Laying of the Corner Stone of the Presbyterian Church, Almonte

Laying of the Corner Stone of the Presbyterian Church, Almonte

The laying of the corner stone of St. Paul's Church was followed two years later by another similar ceremony (as again appears from the Minutes of St. John's Lodge):

June 13, 1865
The following letter was received from the secretary of Mississippi Lodge No. 147 at Almonte: "Acting under dispensation from Grand Lodge and by authority of our Lodge, I give your lodge a cordial invitation to join in the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new Free Church (Presbyterian) in this village, to take place exactly at high noon on the 24 inst. As we are making suitable preparations to entertain our visitors you will confer a favour by advising me as early as possible how many we may expect from your lodge. Please extend the invitation to all Masonic brethren within your circle." Signed Chas. E. Field, Secy., Mississippi Lodge No. 147, Almonte.
This record was preceded by the Lodge's own Minutes of May 5, 1865, wherein Bro. W. Mostyn stated "a desire to have the foundation stone of the New Free Presbyterian Church in this village laid with Masonic Honors". Dispensation from Grand Lodge was of course to be sought for the ceremony.

Following is the record of the May 15, 1865 Emergent Meeting:

An Emergent Meeting of Mississippi Lodge No. 147 called for by the Wor. Master for the purpose of making arrangements for the corner stone of the free Presbyteryan Church in this Village.
The Lodge was opened in the first Degree at 9:00 o'clock p.m.

The 24th day of June was named by Bro. Scrimgeour and agreed upon by the Lodge as the day for laying the corner stone of the Free Church.

Moved by Bro. W. Mostyn, seconded and carried that the Lodge will pay half and Bro. Scrimgeour (being the contractor) the other half of the expenses of refreshments required on the day of celebration.

The Wor. Master appointed Bros. Mostyn, McEwen, Scrimgeour and McDiarmid a committee to facilitate the preparations for the occasion.

On June 16, 1865 the following is recorded:

An Emergent Meeting called for the purpose of making final arrangements for laying the corner stone of the Free Church in this Village.

Moved by Bro. D. McEwen, seconded by Bro. Scrimgeour and carried that the Secretary write again to the District Deputy Grand Master and in case of his absence that Bro. W. Mostyn shall lay the corner stone on the 24th next.

The Committee on arrangements made a verbal report to the Lodge which was received and approved of by the Lodge. The Committee was also authorised to procure the services of the Village Band for the occasion.

Moved by Bro. W. Mostyn, seconded by Bro. W. Scrimgeour and carried that the Lodge adjourn to meet on Saturday 24th instant at 10 o'clock a.m.

The only subsequent (and proximate) reference to the ceremony appears on July 7, 1865 where the committee approved the account of Bro. Scrimgeour "for refreshments and other expenses of laying the foundation stone of the Presbyteryan Church". However, on May 20, 1983, "Wor. Bro. Elford Giles brought to the attention of the brethren the upcoming anniversary of the Presbyterian Church especially since the first master of Mississippi Lodge, W. Bro. W. Mostyn and the second Master, W. Bro. John Menzies, had laid the cornerstone for the Church. W. Bro. Giles felt that perhaps the lodge might like to participate in the anniversary ceremonies. Moved by V. Wor. Bro. Jack Smithson that $100 be donated to the Presbyterian Church on this occasion and that a Masonic Church service be held on November 6, 1983". On September 15, 1983, "The brethren were reminded that a church service would be held on Nov. 6/83 at the Presbyterian Church on the occasion of their 100th anniversary". The centennial would of course put the commencement date back to 1883, rather than 1865 when the cornerstone of the Church was laid. One might assume at this point that the "Free Church" was distinct from the later "Presbyterian Church". Note, however, the record of October 20, 1983 wherein "W. Bro. Elford Giles reported that preparations for the upcoming Church Service at St. John's Presbyterian Church on the occasion of their 150th Anniversary on Nov. 6 at 11 AM were complete. He invited all Brethren to make a special effort to attend. He expressed his thanks to the lodge for their $100 donation". As is often the case, the truth must lie somewhere in between!