Masonic Forum Home Search Members Calendar Who's On Welcome Guest ( Login | Register ) Recent PostsRecent Posts Popular TopicsPopular Topics Home » General » The Reading/Watching Room » Problem with Burns Apron(s)?? Problem with Burns Apron(s)?? Rate Topic Display Mode Topic Options Author Message Mike MartinMike Martin Posted 01/07/2009 18:37 Past Master Group: Administrators Last Login: Today @ 00:06 Posts: 1,063, Visits: 2,529 A tantalising snippet: The Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Burns House Museum spar over the origins of the poet’s freemasonic regaliaThey may look like tattered old pinnies, but to historians one of them is a hugely important masonic artefact. The Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Burns House Museum, in Dumfriesshire, are at loggerheads over who owns the Freemason’s apron that once belonged to Robert Burns. The Burns House Museum insists its apron, which is touring the country as part of an exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the poet’s birth, is the genuine article. The embroidered leather garment is said to have been given to Burns in 1791 by Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, of Hoddam, a close friend and fellow mason. However, the Grand Lodge of Scotland has produced a rival garment, which it says was given to Burns at St Andrew’s Lodge in Dumfries, where he was a senior officer until his death in 1796. Full story: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6211131.ece MikeThe Freemasons' Grand Charity My Mother Lodge website Join or just visit my Masonic Web RingSee my BALLS here Post #9477 lauderdalelauderdale Posted 01/07/2009 20:18 Excellent Master Group: Forum Members Last Login: Yesterday @ 23:52 Posts: 1,917, Visits: 3,580 Was not Burns the Bard Laureate of the Cannongate-Killwinning No 2 Lodge of the GL of Scotland? I also read an article which stated that he was a member of a Lodge at Tarbolton? Can anyone throw some light on this? Post #9479 Alan CampbellAlan Campbell Posted 01/07/2009 22:05 Past Master Group: Forum Members Last Login: Yesterday @ 15:13 Posts: 975, Visits: 1,125 Robert Burns was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Lodge St. David, Tarbolton on 4 July (ironic date) 1781, at the age of 23. His initiation fee was 12s 6d, and paid on the same date. Like many other times in his life, Burns came into the lodge admist a controversy. Originally, there had been only one lodge in Tarbolton, chartered in 1771 from the Kilwinning Lodge, which is said to be the oldest lodges in the world (again, another story worth telling, yet for another time). In 1773, a group broke away from the lodge, forming Lodge St. David No. 174, and the original lodge became St. James Tarbolton Kilwinning No. 178, only to be reunited in 1781, 9 days before Burns's first degree. However, while St. James was clearly the older of the two lodges, St. David's name was used, and the seeds were sown for further dissension. Burns in the meantime was passed to the degree of fellowcraft, and raised to the degree of Master Mason on lst October 1781. The Lodge record book, according to James Mackay's "Burns" reads as follows:Robert Burns in Lochly was passed and raised, Henry Cowan being Master, James Humphrey Senr. Warden, and Alexr. Smith Junr. Do., Robt. Wodrow Secy. and James Manson Treasurer, and John Tannock Taylor and others of the brethren being present"(119).Manson and Wodrow would later take the regalia of St. James's lodge from the charter chest (containing the minute-books, archives and other belongings) stored at John Richard's Inn (Richard was a Steward of Lodge St. David) after tricking Richard into a false errand with a couple of "gills" of punch. While originally ordered to return the regalia and other items by the Grand Lodge, it was eventually ruled that since the union of the 2 lodges were voluntary, then the separation was as well. The St. James lodge met again as a separate body on 17 June 1782. (Mackay, 119-120).Burns went with Lodge St. James, and on 27 July 1784, he was elected "Depute Master" of the lodge at the ripe young age of 25. Sir John Witefoord was the Worshipful Master of the lodge, but it was somewhat of an honourary position, and the Depute Master in reality was in charge. Burns was faithful to the lodge, attending regularly and 3 minutes were in his handwriting; 29 minutes were signed by him and also show when he changed his name; originally, his father spelled the last name "Burness"; before 1786, Robert spelled it the same way. On 1 March 1786, Robert's brother Gilbert received his 2nd and 3rd degrees; both Gilbert and Robert signed their last names as "Burns"(Mackay, p.121).1786 was not a happy year for Robert financially or emotionally; Denied his love Jean, Burns had sought comfort with Mary Campbell (the famous "Highland Mary"), who reportedly bore Burns a child and died later that year from Typhus. Burns, in grief over the loss of two women, as well as facing child support payments for Jean's unborn child, decided to flee to Jamaica to avoid grief and an angry father (and brother!). Tradition says that Burns recited his "Farewell to the Brethren of St. James