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The happy outcome of the Burns Supper was the conferring of Honorary membership on Bro. Thomas Coleman McEwen Snr. of Lodge Jere Baxter-Edgefield No. 254 in the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. This was done at a special meeting held on 26 Jan 09 which was attended by over 60 brethren including a small deputation from PGLA headed by the RWPGM Bro. Archie Chalmers. Pictured above right are the PGL Deputation and visiting RWMs. Also in the picture is Bro. Jonathan Jason Peek of Lodge Observance No. 686 in the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. After the meeting closed a lecture was given on the Masonic relics pertaining to Burns time by Bro. John Shirkie PM Secy. Also pictured below left is RWM Bro. John Chalmers of Lodge St David (Tarbolton) Mauchline No. 133 with the most famous Charter in Scottish Freemasonry, that of Lodge St David No. 174. This is the charter under which Burns was initiated and is the working charter of Lodge St David today. Below right the RWPGM is picture with the signed letter sent by Burns from Edinburgh to the Lodge at Tarbolton dated 23 August 1787. |
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The Lodge was invited to arrange a Burns Supper for the Brethren and friends of Lodge Alexandra No.1282 in Glasgow on Saturday 30 January 2009.
This was duly done by Bro. John Shirkie PM Secy, ably assisted by Bro. David Rae IPM, Bro. Gavin Barrie PM Treas, DM Bro. William Lindsay, Bro Andrew McFarlane PM HM, Bro. Cochrane Gourlay and many other Brethren from the Lodge.
In appreciation of this the RWM of Lodge Alexandra No. 1282, Bro. Richard Morrison, presented the Lodge with a beautiful painting (left) of Bro. Robert Burns DM.
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In the early afternoon of 24 January 2009, several Brethren headed by DM Bro. William Lindsay met up at East Mossgiel farm. The reason was as this was the home of Robert Burns from 1784 - 1788, when he was Depute Master in Lodge St James, that they would walk to Tarbolton to attend the Burns Supper. Burns would have known this route and would have walked the 4 miles or so to meetings of the Lodge over 200 years ago. Bro. Keith Murphy, IPM Bro. David Rae and Bro. Jim Hunter PM accompanied him along the way. They were seen off by Bro.John Shirkie PM Secy 135 and Bro. Ronnie McCormack PM 156. |
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Depute Master Bro. William Lindsay recited "The Farewell to the Brethren of Lodge St James" which is tradition at the Burns Supper as a tribute to the memory of the Bard's time as Depute Master of Lodge St James. Bro Jim Smillie PM Lodge Coila St Andrew No. 1334 toasted 135 in a most heartfelt and sincere tribute. |
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The main toast of the evening, the Immortal Memory, was delivered by Bro. Thomas Coleman McEwen Snr. PM of Lodge Jere Baxter-Edgefield No. 254 in the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. Bro. Tom's speech was stunning and very thought provoking. Everyone agreed that it was a fitting tribute on this 250th anniversary. the standing ovation he received was well deserved and lasted several minutes. |
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Lodge Senior Chaplain Bro. Rev Iain Uidhist MacDonald, in a most complimentary yet humorous manner delivered the toast to the Lasses which was greatly appreciated by all present. |
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There was songs and music by "the Gangrel Buddies", Bros. Andrew MacFarlane PM St David No. 133, David Anderson PM St John No. 11, Jim Cartner and John McAtee both of 135. Readings were given by Bros. Cochrane Gourlay 135 and Jim Hunter PM 135. |
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Brethren from all over the world congregated within the Masonic Hall on saturday 24 January 2009 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Bard's birthday. The Toastmaster for the evening was Bro. John Shirkie PM Secy with the event chaired by RWM Bro. Duncan Fenwick. The Haggis was piped in by Bro. Jim Cartner with the henchman Bro. William Bryson. It was spiritedly addressed by Bro. Ian Boyd PM. |
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