For the good of Freemasonry in general, and for the benefit of The Brethren of Lodge Hopetoun St. John in particular, I am delighted that "Snippets Frae the Minutes" has been published thereby giving The Brethren of today a brief account of past times in our Lodge.
Sometime in 1987, after having been involved in an extremely interesting conversation relating to days gone by, I thought that I might like to read through all the Minute Books and possible compile a publication which hopefully would also be of interest to others. Not having a great deal of free time I decided that I would confine this project to a few hours on winter nights, as and when convenient. Well, eight years later, you now have the finished article and by coincidence it has been completed in this our 75th Anniversary Year (1995).
This book is by no means a literary masterpiece, it was never meant to be. All quotes from the Minutes are written in italics. The grammar and sometimes the accuracy of these Minutes might come into question. I have written them word for word as recorded by our Secretaries. I hope you find the contents interesting, entertaining, thought provoking and a source of much debate whenever and wherever Masons meet.
A general observation I made when reading the Minutes covering the late nineteen fifties and early sixties was that there were numerous references to visitations being arranged in order to inspect sites and properties to see whether or not they would be suitable for premises for "1232". Unfortunately, specific details relating to the actual location of the sites, have on many occasions, been omitted. These omissions highlight the need for Secretaries to give due consideration to detail when recording the proceedings at each and every meeting.
I would like to thank Mrs Ella Mitchell for her typing skills, Mrs Hilda Newton for the endless cups of tea she made as I read page after page of the Minutes Books, also our sponsors and advertisers and lastly you for having purchased a copy of this publication.
I dedicate my efforts to the memory of the following Brethren who have passed to the Grand Lodge above. Firstly to my father, Bro. Rab Newton, secondly to Bro. Bill Hamilton, an Honorary Member of "1232" and a good friend, and finally to the Brethren of "1232" who founded our Lodge and thereafter continued to work for and obtain our own premises. In years when money was not readily available, their achievements were remarkable and the Brethren today should appreciate their efforts and work to ensure that we not only maintain but improve the facilities that they provided for us.
Ray Newton I.P.M.
July 1995