History of Lodge St.Andrew
1898 - 1922.
1898
Brother J. Johnstone occupied the chair
for 2 years 1898 and 1899 at the close of the 19th Century. With the assistance
of Bros. R. Mackie and J. MacKay the affairs of the lodge continued to progress
and became more varied. Bro. Johnstone chaired 21 of
the 26 meetings held in the period and 12 degrees conferred led to 6 new
members being admitted with 8 honorary members in addition. The Mark degrees,
held in May and September of 1898 by Bro. Speirs
P.M./Lodge No. 553. 13 brothers received their Marks, including the R.W.M. The
divine service in 1898 was held in June with the Rev A. Robertson of
1899
1899 began on a cheerful note with an invitation from Lodge
Dramatic No. 571 to attend a Grand Masonic Festival in the Empire Theatre,
1900
The minutes of the lodge take us into the 20th century without
comment. However, at Grand Lodge we find the Hon. James Hozier
at the helm whilst at Provincial Grand Lodge Bro. Col. A. Campbell continued to
perside. Our lodge Secretary was Bro. R. Mackie P.M.,
but it is in may of this year we hear of a worthy and
heroic brother of the lodge, as yet quite unsung. This was Bro. Rob. Pollock,
who, for 23 years, had been lodge Treasurer . We are
not told that the presentations made to him in May were for his retiral but are left to assume so. It was a special meeting
and Bro. J. King, P.M. presented Bro. Rob. Pollock with a timepiece, side
ornaments, a meerschaum pipe and tobacco pouch. The lodge must have thought
highly of Bro. Pollock! Lodge meetings in Bro. Buchannan’s
years were again held regularly. He chaired 34 out of 39 meetings held in the 2
years of his term in office assisted by Bros. McKay and McKie.
Brothers McKay and McKie took charge of the many
degrees conferred - some 30 in all - and initiated thereby some 18 and 12
brothers in the respective years 1900 and 1901. There were also 6 Honorary members. The Mark degree of 1900 was conferred by
Bro. Burt of Lodge No. 553 when 16 brothers were advanced. That of 1901 was by
a Bro. J. Harper of Lodge No. 347, but we are not given the numbers that were
advanced. Lodge benevolence in 1900 was given to widows, Mrs, Janet Nimmo and Mrs. McGraw in the sums of £2 each. Mrs McGraw
later received a grant, from Grand Lodge, of £8. Building and Loan assistance
from Rothesay and Dalzell were ‘laid aside’, but that
from Lodge Bellshill received a sum of 10/-. Invitations were received to
divine services at Lodges 215, 512 and 581. Also to the Mark degree at Lodge
556 and to both a concert and a Installation to Lodge
St. John, Busby. The Rev. Rollo conducted the divine
service for the lodge in July. £3.13.8 was collected. After expenses £2.15.0
was sent to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The death of Bro. McElroy is minuted - the beginning of a practice by
lodge Secretaries never to be omitted. On a severely practical note we
find it agreed that the lodge should purchase 12 aprons at 3/6d each.
Provincial Grand Lodge visited in April and provided a ‘clear’ minute. They
advised that lodge minutes should be written up-to-date in a fixed leaf book
and the practice of scroll or loose-leaf system be abandoned. Finances of the
lodge read credit £36.8.9 of which £20.10.6 was benevolent fund. This minute
was signed by Bro. Glen S.P.G.M and 6 of his colleagues. A rather amazing
letter was received on November 16th by the lodge. It was from the Grand Master
Bro. Hon. James Hozier. In it he requested a
deputation to attend his banquet on November 30th, and enclosed £5 for expenses!
Although November 16th was a regular meeting of the lodge the letter was ‘laid
aside’ until a special meeting on the 23rd November. It was then moved that the
money be returned as the lodge had it’s own festival
on that date. This was countered by a proposal, if 5
Bros. Could be found to go to
1901
Lodge Minutes for 1901 began on a very sombre note as, at a Special
Meeting held Feb 9th, a very fulsome minute was recorded on the Death of Queen
Victoria. This half page minute recorded “Deep and heartfelt grief” at her
death and expressed “profound and respectful sympathy” to the King and The
Royal Consort. They added their loyalty and devotion to King Edward and “called
on the M.H. to guide him alright.” Grand Lodge commanded 3 months mourning.
This had the effect of a year in which there few comings and goings by way of intervisitation. At the PGL visitation Bro. Secretary
records “no harmony”. This visit was made by Bro. Glen P.G.S.M. and 7 others. A
“clear minute” referred to lodge finances as credit balance £52.15.0 with
£19.3.8 in benevolence funds. The lodge called for estimates to a lodge
“Floor-cloth” and an appeal by Lodge St. Kilda 881 for building funds was “laid
aside”. In May a recess was proposed with no meetings in June or July. An
amendment was made for closing in July only, but was defeated. Despite this 3
meetings were held - 2 special and 1 regular at which minutes were read and
passed. All 3 degrees were also carried out. One wonders at this inconsistency,
to say the least! The loose manner in which Mark degrees had to date been conferred
was here set to rights when G.L. passed a new law to say, “that
the R.W.M. had the right to refuse the Degree to anyone known to him.” Brethren
were advised to have letter from lodge secretary if they intended asking for
their Mark away from their mother lodge. At the nomination, both Bros. G.
Buchanan and P. Chalmers were nominated. The election however favoured P.
Chalmers and so he was installed by, Bro. J. McKay P.M. in December. The G.L.
benevolent collection realised 16/-. An invite was again received to the annual
banquet at G.L. from the Grand Master Bro. Hon. James Hozier.
- no indication this year of any £5 for expenses! The lodges financial statement, traditionally given at this
meeting, was reported and accepted.
