History of Lodge St.Andrew
1923 - 1947.
1923
Brother Thomas McAulay served as Master
for the two years 1923, 1924. He was able to chair all of the 28 meetings
during that period and saw 18 new members join the Lodge, with one affiliate.
Brother A. Marshall, D.M., carried out much of the Degree Work at this time,
the Mark Degree being carried out by Lodge Atholl No.
413 under P.M. Bro. A. Allan. A Deputation from Lodge The
Gael No. 609 was also received with Bro. Murdo McRae
at its head. An interesting lecture entitled “Ancient and Medieval
architecture“, illustrated, is referred to: given by Bro. D. Sutherland of
Lodge No. 171 . Social Activities are indicated in
minutes of Annual Dance in March and Annual Social in November. Fiche Accounts
for the Jubilee Year 1922 were passed when presented and a vote of Appreciation
recorded to the ladies who made it possible. Bro. Neil McMillan, 23, joins the
Lodge in 1923 and the I.P.M. Bro. W. Hamilton leaves
1924
In 1924 we find the Working of Degrees in the hands of Bros. J.
Grieve. D. Scott, and W. Cruickshank assisted by a Bro. W. Wood Inner Guard,
Lodge Tollcross, 1194. The Mark was conferred by P.
M. Bro. J. Mackie, Lodge No. 458, upon 8 Master- Masons. Two new Committees
were formed early in the year - Entertainment and Finance. The Lodge Junior
Warden was Convenor to the former. The Finance Committee lost no time in making
an early report. They reported to Lodge that half the Test Fees due were not
paid and advised writing to those in arrears. They urged economy in the running
of the Hall and, to reduce lighting-bills advised a lesser number of gas lights in the Hall. Some lights were later removed and all
were renovated by Bro. Torlay. On their advice also
the Benevolent Fund purchased £50 of War Savings Certificates. Brothers D. Hood and D. Scott. Wardens,
reported visiting Lodge Blantyre No. 557 50th Anniversary and the R.W.M. to
Lord Blythswood's Garden Party in September. The Lodge
was once more placed Second in the Bowling Competition
the team being Bros. Barr (Skip) Allan, Asher and Auchencloss.
Gifts to the Lodge were made by Bro. W. McMartin - a
Door-Knocker and by A. Buchanan - a supply of firewood. A Brother also gave his
£5 Lodge loan voucher to the Lodge as a Donation. The Cottage belonging to the
Lodge was, about this time, re-painted and re-papered. Lodge Benevolence was in
the regular £3.3.0 to
1925
In our History of the Lodge we begin to come, now, in 1925, to the
names of Brothers who, although they do not live to see our Centenary, yet
remain so very strongly in the memories of those who do participate. Such a
master of the Lodge was Bro. A. Y. Marshall, R.W.M. in 1925. With 7 Initiates
and 2 Affiliates it may well have been a moderate year - his influence and
inspiration however, were to extend for many years thereafter. Lodge Working
was in the hands of such Bros. as Bros. Scott, Grieve, Hood, Cruickshank and a
deputation from Tollcross No. 1194. The Mark Degree
was by Bro. T. McAulay I.P.M. - 6 Bros. going
through. Other Deputations noted were from Atholl No.
384 Kirkintilloch, Busby 458 and Eaglesham 1265,
headed by Bros. Hamil, Wright and the Rev. D. Seath respectively. Outgoing Visitation Reports by Bros. of
the Lodge show an increase or are more carefully minuted.
Besides those to Provincial Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge others are noted to St.
Brydes 579 at Uddingston
and
And, on the subject of Jewels, Lodge decided to stop “collecting''
for a P.M.‘s Jewel for each
I.P.M. and to charge the General Fund outright, with a ceiling of £l 5.15.0 on
the amount to be expended. Social Activities in 1925 were Whist. Dances and Burns Supper. The Divine Service, held in
September was taken by the Rev. D. Seath,
1926
1926, a difficult year in the Country at large, did not cause the
Lodge to falter greatly, if at all. Brother R. Bedford chaired all meetings
during his term of Office and saw 13 new members join the Lodge, with 2
Affiliates. The Working of Degrees was mainly in the hands of Bro. A. Y.
