was through the South African War (1899- 1902). He was the first Regimental Sergeant Major of the 9th Royal Scots, " The Dandy Ninth." He held the office of Secretary of the Lodge from 1913 to 1917, and again from 1921 till ill-health befell him in 1928. He was thus Secretary for II years. He died in 1931.
Bro. Crosbie reigned during the last year of the Great War, and one of the anomalies of that eventful year was the formation of a Royal Arch Chapter by members of the Lodge in association with other Companions. The Chapter was named " St Giles," but many would have preferred it to bear the same name as the Lodge. The Chapter is still doing good work, and is taking an honourable place in Royal Arch Masonry.
Two new Lodges have been sponsored by Roman Eagle, Lodge Solomon No. 1209, in 1919, and Lodge Scotia Regia No. 1345, in 1925. The latter has had two Masters who were initiates of No. I60, viz.:- Bros. Alexander Forrest (1930) and Adam Thomson (1931).
Bro. Alexander Fleming (1918-1920) followed in the Chair some two months after the Armistice had been declared and while the troops were being demobilised. Masonry now received an overwhelming influx of initiates, which reached its peak in November 1919 when at one meeting " 22 Candidates were Raised and 23 Initiated in two sections." The figures for the three post war years were enormous. In 1919 when the fees were raised from, £5, 5s. to £7, 7s. the number initiated was 167. For the next two years they were 132 and 134 respectively. The fees were further raised to £10. 10s., at which sum they now remain. In the following year the number dropped to 32, since when there has been a gradual decrease.
In November 1919 Grand Lodge adopted a new Bye-law, No. 190A, which limited the number of Candidates to seven at a meeting, and demanded a more rigorous enquiry into the character of applicants for admission, and in addition, that Candidates must be well known to their proposers and seconders. This had the effect of creating a " waiting list," which spread the supply of candidates over a considerable period.
Bro. Alexander Fleming (1918-1920) followed in the Chair some two months after the Armistice had been declared and while the troops were being demobilised. Masonry now received an overwhelming influx of initiates, which reached its peak in November 1919 when at one meeting " 22 Candidates were Raised and 23 Initiated in two sections."
Tribute must be paid to the Secretary at this harassing period, for his work was enormous. The average annual number of Candidates before the war was 32, and the highest for any one year, 81. But for the three years 1919-1921 inclusive, during which Bro. John Addison was Secretary, the annual average was 153. These figures, great as they are, do not alone convey a " true comparative idea of the amount of work involved, for the " tightening up " process already referred to was at this time in full operation and the new routine of secretarial work had not yet become stereotyped into " use and wont." How Bro. Addison found time for work (at his ordinary avocation) and at the same time kept himself and the Lodge clear of the many traps and pit-falls which beset the path of the unwary secretary is a mystery. The historian realises that the work done in the Lodge is of but passing interest, but how that work is recorded is of supreme importance. Bro. Addison deserves all praise for his records.
Bro. Peter Cumming (1920-1922) did a good share of work for the Lodge. He had the honour of presiding at the Funeral Lodge Service held at Freemasons' Hall on 24th April 1921 in memory of the Fallen Brethren of the Lodge. 182 members had joined the fighting forces, of which number 32 laid down their lives. A Parchment Roll of Honour contains the names of those who answered their country's call, while on a tablet of brass is engraved the names of those who fell. One of the latter, Lieut. Robert Proudfoot, was mentioned in despatches for gallant and distinguished service in the field.
Bro. Edwin H. Bloor (1922-1924) carried on the good work among the " waiting list " and had a steady flow of initiates.
Bro. Lachlan McPherson Wood (1924-1928), popularly " Lachie," followed. By this time accommodation in the hall had become severely limited. In pre-war years the more or less active membership of the Lodge numbered round about 300, but by 1925 it had increased to over 700. It was then no uncommon experience for late arrivals at some of the meetings to be turned away for lack of space.
