Continuing a look at the laying of the memorial stone on the last Saturday in November 1891, when the Blantyre Church Halls were being constructed at High Blantyre.
After a procession to the site of the church halls, the speeches commenced. We have a great record of what was said that day. On the platform in front of the construction site:
Bro. Rev. Mr Turnbull said, “Rt. Worshipful Provincial Grand Master,—In performing this duty which has been entrusted to me, as representing Blantyre Parish Church, I feel that I shall best accomplish it in the fewest possible words. To refer in any detail to the history of our Parish Church Halls would be now unfitting, for there are few, if any, now present who do not know that history from its beginning up to this present hour.”
“This, however, I will say, that we have passed through that agony stage which belongs to all great undertakings, and that in contrast our pleasure is so much the more increased at reaching this event to-day. (Cheers.) When nearly nineteen months ago (Summer 1890) I set this scheme in motion, I only gave expression to a desire which I found in the minds of many; and in the subsequent development of our scheme, though in a sense from my position I have been the central figure, still that we have reached this interesting and imposing event s due not so much to me as to the excellent and able assistance I have received, and to the great generosity not merely of our own members but also of others who are not directly connected with us as a congregation. And it is relying upon the same assistance and upon the assistance of the community at large that we hope at no distant date to see the completion of our halls to our entire satisfaction. (Cheers.) More than this I will not say, but will now ask you, Right Worshipful Sir, to proceed to the laying of the memorial stone of Blantyre Parish Church Halls. (Cheers.)
Mr Mark Hurl, in a word, presented the P.G.M. with a silver trowel with which to lay the stone, bearing the following inscription:—
“Presented to Colonel J. Clark Forrest, P.G.M., on the occasion of his laying the memorial stone of Blantyre Parish Church Halls with masonic honours.—28th Nov., 1891.”
Bro. Col. J. C. Forrest, in reply, thanked them very much for this beautiful instrument,—should he call it?—of peace. He would use it on that occasion, and would preserve it, and, if possible, send it down to posterity as a memorial of their affection and good-will. It was that same sentiment that had enabled the masons of the Middle Ward to subscribe last year £100 for the annuity fund of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. (Cheers.)
AI helps imagine the scene that day at the corner of Hunthill Road and Main Street.
