Lodge Trip to Rosslyn Chapel on Sunday 3rd July 2011
A report by Brother N.J. Gallacher; Junior Warden.
On what can only be described as a beautiful summers day, 25 members of our lodge along with their respective partners embarked upon a trip to Rosslyn Chapel, in Roslin just south of
We arrived in good time, and met Chic Beattie from Lodge Rosslyn St. Clair No. 606, who was to be our source of masonic interest throughout the day in addition to the official talk from one of the chapel guides. Chic gave us all an introduction prior to going in, which set the tone perfectly for the visit, particularly for those that had not been before. Chic was born and raised in Roslin, quite literally 500 yds from the Chapel itself, so the chapel and the surrounding area, along with all of it's mystique, is quite literally in his blood and the passion Chic feels for the place, of which we were only too keen to share, was obvious as soon as he started talking.
Chic's knowledge was immediately apparent, and from looking around the faces listening to him, it was clear that our brethren and indeed also the wives and partners were hooked on what he had to say right from the word go. This was an excellent introduction to the learned and new comers alike, and a great pique to the interest of all present.
But then, Rosslyn Chapel has that effect on people. Even if you know nothing of the history, myths, conjecture or fables and are visiting "blind", the sheer majesty and the unique nature of the building is almost overwhelming and begs many more questions than it answers in a paradoxical sense. A smaller building than many anticipate, the first impression is of a small Gothic church - but then you get closer and the sublime details become clearer. Upon actually entering the chapel, it is almost impossible to take in the vast array of quite magnificent carvings, allegorical stone tapestry, religious and indeed pagan emblemry adorning literally every square foot of the place. In short, it is breathtaking and "holds" you in a way that few other buildings, certainly that I have visited, can.
The carvings can be explained in many ways, and people of their own different minds would take their own perceptions. However, the carvings, stonework and architecture would fascinate anyone with an eye for detail, an eye for craftsmanship, an eye for beauty, or simply an eye for the unusual or anomalous. Rosslyn Chapel offers all of the above, and then some.
Much speculation has been borne of the carvings in the masonic context - the pictures attached show, arguably, a candidate being led by a cable tow, and a mason ruminating on the fact that his labour has been lost - both of which we are more than familiar with from our own degree ceremonies. Is this what is actually being portrayed?
Who knows, but for me personally, and of course all masonry in the speculative sense is subjective, I ask myself - what else could these carvings actually be depicting? What other context from nearly 600 years ago (565 years to be precise from the year that work started on the chapel in 1456), would a stone mason have cause or reason to carve what is to my own eye, clearly somebody being led by a cable tow? I find it fascinating, and the lack of certainty or definitiveness only adds to the intrigue. The fact that there is a carving on one of the most historic buildings in the world, showing a part of a ritual that I and all other brethren of our lodge, and all lodges worldwide, have gone through, makes me feel part of something not only special, but almost hallowed.
To think that a ritual of this nature has remained largely unaltered for half a millennium, and is perpetuated to this day is, again personally, one of the strongest draws to freemasonry and I love the fact that this brings us together and unites us as one, irrespective of position, wealth, belief or status. We are all truly, on the level, quite literally for centuries.
It would be very easy to wax lyrical for many more paragraphs on the Chapel, but this report is merely a summary of what turned out to be a great day out for our lodge, and I daresay enjoyed by all. It was particularly nice to see so many wives and partners enjoying what is a fundamental part of freemasonry, that is to say the history and intrigue, that perhaps they have not been privy to previously, and I would like to think demonstrated the interest shared by their husbands and boyfriends beyond the usual stereotypes that all masons endure due to negative press and common misconceptions.
After a few drinks in the local pubs just up the brae from the chapel, we departed Roslin in good spirits and travelled to The Inn at Longcroft for dinner, which Brother Andrew Bissett had arranged. A nice meal was enjoyed by all, and we subsequently left on the final leg for
This being the first "outing" I have arranged for our lodge, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who supported the event and attended. Especially to Chic Beattie, Ian Hislop and Andrew Bissett whom without their help, the trip would not have been possible were it not for their input and assistance.
"Behold How Good And How pleasant A Thing It Is For Brethren To Dwell Together In Unity" (Inscription on the wall of Lodge Mary's Chapel No 1)
Yours with kind, grateful and fraternal regards,
Nick (WJW)
