Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
have been solicited to perform a duty , similar to that we have now accomplished , have , of late years , been few and far between . AVithin the memory of the oldest inhabitants there have , I believe , been only four Masonic Processions at Dumfries , all of them connected with buildings of a purely secular nature . The present is the only occasion , for nearly a century , of the erection of a 'Temple to the Most Hi gh <; od , the Great Architect of the Universeon which the ancient and
, honourable Fraternity of Freemasons have been called upon for their assistance . It has been as much our anxious desire as our duty as a Christain body , to give all the effect in our power to this procession , and to lend a helping hand in the rearing this sacred edifice . AA ^ e trust that we have performed this duty to your satisfaction . To you , Gentlemen of the Committee , the Christian community of this town and neighbourhood stand deeply indebted . You saw the want of Church accommodation for
your Christian brethren , and you adopted the best means to supply that want by a timely and judicious appeal to the liberality of the community . Well , Gentlemen , have your active and zealous exertions been seconded , —well have they been rewarded . If the feelings of satisfaction which you must now enjoy , will admit of any increase , it must be by being assured that those exertions are fully appreciated , by the great majority of the inhabitants ; by none are these hlestimated than b
more higy y the ancient and honourable Body over which I have , on this occasion , the honour to preside . In the name of that Body I offer you the tribute of our thanks . As this edifice has been happily begun , so by the blessing of the Most Hi gh may it be speedily brought to a successful termination ; and may future generations , as well as the present , gratefully acknowledge that to you they are mainly indebted , under Providence , for the inestimable privilege of worshipp ing our Lord and Saviour in this House of God—St . Mary ' s Church " Dumfries .
Major Adair replied to this address as follows : —I feel hi ghly honoured b y being permitted , on this occasion , to represent the subscribers to this church , and to offer to you , Sir , their acknowledgements for the compliments you have been pleased to pay them . I am convinced that all who have witnessed the ceremony must he satisfied of the great importance of the presence of the ancient and honourable Body over winch you preside , and must have been highly gratified by the solemnity and with which
propriety your duties have been performed . I he subscribers feel that they are not only performing a duty to God , but promoting the best interests of the community , and that in providing additional means of religious instruction , they are advancing the cause of virtue , of order , and of obedience to the laws . To you , Sir , and to your Brother Masons , to our respectful Sheriffs , Sir Thomas Kirkpatnek and Mr . Baillie , to the Rev . Members of Presbytery , to the Magistrates and Council of
Maxwelltown , to the Commissioners of I ohce , to the Members of Incorporated Trades , and to all other Gentlemen who have given their attendance to-day , whether in a public or private capacity , I have much pleasure in offering the respectful thanks of the Subscribers . To the Magistrates , the Councillors , and the Kirk Session of Dumfries , I do not think we are entitled to return thanks as I hope they consider themselves at home here , and that in giving their presence and countenance on this occasion they are performing a very important and very gratifying part of their official duty . To all those of the spectators who can hear me , I would offer thanks for their orderly
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
have been solicited to perform a duty , similar to that we have now accomplished , have , of late years , been few and far between . AVithin the memory of the oldest inhabitants there have , I believe , been only four Masonic Processions at Dumfries , all of them connected with buildings of a purely secular nature . The present is the only occasion , for nearly a century , of the erection of a 'Temple to the Most Hi gh <; od , the Great Architect of the Universeon which the ancient and
, honourable Fraternity of Freemasons have been called upon for their assistance . It has been as much our anxious desire as our duty as a Christain body , to give all the effect in our power to this procession , and to lend a helping hand in the rearing this sacred edifice . AA ^ e trust that we have performed this duty to your satisfaction . To you , Gentlemen of the Committee , the Christian community of this town and neighbourhood stand deeply indebted . You saw the want of Church accommodation for
your Christian brethren , and you adopted the best means to supply that want by a timely and judicious appeal to the liberality of the community . Well , Gentlemen , have your active and zealous exertions been seconded , —well have they been rewarded . If the feelings of satisfaction which you must now enjoy , will admit of any increase , it must be by being assured that those exertions are fully appreciated , by the great majority of the inhabitants ; by none are these hlestimated than b
more higy y the ancient and honourable Body over which I have , on this occasion , the honour to preside . In the name of that Body I offer you the tribute of our thanks . As this edifice has been happily begun , so by the blessing of the Most Hi gh may it be speedily brought to a successful termination ; and may future generations , as well as the present , gratefully acknowledge that to you they are mainly indebted , under Providence , for the inestimable privilege of worshipp ing our Lord and Saviour in this House of God—St . Mary ' s Church " Dumfries .
Major Adair replied to this address as follows : —I feel hi ghly honoured b y being permitted , on this occasion , to represent the subscribers to this church , and to offer to you , Sir , their acknowledgements for the compliments you have been pleased to pay them . I am convinced that all who have witnessed the ceremony must he satisfied of the great importance of the presence of the ancient and honourable Body over winch you preside , and must have been highly gratified by the solemnity and with which
propriety your duties have been performed . I he subscribers feel that they are not only performing a duty to God , but promoting the best interests of the community , and that in providing additional means of religious instruction , they are advancing the cause of virtue , of order , and of obedience to the laws . To you , Sir , and to your Brother Masons , to our respectful Sheriffs , Sir Thomas Kirkpatnek and Mr . Baillie , to the Rev . Members of Presbytery , to the Magistrates and Council of
Maxwelltown , to the Commissioners of I ohce , to the Members of Incorporated Trades , and to all other Gentlemen who have given their attendance to-day , whether in a public or private capacity , I have much pleasure in offering the respectful thanks of the Subscribers . To the Magistrates , the Councillors , and the Kirk Session of Dumfries , I do not think we are entitled to return thanks as I hope they consider themselves at home here , and that in giving their presence and countenance on this occasion they are performing a very important and very gratifying part of their official duty . To all those of the spectators who can hear me , I would offer thanks for their orderly