Foundation Stones;

One of the most Prolific and Solely Masonic Duties of 18th and 19th century Lodges was the Ceremony of Laying the Foundation Stone at the site of any  new building Project. The practice appears to have gone into decline in the early nineteen hundreds, but previous to that, the Masonic Lodges in the Strathearn Valley were kept very busy. It was Masonic Custom for the Lodge, which had been chosen as the main stone laying party, to send out invitations to all the other lodges in the vally, asking them to send deputations along to assist in the Ceremonies. It is thanks to these invitation letters that we have a record of most of the Ceremonies, at which Strathearn Lodges were involved; including~

1776 - The New Lodge Buildings of Lodge St Micheal No 38.

1821 - The Bridge over the Earn at Bridge of Earn

1826 - Muthill New Parish Church,  Methven Parish Church Steeple.

1836 - Perth Infirmary.

1838 - Walter Scott Memorial Edinburgh.

1847 - Episcopal Chapel Crieff.

1849 - New Post Office Glasgow.

1861 - Perth Railway Terminal.   Police Headquarters

1865 - Wallace Monument Stirling.

1868 - Crieff to Methven Railway.

1869 Sheilds Wallace Factory Perth.

1870 - Forfar Town Hall.

1872 - Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

1882 - Aytoun Town Hall Auchterarder.

1888 - Perth Swimming Baths,

1910 - Methven Public School.

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One such instance not listed above, was the ceremony at Tomachastle 

The letter received by the lodge is as follows;         

 Received at St Johns Lodge Muthill April 27th 1832

      Dunblane 20th April 1832      R W Sir and Brother

I have been directed by the Grand Master of the District, The Right Hon'ble the Earl of Ormelie, to acquaint you that the foundation stone of the monument to be erected at Tomachastle to the memory of the late General the Right Hon'ble Sir David Baird Bart, G.C.B.K.C. is to be laid with Masonic Honours, on Friday the 4th Day of May next at one o clock afternoon, And to request the attendance upon that occasion of a deputation not exceeding Ten from the lodge over which you have the honour to preside, to join the Crieff and Comrie Deputation at Tomachastle cottage at twelve o clock noon on that day.

R.W.Sir and Brother, Your Most Obedient Servant,   William Stirling.

AB. After the Ceremony is over at Tomachastle the Masonic Body will then proceed to Robertsons Inn Crieff to Partake of a Refreshment.

The Minute recorded on the receipt of the letter states;;

It was unanimously resolved to accede to the invitation ~ it is resolved that the Officers be in decent Mourning with plain white aprons ~ the Master to have one of his own taste ~ the members to have White Gloves and White rods in their hands; it is morever resolved that the necessary measures shall be adopted to secure the attendance of suitable Music. The Treasurer has undertaken this service as also the providing of Aprons and Rods. It is also agreed that the Deputation from this Lodge - do meet at the bridge of Strowan a quarter of an hour before twelve o clock at noon - on that day; The Master states to the Brethren present that he will endeavour to ascertain any other information connected with the proceedings and to communicate the same.

Another similar instance is recorded in the Minute book following the death of the Lodges Master John James Erskine Esq, who had died in Edinburgh after a long illness, and was brought back to Muthill for burial at the old Churchyard;

St Johns Lodge Muthill    August 24th 1833

The Committee met according to order for the purpose of making the necessary arrangements for the laying of the foundation stone of our late  and Worthy Master John James Erskine. According to order the Secretary called upon Mrs Erskine and intimated the desire of the Brethren to which she acceded and the Mrs Erskine gave the handsome sum of ten pounds sterling to be used for dinner.