Lodge, Tarbolton" on the night of 23rd June, at the stated meeting of the lodge, in anticipation of his voyage to the West Indies. However, Burns decided to stay in Scotland when in July 1786, his Kilmarnock edition of poems was published, by a brother Freemason, and 350 brethren of St.John's Lodge, Kilmarnock, subscribed to a copy. In October he was made an honourary member of Lodge Kilmarnock Kilwinning St. John, and wrote "Masonic Song" in honour of the lodge and its Worshipful Master, Major William Parker (McLeod, p.169).Burns's rise in popularity for his poems also contributed to his rise in Freemasonry. At a meeting of Lodge St. Andrew in Edinburgh in 1787, at which the Grand Master and Grand Lodge of Scotland was present, Burns was toasted by the Worshipful Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Francis Chateris, with the words "Caledonia and Caledonia's bard, Bro. Robt. Burns", which was met with a terrific response from the brethren. Burns was completely taken aback, and though trembling, returned the toast of the Grand Master, to response of 'Very Well Indeed' from some of the officers of the Grand Line (McLeod, p. 169). In February 1787, Burns was made the Poet Laureate of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2, Edinburgh. Wallace McLeod, in his essay "Robert Burns", quotes the minute book, which states:The Right Worshipful Master, having observed that Brother Burns was present in the lodge, who is well known as a great poetic writer, and for a late publication of his works, which have been universally commended, submitted that he should be assumed a [honourary] member of this lodge, which was unanimously agreed to, and he was assumed accordingly (McLeod, pp.169-171, Mackay, pp. 273-274).Tradition has it the Burns was installed as Poet Laureate at the March meeting of the lodge (as many paintings show), but lodge records disprove this, although some maintain that faulty records and Robert's modesty are responsible for it being left out of the lodge minutes and Robert's letters; Mackay doubts that Burns would have purposely left out such a high accolade to his work as a poet (McLeod, p.170, Mackay, p.274). When the first Edinburgh Edition of his poems was released in April 1787, and again, many subscribers were members of Canongate, including the publisher, printer and artist who supplied the frontispiece for the edition. Like his Kilmarnock edition, Freemasons assisted their brother and ultimately gave the world the gift of Burns's poetry.Burns was exalted a companion in the Holy Royal Arch Degree in May 1787 at St. Ebbe's Lodge, Eyemouth. The companions unanimously agreed to admit Burns without paying the necessary fees, as they were greatly honoured to have such a great poet and man like Burns as part of their chapter (Mackay, p.311). When Burns moved to Dumfries, he joined Lodge St. Andrew on St. John's Day, 1788, and once again, showed a great enthusiasm for his lodge. In 1792, he was elected Senior Warden and served a one-year term. This was the last Masonic office he held before his death in 1796. He was 37 years old. Post #9480 AJMAJM Posted 02/07/2009 07:45 Apprentice Group: Forum Members Last Login: 2 days ago @ 04:40 Posts: 31, Visits: 414 The apron is inscribed, “Charles Sharpe of Hotham to Rabbie Burns, Dumfries, Dec 12 1791”, but authorities on Burns say the poet was never known as ‘Rabbie’ during his lifetime. One of the primary arguments made against the Sharpe apron is that it is inscribed 'Rabbie Burns', a name, as all Burns scholars know, created later in the 19th century. I contributed a little to the apron discussions by drawing attention to an 18th century use of the name. It is dated a few weeks before Burns' death, and was allegedly sent to him in 1796 and printed in 1798, and so the argument that he was not called Rabbie until the 19th century can no longer stand. I am of the opinion that both aprons belonged to Burns. The Apron kept by GL is, in my view, 100% genuine. I can't be as sure about the Sharpe apron, but there is no persuasive evidence against it at the moment. ________________________________________________________ Official Website Post #9494 DHSDHS Posted 02/07/2009 08:35 Journeyman Group: Forum Members Last Login: Yesterday @ 17:00 Posts: 129, Visits: 549 Perhaps others who were also there will confirm my recollection: I am sure at the last GLoS communication, when the Burns Apron was presented it was described as the Senior Warden's Apron from his lodge in Dumfries. As he had been Senior Warden there, then he must have worn it and we were also shown a painting with Burns wearing the apron, confirmed by the unusually shaped G (it looks like a 6) in the painting and on the apron. Whether it was actually "his" apron or not seems to me to be semantics, he definitely wore it. On the balance of probability it is unlikely that the other apron was his but I have no doubt the debate will continue an dbe enjoyed by us all. With regard to his time as Depute Master of #135, I would recommend that Lodge's own website: http://www.thefreemasons.org.uk/tarbolton135/ and even more heartily recommend a visit to the Lodge. Post #9496 sojournersojourner