Marshall I.P.M., including the Mark. A Third Degree was carried out by Bro. O.
Williams P.M. 1282. Deputations to Lodge were from Cambuslang
l 14, twice, and from Ibrox 1272 headed by Bros.
Simpson, Green and Tennant respectively. The Lodge itself went out to Riddrie 1340 and to Tollcross
1194 where a Third Degree was carried out. Bro. A. Y. Marshall I.P.M. visited
some 6 other Lodges. Provincial Grand Lodge made its Annual visit in January.
The P.G.M., Lord Blythswood, was attended by 11
Members of his Lodge. Declaring a Clear Minute he congratulated the Lodge on
having cleared off all debts. The fall in the Number of Candidates he
attributed to the state of Trade generally. He also described the Centenary
Celebrations about to take place at Provincial Grand Lodge in Renfrewshire
East. These were on the Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th January - a Dinner on
the Saturday and a Divine Service in Paisley Abbey the Sunday. It would seem
that Provincial Grand Lodge itself was in some Financial Straits as a Voluntary
Levy from Lodges to the Provincial Grand Lodge had been called for. Lodge St.
Andrew contributed £5.0.10. The Lodges Benevolence in 1926 was in the usual
contribution to
1927
The Minutes for 1927 showed a measure of re-enlivenment as many
Visitations were made to and fro with entrants increasing to 19, and with 5
Affiliations. To the Regular list of Degree Workers we see added Bro. R. Strutt, an Affiliate in l 926. The R.W.M. attended all of
his Lodge Meetings. Provincial Grand Lodge visited the Lodge in January with
Bro. Gardiner P.G.D.M. at the Head. A Clear Minute was declared. The P.G.D.M.
announced that their Annuity Fund was now in operation and described the method
to apply to the Fund for Benefit. He also urged Lodges to restrict their costs
at Harmonys when the P.G.L. made its Annual Visit. He
ended by congratulating Bro. David B. Paton P.M. for
having completed his year as Provincial Grand Lodge Senior Warden. The Lodge
Nominated Bro. J. MacDonald P.M. as their Nominee for Office at P.G.L. Lodge
Benevolence in 1927 was in the usual Grants to
1928
1928 - a quiet year. Lodge Meetings were
18 in number and Bro. D. Hood chaired them all. 10 new members were added to
the Roll with 4 Affiliates in addition. Lodge Working was by the usual team
with Bro. N. McMillan J.W. also being quoted. The Mark was by Bro. T. McAulay when 17 Brothers were advanced. Provincial Grand
Lodge made their Annual Visit in January under Bro. T. Hart P.G.D.M. A Clear
Minute was declared. Lodge St. Andrew nominated Bro. D. Hood for Provincial
Office and contributed £1.10.0 to the Testimonials for Bros. Gardiner and
Maguire. Lodge Benevolence was in the Regular contribution to
1929
1929. The Twenties were coming to an end - an era to which we look
back with a unique mixture of sentiment. 1929 was to prove to be an extremely
critical year. It is therefore good to find the Lodges Minutes continuing to
reflect sober, industrious and Social activities causing one to wonder just how
much of a steadying: calming influence Lodges do bring to us all in times of
crisis. It is not surprising to find that there were only 8 Initiates during
1929 when Bro. D. Scott was R.W.M. Lodge Working was
assisted by Deputations from Tollcross 1194 and Eaglesham 1265 with Masters Bros. Paterson and Weir at the
Head. In turn Bros. D. Hood and R. Strutt Worked
Degrees for Lodges Battlefield 1258 and Burnside 1361 .