                               SACRED TO THE MEMORY

John James Erskine Esq' Clathick - Second son of the Rev'd William Erskine, Minister of the English Chapel Muthill, and Helen Drummond of the family of Kelty - and whose family consisted of William, Late Lord Kinneader - and Mary Ann spouse of the late Lord Advocate.

and to the memory of the aforesaid John James Erskine, to whom this monument is erected, was born at Muthill the 3rd day of July 1771 and baptised the 18th do And received the rudiments of his education at the Parish School of his Native village Muthill - and entering into the service of his King and Country in a Foreign Land: Prince of Wales Island, and by a faithful discharge of his duty in the department assigned to him ~ obtained a liberal fortune - and returning to his native land married Miss Isabella Boyd, Daughter of William Boyd Esq' of his Majestys Signals Edinburgh, of a most Respectable Family ~ Having died at Edinburgh 1833 was brought to his residence at CLATHICK  ~ was interred in the Family Burying Ground in the churchyard of Muthill. This monument was designed by James Gillespie Graham Esq' Orchill, Architect  Edinburgh, and executed by William Craw Builder Muthill.

and in testimony of their esteem for their late MasterJohn James Erskine ~ The Depute and Substitute Masters and Brethren of St Johns Lodge No 192 Muthill Assembled on this 28th day of August 1833 in their Lodge Hall and having in due order proceeded to the churchyard of Muthill in regular procession. The Stone was laid by Alex McClauren Esq' of Broich along with the following Office Bearers  ~ and the Rev'd Alex Lendrum presiding as Chaplain;;;

The minute of the 26th October 1833, two Months after the Stone Laying Ceremony read as follows;  

There was presented to St Johns Lodge Muthill through Brother J. Gould from Mrs Erskine Clathick A very handsome and elegant Bible in memory of her late Husband John James Erskine Esq' our late respected Worshipful Master. The Committee felt themeselves inadequate to convey  the gratitude to the giver which the compliment merits ~ and therefore waits for the support of the Brethren at their Annual General Meeting on the 27th December.

How fitting that the bible should have been received by John Gould, the first Master of Muthill, and first signitory of our Charter, and the bible, is still used as the Lodges V.S.L. still in use today. But the Lodges most prolific stone laying acheivment in its History, was the ceremony at Muthill Parish Church in 1826. The whole chain of events are recorded for posterity, and to give some insight, as to the lead up to, the actual ceremony, and the aftermath, all records are reprinted Below.The first mention of the ensuing events start in the minutes of Oct 8th 1825;~

The Committe having understood that the Foundation Stone of the New Parish Church of Muthill was soon expected to be laid with all due Masonic Order, and in consequence of this hope they do hereby order that the whole Heritors of this Parish will receive circular cards of invitation to that effect, and further that a circular shall be sent to the following Lodges Viz; Crieff, Comrie, Auchterarder, and Dunning requesting a deputation from each of the Lodges to assist the Brethren of this Lodge in the approaching Masonic Solemnities.

Feb 18th 1826 - It appeared to the committee by a letter wrote by Mr  Gillitson to Mr Gillespie relative to laying the foundation stone of the new church of Muthill & he Mr Gillitson having received an answer from that gentleman this day that he fixed on the 14th day of March for laying the foundation stone of said church. It therefore appeared to the committee , that the foundation of said church, should be laid with all due Masonic Order. and do resolve that Printed Letters shall be issued to all the Brethren of this Lodge requesting their attendance on that day. Likewise that a circular Letter of Invitation shall be issued and sent to the Following Lodges Viz; Auchterarder - Dunning - Methven - Crieff - Comrie - Dunblane - Perth & Scoon, requesting their attendance and assistance by a deputation from each in the Ensuing Masonic Solemnities & if Dunblane Lodge be not Mr McArthurs Mother Lodge, they shall be invited also whoever they may be. & that the whole Brethren do assemble in the Lodge Hall hereby 10 o-clock forenoon of  that day. The above and foregoing resolution be carried into effect and the committee do order their Secretary do proceed without delay, and get the letters printed  and issued with the least possible delay.

March 10th 1826, The intention of convening the Committe was concerning the foundation Stone of the Proposed New Church intended to be laid on Tuesday the 14th of March next and do for the good ordering of the Masonic Ceremony and procession on that day. When a plan and order of procession was presented by Mr Gilletson Inspector of said New Church, was laid before the Committee being read out and attentively Considered was Generally Agreed and adopted and ordered to be carried into effect and acted upon against that day Viz; 14th March.

March 13th 1826,  when the Secretary reported to said meeting of Committee that he had issued  250 of printed circular letters to the brethren of this lodge, a copy of which is hereby inserted;

              "St Johns Lodge No 192 Muthill,

Sir and Brother, as the foundation Stone of the proposed New Church of Muthill is to be laid at the appointed site thereof adjoining this Village on Tuesday 14th March ensuing, The favour of your company is particularly requested by 10 o clock forenoon of that day precisely: in Order to assemble within the Lodge Hall to assist at the usual Masonic Ceremonies as such Occasions Require.