1902
Brother Peter Chalmers, R.W.M was yet another master who spent a
number of years in the chair with both distinction and great application. As we
shall see he was the master of the lodge for 3 years 1902, 1903 and 1904. This
was a period of great variety and, towards the end, much preparation for the
future. Brother Chalmers missed only 4 of the 54 meetings in this time and had
the pleasure of initiating 24 Candidates through the 3 years; 13 10 and l
respectively. There were 3 affiliates and 7 Honorary Members, the latter being
an en bloc entry of the Provincial Grand Lodge members visiting the Lodge in
1904. Degree work through the years was carried out by Bros. P.M/ McKie and J. McKay of 524 and by Bros. Dempster,
P.M. 347, Donald. P.M. 153 and Scott. Secretary 354. The Mark Degree of 1902 was by Bro. J. Harper
P.M. 347 when 9 Brothers were advanced. In 1903 were no less than 3 Mark
Degrees (Apri1, October and December) These were
conferred by Bros. Milne P.M. l 53 and Scott P.M. 512 on 25 Brothers. In 1904,
at the other extreme, we have no Mark Degree recorded. Brethren joining the
Lodge at this time included such well known persons as Bros. G. Warnock. Auchencloss, H.
Barr, John Marshall, R. Altkenhead and J. Y.
Marshall. In 1902 Benevolent Grants were well evidenced. A Bro received
payments of £5 and £8 from Provincial Grand Lodge respectively. Provincial
Grand Lodge also gave £4 to the widow of Lodge Tyler whom the Lodge itself had
supported with a payment of £3. The obituaries were also recorded of Bros. J.
Dunlop and J. Hannah. The purchase of a Trunk for Lodge Books was agreed as was
the proposal that, if voluntary subscriptions to the P.M.s
Jewel fund fell short, then the Lodge would make up difference. An amendment to
Lodge Byelaw No. l, part 2, regarding meetings and the time was agreed after 3
readings A brief entry in August records that
Provincial Grand Lodge did NOT pass this amendment. Provincial Grand Lodge made
their Annual visit in April that year headed by Bro, Glen, P.G.D.M.
A Clear Minute is entered in 'copper-plate' writing with Lodge Finances stated
at £66.l.10 credit, of which £23.5.4 was Benevolent Fund. The Lodge was again
remanded to hold the election in the M.M. degree. Early in 1902 the Lodge set
in motion a scheme which was to take some 7 or 8 years to complete. The first
proposal came from Bros. R. Mackie P.M. Secretary and J Currie (Jun) calling on
the Lodge to "..consider raising Funds to Build a
Masonic Hall . .". This was agreed. In March the Lodge Secretary submitted
a scheme for this propose which had been "Drafted and agreed by Master's
Court." This was accepted. Among the provisions of the scheme were: I
.That a working Committee of 7 with the R.W.M. in the Chair, be formed. 2. That
a seriesof lectures and concerts be held to assist
raising funds, and 3. That a sum of £2 be voted from Lodge funds to began the
building fund. A proposal that Bros. be asked to take out shares in the
building of the Hall was defeated. At the Installation in December Bro. Peter
Chalmers, was re-installed R.W.M. by Bro. Clark P.M. 458. Bro. G. Buchanan P.M.
received his P.M.s jewel and Grand Lodge Benevolent
Collection raised 18/6d. The resignation was also announced of Bro. Sir A.
Campbell, 1st Lord Blythswood, after some 36 rears as
the P.G.M. of Renfrewshire East. The Sole Nominee as his successor, agreed by
lodge St. Andrew, was Bro. Major F. W. Allan. So ended Bro.
Chalmers first year as Master - one of great interest. The Lodge was 30
years old.
1903
In 1903 we find, from April onwards, that time lodge bas begun to
meet in the Hall of the Torrance Hotel. It is hoped that this, the lodge’s
third known place of Meeting, was suitable to all. A Divine Service was held
during the year but the only indication of it is in the recording of a letter
of thanks from the
1904
1904's minutes begin with evidence of Grand Lodge's great concern
regarding their own Benevolent Funds and Finances of Daughter Lodges which, of
course, directly affect their own. Firstly, Grand Lodge is obliged to declare
that no Funds are available from them for benevolence until July 1904.
Secondly, it is enacted by them that the minimum Entrance Fee is increased to
£3.3.0 all of which must be paid at the Initiation of a candidate. They add
that the maximum number to be entered on one evening is to be 7, with the Mark excepted. Many invitations to Divine Services are received
and to the Mark Degree and Presentation at Lodge St. John Busby. The P.G.M. too
invites Brethren to the Foundation Stone Laying at
1905
Brother R. Aitkenhead however was only at
the beginning of his. He too occupied the Chair through 3 equally busy years of
the Lodges history. During his 3 years ( l 905- l 907)
there were 64 Meetings of the Lodges of which the RW.M. missed
5 only. And of these, on occasion, he attended later in the evening. Degree
Work was carried out regularly with new workers coming to the fore. such as Bro. Bennett P.M. 233, Bro. O. Fergus P.M.,607, Bro.
J . Currie S.W. 524 and the R.W.M. himself. Between
them they initiated 30 candidates in the 3 years together with 30 Honorary members. The latter were mostly visiting Degree
Workers and members of Prov. G. Lodge. Mark Degrees
were conferred in each year by Bro. Scott P. M. /Secy.
354 and Bro. R. Gilmour P.M. 948. 32 Brothers were advanced by them. Early in
1905 the Building Committee began its task of examining possible sites for the
New Hall. Goods left over from the Bazaar had finally been sold for the sum £9
and the amount added to the Building Fund. The Lodge Social event was again
held in the Public Hall and an Annual Dance, in addition, was held in December.