Bro. T. McAulay too carried out a Mark Degree for
Lodge Eaglesham l 265. A visit to the Lodge by Bro. Goudie, R.W.M. Lodge Major Ness, 948, is also recorded.
Lodge Benevolence was in £4.7.6 to a widow and £10 to a distressed Brother.
Provincial Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge each added £20 to Grants to this Brother
- to be paid out at £5 Monthly. Lodge Rates and Taxes
for 1928 were £23.8.6. Lodge General Fund was set up at this time. The 24 Card
Tables were bought and so too were 96 chairs. The Monthly Whist Drives (2/-
each) were going well with a credit balance declared, in January, of £7. A
Door-knocker was donated by Bro. Patrick and an extension to the premises
proposed. This Extension, later known as the Kitchen, was 20ft. x 12ft. approx.
It was erected by Voluntary Labour, Materials costing £43. A11 was completed by
the October and many Brethren were thanked for their work, particularly Bro. J.
Orr, Clerk of Works. Two Obituaries were recorded; Bros. H. Paton
and J. Buchanan. It was, however, in the November of 1929 that the Province and
indeed the Craft in Scotland, England and Ireland were greatly shocked and
saddened by the Death of Bro. Archibald, 4th Lord Blythswood,
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland; Member of the Grand Lodges of
England and Ireland, Provincial Grand Master of the Province of' Renfrewshire
East. In Lodge St. Andrew a moving Oration was given by Bro. D. B. Paton, P.M. The Festival of St. Andrew, in
1930
To Bro. D. Cameron fell the Honour of Chairing the Lodge into the ''Thirties''. No doubt the Brethren went into the new decade
with high hopes, glad to leave the ''troubled Twenties'' behind. With
hind-sight we know that it was a case of “out of the frying-pan and into the
fire“. Certainly our admissions in the Thirties fell by half. In 1930 however,
there were 12 Initiates and 2 Affiliates. and it would
be 9 years before that would again be matched. Provincial Grand Lodge made
their visit in January under Bro. Pattison I.P.P.G.M.
and declared a Clear Minute for 1929. Brother D. Hood P.M./
524 is recorded here as P.G.L./ Inner Guard. Grand Lodge itself provided a £40
Grant to a Brother of the Lodge to be paid in £5 monthly instalments. No less
than 7 Obituaries were reported in 1930: Bros. W. Dickie,
J. Coats, A. Dawson, George Auchincloss, James Torlay, Geo. Buchanan and Affiliate Bro. Annand P.M. No. 3, Bis. Bros. Torlay and Buchanan, Oldest Member and Senior P.M.
respectively, received Masonic Funerals, with Bro. T. McAulay
P.M. Officiating. A letter of thanks was received from Lady Blythswood
for the letter of Condolence sent to her by the Lodge. Lodge Finances were
greatly assisted at this time by a “Card-scheme'' begun to raise Funds but not
further described. The
1931
1931 - a year of extreme Trade Depression
- did not cause Lodge St. Andrew, as similar circumstances had caused in
earlier East Kilbride Lodges, to close. For this we are grateful. It was,
however, a sad year indeed as will be shown. During the year 11 new members and
l Affiliate were added to the Roll. A new name is found among the Workers -
that of Bro. J. Shedden. The Work was further aided
by a Deputation from Lodge Anima 1223 and from Strathaven
headed by R.W.M.s Bros. Levitus
and Millar respectively. The Lodge itself went to Strathaven
No. 215 where Bro. A. Y. Marshall P.M. conferred the Third Degree. Provincial
Grand Lodge visited in January under the P.G.M . Bro. T. Hart who received Honorary Membership at the hands of Bro.
D. Paton P.M. The Lodge contributed £1 to the
Bro. D. Young, B.D., P.G.S.M., Testimonial. It was,
however, in the Obituaries of some 5 Bros. that the Lodge underwent its
greatest trial. These were of 3 Bros. and 2 Masters; Bros. J. McIntosh. W.