By Order of the R.W.Master and Committee of management, I am Sir and Brother Respectfully your Obedient Servant,   William Gentle Sect'ry   ~ Dinner to be on the table 4 o clock afternoon ~ "

The Secretary also stated to the committee of management that he by their orders had wrote the Noblemen and Gentlemen Heritors of this Parish, requesting the Honour of their company on that day. Likewise wrote several Distinguished Gentlemen Brethren of other Lodges in the Neighbourhood~ also the following lodges Viz; Crieff, Auchterarder, Dunning , Methven, Comrie, Dunblane, Royal Arch, Perth and Scoon, & Stirling Ye Ye Ye

March 14th 1826; - The Master and Brethren of the Lodge having met in the Lodge Hall by 10 o clock forenoon on the 14th March being the appointed day for laying the foundation stone of the New Church~ The Master in the chair Ordered the Secretary to read the order of Procession to the Brethren and Deputations assembled from Neighbouring Lodges who came to assist the Brethren of this Lodge in the work and usual Ceremonies requisite on such occasions. Hence follows the Order of Procession;

1st     Grand Taiylor 

 2nd  Two Stewards with Rods

3rd  Deputation of Lodges

4th Apprentices of Muthill St Johns Lodge

5th Masters of Muthill St Johns Lodge

6th Two Operative Masters of Do: with plumb & level

7th  Two Operative Masters of Do: with square & mallet

8th Bible Bearer of Do: with Bible

9th  Secretary of Do: with cornucopia & bottle cover

10th  The Two Treasurers with wine & oil

11th Grand Chaplain in his Gown

12th Archetect's & Enginneers with Plans & Deposit

13th Provincial G.Master & Wardens in their Robes

14th Wardens of Muthill St Johns with their batons

15th The Master of Muthill St Johns

16th Depute and Substitute Masters of Muthill St Johns with their Insignia & Rods of Office.

The Procession must be formed as above described by two & two together before leaving the Lodge and walk at the distance of two full paces asunder, and when the Procession arrives at the Interim Church Door, then to take open order; The Two Stewards forming an Arch with their rods. The Taiylor walking up the centre until he meets his R.W. Master which he conducts to the place appropraited for him and his brethren. The Two Stewards in the rear taking particular that the Brethren fall  regularly in after the R.W.Master. and in going from the church to the site of the New Church, the above order to be reversed except the Taiylor who takes the front always, and when the deposit and Ceremony being over at the New Site ~ in returning again to the Lodge the same order to be observed as in going to the Church. Ye Ye Ye

After the Procession had reached the Interim Church the Grand Chaplain The Reverend Mr John Russel Minister of Muthill Delivered an excellent and appropriate Discourse from Exodus the 20th Chapter and 24th verse and latter clause of that verse.

Text ~ " In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee and I will Bless thee "

Sermon being over the Procession proceeded to the site of the New Church Whence a  most impressive prayer was put up to God  by the Reverend Chaplain imploring his Blessing on the undertaking of a church and place of worship to be erected for the recording of his Blessed name. They next proceeded to the usual Masonic Ceremonies which were properly performed by the Honourable William Henry Drummond of Castle Strathallan Eldest Son  of the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Strathallan ~ assisted by the Office Bearers of St Johns Lodge  Viz;

1 John McIntyre     G.Master

2  John Ritchie       D.Master

3  John Gin            S.Master

4  James Millar   Senior Warden

5 Donald McNeil   Junior Warden

6  James Gillespie Graham Esquire of Orchil, Architect of Edinburgh & Proxy Master of this Lodge.

7  The Rev'd  Mr John Russell Grand Chaplain

8  William King Drummond Castle Chaplain in Ordinary

9  James Faichney Merchant Muthill   Joint Treasurer

10  John Bennet Innkeeper Muthill   Joint Treasurer

11  William Gentle Wright  Muthill Secretary

12  John Ritchie & William McEwen joint Stewards

13  Lewis McOrist Mason Muthill Taiylor

14 James Gillespie Graham Esquire Architect

15 Mr James McArthur  Wright  Bridgend  Perth   Undertaker

and Mr James Gilletson Dumfrieshire Engineer and Inspector

Deposited in the Cavity of the stone prepared to receive the Bottle and cover in the South East Corner of said church were several of the Current Coin of his Present Majesty George the Fourth Vis;