Posted 02/07/2009 11:52 Fellow Group: Forum Members Last Login: Yesterday @ 17:19 Posts: 259, Visits: 924 Burns was a member of Lodge Tarbolton (Kilwinning) St. James No 135. I attended a third there a couple of months ago. It was wall to wall and there was standing room only. Visitors were from all over the UK. I'm not sure if the candidate survived. We had a very interesting tour of the Lodge room contaning the Chair, jewels and gavel used by Burns, and also the museum afterwards. The Lodge has a website: www.thefreemasons.org.uk/tarbolton135/index.htmI have also attended Lodge Brig 'O Doon in Patna. Roy L."SELUME PROFERRE" Post #9505 lauderdalelauderdale Posted 02/07/2009 14:03 Excellent Master Group: Forum Members Last Login: Yesterday @ 23:52 Posts: 1,917, Visits: 3,580 Thanks Bro Alan and others for that useful information Post #9511 IainIain Posted 04/07/2009 16:53 Master Group: Forum Members Last Login: 26/10/2009 16:13 Posts: 607, Visits: 709 I dont see that Burns or any other brother shouldnt have more than one apron, Personaly I have 3 2 of which I will probably keep for my sons. We have old Aprons in our lodge that come from similar dates which were made and personalised for different brethren, Some having again 2 or 3 aprons which were personalised for them for deeds done or as a thank you from lodges. As for the name Rabbie being on one of them, my brother is named Robert and is called Bob but even on a birthday card i write Robert but friends use Bob. It wouldnt be impossible for someone outwith close family or mother lodge to use a shortened version of his name as that would have been the common way of doing things. If I had and apron personalised for my brother I would write Robert but I doubt that friends would. Also remember who Burns was, He was a drinker a womaniser and an all together good time lad (man whore) who in this time and date probably wouldn't have been able to find a proposer or seconder to get him into the craft. Dont get me wrong I love burns's work I think he was a genious, I do however think people have to remove the rose tinted glasses Cheers, IainDumbarton Kilwinning Lodge No 18 Post #9592 « Prev Topic | Next Topic » Reading This Topic Active Users: 0 (0 guests, 0 members, 0 anonymous members) No members currently viewing this topic. 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They may look like tattered old pinnies, but to historians one of them is a hugely important masonic artefact.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Burns House Museum, in Dumfriesshire, are at loggerheads over who owns the Freemason’s apron that once belonged to Robert Burns.
The Burns House Museum insists its apron, which is touring the country as part of an exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the poet’s birth, is the genuine article.
The embroidered leather garment is said to have been given to Burns in 1791 by Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, of Hoddam, a close friend and fellow mason. However, the Grand Lodge of Scotland has produced a rival garment, which it says was given to Burns at St Andrew’s Lodge in Dumfries, where he was a senior officer until his death in 1796.
MikeThe Freemasons' Grand Charity My Mother Lodge website Join or just visit my Masonic Web RingSee my BALLS here
Robert Burns was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Lodge St. David, Tarbolton on 4 July (ironic date) 1781, at the age of 23. His initiation fee was 12s 6d, and paid on the same date. Like many other times in his life, Burns came into the lodge admist a controversy. Originally, there had been only one lodge in Tarbolton, chartered in 1771 from the Kilwinning Lodge, which is said to be the oldest lodges in the world (again, another story worth telling, yet for another time). In 1773, a group broke away from the lodge, forming Lodge St. David No. 174, and the original lodge became St. James Tarbolton Kilwinning No. 178, only to be reunited in 1781, 9 days before Burns's first degree. However, while St. James was clearly the older of the two lodges, St. David's name was used, and the seeds were sown for further dissension. Burns in the meantime was passed to the degree of fellowcraft, and raised to the degree of Master Mason on lst October 1781. The Lodge record book, according to James Mackay's "Burns" reads as follows:
Robert Burns in Lochly was passed and raised, Henry Cowan being Master, James Humphrey Senr. Warden, and Alexr. Smith Junr. Do., Robt. Wodrow Secy. and James Manson Treasurer, and John Tannock Taylor and others of the brethren being present"(119).Manson and Wodrow would later take the regalia of St. James's lodge from the charter chest (containing the minute-books, archives and other belongings) stored at John Richard's Inn (Richard was a Steward of Lodge St. David) after tricking Richard into a false errand with a couple of "gills" of punch. While originally ordered to return the regalia and other items by the Grand Lodge, it was eventually ruled that since the union of the 2 lodges were voluntary, then the separation was as well. The St. James lodge met again as a separate body on 17 June 1782. (Mackay, 119-120).