A Concert was also held in December to aid the Building Fund. The R.W.M. called
for support in all these ventures. The death of Bro. H. Begg,
Past Depute Master, was reported and Bro. P. Chalmers P.M. received his P. M.'s
jewel. A Brother ''on his travels'' was granted l / 6d relief. An extremely
intriguing minute appears in the month of June. A Brother General John Smith,
1906
The Lodge continued to meet in the Torrance Hotel until the
Installation Meeting at the end of 1906. Benevolence received by Brethren of
the Lodge was quite considerable. The Lodge gave £10 to 2 of its Members while
P.G.L. and G. Lodge contributed £3 and £6 respectively. Harmony costs, as ever,
caused the Brethren some concern. 3 proposals were made to ease the position; To pay £2 each year to Assembly Fund from General Fund; for
each Brother present to divide the cost and for each Brother present to pay l /
6 and the Lodge to make up any deficit. The first proposal was adopted. 'I'he lesser Public Hall too, still being considered for
meetings, was deemed to be too costly to alter to Lodges needs. In the Summer a Drive to Lanark was arranged by the Lodge. We do
hope it was enjoyed by those who did take part as it was not well supported and
led to a f. l .7.0 deficit. A Concert in October was
more successful and the Lodge profited by £10. The Brother who organised it - a
Bro. Gillespie - was made an Honorary Member of the Lodge. The Annual Dance -
no report given - was held in the Public Hall. P.G.L. visited the lodge in
April, headed by the P.G.D.M. Bro. Ramsay. In a Clear Minute Lodge Finances were
reported as £390.19.l with £35. l 2.7 Benevolence and
£32 l .1 3.6 equalling Building Fund. The Lodge was congratulated in its drive
to gather Test Fees which had resulted in a record of 59 Test Fees paid. The
Obituary was reported of Bro. J . Johnstone
P. M. The Installation of Bro. Aitkenhead as R.W.M.
for his third Term of Office in 1907 took place on the 21st December l 906 in
the Torrance Hotel. The Installing Masters are minuted
as “Bros. Baird and McNeil'' The collection for G. Lodge Benevolence raised l
8/ 2d. A very straight forward minute. However, at a
Special Meeting, in the Lesser Public Hall, on December 28th “by authority of
the P.G.L. Secretary'' a different picture emerged. The Business of the Meeting
was, “to consider Bro. D. Baird's refusal to allow the Lodge to meet again in
the Torrance Hotel Hall and to fix an alternative“. The Secretary, Bro. R.
Mackie P.M., described the “incident” of Installation night. The R.W.M. and 5
other Senior O.B's undertook to obtain an apology
from Bro. Baird and to seek legal advice on the matter. At no time are we made
further aware of the actual incident or its cause. As we shall see, in 1907,
the “trouble'' died away, but it had the effect of causing the lodge never to
meet again at the Torrance Hotel. 1906 ended on this unfortunate and
acrimonious note.
1907
The Minutes for the year 1907 begin at once on the subject of the
“incident”. Prov. G. Lodge had been “unable to assist
with legal information'' but, happily this mattered little as the landlord of the
Hotel had apologized for his part in the affair. This was accepted by the
Brethren and it was moved that no further action be taken. The new occupants of
the Hall were the Unionist Association. They were contacted with a view to
making an arrangement for Lodge Meetings. However as a full-sized Billiards
Table was now in the centre of the hall no arrangement was practical. Prov. G/ Lodge permitted Lodge St. Andrew to move to the
Lesser Public Hall and to change the Meeting Night from the 3rd Friday to the
3rd Tuesday. The Lodge thereafter continued to meet in the lesser Public Hall
for some time. despite misgivings relating to the cost
of necessary alterations. The purchase of a wardrobe now became necessary and
it was agreed to at a cost of £2.l 5.0. A red cover for Platform Table was also
proposed. The Province Bowling Competition may have begun about this time as a
Motion to subsidise the Bowlers was not agreed. A lodge outing to Lochranza, reported enjoyed by all. still
led to a deficit of £l.8.0. The Annual Dance was in November, Regalia being
worn. Lodge Benevolence was l case of a widow in
In July a Committee to erect a new Hall was formed including
the R.W.M., Bros. J. Currie, G. Warnock, P. Chalmers/ Treasurer, and R. McKie/ Secretary. In September they submitted sketch Plans
which were agreed by the Brethren. To questions in October with regard to
Progress the R.W.M. called for patience. At the A.G.M .
in November Bro. Geo. Warnock was Elected R.W.M. He
was Installed by Bro. J. R. Donald P.M./ 153 in
December. The Grand Lodge Benevolent Collection was £l .1.3 and Tylers Honoraria increased to £1. It was also agreed that
the Purvey Business of the Lodge be granted, in alternate years, to Bros. T.
Bell and J. Mackie. Grand Lodges Installation and Festival of St. Andrew was on the 29th November. in
1908
The Chairmanship of what must have been the 3 most active and
effective years in the Lodges History to date, 1998, 1909 and l 9 l 0 fell to
Bro. George Warnock as R.W.M . The groundwork of some
6 years or more, just laid down, bore fruit. In his 3
year term Bro. G. Warnock chaired all of the 50 meetings held. Whilst
understandably, degree work was reduced, l 4 Candidates were initiated. Amongst
these was Mr. J. Barr, Measurer, who was to play a great part in the Building
of Lodge Hall. There were also l7 Honorary Members and l Affiliate. The
Affiliate was one Bro. D. Paton of Lodge Progress No.
873. Degree working was by Bros. R. Aitkenhead
I.P.M., R. McKie P. M. Secretary, J. Currie and J.
Warnock. The Mark Degrees, of which there were 4, were conferred by Bros.
Thomson R.W.M. 458, Ronaldson P.M. 275, Scott P.M .
354 and a Bro. Muir of Lodge No. 103. The latter was held at the First Open
Meeting of the Lodge in April 1910, of which more anon. 21 Brothers were so
advanced. 1908 begins with some dubiety regarding Lodge Cottage Tenancy. A Mr.
A. Bryden, claiming to be the present occupant is
told firmly by the Lodge that Mr. James Mulroy is the
Tenant until Whitsuntide 1908. Lodge Secretary applied for and received the
Tenancy for himself, from, we supposes Whitsun, at £9.l 5.0 Rent per year. A
Special Meeting of January 28th called to discuss new Hall Plans is described
as poorly attended. Nevertheless the business proceeds and many decisions are
made. Agreement was reached to build at the top of the Feu,
to remove part of the Cottage and to construct a Concrete passage to the Lodge
Door. The Building to be of Freestone at fronts the remainder
Brick and to have Roof-lights. 2 Fireplaces were to be constructed. The
Secretary was instructed to confirm the common boundaries with a Mr. T. Begg and a Mr. M . McKelvie.