Thomson, D. Fraser, P.M. Bro. D. Scott and, in February, with great suddenness,
the R.W.M. Bro. W. McMartin himself. Both Bros. D.
Scott P.M. and the R.W.M. Bro. Wm. McMartin received
Masonic Funerals - the Rev. Bro. D. L. Seath, P.M.,
1265, P.G.C., officiating at both. Bro. D. Scott P.M. was one of the 6 P.M.
Pall bearers at the funeral of the R.W.M., 2 months prior to his own demise.
Some 100 Brethren attended the funeral of the R.W.M.. an Oration was delivered by the I.P.M. Bro. D. Cameron, many
letters of sympathy were received and at the end of all Bro. A. Y. Marshall
P.M. was thanked by the Lodge for the copious arrangements made by him. In the
December an “In Memoriam Lodge'' was held instead of a Divine Service. The Rev.
Bro. Seath again Officiated
and delivered the Oration during an impressive ceremony. Solos were sung by
Bros. Reid P.M. Lodge 347 and Hilston of Lodge 215.
It fell to the I.P.M. Bro. D. Cameron to take the Chair of the Lodge. This he
did for the rest of the year. The Hall heating still gave cause for concern and
the Lodge agreed to have steam central heating installed. This was done - not
without bother - at a cost of £68. Monies were transferred into the Hall
Account to meet this bill. A Grand Piano was bought for the Hall at a cost of
£35 - no doubt an asset for Letting. The Whist Drives, which were suspended for
a time, gave a profit of £10.7.0 over Winter months.
No dances were held until November when an Annual Dance took place. The Major
Allan Golf Trophy was won by Bros. D. Livey and R.
Young of Lodge St. Andrew 524 they were heartily congratulated by the
acting-R.W.M. and the Lodge members; The Lodge decided to give a P.M.'s Jewel to Mrs. McMartin in
memory of her husband, the late Bro. Wm. McMartin,
Lodge R.W.M., 1931. This was clearly a gesture of pure sentiment, one we may greet with mixed feelings, but of which we can
never know the full depth. So to the Annual Election when
Bro. R. Strutt was Elected R.W.M. for 1932.
Substitute and Depute Masters were Bros. N. McMillan and A. Y. Marshall
respectively. The Wardens were Bros. Sample and
1932
1932 as 1931, was also a somewhat sombre
year. The depressing years of the early 30s appeared to exact their toll
severely. Bro. R. Strutt R.W. M. had the sad duty to
report no less than 9 Obituaries, those of Bros. R. Abercrombie, A. Mason, D. Campbell. E. Grant, A. Buggy E. Forbes, S. Gibson, and,
in
1933
Brother Semple's year as Master was a
quiet one with the accent on Hall restoration. There were only 4 Initiates with
Work being done by Bro. Allan J.W. and the Mark conferred by Bro. Strutt I.P.M. Provincial Grand Lodge visited in January and
gave a Clear Minute for 1932. They also gave £20 in Benevolence to a lodge
widow. The Lodge itself gave £5.5.0 to Glasgow Hospitals and £2.2.0 to the
local Nursing Association. 'I'hey also granted £19 in
4 Benevolent caves. The Hall roof, having given great
concern, it was agreed to buttress it with vertical steel uprightly these to be
plastered over and all re-painted. The outside of East Gable was also rough-casted. The overall cost was some £135 for which Donations
of £l 9.5.0 were received. A Bro. Lyle and the
Hall-Keeper, Bro. Wallace, were thanked for the cleaning of Lodge carpet and
covering of Whist card-tables. A Bro. Woodlands too renovated some Lodge emblems.
The visit of a Bro. J. T. Goudielock.
R,W.M.: St. Conval is minuted and also the receipt of Honorary Membership at
Lodge No. 557 by I.P.M. Bro. R. Strutt. Lodge
Lectures continued with a lecture on “Freemasonry before Grand Lodge'' by Bro.
