I’ve been researching the laying of the memorial stone at High Blantyre’s Church Halls back in 1891. Lots of great detail about that last Saturday afternoon in November 1891.
The procession was marshalled by Major Ness meeting in front of the Masonic Hall on the Main Street, a couple of mounted policemen being placed in the van followed by the Shepherds, Foresters, Blantyre Brass Band, and the Masonic bodies, the rear being brought up by the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge, who, in addition to their flag, carried in massive silver cups (racing trophies of the P.G.M.) the corn, wine, and oil, which were to be poured on the memorial stone.
The processionists marched to the halls by way of a loop. Along to the Cross, right to Hunthill, on to Barnhill, right to Larkfield, on to Causeystones, and right to Kirkton again. The brass bands played the “Merry Masons” and other tunes.
When the processionists arrived in front of the building, over which floated the Union Jack, a halt was made, and the Provincial Grand Lodge passed through their ranks to the wooden platform prepared for them, near which were stationed the Parish Church Choir, under Mr J. Marshall, and the Blantyre Brass Band, under Mr R. Houston.
On a lower platform a number of ladies and gentlemen were accommodated, including Dr and Mrs Moore, Greenhall; Capt. and Mrs Gill, Calderwood Castle; Mr and Misses Macpherson, Blantyreferme; Miss Logan and the Misses Forrest, Uddingston; Mrs and Miss Turnbull, The Manse; Mrs M’Gregor, Huntingtower, Bothwell; Mr and Mrs Hurl, Hyde Park; Mr Craig, Lettrick; Miss Jackson, Crottfoot; Miss Thomas, Misses Douglas, Mr J. Jackson, Old Place; Mr and Miss M’Farlane; Mr Stewart, Blantyre Park; Mr and Mrs Brown, Barnhill; Mr Hamilton, Newhouse; Rev. Messrs Pryde, Campbell, and Burleigh, &c.
The general public had a capital view of the proceedings from the public road and the windows of the houses opposite.
After Major Ness had proclaimed silence, the “Queen’s Anthem” (God Save the Queen) was sung by the choir and accompanied by the band.
A.I imagines the scene that November wet afternoon. A scene from the Cross looking over the former houses on Main Street, where now the mining memorial stands. The High Blantyre station in the background.