                                                     £        sh        d

A Sovereign of  Gold value                    20

A half Sovereign of Gold Value              10

A crown piece of Silver Value                 5

A Half Crown piece of Silver Value        2         6

A Shilling of Silver Value                       1

A Sixpence of Silver Value                               6

A Penny piece of Copper Value                      1

A Halfpenny of Copper Value                        1/2

A Farthing of Copper Value                           1/4

                                                      £1 ..19..1 3/4d

Also were put into said Bottle, Seven of the Most Respectable News Papers of the Day, An Edinburgh Almanac with a parchment Scroll whereon was written The Names of the Noblemen and Gentlemen Heritors of this Parish of Muthill; Together with the Name of The Reverend Mr John Russell Minister of the Parish, Also the names of the Architect, Undertaker, Engineer / Inspector of the Work, with all the Presiding Office Bearers of St Johns Lodge No 192 Muthill; and the estimated Value of the Church above about £6000 Sterling:  all of which were very carefully put in the Bottle Deposited in the cavity of the stones made to receive it in the Foundation hermitically sealed with the Seal of this Lodge, and the stones strongly Banded with Iron run in with Lead and shut up for Generations Unborn. And after the Square, Plumb and Level, had been applied, the Young Nobleman previously Referred to who presided on the occasion assisted by the Architect and Office Bearers of this Lodge, Poured on the Corn Wine and Oil. And having Drank success to the Undertaking was cheered by surrounding Thousands of the Brethren and Spectators, and Finally by Three Distinct Knocks of the Mallet announced the Operation and Ceremonial part of the day concluded, after which the Procession Returned to the Hall in the Same order as they had come out of it.

The Secretary was then ordered to write out the proceedings of the day and send a copy of the same to the following for Insertion in their Respective Journals Viz''''

1 A copy sent to Dumfries; Mr Gillitsons Native County Town

2 Copy to the Printer of the Edinburgh Evening Courier and Advertiser

3 Copy to the Publisher of the Glasgow Journal

4 Copy to the Publishes of the Stirling Journal

5 Copy to the Publisher of the Perth Journal

There Follows the Copy for Insertion Viz'''

On Tuesday the 14th inst'. The Town of Muthill Exhibited a Scene of Unusual Bustle and Gaity, and its inhabitants witnessed the Gratifying Spectacle, of the Foundation Stone of their New Parish Church being laid with Masonic Ceremonies, early in the Forenoon, the Whole Neighbouring Population Attracted by the extreme fineness of the day, flocked to the town desirous to be present at a ceremony so Interesting and Noble.The Church of Muthill has long been in so bad a state of repair as to be unsafe for Public Worship; and to Render a new Edifice necessary for the accommadation of the Parishioners. Ground for the Purpose having been Liberally Afforded by the Right Honourable Lord Gwyder Principal Heritor of this Parish. The Brethren of St Johns Lodge Muthil having received very Respectable Deputations from the Lodges of Crieff, Auchterarder, Dunning and Comrie, Assembled in the Masons Hall, and walked in Procession to the Interim Church, and after hearing a very appropriate Sermon from the  Rev'd John Russell Minister of the Parish, walked in Procession to the site of the New Church; after a very impressive Prayer was offered up by the Rev'd Chaplain, when the Usual Masonic Ceremonies were Properly Performed by the Hon'ble William Henry Drummond of Castle Strathallan Eldest Son of the Right Hon'ble Lord Viscount Strathallan. The Brethren Afterwards sat down to an Excellent Dinner. The Master of the Lodge in the chair supported by the Hon'ble William Henry Drummond and James Gillespie Graham Esquire of Orchill. Wnen a Number of Masonic Loyal and Patriotic Toasts were drank.