The Lodge agreed to call for Estimates to the Building from Bros. R. Aitkenhead and D. Robertson, and also from 3 others, Mr. R.
Forsythe Mr. I. Calderwood and Mr. A. Wright. Estimates were received from all
of the five and considered at a Special Meeting on November and. The Estimate by Bro. R. Aitkenhead, of
£543. 1 2.3, was selected. The Erection of the Building was agreed to be
supervised by Bros. Rankin, Hastie and the Measurer
Bro. Barr. A proposal was also agreed to empower the Lodge Trustees to Contract
a Bond for £400. Donations to the Building Fund received during this year,
l908, totalled £6.6.0 and were from Bros. F. W. Allan P.G.M., Col. Z. Heys, G. Glen P.G.D.M . and a Bro. F. Douglas.
Donations were made by the Lodge during the year to the Glasgow
Royal Infirmary £l .1.0, and to the Major F. W. Allan Testimonial, £2.2.0. Life
Membership cards, with miniature Diplomas, were ordered and so too were 100
Masonic Directories - forerunners of Grand Lodges Year books, one might say.
Lodge Instruction class was again promoted and a Brother Rothnie
reported visiting Lodge Mount Royal,
1909
1909, Brother Warnock's second year got off to a good start with the
report that the New Hall Building Plans had been passed by the Dean-of-Guild
Court. It was agreed soon after this to begin taking estimates for Lodge
Furniture. Disagreements which had arisen over Plot Boundaries caused a Mr. McKelvie to seek interdict to stop
Tickets were 6/ - adult and 2/6 children. It was agreed that no
saloon carriage be engaged as the other carriages were all reserved!!! A
Charity Collection taken at this time realized £4.14.0. This was divided
between Glasgow Royal and Victoria Infirmaries and the Sick Childrens'
Hospital. Prov. G.; Lodge Annual Visit in March was
made by the P.G.M. Col. Heys and 11 of his Officers.
A Clear Minute was again couched in glowing terms. Lodge Finances were given
as: General Fund £28.0.5, Benevolent Fund £42.l 9.6 and Building Fund £210.0.6.
Lodge Property was valued at £210.5.11 . Test Fees
paid were 51 in number - a creditable figure. The P.G.M. here recommended that
lodge Secretaries should minute by names the P,M.'s present; that absent Office-Bearers should send
an apology to the R.W.M. and that the date and place of birth of candidates be
recorded. He also advised a separate Mark Register. Brother Geo. Warnock was
Elected to R.W.M . for his
3rd year and Installed by Bros. Thomson and Crann.
Billie collection for G. Lodge benevolence was 16/- and it was agreed to
augment this at the next meeting before sending to Grand Lodge. With high hopes
for the New Year the Brethren of the Lodge went on into 1910.
1910
It was in 1910 the Lodge realized it's
great ambition - to have its own hall. A hall which to date has proved to be a
valuable asset. It’s worth, in fact, increases with
the passing years. The labours of the Brethren and their ladies continued at a
high level and the pace, if anything, increased. The ladies Committee held a
successful Bazaar and a Whist Drive. A Brother Gillan
gifted a Flag-staff and another Brother the Union Flag to fly from it. All of
whom were thanked by the R.W. M . as
was Bro. A. Ritchie for his painting work . Further donations totalling £4.4 0
were received from Lodges 11, 307 and 347. Further donations from a number of
persons of goodwill totalled £14. l 3.6. Furnishings
for the Lodge were ordered from Wilsons of Cathcart;
a Table, Chairs and Forms costing £33.5.0., a Platform from Bro. Gillan, £4.5.0 and a Wall with railings, £13, from Bro. R. Aitkenhead. Trustees for the Bond of £300, signed at the
end of the year with full control and management of the New Premises and
Subjects of the Lodge were appointed: Bros. G. Warnock R.W.M., H. Barr D.M., J.
Currie S.M ., T. Begg, G. Auchencloss and R. Mackie P.M./ Secy.
It was agreed to build amenities to the Cottage and the only sour note to
approach Mr. McKelvie about the poor condition of his
property adjacent to both sides of that of the Lodge. Grand Lodge Benevolence
during the year was considerable; £l 9.5.0 to 2 Widows and 2 Brothers. Prov. G. Lodge also granted £4 to a widow.
On April 9th Prov. G. Lodge combined
their Annual Visit with the “Consecration of the new Hall“. The Brethren met at
the Lesser Public Hall and marched in procession to the New Hall. There were l 50 present. At the New Hall, the procession headed by
the P.G.M. Bro: Col. Z. Heys was met by P. M . Bro. R. Aitkenhead. Bro. Altkenhead presented Bro. Heys
with a Gold Key, as a souvenir of the occasion. Bro. Heys
unlocked the New Hall Door, entered, and with the assistance of his
Office-Bearers constituted Prov. G. Lodge. The New
Hall was then Consecrated.
A copy of the programme for that day, with an Ear of Corn
compressed, can be seen, framed, at the Lodge today. 23 Lodges were represented
at the Ceremony. The Minute of the event is lengthy and supported by mounted
newspaper clippings. The Lodge was given a “Clear Minute'' for the previous
years working and it was reported, as if to cap a very happy day, that the
Lodge had been placed second in the Blythswood
Bowling Competition. Bros. H. Barr, J. Barr, G. McCulloch and J. Currie
received Commemorative Badges as Second Top Rink. Our New Hall was ready for
business! On April 19th Brother Secretary took great pleasure in heading this
minute: “Held within the Masonic Hall,
Arrangements were made to have photographs taken of Brethren of the
Lodge outside the Door of the New Hall. Charges for lets of the new Hall were
agreed: Hall complete with Late Let £1.5.0., with let to 10p.m. only 15/ -;
Small Rooms l/- per hour and the Annual Payment to Bro. Isaac Currie, Hallkeeper, £2, for Masonic Work only. From P.G.L. a letter
was received, the object of which was to ''. . . guide
and protect Lodges from granting Relief to undeserving applicants . . .''. And, from Grand Lodge, another to advertise their Library and
Museum. An Invitation was also received from Lodge Union and Crown No.