W. Gillespie, P.M./ Lodge Govanhill.
A Notice of Motion by Bro. D. Cameron P. M. Treasurer,
asked for authority to be given, to allow responsible Office Bearers to
transfer if circumstances required it a loan from the Benevolent Fund to the
General Fund, not to exceed £200. This was later agreed with interest rate
3.5%. Four Obituaries were reported during the year; Bros. J. Herbert, T.
McConnell and in
1934
Although it was to be another 24 years before the Writer became a
member of Lodge St. Andrew, it is with the advent of Bro. N .
McMillan (Snr) as R.W.M. in 1935 we meet with those
of whom he had personal knowledge. None of the ill-health which overcame Bro.
Neil in later years appears to have been present in 1935 as he Chaired all of his Meetings and was able to show a
creditable total of 8 Initiates and 1 Affiliate in difficult times. Degree work
was, notably, by the Brothers Robert and Andrew Moffat
and Bro. J. Shedden. Lodges 215 and 557 also assisted
under their R.W.M.S Bros. N. Bryson and D. Dow respectively. The Mark was by
Bro. T. McAulay P.M.
A Deputation to Lodge St. Andrew, Strathaven,
No. 215 saw Bro. A. Y. Marshall P.M. carry out an F.C. Degree: 3 Bros. of the
Lodge received Honorary Membership at that time; Bros. N. McMillan R.W.M.,
Bros. R. Currie and J. Shedden. It is also noted here
that Bro. R. Currie had become a Rutherglen town
Councillor.
Provincial Grand Lodge made their Annual visit in January and
provided a Clear Minute for 1933. The P G.M. Bro. T. Hart gave an interesting
account of a recent visit to
Lodge Benevolence in 1934 lay in the granting to a Brother of £5.
The Obituary of one Bro. is reported; Bro. John Nairn.
Noted visitors during the year included a Bro. Shaw from Lodge Pretoria
Celtic No. 281 S.A., and a Deputation from Burns St. Mary's, No. 505. Hurlford.
Bro. D. Cameron P.M./ Treasurer represented the Lodge
at the Consecration of Lodge The Kings Park No. 1386. The Lodge Whist Drives
continued apace with a decision NOT to sell “Half-Tickets'' on the night of
Whist Drives with Dances. A ''Quartette'' was also
formed, under Bro. D. Cameron, to provide the mainstay at Lodge Harmonies. It
is interesting also to note that the Lodge still went from Labour to
Refreshment for Harmony, and, after Harmony, returned to Labour once more to
Close the Lodge in due form. One wonders what reception any proposal would
receive today for the return of that procedure! A request was received for
Lodge Hall to be well - heated in advance of any Let and the Hall Keeper was so
directed. The Heating Cost and
The Election of November 1934 gave as R.W.M.-E1ect Bro. T. Lennox
with Bro. R. Semple S.M. The Wardens were Bros. R.
Allan and H. McConnell. The Dep. Master was later named as Bro. T. McAulay P. M. The Installing Masters in December were Bro.
R Lennox P.M. “Troon Navigation'' No. 86 and Bro. N. McAsklll, P.M., Burns St. Mary‘s, No. 505, Hurlford. Grand Lodge Benevolence realised £3.9.0.
1935
1935 was another ''quiet'' year as were so many of the Middle
thirties. Bro. T. Lennox Chaired all the Meetings held in his year and the Roll
indicates 4 new members. Bro. R. Moffat continued
with Degree Working and the Mark Degree for 1935 was carried out by Bro. Strutt P.M. Secretary. The Lodge made an Official visit to Hurlford No. 505 where a Third Degree was in the hands of
Bro. A. Y. Marshall P. M. Bro. Semple P. M.
represented the Lodge at the Bi-centenary of Lodge Kilwinning
No. 4 whilst a Bro. S. Dodd reported a visit to Lodge Peel, I.O.M.
