EDUCATION—MR. ROBT. MENZIES—GAELIC SERMONS—ECCLESIASTICAL STUDENTS—BIGOTRY DECLINING, 1788—DEATH OF PRINCE CHARLES—NON-JURORS PRAY FOR KING GEORGE—LARGE CHURCH AT PRESHOME—ANNUAL MEETING OF 1788 HELD AT GIBSTON—USUAL LETTER TO ROME—ILLNESS OF PRESIDENT ANDREW DAWSON—BISHOP HAY PRESIDENT—FOUND SCALAN IMPROVED—DEATH OF MR. CRUIKSHANKS—ORIGIN OF SCALAN—ITS TRIALS— RECTORSHIP OF BISHOP HAY—BISHOP GEDDES RETURNS TO EDINBURGH—IN BUCHAN—AN OPINION OF BISHOP GEDDES—SUCCESS OF SCALAN—CLIMATE THERE—SIGNS OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION—BERWICK WITHIN THE SCOTCH MISSION.

At Edinburgh, meanwhile, the cause of education, which ought ever to go hand in hand with that of religion, was not neglected. Mr. Robert Menzies, the pastor of the Highland congregation, founded in the capital a school for poor Catholic children. He warmly appealed to Bishop Hay, pointing out the danger to faith and morals caused by so many poor children of his congregation being educated in Protestant schools. This consideration induced him to open a school in his chapel, where many poor children were taught reading, writing and catechism every day. A general class for catechism and religious instruction met on Saturdays in the forenoon. Two dozen children at first attended this class. As the attendance increased, thrice as many would be taught. Each pupil paid a small sum for tuition, Bishop Geddes undertaking to pay for six of the poorest of their number. In order that nothing might be wanting in the way of instruction for the Highlanders, Mr. Menzies delivered every Sunday afternoon a sermon in Gaelic.

Bishop Hay, at the same time, took another boy into his house, who, together with John Ingram, was maintained at the Bishop’s expense. As they were both promising subjects, it was hoped that they would become as serviceable to the mission as those who were sent to the colleges abroad.
A circumstance may be mentioned which shows that at this time the spirit of persecution was on the wane. Mr. Abernethy Drummond, so notorious as an enemy of the Bishops, addressed a polite note to “the Right Rev. Mr. Geddes,” begging to know something of the character of a Mrs. Barclay, who, on leaving the Catholic Church, desired to join the non juror sect of which Mr. Drummond was now the Bishop. He also desired to learn the cause of her abandoning her Catholic friends. It further illustrates the better spirit of the time that Bishop Geddes visited with such distinguished Protestants as Dr. Webster, Mr. Maitland, and even Dr. Abernethy Drum­mond.

There now occurred at Rome the death of the Count of Albany (Prince Charles Edward). The news of his decease does not appear to have caused any sensation in Scotland. The Romans believed that the state of the British Catholics would be improved, political distinctions ceasing; and that there would be but one King and one people. This happy consummation had already taken place, when, some years before, Catholics in both divisions of the United Kingdom began to pray for King George. For a considerable time, indeed, the dynasty of the unfortunate Prince had been politically extinct. The non jurors, even, in a synod at Aberdeen, held this year, resolved, at last, to pray for the reigning King of Great Britain.

The less perfect Church accommodation at Preshome came this year to be enlarged. The chapel at the Craigs was too small for the congregation; and the domestic chapel in the priest’s home added nothing to their convenience. It was proposed, therefore, to build a strong and lasting edifice of stone and lime, a with a slate roof, calculated to contain 700 persons; the need of money for this undertaking induced Mr. John Reid to be reconciled to the Bishop. The estimated expense was £350. The congregation chiefly was relied on for this amount; and the people showed their good will by subscribing £100 within a fortnight. Some of the more wealthy prom­ised to lend £100 more, until the congregation could repay them. In the choice of a site, it was desirable to avoid publicity by placing the building in a too conspicuous locality. Mr. Reid finally resolved to build in a part of his own garden, which, as the agents of the Duke of Gordon admitted, belonged to him. The baronet of Letterfourie and his brother took an active interest in the work; and not only contributed very liberally, but also undertook to superintend the building. Their family arms were to be placed in front, and a fine monument of the two brothers erected within the church. In two months £330 were subscribed; and on May 29th the foundation stone was laid by Letterfourie and his brother.