307 to the opening of their
R.W.M. and office bearers 1910 (Masonic
Hall's Consecration) with the program for Consecration of The Masonic Hall Kittoch Street.
1911
Brother James Currie, R.W.M., 1911 was in fact R.W.M. for 1911
also. In 1912, that is, until the 19th May when he resigned his Office. No
details are given for this and, as we shall see, Bro. G. Warnock (SNR) I.P.M.
chaired the meetings of the Lodge in the second-half of 1912. During the 2
years credited to him Bro. J. Currie entered 16 Candidates, l Affiliate and 9
Honorary Members. Degree working in 1911 was by the R.W.M. and P.M.s of the Lodge aided by Bros. Sinclair, Jarvie and Somerside of Lodges
153, 333 and 441 respectively. Brother George Warnock (Junior) joined the Lodge
at this time. The Mark Degree was by Bro. Bryce P.M. of 153 when 4 Brothers
were advanced. The working in 1912 was aided by many brothers Brother D. Paton, S.M. and Brother George Warnock (Jnr.)
I.G., of 524. Also by Brothers J. Warnock D.M./ 275;
Scott/ 354., J. MacKie R.W.M./ 458 and Sinclair,
I.P.M./ 153. Bro. Sinclair also conferred the Mark Degree. Two Candidates,
giving their addresses as
The R.W.M. Bro. J. Currie was re-elected for the year 1912 and
subsequently Installed by Bro. Bryce P.M./ 153. Lodge
Secretary was now a Bro. R. Anderson with Bro. P. Chalmers P.M. continuing as
Treasurer.
1912
In January 1912 the Treasurers Financial Statement for 1911 was
given and found satisfactory. However the Secretary and Treasurer were called
on to report on several items: Unpaid Bills by Brethren for Photographs; 1 Hall
Let of £l; Whist Drive tickets for 1901 and 1911. They were asked also to
provide information on the number and amount of loans from Members and to list
the life and Test Fee Members of the Lodge. A report was given by them for the
latter items at the following Meeting. About this time Grand Lodge introduced
“Application Forms'', delivered a procedure for Ballots and warned all to avoid
Clandestine Meetings. Their Benevolent Account was declared closed until April
1913.
Provincial Grand Lodge made their Official Visit, in 1912, in
March. They were headed by P.G.D.M. Bro. Pattison
supported by 13 of his colleagues. A Clear Minute was given for 1911.
On May 19th of 1912 without any forewarning, in
the Minutes at least - the R.W.M. Bro. J. Currie. resigned.
In August the I.P.M., Bro. G. Warnock (SNR), was requested to take up the “Bro.
Currie matter'' by calling on Bro. Currie. It was on October 15th Bro. Warnock
reported on the matter. No details are provided. Bro. Warnock therefore
occupied the Chair from August 1912 to the Installation in December. In October
/ November the Brethren Elected Bro. H. Barr as R.W.M .
for the year 1913. Lodge Secretary was Bro. R.
Anderson and Treasurer Bro. J. Ferguson. A proposal for a “Tatties
and Herring'' supper at the Installation was not carried! Bro. H. Barr was
Installed R.W.M . by Brothers
R. Somerside and J. Barr, P.M.’s
Lodge 441 . From the full list of Office-Bearers the first of such we learn
that S.W. was Bro. D. Paton and J. W. Bro. G. Warnock
(JNR). The Grand Lodge Benevolent Fund Collection was £l. From a Balance Sheet
provided we learn that initiation Fees totalled £18.18.0 and House/ Hall Rent
Income was £25. House/ Hall upkeep equalled £33 and Printing and Postage £8.
The Amount Paid for the Hall, to date, was £745. At Grand Lodge the Duke of Atholl ended his 4 year term as G.M. and was succeeded by
Sir Robert K. Stewart of Murdostown.
1913
In 1913 Brother Hugh Barr entered on what was to be a 3 year stint
as R.W.M. A term during which he would take the Lodge into
the fateful year 1914 and the early years of World War One. 1913 was
sufficiently normal however to see 14 New Members join the Lodge with 3
Honorary Members. Degree work in the Lodge was assisted by Bro. MacKie P.M./ 458 and the Mark was
in the hands of Bro. Sinclair P.M./ l 53. A notable Candidate in this year was
the 24 year old Police Constable Bro. George Greig.
In the January a New Year Greeting was received from a candidate of the
previous year -. Bro. Stevenson of
1914
1914 saw 2 Candidates and 2 Honorary
members as the total of entries for the year. Brothers Leitch
and Carslaw of Lodge No. 458, Junior Deacon and
Substitute Master respectively, assisted in the Working. Benevolence continued
in payments of £4 and £10, to a widow of a Lodge Brother, from Provincial and
Grand Lodges respectively. Provincial Grand Lodge made its Official Visit in
March and declared a very good ''Clear'' minute for 1913. The Obituary was
reported of Bro. J. Currie, (Snr). Yet another
Regular Meeting had to be cancelled owing to failure to reach a quorum - this
was on June 16th. The Local Valuer declared that the
site value of the Hall was increased by £33 to £100. Taking a new look at their
Harmony arrangements the Lodge decided to resume their past practice of
charging all present, visitors included, I1/ - each. A cup of tea was to be
included at all times. Bro. D. Paton D.M., presented the Lodge with a new Sword and a set of Mark
Plans for which the R.W.M thanked him. The outbreak of the War receives no
special mention but it is not long until the Minutes contain the names of
Brothers of the Lodge who had “joined the Colours.'' In 1914 these were;
Brothers Geo. Sweenie, John Marshall, J. Craig, M.
