Lodge Houstoun St Johnstone No 242 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
The
Stewards Toast
Q. How were you prepared to be a Steward?
A.... my coat sleeves, shirt sleeves
and vest sleeves were rolled up and a corkscrew
was thrust in my hand .
Q... What is
a corkscrew?
A.. an instrument fashioned like a
winding staircase which our ancient brethren ascended to receive their
beer.
Q... Where
did they receive it?
A….. in a convenient room adjacent to
the chamber
Q.. How did
you receive it?
A.. in half tankards and tankards
Q.. Why in
that peculiar method?
A.. in half tankards well knowing
that the same could be easily replenished or in
tankards from the great reliance they placed
on the mildness of the brew in those days.
Q... Name the
advertisements that are hung at the porch way or entrance?
A.. that on the left was
"Tenants" and that on the right was " Guinness"
Q.. What are
their separate and co-joined signification?
A... the former denotes
"No1" and the latter" xxx" and when co-joined instability
Q.. What is
beer?
A... a peculiar product of chemistry
veiled in mystery and illustrated by labels.
Q.. How is
it depicted
A .. by an ear of corn and a couple
of hops placed near a barrel of water
Q.. How do
you know yourself to be a steward?
A.. by repeated trials and sessions
at the bar and the willingness of the R.W.M. to release me early , so as to
be
able to get to the bar before the less fortunate brethren than my
self.