There was now question of the annual meeting and some anxious discussion as to the place where it should be held. The times were so much changed for the better, that it was no longer necessary to meet in a remote and secluded locality such as Scalan. Preshome was thought of; and probably, but for the work which was proceeding there, the erection of the new church, would have been selected. Gibston, the residence of the priest near Huntly, was finally deter­mined on as a suitable place for the Bishops and administrators to meet at, and from which to despatch their letters to Rome. At Gibston, accordingly, the Bishops and administrators met. The meeting was satisfactory; and the usual letters duly despatched to Rome. In their letter to the Cardinal, Prefect of Propaganda, they informed His Eminence that it had been resolved, in consequence of the illness of Mr. Dawson and the insufficient number of missionary priests, that Bishop Hay should act as president at Scalan, at least for a time. Mr. Dawson’s illness was too serious to leave any hope of final recovery. He had been ailing all winter, and consumption was feared. As summer advanced his illness increased. Dr. Livingston was consulted, and found that consumption had made too fatal progress. He prescribed his immediate removal from Scalan, as, if anything could save him, it must be relief from anxiety and change of air. Bishop Hay, on his way to Scalan on the 1st of July, visited at a place called Brachlach, to see Mr. Dawson. He found him somewhat easier, but by no means out of danger. Even if he should recover, it would necessarily be a long time before he could resume his charge. The Bishop found that the change of masters had greatly benefited the seminary. There was a considerable diminution of expense, so that a greater number of students could be maintained on the funds. The improvements which the Bishop had suggested were in course of being so well carried out that he was induced to say it gave him comfort amidst his other difficulties.

In May of the same year, Mr. Cruikshanks, who had been formerly chaplain at Traquair, and who had for some time been living retired at Edinburgh with Bishop Geddes, departed this life at the age of seventy-four. It is superfluous to say that so good a man was much lamented, not only by the Bishops. and clergy, but also by all who knew him.

In the beginning of the eighteenth century great efforts were made by the Scotch Bishops in order to educate ecclesiastics, as well as other members of the Catholic community. It was a difficult task in face of the persistent persecution of that time. The schools which Bishop Nicholson and his coadjutor, Bishop Gordon, established, were situated in the more remote and least accessible districts of the Highlands. These were very useful for a time in preparing students for the foreign colleges and the general education of Catholic youth. At length, about the year 1712, the Bishops, availing themselves of the greater quiet which prevailed, and urged by the want of missionary priests, conceived the project of erecting a seminary in a less remote locality, where, in addition to the purposes which their schools had hitherto served, they might themselves train ecclesiastics and ordain priests for supplying the pressing wants of the mission. Aid was asked and obtained from abroad, and their plan was realized. A place, admirably suited to their purpose, was found in a retired part of the extensive lands of the Catholic Duke of Gordon. The chosen spot was far from any public thoroughfare, concealed from view by a circle of hills, and, at the time, partly surrounded by a morass—the only road to it a bridle path. It was just such a place as the Bishops had in view. Mr. William Reid, who was well acquainted with it, stated in 1778, that it was in as cold and stormy a region as there is in Scotland; and that the greater part of the provisions and things necessary for the house must be brought from a distance. But, as there was no security, as yet, against persecution, the very ruggedness and remoteness of the situation were its best recommendation. The infant seminary, besides, when so placed, could rely on the protection of the powerful house of Gordon, the chiefs of which had so long been vigorous supporters of the Catholic cause. On a not very lofty eminence, close to the left or western branch of a mountain stream, the Crombie, an affluent of the Livat, Bishop Gordon set down his seminary. There, in due time, he ordained priests; several who were educated there became distinguished—one in particular, who ever after bore the distinctive appellation, “Scalanensis.” There also, Dr. Hugh MacDonald, so well known as the first Bishop of the Highland district, received his education.