This was felt early in 1919 when a Committee was appointed to consider what could be done in the way of acquiring adjacent property to extend the hall, but nothing of a practical nature resulted. A second Committee, appointed in February 1926, cast their eyes further afield and brought forward several interesting projects. One or two of them were quite good, but as there was a reluctance to leave the environment of " The Royal Mile " with which the Lodge has always been associated, they had all to be rejected. At last, however, a building at 1 and 2 Johnston Terrace was discovered which had some good points and some not so good. It was on " The Royal Mile." Next door was the Free Church Assembly Hall, opposite was the former General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, a little beyond was the Assembly Hall of the (late) United Free Church so that while the Assemblies were in session the company was all that could be desired ! The exact site was on the old West Bow, made famous the " Heart of Midlothian: It was the main street in olden days from the Lawnmarket to the West Port. The West Bow was demolished about 100 years ago in a City improvement scheme. The houses, one time the residence of the great, had been subdivided into smaller dwellings, with the usual result that they degenerated into slums. Chambers in his "'Traditions of Edinburgh " tells rather eerie stories of ghosts which frequented the closes and houses in the Bow, and of the " Clink " of whitesmiths' hammers heard at all times of the day and night. Whitesmiths are still at work in the arches underneath the hall; but they are now very quiet and respectable neighbours, and we hear none of the bickering for which they used to be famous
Plans were prepared showing the building adapted for a masonic hall, with basement, entrance hall and committee rooms on ground floor, refectory on floor and Temple with organ and orchestra gallery on second floor. These were laid before the Lodge at a Special Meeting held on 23rd June 1926, when, after a heated debate, the motion to acquire the premises was carried by a majority of I8, the figures being 62 against 44. A Building Committee and a Ways and Means Committee: were appointed,. The latter to provide the wherewithal to purchase. At a later meeting the opposition returned to the fray and a motion to dispose of the property, which by that time had been purchased ; was defeated by 11 votes(23 to 12).
The exact financial position at the time was uncertain, and the data presented so hypothetical that little purpose would be served in repeating it here, but ex post facto the position was as follows : The Lodge had funds (excluding the two Benevolent Funds) amounting to £3029, and the Melbourne Place hall afterwards realised £1200,
Making in ready cash £4229
The purchase price of the new hall was £2650
Alterations; together with furnishings £5899
Making the total cost of the premises £8549
Which left a balance of £4320
Which was to be made up from other sources: A loan was obtained from a local Building Society of £3500, and this has already been reduced by £600.
The Ways and Means Committee got busy, and their fertile brains evolved schemes which, had time been better and the members as a whole given them the support they had every right to expect, there is no doubt would have made the venture a great success. As it was, however, they struggled nobly against adverse circumstances towards the goal they had in view. That they have not yet attained that ideal is no fault of theirs. Some details of their achievements should be given. They organised the Ladies of the Lodge, whose efforts culminated in a Bazaar held in December 1927, which realised roughly £400. The Waverley Market Carnival kindly granted by Bro. Lumley ; various prize schemes ; donations from the social club ; and from members of the Lodge and their friends realised, £1557 ; making a total of £1957. In addition 340 Debenture bonds of £1 each bearing interest at 4 per cent. per annum are held by 37 members. Several names should now be mentioned.
Bro. James M`Bryde, Convener of the Ways and Means Committee, put in some hard work and did valuable service in organising the various sub-committees and the many successful functions which were held. Bro. Robert Denholm contributed largely to the financial success of the many schemes. Bro. David Hamilton will be remembered for his work in the Social Club.
The new premises were formally declared open by the late Bro. J. B. Watson, Grand Junior Warden, on 5th October 1927, Bro. Lachlan M. Wood, R.W.M., presiding. Representatives were present from many of the Metropolitan Lodges, who were one and all profuse in their congratulations to the Lodge on their having acquired such a beautiful home.
One of the first outstanding events to take place in the new hall was the conferring of Honorary Membership on Bro. Sir Robert Gordon Gilmour, Bart., of Craigmillar, for services rendered during the Bazaar, and in recognition of the fact that a forbear of his, Bro. William Charles Little, was the second R. W. M. of Roman Eagle ( 1787- 1790).
