History of Chapter 34

Royal Arch Masonry was introduced into Crieff on the 17th of February 1815, as appears from the Charter; but still it was not till three years afterwards that the companions of that body petitioned the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland to acknowledge them. this was done on the 21st of March 1818. the Chapter continued working regularly until 1821 or so, when its work became irregular, no returns being made to the Supreme chapter; and about 1845 it fell into abeyance, and continued so for a number of years. at last in 1883 the Rev.A.Gray Maitland, who was a most enlightened Freemason, while returning thanks at the festival of St John to the Brethren of St Michael's, No. 38, for appointing him as Chaplain, suggested that the Royal Arch Chapter should be revived, and the suggestion was enthusiastically adopted. Mr Maitland obtained possession of the Charter through bailie Peter McGregor, and communicated with the Supreme Chapter. four companions -viz.,John McEwen, auctioneer; William Thompsson, chemist; William Roy, v.s; and Robert Clement, gardener, penfrat, who had been exalted Prior to 1845- made a declaration to that effect before a magistrate, and were registered in the books of the Supreme Chapter. they then, along with several Brethren of St Michael's Lodge No.38, petitioned the Supreme Chapter to send a deputation to exalt these latter and (reopen) the Chapter. the Supreme Chapter could not, at the time, see their way to send a deputation, but they deputed the Provincial Grand Chapter of Perthshire to proceed to Crieff on the 8th of May 1884 to perform this duty. this was accordingly, done and the following docquet was adhibited on the back of the Charter:-

"at Crieff this eighth day of may one thousand eight hundered and eighty four years chapter strathearn was reopened, and restored by the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, to its place on the roll, No. 34, at a quarterley communication held in Freemasons hall, Edinburgh, on Wednesday the eighth day of June one thousand eight hundered and eighty four.

"Wm Edwards

Grand Scribe E"

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