In those evils day the remoteness of the situation did not always save the seminary from violence. The ministers of the Kirk renewed, from time to time, their hostility against the Cath­olic religion, disturbing its professors and directing their fury, in such ways as to inflict the greatest injury. In such circumstances, the seminary enjoyed no immunity. It was attacked several times by armed soldiers, who dispersed the community and shut up the house. Such was its hard lot in 1726; but, in the following year, the Bishops were enabled, through the influence of the Duke of Gordon, to re-open the seminary. In 1728 its occupants were again dispersed, twice over, in the short space of two months. On these occasions there was so little damage done, that soon afterwards, the establishment was once more occupied by its owners, and the usual course of study resumed. About the year 1738, Bishop Gordon considerably enlarged the building; and the superintendence was confided to Mr. William Duthie, a convert from Protes­tantism, who had studied at Paris, and also had been ordained there. In a month after the defeat at Culloden, a troop of soldiers burned the house to the ground, scarcely allowing the students and their masters time to escape to the hills, carrying with them their books and their altar furni­ture. Mr. Duthie, the president, was not, however, to be put down. He lived in a peasant’s cottage until a place of shelter could be got ready form at the site of the seminary. Such were his courage and spirit of perseverance, that he remained there till the year 1758, when his serv­ices being required at Edinburgh, he removed to that city. The seminary, as may be supposed, was in a very poor condition, and so remained until the Bishops who succeeded its founders, greatly feeling the want of such an institution, resolved on its restoration. The first step was the appointment of a competent rector; and such a one was found in the person of Mr. John Geddes, not long after his return from Rome. By his mental gifts he was peculiarly well qualified for the charge; but ill able, from the weakness of his constitution, to bear the fatigue and anxiety inci­dent to the position. The place where the students lived, a mere hut, was not adapted for study. The indefatigable Mr. Geddes, accordingly, lost no time in providing a commodious house on the opposite, or right bank of the river Crombie. To this house additions were made from time to time. The last of these was in progress when Bishop Hay assumed the office of President. Under the rule of Mr. Geddes, discipline, study and economy prevailed; and so prosperous was the seminary that it had a greater number of ecclesiastical students ready to meet the demands of the foreign colleges than was required to supply them.

As has been shown, Bishop Hay undertook the charge of Scalan, when Mr. Dawson became so ill as to be unable to act. He was a very efficient President. He spent much of his time with the students, not only at the hours of study, but also in recreation time; encouraging them in every possible way. His stay at the seminary was otherwise profitable. It afforded him the opportunity of learning from personal observation what outlay was necessary for securing its efficiency; by retrenching all superfluous expenses, he laid down a sure and permanent basis for economy in the future; and by paying a handsome board for himself, he relieved the house from its pecuniary difficulties. Having occasion to spend a week at Aberdeen, he placed the work of the new building at Scalan, under the superintendence of Mr. Guthrie. He was much in want of a good altar piece for the new chapel there, and requested that his coadjutor would send to him an Ecce Homo, which Lady Chalmers had presented to him, and which had, for some time, adorned the altar “in the little closet of the back chapel in the old house, Blackfriars’ Wynd.” At the same time, he imparted to Bishop Geddes the mournful news that Mr. Andrew Dawson, the late rector of Scalan, departed this life on the 2nd of September, about 4 o’clock in the morning.