Bro. Richard Smith, Junr. (1928-1931) was the moving spirit in the acquisition of the premises and the subsequent alterations. This service the Lodge recognised by elevating him to the Chair in succession to Bro. Wood. Bro. Smith is a " Lewis." His father is an old member of the Lodge and has held many offices, including that of secretary. Bro. Smith was one of the " 23 candidates initiated in two sections " at the meeting on 17th November 1919, and one of the few who have attended regularly since. Bro. Smith was a young and popular Master who brought fresh ideas and abounding vitality into the affairs of the Lodge and brought the working of the Degrees up to a very high standard. His tenure of office, however, was not all sunshine for he was the victim of one of those apparently trivial mistakes made without reflection which have far-reaching consequences. The circumstances were that two candidates were billeted for initiation on 19th February 1930, but for reasons which need not be detailed, the Master obtained sanction from the Lodge to initiate them at a Special Meeting to be held prior to the date mentioned on the billet, which was done. As that meeting did not correspond with the date on the circular, he thereby transgressed Grand Lodge Law No. 175 and the corresponding Lodge Bye Law. For this offence the Lodge was sentenced to one month's suspension, and the Master, Secretary and Wardens to three months suspension. Appeal was made to Grand : Lodge, which however confirmed the sentence but with a narrow majority. It is therefore on record that the Lodge Charter was recalled by Grand Lodge on 9th August 1930 and retrieved by the Lodge on 8th September 1930.
The Lodge in the year 1843 (during the bad old days) was censured by Grand Committee for a " gross irregularity," viz. :- for initiating a Candidate in his own house (which irregularity probably accounts for the bye-law referred to on page 75), but never before in its long existence has its Charter been recalled.
Mention may here be made of the death of two old and respected members of the Lodge. Bro. George A. Cooper was one of the few remaining members who were initiated in the Lodge while it met at the Melville Hotel. He celebrated his Jubilee as a mason on 27th December 1930, when he received a presentation of an easy chair, by the brethren of the Lodge. Bro. Smith is a " Lewis." His father is an old member of the Lodge and has held many offices, including that of secretary. Bro. Smith was one of the " 23 candidates initiated in two sections " at the meeting on 17th November 1919, and one of the few who have attended regularly since. Bro. Smith was a young and popular Master who brought fresh ideas and abounding vitality into the affairs of the Lodge and brought the working of the Degrees up to a very high standard. His tenure of office, however, was not all sunshine for he was the victim of one of those apparently trivial mistakes made without reflection which have far-reaching consequences. The circumstances were that two candidates were billeted for initiation on 19th February 1930, but for reasons which need not be detailed, the Master obtained sanction from the Lodge to initiate them at a Special Meeting to be held prior to the date mentioned on the billet, which was done. As that meeting did not correspond with the date on the circular, he thereby transgressed Grand Lodge Law No. 175 and the corresponding Lodge Bye Law. For this offence the Lodge was sentenced to one month's suspension, and the Master, Secretary and Wardens to three months suspension. Appeal was made to Grand : Lodge, which however confirmed the sentence but with a narrow majority. It is therefore on record that the Lodge Charter was recalled by Grand Lodge on 9th August 1930 and retrieved by the Lodge on 8th September 1930.
The Lodge in the year 1843 (during the bad old days) was censured by Grand Committee for a " gross irregularity," viz. :- for initiating a Candidate in his own house (which irregularity probably accounts for the bye-law referred to on page 75), but never before in its long existence has its Charter been recalled.
Mention may here be made of the death of two old and respected members of the Lodge. Bro. George A. Cooper was one of the few remaining members who were initiated in the Lodge while it met at the Melville Hotel. He celebrated his Jubilee as a mason on 27th December 1930, when he received a presentation of an easy chair, by the brethren of the Lodge.
In 1931 the Lodge had been plunged into a debt which is costing £32I a year for interest and redemption of capital, and although it is hoped that the loan will be materially lessened as time goes on, still, unless the unexpected happens the Lodge will have to find a similar sum for the next 13 years.
Debt and idealism make ill company. Can we get rid of the debt ? In 1935 the Lodge will celebrate its Ter-Jubilee. Is it too much to hope that the unexpected will happen and that at the Banquet which will be held to celebrate the event the reigning master of the Lodge will be able to repeat the words used by Bro. Alex. Doull, R.W.M., on 31st May 1912 and say :-
" I am more than pleased to have lived to see this day when the Lodge is clear of debt and we can call our house our own " ? The regular attenders at Lodge meetings have done well, many of them more than their share. May we now look to those of our brethren who have not yet felt the impulse especially to those who have gone to foreign lands and " made good " ? When they have " Hameland Dreams," may they turn " sic dreams they wadna tine " into tangible form for the benefit of their Mother Lodge !
December 1931.
How much of the old History of This Lodge and of other Lodges has thus been lost, no one will ever know.
"Hameland Dreams."
It's ma ain Hame Land
But it's far, far awa :
In dreams I see Auld Reekie,
Get a glint o' Berwick Law.