Burns went with Lodge St. James, and on 27 July 1784, he was elected "Depute Master" of the lodge at the ripe young age of 25. Sir John Witefoord was the Worshipful Master of the lodge, but it was somewhat of an honourary position, and the Depute Master in reality was in charge. Burns was faithful to the lodge, attending regularly and 3 minutes were in his handwriting; 29 minutes were signed by him and also show when he changed his name; originally, his father spelled the last name "Burness"; before 1786, Robert spelled it the same way. On 1 March 1786, Robert's brother Gilbert received his 2nd and 3rd degrees; both Gilbert and Robert signed their last names as "Burns"(Mackay, p.121).
1786 was not a happy year for Robert financially or emotionally; Denied his love Jean, Burns had sought comfort with Mary Campbell (the famous "Highland Mary"), who reportedly bore Burns a child and died later that year from Typhus. Burns, in grief over the loss of two women, as well as facing child support payments for Jean's unborn child, decided to flee to Jamaica to avoid grief and an angry father (and brother!). Tradition says that Burns recited his "Farewell to the Brethren of St. James Lodge, Tarbolton" on the night of 23rd June, at the stated meeting of the lodge, in anticipation of his voyage to the West Indies.
However, Burns decided to stay in Scotland when in July 1786, his Kilmarnock edition of poems was published, by a brother Freemason, and 350 brethren of St.John's Lodge, Kilmarnock, subscribed to a copy. In October he was made an honourary member of Lodge Kilmarnock Kilwinning St. John, and wrote "Masonic Song" in honour of the lodge and its Worshipful Master, Major William Parker (McLeod, p.169).
Burns's rise in popularity for his poems also contributed to his rise in Freemasonry. At a meeting of Lodge St. Andrew in Edinburgh in 1787, at which the Grand Master and Grand Lodge of Scotland was present, Burns was toasted by the Worshipful Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Francis Chateris, with the words "Caledonia and Caledonia's bard, Bro. Robt. Burns", which was met with a terrific response from the brethren. Burns was completely taken aback, and though trembling, returned the toast of the Grand Master, to response of 'Very Well Indeed' from some of the officers of the Grand Line (McLeod, p. 169). In February 1787, Burns was made the Poet Laureate of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2, Edinburgh. Wallace McLeod, in his essay "Robert Burns", quotes the minute book, which states:
The Right Worshipful Master, having observed that Brother Burns was present in the lodge, who is well known as a great poetic writer, and for a late publication of his works, which have been universally commended, submitted that he should be assumed a [honourary] member of this lodge, which was unanimously agreed to, and he was assumed accordingly (McLeod, pp.169-171, Mackay, pp. 273-274).
Tradition has it the Burns was installed as Poet Laureate at the March meeting of the lodge (as many paintings show), but lodge records disprove this, although some maintain that faulty records and Robert's modesty are responsible for it being left out of the lodge minutes and Robert's letters; Mackay doubts that Burns would have purposely left out such a high accolade to his work as a poet (McLeod, p.170, Mackay, p.274). When the first Edinburgh Edition of his poems was released in April 1787, and again, many subscribers were members of Canongate, including the publisher, printer and artist who supplied the frontispiece for the edition. Like his Kilmarnock edition, Freemasons assisted their brother and ultimately gave the world the gift of Burns's poetry.
Burns was exalted a companion in the Holy Royal Arch Degree in May 1787 at St. Ebbe's Lodge, Eyemouth. The companions unanimously agreed to admit Burns without paying the necessary fees, as they were greatly honoured to have such a great poet and man like Burns as part of their chapter (Mackay, p.311). When Burns moved to Dumfries, he joined Lodge St. Andrew on St. John's Day, 1788, and once again, showed a great enthusiasm for his lodge. In 1792, he was elected Senior Warden and served a one-year term. This was the last Masonic office he held before his death in 1796. He was 37 years old.
I have also attended Lodge Brig 'O Doon in Patna.
"SELUME PROFERRE"
Dumbarton Kilwinning Lodge No 18
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