Brethren, we are now in those final few days before the arrival of Christmas, and preparations are well underway for the Big Day. Last night the Six Mile Valley District Masonic Charity Committee held their Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in Saint Bride’s Church in the Parish of Kilbride. This beautiful old church with its Christmas Tree lit up in the grounds was an excellent venue and just about held all the Brethren, their families, and friends, who attended this service. The Rector Reverend John McClure led the Service, and the church organist Timothy Wilson provided the music. We were particularly luck to have the Fairview Primary School Choir present, who sang a couple of hymns on their own and gave voice to us all in the congregational hymn’s.
There was a good turn out of current Provincial Grand Lodge Officers present including our Provincial Grand Master Rt Wor Bro John McLernon accompanied by his two assistants Rt Wor Bros Sam Brennan and George Graham. Also present were past officers including John Edens, Jack O. Dunlop, and David Lyness. And as you can see from the photographs many other Brethren from the Six Mile Valley were present to support the occasion.
We should record our Brethren who gave the readings on the night. I refer to Bros Paul Williamson, James McCullough, Ricky Allan, Kenneth Hunter, Grahame Todd, Andrew Lowe, Stuart Leitch, and Kenneth Harbinson. And of course, we had a feast of Christmas carols including Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy to the World, Away in a Manger, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem and Once in Royal David City.
As usual, at this time of year, many researchers look back at the origins of Carol Singing, and it will probably surprise many to learn that some believe that the first carols were written to be danced to and would have been a rather jolly affair. Thankfully, to the best of my knowledge, there was no dancing last night.
Brethren it was a relaxing, enjoyable, and fulfilling night, in the Christmas spirit when the collection came to £ 750.00. Afterwards, we all adjourned to the Church Hall for a cup of tea and biscuit, an enjoyable social hour.
Robert Bashford