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As
the Lodge of Robert Burns, Bard of Scotland, Lodge Tarbolton (Kilwinning)
St.James is very proud of our history. Not only is Burns revered
for his poetry, but the world over he is known to and respected
by Freemasons.
Visitors
are encouraged to visit the Virtual
Museum of this website, to view and learn more about the various
relics that the Lodge has in its possession dating back and relating
to the time when Burns himself became a Mason in the Lodge.
Burns
became a Freemason in July 1781. The minute book entry documenting
this fact is shown as follows:
It
reads:
"Sederunt
for July 4th
Rbt Burns in Lochly was entered an apprentice"
Later,
on July 27 1784, he became Depute Master of the Lodge.
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"Justly
that Highest Badge to wear"
The Master's
Jewel to which Burns refers in his Farewell poem to the brethren
of the Lodge.
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Of
Burn's poems, the one which is perhaps held dearest to the Brethren
of Lodge 135, and which is known to all Masonic brethren, is The
Farewell to the brethren of St.Jame's Lodge, Tarbolton. Written
by Burns when he was planning to emigrate to Jamaica, the final
lines form the historical basis for the toasting that is seen at
Burns suppers all over the world.
Adieu!
a heart-warm, fond adieu;
Dear
Brothers of the Mystic Tie!
Ye favoured, ye enlighten'd few,
Companions of my social joy!
Tho I to foreign lands must hie,
Pursuing Fortune's slidd'ry ba';
With melting heart and brimful eye,
I'll mind you still, tho far awa.
Oft
have I met your social band,
And spent the cheerful, festive night:
Oft, honour'd with supreme command,
Presided o'er the Sons of Light;
And by that Hieroglyphic bright,
Which none but Craftsmen ever saw!
Strong Mem'ry on my Heart shall write
Those happy scenes, when far awa.
May Freedom, Harmony, and Love,
Unite you In the Grand Design,
Beneath th' Omniscient Eye above -
The glorious Architect Divine,
That you may keep th' Unerring Line,
Still rising by the Plummet's Law,
Till Order bright completely shine,
Shall be my pray'r when far awa.
And
you farewell! whose merits claim
Justly that Highest Badge to wear:
Heav'n bless your honour'd, noble name,
To Masonry and Scotia dear!
A last request permit me here
When yearly ye assemble a',
One round, I ask It with a tear,
To him, the Bard that's far awa.
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