Weir, H. Hamilton, G. Wilkinson. An Appeal was received for Men of the 7th
Battalion The H. L. I. No details are given. Brother
Hugh Barr was Elected by the Brethren for Master in
1915. He was later Installed by a Bro. J. Sinclair
assisted by a Bro. C. Young. A copy of the Balance Sheet dated November 1913
tells us that FEES INCOME = £6.6.0., House and Hall Rent realised £28.0.0.
Expenditure on House and Hall was £31.0.0 and on Postage and Printing £6.11.0.
Clearly the Lodge and its Brethren did not have their troubles to seek but none
could be aware of the “long, long trail'' they'd have to tread before really
sunny days returned.
1915
1915, Bro. H. Barr's third year as R.W.M .
was a quiet one. Quiet at least as Minutes of the
Lodge show there can be little doubt that their Public, if not also their
Private avocations, were of momentous concern. And yet 13 meetings were held,
chaired throughout by Bro. H. Barr. Three new Members were added to the Roll,
and also 6 Honorary Members. The Mark Degree in 1915 was conferred by Bro. W.
Galbraith I.P.M. 873. No Meetings were held during June, July or August. The
Obituary was reported of Bro. J. Thomson in
The Lodge Secretary was now Bro. I. Currie and Treasurer remained
Bro. J. Ferguson. The S.W. was Bro. G. Warnock (Jnr.)
and J.W. was Bro. J. McAulay. The Installation was by
Bro. J. A. Wilson P.M./873 (P.P.D.O.C.) The reference
to a “muted harmony” is our only indication of the heartbreaking days our
Brothers must by then have been going through.
The Balance Sheet for November 1915 gives Fees Income as £6.6.0;
House and Hall Rental Income £17.12.0 and Harmony Collections £3.12.0. Outgoings werw House and Hall upkeep
£27.0.0; Harmonies £6.0.0 and Print/Postage £3.3.0. The Benevolent Fund
Credit Balance equalled £80.7.0. This then was the situation as Bro. D. Paton took up the reigns as R.W.M and prepared for the year
1916. At Grand Lodge the Mantle of Grand Master had been assumed by Brig-Gen
Sir Robert Gordon Gilmour.
1916
Brother David B. Paton served as Master
of the Lodge for the remainder of the War years - 1916, 1917 and 1918. In the
most daunting of circumstances he took a very firm hold of the Lodge and its
affairs. Where he might have been forgiven for adopting a mere watching brief
he caused the Lodge to be uplifted and to progress in all departments. During
this 3 year period he conducted 34 Regular and 23 Special Meetings. Al1 of
these were Chaired by him except for 1 at the very end when Business Matters
detained him And, again in this period saw 51 Members
added to the Roll. 10, 1 7 and 24 respectively. There
were also 8 Affiliated Brothers. In 1916 the Working of Degrees was by Lodge P.M.’s and Bro G. Warlock (Jnr)
S.W., assisted by Bros. Jardine, S.M. 592, McLeod,
S.M. 873, Alison of Lodge Calendonia and, at the
Mark, by Bro T, Gilbraith, P.M. 873. It is noted that
at this period it was stall the practice to carry out 2 Degrees on the one
evening but with different Candidates going through. A large number of visiting
Deputations is recorded on this year the were from Lodges No. 3 Bis , 7,
l 78, 233, 306, 512. 753 and the “regulars” Lodge Progress.
Glasgow, No. 873 following a Notice of Motion it was agreed to change Lodge
Meeting night from Third to Second Tuesday. A Social was arranged for the 24th
November and 2 Brothers were appointed Representatives to the War Savings
Committee. Benevolence an 1916 was in a £2 Grant to a
widow. The Obituaries were reported of Bro. G. Buchanan (Jnr)
and Lodge stalwart Bro. Geo. Warnock, Past Master. The Lodges first record of a
War casualty was given when the death in action of Bro. John Marshall was
reported. He had been among the first to be called to the Colours. Letters were
received from Bros. in the Forces thanking the Lodge for Parcels received.
Grand Ledge cautioned all lodges against allowing Aliens to attend at Meetings
and gave specific instructions on the subject. Lodges were also to form Enquiry
committees before whom all applicants directed to had
to appear. Provincial Grand Lodge, headed by Bro. W. Scott P.G.D.M. , made the Annual visit in March and entered a very good
Clear Minute for 1915. Brother Paton, re-elected
R.W.M was installed by Bro. Waterson P M./ 512. Lodge secretary was Bro. I Currie
and Treasurer Bro. D. Thomson. The Sub-Master was Bro. G. Warnock (Jnr) and the Wardens, Bros. M. Anderson and J. Ferguson.
Roll of Honour for our Brethren who served during the great war 1914 - 1918
1917
In 1917 the Lodge Working was assisted by Bros. J. M. Mackie
P.M. / 458; Erskine P.M. / 556 and N. MacDonald P. M.
/ 873. The Mark was carried out by a Bro. Rylie.
Amongst the Candidates were Bros. D. Cameron and A. Y. Marshall. The year began
with the sudden death of the P.G.M. Bro. D. Glen. The Lodge later Nominated
Bro. Pattison to succeed Bro. Glen. His Installation
took place on 15th June 1917. In September and November of the year 2 more
Bros. of the Lodge were reported killed in action. Bros. A.
