Resuscitation of Paisley RAC

Three main functions of the Craft could be:  Initiation ceremony (image)  Transferring knowledge (and secrets)  Integration with your brethren

In the early days of 17/18th Centuries, the ritual was simple and related to admission, fellowship and mastery. There was a ceremony, sometimes an oath appeared but a background story usually from the VSL and food and drink to finish.

During the 1720/30s, the MM degree appeared and became very popular with the speculative type lodges. This really opened the doors to ‘higher’ degrees, today generally known in Scotland as side orders or appendant degrees.

This Hiramic legend is an apocryphal continuation of the Bible story, but brethren must have thought why stop with just this legend? Lets continue with say the post Babylonian period—Royal Arch. Why stop there? The Scottish Master degree appeared in Europe and was related to the crusading period. This was more of a French flavour who did not like to think they were part of a craft that came from the common workman. Hence the knightly military aspect appeared for these French aristocrats.

Over the next 50 years, hundreds of degrees appear—some last only a few yeas and die while others remain with us today. Every Craft mason can choose a path to follow after the MM degree (usually RA is the stepping stone and unfortunately seen as such) or he can remain within the lodge only system only.

Many brethren object to the term ‘higher degree’ and an alternative would be better. Telling a new candidate that he has now attained the most sublime degree (MM) then mention another brother has the 33rd degree, is difficult for a new brother to understand. Perhaps using terms such as a progression of knowledge would be better.

There is no right or wrong path, but new brethren should be assisted as what path to travel. This can really only be done by grand bodies producing information in one place and not left for potential candidates to stumble across their order. Too often candidates will join through friends which is the most straightforward approach, but some advice would be more constructive rather than getting a candidate into an order which is struggling.

To put the cat amongst the pigeons, make it truly progressive where the order of degrees is formalized. After all, no one would do their MM before the FC!

Abbey Chapter No. 76 which owing to the death within the last few years of several of its most active members, and the removal from the town of others, has been practically dormant, though still retained in the roll of chapters, was formerly re-opened on 20th October 1873 principally owing to the exertions of Comp. H. Rowan, the indefatigable Scribe E., and Jas. Anderson, the RWM of the Renfrew County Kilwinning Lodge No. 370, in whose hall the chapter met (High Street), having in, conjunction with Comp. William Guy PZ (PM 242) of Sir William Wallace Chapter No. 109, invited members of Glasgow No.50 to assist in resuscitating the chapter, and on the appointed day sent out a carriage and pair of greys to convey them to and from their destination.

Some others availed themselves of other modes of conveyance, and Johnstone also sent its deputation to assist m the good work. On the arrival of the Glasgow brethren, they not only met with a fraternal greeting, but found a substantial repast awaiting them, thus having refreshment before labour. At the request of the Paisley companion the chapter was officiated by Glasgow brethren assisted by Comp. Guy, of Johnstone.

The solemn music, so well rendered by Comp. Wheeler Z No. 60, and the gorgeous robes and head dress of the three Principals which were supplied by Comp. George Kenning (later of Toye, Kenning & Spencer), combined to produce a deep effect, not only on the minds of the candidates, but also on all the companions present, while the embellishments of the hall and the tracing boards of the Arch, as well as those of the Craft, that were displayed on the walls, while unusual in a Scotch Lodge, yet added much to the effect, and all present will long remember the favourable auspices under which the Abbey Chapter was re-opened. The whole of the visiting companions were then affiliated and the chapter closed.

After the protracted labour was over the companions proceeded to refreshment and in the unavoidable absence of the First Principal of the chapter, Comp. James Anderson RWM 370 was called to the chair. He expressed the great pleasure it had given him to have been instrumental in getting up this meeting and he was sure that all would be pleased at the successful result.

After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been given, "The Three Grand Chapters " was given by Comp. James Crabb. Comp. G. W. Wheeler responded on behalf of England, he being a member under that Constitution as well as the Scotch, followed by a toast to Chapter 109. A harmony followed and the proceedings were closed by singing Auld Lang Syne.

Some interesting points:

 A RA degree was conferred on 5 candidates and then all visitors were affiliated – definitely a positive way to boost membership  The visiting chapter from Glasgow was given a ‘meal’ before the meeting –perhaps something to think about if lodges or chapters want to finish earlier.  RA tracing boards –rarely seen in Scotland  Bro. William Guy was the longest serving master of 242 was a renowned Mark

Master who conferred the degree in many lodges.