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March 18th 1826;

The Committee then Proceeded to examine the Accounts relative to the expense incurred by the Lodge of Laying the foundation stone of the New Church of Muthill on the 14th March Inst; When the Accounts and Vouchers thereto attached were produced as follows Viz'''

To Mr McDonald, Stationer Crieff for Printing 250 Letters £1-2sh

Music Band Eleven in Number                    £2-00

Two Fiddlers and a Bass in the Hall          £1-1sh

Thomas Robertson for Candles                £0 -12 - 5 1/2d

Portages                                              £ 0 - 1 - 5 1/2d

Lewis McOrist for Chimney Repairs & other Items £ 0 -9 - 0

John Hutton Wright Muthill for Smoke Board, Plumb & Level £0 -9 - 9d

By the Current Coins of his Present Majesty George the Fourth Deposited in the Bottle and placed in the Cavity of the Foundation Stone prepared for that purpose to the amount of   £1 - 19 - 1 3/4d

Expense to hall Music   £0 -2sh.

Total £ 7 - 17 - 0 1/2d

The above accounts were found to be correct and ordered by the convener and Committee of Management that the Treasurers Mess'rs Jas Faichney & John Bennet do pay of the same which was accordingly done by them. Ye Ye Ye

There was no more mention of the affair in the Records for that Year, as it would appear that the Lodge was pre-occupied with selling the bonded property attached to the Lodge Premises. But if the Secretaries report, which was sent to the Newspapers, was accurate, and not exaggerated, the Ceremony must have been some spectacle with the Provincial Office Bearers in their Robes? and the Procession in their Sunday Best dress plus Regalia. Also still no mention of Deacons or Fellowcraft Masons in the Order of Procession. The cavity of the stones in the South East corner prepared to receive the Bottle of artifacts merits further investigation as we have to assume that the foundation stone was laid on top of it, and as Freeemasons, we are taught in the 1st Degree, thats, not where it goes. The Reverand Mr John Russel who officiated at the stone laying Ceremony, must have died shortly after the Ceremony as he is referred to in the Minutes of the next meeting as the LATE Rev'nd Mr John Russell. On 18th September, the Lodge received an Invitation to assist in the Ceremony of Foundation Stone Laying at the site of the new spire of Methven Parish Church, too late to organise a depution.Thus, sadly, these Spectactular Occasions dwindled into the mists of time, though maybe someday wil be re-invented.

As can be seen in the in the Aliment Column of this Website, and from the Lodges By-Laws of 1848, the Lodge appears to be  practicing Predominately Operative Masonry, but if that were the case, why should it be necessary to stipulate, Two Operative Apprentices and Two Operative Masters in the order of Procession to the Stone Laying Ceremony, thus we would have to assume that there were indeed Speculative Members of the Lodge at that time. FurtherMore the Aliment Details in the By-Laws make only mention of Payments to the sick, Widows, Funeral Expenses and Orphans all by way of Lodge Membership, but, as we will see, the Lodge also funded Travelling Crafstmen. These      Vouchers, [ re-produced below ] were presented to the Lodge during the year 1827, when the Building of the New Parish Church would be well under way;                            

Each of these Vouchers has been Issued by Bro John Ritchie, a Wright, [ carpenter ] of Muthill, who at that time was the Entering Master of the Lodge, and who may have been employed at the New Church Worksite. In true Masonic Tradition, if travelling tradesmen presented themselves at the worksite, in search of work, and proved themselves to be Qualified by grip and Token, may well have then, requested the Lodges Financial Help to subsidise their food and lodgings, until their first wage was earned, the vouchers would certainly attest to that. Lodges Prissall No 26 Edinburgh, Killwinning Stirling No 27, St James Kilmarnock No278, St Johns Invarary No 45 and St Andrews Greenock No 20, are not recorded on the Role of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The two Irish Lodges; Whitehouse No 651 and St John No 907, appear to have very high numbers for1827, and the French Brother, along with the other four, only received sixpence, while the other four managed to recieve a shilling.

The Parish Church was completed in 1828, and had been designed by James Gillespie Graham, Esquire of Orchill, who, as mentioned above, also designed the Memorial  Monument for John James  Erskine. Graham was nicknamed " Pinnacle Graham " for those less enthusiastic for sprockets of the 19th Century Gothic style, as both the church and the Pulpit share the sprocket design.