Bishop Geddes, after having been with his colleagues at Gibston, where the annual meeting was held, visited, on his way back to Edinburgh, his Catholic friends at Mortlach and in the Enzie, remaining in the latter place till the vigil of the Assumption. On that day, in the morning, he left Rannes, the seat of Mr. Andrew Hay, in company with the Rev. John Reid, partook of a fish dinner at the Earl of Findlater’s and parted with Mr. Reid at Banff. From that town he proceeded partly on foot and partly on horseback, making a missionary tour through the destitute district of Buchan, saying Mass, preaching and hearing confessions at various places. In walking from the neighbourhood of Peterhead to Fetternear, he passed through Ellon, the birthplace of his old friend, Mr. Guthrie. The thought of his early friend, induced him to get a man to point out to him the house of Mr. Ross, the joiner, Mr. Guthrie’s old master. He returned to Edinburgh, early in September, by way of Dundee and St. Andrew’s. Once at home, he wrote to Bishop Hay, promising the Ecce Homo; and also informing the Bishop of some slight disturbance there was at Glasgow on occasion of Mr. McDonald’s last visit. The same month Mr. Aeneas Chisholm, afterwards Bishop in the Highlands, who had been for some time prefect of studies at Douai, passed through Edinburgh, on his way to Strathglass, to the mission of which he was appointed. It may not be of much importance to mention that he dined one day, together with Bishop Geddes, at the house of Mr. Arbuthnot, a Protestant gentleman, whose wife was a Catholic. But it is interesting, as showing the ideas that prevailed in regard to the two Bishops, to learn that the host took occasion to speak privately to the young priest, and offer him some good advice which might be useful to him. “There,” said he, alluding to the two Bishops, “are two of the best men alive; but let me advise you to take Bishop Geddes for a model, rather than Bishop Hay. You know the severe things the latter has published about salvation out of your Church. I once spoke of them to Bishop Geddes, and hoped that he did not think the same way. He answered me only by saying, ‘That is certainly the doctrine of our Church.”’ Bishop Hay’s plans for the improvement of the seminary had proved very successful. He was in high spirits, and wrote as follows to Bishop Geddes “Who knows but Scalan may yet turn to be of good service in place of the college at Rome? ...Our present subjects seem all very promising.” The Bishop’s health, too was all that could be desired; and, to complete his satisfaction, the harvest had been all secured much earlier than usual, a fortunate event which had not been witnessed since the year 1781.

Now were heard the first rumblings of the great political earthquake which was destined to over­throw the French monarchy and throw all Europe into confusion. Such was the anxiety of Prin­cipal Gordon, of the Scotch College at Paris, that so early as November in this year, he wrote, desiring to know how the Bishops of Scotland wished to dispose of the funds belonging to the mission, and at the time invested in French securities. Would they prefer to withdraw them at once, or await the results of the approaching meeting of the States general? Bishop Hay was inclined to leave the mission funds in Paris as long as the Principal, who must be the best judge, should think it unnecessary to withdraw the College funds. They should remain or be withdrawn together. (Dec. 12, 1788.)

In the beginning of January, 1789, Bishop Hay and his community were buried in snow and without the means of communicating with any other place. About the end of the month there came a thaw which raised the mountain streams to such a height as to cause as great an imped­iment to intercourse with the outer world as the snow had done. Letters had to wait whole days before they could be despatched. In a letter of 31st January, the Bishop expressed the gratifica­tion which the coadjutor’s last report about Glasgow had given him, and hoped that their antic­ipations would meet with no “let.” The winter did not end with the great thaw; and during the greater part of March, frost, wind and snow disputed with one another possession of the wild glen. The snow lay deeper and longer than at any previous period of the winter. At length, however, the state of the weather permitted the priests of the neighbourhood to reach the semi­nary on Holy Thursday (April 9,) although only a week before it seemed impossible that they should do so.

Among other places which Bishop Geddes visited was the town of Berwick, Bishop Gibson having admitted that it belonged to the Scotch mission The Bishop prolonged his journey as far as York, in order to meet Mr. Douglas, the priest there, with whom he had become acquainted at Valladolid, when Mr. Douglas was Prefect of the English College there. They travelled together to Stella Hall, and, stayed a day or two with Bishop Gibson.