Simpson and D. Guiness. Grand Lodge
Benevolence is recorded in the grant of £10 to a widow. An appeal was received
via the Grand and Provincial Grand Lodges, of the Limbless Ex-servicemen’s
Association. Provincial Grand Lodge made it’s Annual
visit in March and gave a “clear minute” for 1916. They urged increased care in
the making up of the Lodge Mmute Book. Bro. Scott
P.G.D.M., headed the Deputation of 10. It was reported
that the R.W.M. Bro. D. Paton had been made
Provincial Grand Lodge Assistant Marshal. A Lodge Inventory being taken it was
valued at £50. It was agreed to purchase an Organ, price £12.0.0., by Voluntary
Subscriptions. A Prize draw conducted realised the amazing sum of £41.10.0. The
Hall, in need of re-painting, was agreed to at the price of £9.1.0. The Lodge
Bye Laws, completely re-written, were read, Passed and approved by Provincial
Grand Lodge. Copies were later printed for issue to each Brother. On March I
7th we have the first ever Enquiry Committee Meeting Minute. Gifts were made to
the Lodge by the R.W.M - a “roll of honour” - and, by the Treasurer - A Gong,
Hour-glass and Scythe. Lodge Representatives again reached 3rd place In the
Province Bowlmg Competition; Bros. Currie, Sweenie, Auchlncloss and Barr. At
the Election of Officers for 1918, Bro Paton was
elected R.W.M. for his third term with Bros. R. Bedford and D. Thomson as
Secretary and Treasurer. Bro. W. Strang, Nominated as
secretary, was called to the Forces before Election. The Installation was again
carried out by Bro. Waterson P.M. / 512 assisted by a
Bro. Wilkie.
1918
Despite the War weariness which at New Year 1918 must have been
acute the business of the Lodge continued. Bro. R. Anderson and N. Harknish were added to the Roll of Bros. Killed in Action.
The death also occurred in January of the Lodges Dep. M. Bro. A. Scott. He
received a Full Masonic Funeral at which the Rev. Bro. R. Smith Officiated.
Appeals for Benevolence from 3 War Widows resulted in the granting of £5 to
each. Lodge Working in 1918 was assisted by Bro. J. Orr of Lodge No. 458 and a
Deputation from Lodge No. 3 Bis. headed
by the R.W.M. Bro. Smith. 2 Mark Degrees were held no details given. Provincial
Grand Lodge made their Annual Visit in March headed by the Provincial Grand
Master Bro. Pattison. A “Clear Minute'' was entered.
The R.W.M. reported attending the Consecration and Erection of Lodge No. l 167.
An Invitation to the Erection of Lodge No. 1170 was also received. The Finance
Committee recommended that Test Fees be increased to 5/-; that Subscription
Sheets be circulated; that lapsed members be contacted; that Meetings begin
promptly and that Instruction Classes with Guest Speakers be conducted. The
Lodge agreed to increase Test Fee to 3/6 only; to contact lapsed members and to
accept Subscription Sheets. The first issue of the latter realized £11 . At the Regular Meeting on 12th November 1918 Bro. D. Paton R.W.M. was able to announce - no doubt unnecessarily
- the Armistice. Describing it as a Great Victory for the Allies he went on to
say that all their rejoicing must be tempered with Remembrance and with the
Greatest Sympathy toward the Families of the Fallen. It was at this meeting in
fact the Brethren heard of the loss of Bro. H. Wright, Killed in Action. The
War was over! Brothers Hugh Barr and David Paton had
conducted the Lodge through traumatic years. This they had done magnificently.
Brother Paton was now at the end of his 3 years of
Chairmanship. The Nomination meeting led to Bros. J. Ferguson and J. MacDonald
being Nominated R.W.M. for 1919. The Secretary nominated was Bro. R. Bedford
and both Bros. D. Thomson and T. Hay were Nominated Treasurer. The Election saw
Bro. MacDonald as R.W.M.-Elect with Bros. R. Bedford, Secretary; Bro. D.
Thomson Treasurer and, as Sub-Master, Bro. J. Ferguson. The Installation was by
Bro. J. Wilson P.M./ 873 and J. MacKie
P.M./ 458. The Collection for Grand Lodge Benevolence was a record £4.4.6.
1919
All interested in Craft statistics have noted the steep increase in
Initiations which follows a period of War. This may well be a back-log of
entrants prevented from taking up membership. It may also stem from the
increased opportunities found, in time of disaster to practice, more overtly,
our principles of Brotherhood and to extend Benevolence to those cast down.
Nevertheless, taking all of this into account, it does not fully answer the
tremendous leap in Lodge Membership which took place during the 2 years of Bro.
J. MacDonald's Chairmanship, 1919 and 1920. No less than 99 new members were
added to the Roll during those 2 years (62 and 37 respectively). There were
also 1 Affiliate and l Honorary Member. All of which was made possible by the
entering of, at times, no less than 15 candidates in one evening. The pattern
must have been similar throughout the country as Grand Lodge were moved to
order, in Dec. 1919, that not more that 7 be admitted at any one Degree. The
Working of Degrees through 1919 and 1920 was assisted by Bros. T. McAulay and A. Gibbon of 524 with also, Deputations from
Lodges 103, 406 and 458, headed by Bros. Strachan, Ririe, and J. Orr respectively. Reference is made at one
third Degree to the excellent musical arrangements made by Bro. J. Ferguson, S.M . The Mark Degree of 1919 was by Bro. J. Mackie P.M. 458
and that of 1920 by the R.W. M. Bro. J. MacDonald. A total of 69 Brothers were
advanced. All said and done much credit must go to the R.W.M. who, in 1919,
created the Lodge's record for entries: 62. Some 42 meetings were held during
this period and the R.W.M, was able to chair all but
5. His absences were due to Business committments and
to a 2 month period in 1919 when, in the Autumn he was
in the
Brother John MacDonald and the Lodge Secretary and Treasurer were
re-elected for 1920. The Installation was once more by Bro. J.A. Wilson P.M./ 873. Fees Income for 1919 equalled £192.0.0 and House/
Hall Rental £30.0.0. Print and Post cost £8.4.0 and the Benevolent Fund Balance
equalled £110.0.0. At Grand Lodge the new Grand Master was Bro. Archibald, 16th
Earl Eglinton and Winton. The Brethren looked forward
to the “Twenties'' and Lodge Jubilee, 1922, which was now not far off.
