The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel), No.1. Quatercentenary of Minutes 1599-1999. Bro Joseph E. McArthur. P.M. Published by the Lodge. ISBN: 0 9536250 0 1. 164 pages (Hardback). £20.00

The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel), No.1 possess the oldest minutes, in the world, of a Lodge which remains in existence. It is the proud owner of written, continuous, minutes from 31st July 1599 to the present day. The celebration of 400 years of recorded existence is a milestone in the annuals of Freemasonry. It was only right and proper, therefore, that the Lodge marked that anniversary in some style with a week of special meetings and other events.
    As part of a week of celebrations the Lodge has produces several tasteful souvenirs but the ‘jewel in the crown’ must be this book. The physical appearance of the book is impressive and is nicely bound as a hardback with an equally attractive dust jacket. I personally like the format: A4 (210mm x 297mm) and whilst some might some might have preferred a smaller, but thicker book, I believe that its size adds ‘presence’ worthy of the anniversary which it was produced to commemorate. It permitted also a reproduction of photographs, and illustrations, of a size that ensures that they are easy to see.
    The author, Bro Joseph Ewart McArthur, was initiated in The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel), No.1 some 44 years ago. Since then he has had an abiding interest in Scottish Freemasonry in general and the history of his Mother Lodge in particular. That interest shines through in this book which can be described only as a labour of love.
    Bro McArthur ‘sets the scene’, in chapters 1 and 2, by describing the situation in Scotland from 1424. He explains the establishment of Incorporations (roughly equivalent to English Guilds), their purpose and function, their office-bearers, and relations with the ‘establishment’. His discussion of how the Lodge fits into the scheme of things, especially after 1599, is clear and succinct. Thereafter, the book is devoted to the most interesting, and important, extracts from the Lodge’s minutes, reproduced verbatim, with occasional comments by Bro McArthur. It reveals that the first non-operative mason to be admitted to the Lodge was William, Lord Alexander (together with his younger brother and a family friend), on 3rd July 1634. That is, 7 years before the admission of the first non-operative in England, Sir Robert Moray (1641), and 12 years before Elias Ashmole (1646).
    The illustrations are good and add much to the overall appearance of the book. The inclusion of a List of Members from the first Minute Book (1599-1686), a Roll of Masters from 1599 to date, and an Index, will ensure that this book is of use to Masonic researchers. The inclusion of a brief ‘dictionary’ of some old Scottish words, encountered in the Minutes, will be valuable to the reader.
    There are many ‘gems’ presented in this book and I can but compliment the author, and the Lodge, for the diligence shown in its production. This publication is sure to be studied, and used, for many years to come by those interested in the history of Freemasonry.
    Only 500 copies of the book have been printed. In that light I am at a loss to explain how the Lodge could produce it for a cover price of only £20.00. Copies are available by writing to: The Grand Secretary, The Grand Lodge of Scotland, 96 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DH. Tel: 0131 225 5304. Fax: 0131 225 3953. Please add £2.50 to cover post and packing.
    Robert LD Cooper, Curator, Grand Lodge of Scotland Museum and Library.