Mark Coleman Wallace PhD Thesis - University of St Andrews

110
Grand and imposing as the whole Procession appeared to the Thousands
assembled untill the appearance of the Birds of Jove preceeded by their
officer, a Gigantic Form armed in a complete coat of Mail Mounted on a
Milk White Charge. All Eyes were instantly turned towards the Lodge
Roman Eagle and the Skies reecho’d the Shouts of the admiring
multitude on the arrival of the Procession. By this time the clouds,
which had obscured the Morning were dissipated by the God of Day who
now shine forth with all his Splendor Exposing to the View of
Thousands one of the Grandest Lights ever seen in this Island…Every
part which afforded an opportunity of Viewing the Light of the new
Building was cover’d by Spectators whose Eyes were still attracted to
the officer of the Roman Eagle Lodge, who proudly Peer’d above the
Brethren. 101
Feast days, such as St Andrews Day (30 November) and the Festivals of
St John The Evangelist (27 December) and St John The Baptist (24 June) also
offered the opportunity for masons to adorn themselves in masonic habiliments
and process through the town. For example, Ancient Stirling No. 30 agreed on
20 December 1775 “that a procession should be made on St Johns day from
Stirling Castle to the Trades Hall with lighted Flambeaus and appointed Brother
Alexander Young to Commission Thirty Flambeaus for Said purpose and
likewise to procure Thirty sober men from the garrison to Carry them, all to be
paid by the Lodge.” 102 Similarly, Ancient Lodge No. 49 in Dundee proposed to
“have a Procession on St John’s day this year [1797]. It was likewise agreed
that after said Procession the Lodges are to attend a Sermon in the English
Chapel.” 103
The Grand Lodge of Scotland also held processions on designated days.
Upon the election of its office bearers for the ensuing year at the Grand Election
101 No. 160 Roman Eagle Lodge Minutes, September 1815.
102 No. 30 Ancient Stirling Lodge Minutes, 20 December 1775.
103 No. 49 Ancient Lodge Dundee Lodge Minutes, 11 December 1797.