1920
1920’s first meeting was of Lodge Office-Bearers met to consider
Lodge Finances. The Lodge Auditors, taking their duties really seriously,
recommended that the Hall and Contents Insurance be increased; inquired of the
Policies themselves and trusted both Hall and House were covered properly - urged
that accident Insurance be taken out to cover Lodge Hall-keeper; that loans by
Brethren to the Lodge be repaid and that 23 Aprons be bought at a cost of 48/-.
It was further recommended that an Annual Report by the Secretary should be
made in addition to that of the Treasurer. The total of loans, by Brethren, to
the Lodge was £35. A credit of 12/- from Lodge Social was paid to the
Benevolent Fund. At the Mark Degree the gift of a Triangle was made by Bro. D. Paton, I.P.M. Copious arrangements were made for the Lodge
Divine Service including Adverts in
1921
Brother William Hamilton's 2 years as R.W.M., 1921 and 1922, were
busy years even without the Celebrations held to mark the Lodges Jubilee in
1922. No less than 43 Candidates and 7 Honorary Members were added to the Roll,
in almost equal numbers, in the 2 year period. The Degree working by Lodge P.M.’s was aided by Bro. A. Gibbons, Lodge Treasurer and
Bro. A. Marshall S.W. Further assistance came from Bros. P. Duncan of Lodge 617
and J. Page of Lodge 873. The Mark Degrees were by P.M.’s
Bros. D. Paton/ 524 and J. MacKie
P.M./ 458. 41 Meetings were held during his term and
the R.W.M. was able to chair 32 of these. His absences all lay in the second
part of 1922 and, although it is not minuted, one
suspects he was not too well at this time. An interesting Annual Report,
carrying information not before Minuted or given,
appears in January 1921 . It is for 1919 - 1920 and is
for the year ended 30.10.20. Average attendance is given as 46 and Lodge
Membership = 77 Test Fee, plus 83 Life Members. These with 7 new members give
Lodge Roll Total as 167. The Benevolent Fund Balance is £153. The Report is
signed by Bro: J. MacDonald, R.W.M. and R. Bedford, Secretary. Provincial Grand
Lodge made their Annual Visit in April and declared a “Clear Minute“. The
Deputation of l1 was headed by Bro. Michie, S.P.G.M.
Bro. Michie recommended to the Lodge that £150 of the
Benevolent Fund should be used to reduce the £300 Bond on Lodge Hall. The Lodge
discussed this at a later Meeting and agreed to do so. The Lodge also called
for 30 Bros. of the Lodge to loan £5 each, interest free, to the Lodge to pay
off the Bond entirely. Brother A. Gibbons, Treasurer, was able to report in the
month of September, that these loans totalled £142. House and Hall Insurance
were all doubled at this time to sums assured of £400 and £1200 respectively.
Lodge Equipment was also doubled to £300, sum assured. It was also agreed to carry
out Hall repairs, due to War-time abuse and neglect. House repairs were also
agreed, cost £25. Following complaints of Noisy Lets the Lodge called on Hall
Keeper to be selective in Letting and to endeavour to avoid such lets as led to
disturbance. Hall Rental was agreed increased to 6/- per hour and 42/- for late
night lets.Honoraria at this time was Secretary £9,
Treasurer and Tyler £5.5.0 each. A Dance held in February and a Concert in
March led to credit balances of £4.14.6 and £13.18.0 respectively. An
Invitation was received to attend the Consecration of the New Hall at Lodge St.
John, Busby, No. 458. This was to be by the P.G.M. on
12th February 1921 . A gift of Tracing Boards was
received by the Lodge from the R.W.M. Bro. Hamilton. Bro. D. Paton, P.M. thanked the R.W.M. on behalf of the Lodge. Bro.
Paton: having called for any questions regarding
Masonry at a meeting In May, combined his replies into a very interesting
lecture at a Meeting in June. In April a Social Evening was held to say farewell
to Bro. J. Ferguson S.M., and his wife, who were going abroad. Bro. Ferguson
received an Apron, Sash and Case. Lodge Benevolence was in £10 to a widow and
£l .1.0 to the
1922
The condition of the
A band was arranged for the Bazaar day and its opening would be by
Bro. Major Michie, D.S.O. of Provincial Grand Lodge.
The Sale of Work, when held, realized £140. Some 60 Aged Persons were
entertained and, from the Concert and their evening, the sum of £18 was left
over. Much effort was put into the Divine Service held in the West Kirk on 10th
September. The Minister was Bro. Rev. D. L. Seath of Eaglesham and Lodges represented were Nos. 78, 114, 116,
128, 306, 413, 458, 465, 592, 955, 963, 1243, 1265, 1272.
Some 90 Bros. attended and the Benevolent Collection was £5.8.9. Gifts were
received by the Lodge from the R.W.M. Bro. W. Hamilton; Third Degree Sheet and
Lights and Batteries; I.P.M . Bro. J. MacDonald; Silver Trowel; Bro. D. Paton P.M; Rough and smooth Ashlars. The Lodge thanked them
gratefully. Grand Lodge reported that Fees from Lodges to Grand Lodge were
increased. Following a Notice of Motion it was agreed that the Month of June
would be added to July and August to form a 3 month recess in future. It is
noted that Lodge Minutes are now being signed by the Lodge Secretary as well as
the R.W.M. Following a proposal by Bro. A. Gibbons it was agreed for the
testing of Candidates to be carried out in Open Lodge in future. It was agreed
to purchase a piano for the Lodge but only after much deliberation. A visiting
Deputation, omitted from our earlier report, was that of Lodge St. Kentigern No. 976 headed by Bro. R. Rocks P.M. A Third
Degree was carried out by them. Provincial Grand Lodge made 2 visits to the
Lodge during 1922. In May and in December. In May the
Deputation of 20 was headed by Bro. Kirkwood. A Clear Minute was given. Lodges
were also advised to read all Applications in Open Lodge before the Enquiry
Meeting. Lodge
So here concludes the
second twenty-fine years of 524....