Box Opening 2013
Deacon Brian Evans with his items for the Box
Each year as part of the Incorporation of Masons events we hold an annual Box Opening, this has been going on since long before our records exist. At the Box Opening the Deacon puts items of his choice into the Masons Box, these items should reflect something about what he has done in his year as Deacon or some personal memento reflecting his interests.
A large number of people attended this year’s annual Box Opening event, eager to see what Deacon Brian Evans would put in the Mason’s Box.
Brian chose the following items to record his year as Deacon:
a. Two photographs, one of Archie William Elliot aged 2 years with James Hamilton Smith aged 91 years. Archie was the youngest member of the Incorporation present at the Deacon's Choosing Meeting in September 2012, and James Hamilton Smith is the oldest Deacon of the Incorporation. It is likely that no other Incorporation has ever had such a large difference between the youngest and oldest member present at a meeting of the craft.
The second photograph was of Archie William Elliot aged 2 with Deacon Convenor Jack Steele and grandfather of wee Archie, Alan McLennan both taken at the Deacon’s Choosing Meeting last September.
b. Two photos of the team which won the Trades House Curling Competition this year for the first time in 53 years.
c. The Programme for the Scottish Communities League Cup Final in March when St Mirren beat Hearts 3 : 2 to lift the trophy. It was reputed that this was the first time in many a long year that St. Mirren has won such a prestigious trophy.
After the Deacon placed his items in the Box all present were invited to inspect the contents of the Box.
A large number of people attended this year’s annual Box Opening event, eager to see what Deacon Brian Evans would put in the Mason’s Box.
Brian chose the following items to record his year as Deacon:
a. Two photographs, one of Archie William Elliot aged 2 years with James Hamilton Smith aged 91 years. Archie was the youngest member of the Incorporation present at the Deacon's Choosing Meeting in September 2012, and James Hamilton Smith is the oldest Deacon of the Incorporation. It is likely that no other Incorporation has ever had such a large difference between the youngest and oldest member present at a meeting of the craft.
The second photograph was of Archie William Elliot aged 2 with Deacon Convenor Jack Steele and grandfather of wee Archie, Alan McLennan both taken at the Deacon’s Choosing Meeting last September.
b. Two photos of the team which won the Trades House Curling Competition this year for the first time in 53 years.
c. The Programme for the Scottish Communities League Cup Final in March when St Mirren beat Hearts 3 : 2 to lift the trophy. It was reputed that this was the first time in many a long year that St. Mirren has won such a prestigious trophy.
After the Deacon placed his items in the Box all present were invited to inspect the contents of the Box.
Box Opening Dinner and Entertainment
Beth Jerem ~ Victoria Atkinson ~ Brian McBride
A superb meal was provided and enjoyed by all. Following the meal the gathering were entertained by speeches from Deacon Brian Evans and replied by Deacon Convenor Colonel John Kelly MBE. Collector Ken McLachlan made a toast to the Wrights and the Deacon of the Wrights replied with the usual banter concerning which craft is the best.
We were fortunate in having David Blake, of the Worshipful Company of Masons in London and he entertained the host present with stories and recollections. At the end of the evening Late Deacon Dr. John McInnes entertained everyone with his vote of thanks to Deacon Brian Evans. As the evening was getting rather late there was some concern that this might take some time. Everyone was relieved when he started off with "Well, Deacon Brian was born and then he was educated", it was with relief that we realised that the speech would not be too long.
The evening's entertainment was provided by Opera Breva which comprised of Beth Jerom on piano with Victoria Atkinson and Brian McBride providing the superb vocals. The trio are students at the Scottish Conservatoire.
We were fortunate in having David Blake, of the Worshipful Company of Masons in London and he entertained the host present with stories and recollections. At the end of the evening Late Deacon Dr. John McInnes entertained everyone with his vote of thanks to Deacon Brian Evans. As the evening was getting rather late there was some concern that this might take some time. Everyone was relieved when he started off with "Well, Deacon Brian was born and then he was educated", it was with relief that we realised that the speech would not be too long.
The evening's entertainment was provided by Opera Breva which comprised of Beth Jerom on piano with Victoria Atkinson and Brian McBride providing the superb vocals. The trio are students at the Scottish Conservatoire.