The Fife Hills creeping through the mist
The Braids and Arthur's Seat,
Auld Holyrood's historic pile
An' glorious Princes Street.
REFRAIN.
O, let me keep on dreaming,
Sic dreams I wadna tine:
They tak' me back tae Scotland
An' the freens o' Auld Lang Syne.
It's ma ain Hame Land,
It's far, far ower the sea :
But in ma dreams I see kenn'd spots
That aye were dear tae me.
I see the Wells o' Wearie
The Crags wi' rugged froon,
The Hame o' Bonnie Jeanie Deans,
St Giles's airy croon.
It's ma ain Hame Land
O, will I see't aince mair ?
O, will I see Auld Reekie
That toon sae grand and fair ?
Will I look upon it's castl'd rock
An' a' the ither scenes ?
If no', o' God ! just let me see
Them a' again in dreams.
It's ma ain Hame Land,
It was there I "saw the licht"
Amang the dear auld " Eagles,"
O ! I'll ne'er forget that nicht.
Tho' I hae wander'd far sin syne
And met wi' mony a' " Brither,"
Yet in my dreams I'm aften wi'
My Ancient Scottish " Mither:'
Words by Bro. W. Adamson Ireland, P.M., No. 160.
Music by Bro. W. Allan Sproul, Organist, No. 160.
Dedicated to Brother Thomas Crow, R.W.M., 1908, Wardens and Brethren of Lodge Roman Eagle, No. 160, and especially to those Brethren who have found a home beyond the seas.
THE LEVEL AND THE SQUARE.
We meet upon the Level, and we part upon the Square,
What words sublimely beautiful those words Masonic are.
Come, let us contemplate them, they are worthy of a thought ;
On the very walls of Masonry the sentiment is' wrought.
We meet upon the Level, though from every station come,
The rich man from his mansion, and the labourer from his home ;
For the rich must leave his princely state outside the Mason's door,
While the labourer feels himself a man upon the checkered floor.
We act upon the Plumb, 'tis the order of the Guide ;
We walk upright in virtue's way, and lean to neither side ;
Th’ All-seeing eye that leads our hearts will bear us witness true
That, we still try to honour God and give each man his due.
We part upon the Square, for the world must have its due ;
We mingle in the haunts of men, but keep our manhood true ;
But the influence of our gatherings is always fresh and green,
And we long, upon the Level, to renew the happy scene.
There's a world where all are equal, we are hurrying towards it fast ;
We shall meet upon the Level there, when the gates of death are passed,
We shall stand before the Orient, and the Master will he there,
Our works to try, our lives to prove, by His unerring Square.
We shall meet upon the Level there, but never more depart ;
There's a mansion bright and glorious, set for "The pure in heart,"
There's a Mansion and a welcome, and a multitude is there,
Who in this world of sloth and sin did act upon the Square.
Let us meet upon the Level, then, while labouring patient here.
Let us meet and let us labour, though the labour is severe.
Already in the Western sky the signs bid us prepare
To gather up our Working Tools, and part upon the Square.
Hands round, ye Royal Brotherhood, close in the Golden Chain ;
We part upon the Square below, to meet in Heaven again.
Each link that has been broken here shall be united there,
And none be lost around the Throne who've acted on the Square.
ANONYMOUS.
MASONIC IDEALS.
To the question " When is a man a mason," John Fort Newton, in The Builders, replies :
"When he can look out over the rivers, the hills and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope and courage, which is the root of every virtue. When he knows that down in his own heart, every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as lonely as himself ; and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellow-man. When he knows how to sympathise with men in their sorrows, yea, even in their sins, knowing that each man fights against many odds. When he has learned how to make friends and keep them ; and above all to keep friends with himself. When he loves flowers ; can hunt the birds without a gun ; and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laughter of a little child. When he can be happy and high minded among the meaner drudgeries of life. When star-crowned trees and the glint of sunshine on flowing water subdue him like the thought of one much loved and long dead. When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid without response. When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold on divine things and sees majestic meaning in life whatever the name of that faith may be. When he can look into a way side puddle and see something beyond mud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond sin. When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope. When he has kept faith with himself, with his fellowmen, with his God ; in his hand a sword for evil ; in his heart a bit of song ; glad to live and not afraid to die. Such a man has found the only real secret of masonry and the one it is trying to give to all the world."