Four Obituaries were reported during the year; Bros. J. Benton, J. McBain, J. Lyle and R. McAulay.
Lodge Benevolence lay in £3:3.0 to
1936
Brother Robert Allan's year as Master, 1936, was also quiet. 7 new
members joined the Lodge under the guidance of the Lodge Office Bearers with
Bro. H. McConnell emerging as a new Degree worker. The Mark Degree was by a
Deputation from Lodge Hurlford, No. 505 under Bro. J.
McLauchlin R.W.M. Provincial Grand Lodge visited in
January and gave a Clear Minute for 1935. Lodge Benevolence was in the regular
Donation to
1937
Bro. R. Currie's year as Master (1937) was a notable, full and busy
year. 5 special meetings swelled the total to 14, in addition to many Committee
Meetings, (the General Committee meeting each Month). 11 new members joined the
Lodge as did 1 Honorary and 1 Affiliate member. Provincial Grand Lodge visited
in January and declared a Clear Minute for 1936. A Committee of 2 was appointed
to arrange Coronation Celebrations for the 12th May 1937. No report appears as
to how the Lodge did celebrate the Coronation but a letter was read describing
the Investiture of His Majesty as ''Past Grand Master of the English
constitution”. (So reads the Minute.) The Obituary was reported of a Bro. Geo. Sweenie who had been a very ardent supporter of the Lodge.
A letter of Farewell was read from a Bro. Borland who had emigrated
to
1938
1938! A year in which War-Clouds again gathered over
Lodge Benevolence once more gave £3.3.0 to Glasgow Hospitals and
£3.3.0 was subscribed to a Memorial to the Late Bro. H. McConnell. Several
Donations to Lodge are recorded: to the Regalia Fund £2.18.0 by Bro. Gray; a
set of 3 Lights by Bro. McKenzie of Lodge Alloa No.
69; the Plating of Tools and Swords by Bro. Woodlands and the Painting of
Furnishings by Bro. Ritchie. A Box-seat to run the full length of West Wall was
ordered at this time; cost £3.15.0. An application of
interest, before the Enquiry Committee was that of David Shearer. Two
Visitations by the Lodge receive special mention; to Lodge Union Stonehouse No. 244 where Bro. T. McAulay
carried out the M.M. Degree and to Cadder Argyle No.
147 where the Installation Ceremony was carried out by Bros. A. Y. Marshall and
T. McAulay P.M.s/ 524. A
Bro. Wilson became R.W.M. at their hands. The passing of the wife of Bro. D.
Cameron P.M./Treasurer is reported and so too that of a Bro. A. P. Ritchie who
received a Masonic Funeral. The Election for the following year gave Bro. R. Moffatt as R.W.M.-Elect with Bros. W. McMartin
and A. Moffatt as Wardens. The Installing Masters in
December were P.M.s Bros. T. McAulay
and R. Currie. At Grand Lodge Bro. Brig. N. A. Orr-Ewing, who had succeeded
H.M. King Geo. VI, as Grand Master began his Second year as such.
1939-40
Brother Robert Moffat, M .A.. M .C., was Master of the Lodge
during both the fateful years of 1939 and 1940 - the last occasion during the
Lodges first 100 years when any Master sat for more than 1 year. The Master's
own brother served as Junior Warden during 1939-40 also, and, as we shall sees
he too became Master. The Lodge met in its own Hall until the outbreak of War
in September. An undated Minute between 29th August and 12th September 1939
states very crisply, “The Hall has been requisitioned by the military“. Through
the good offices of Bro. T. McAulay P. M. and the
Minister and Session of East Kilbride's West Kirk the Lodges Meetings were
thereafter held in the Lesser Hall of the Church. During Bro. Moffatt's 2 years in Office there were 14 Initiates and 3
Affiliated Brethren these being received and instructed by Bros. A. Wilson, A. Moffatt .J. Learmond, J.
Sutherland and, at the Mark, by P.M. Bro. T . McAulay. An interesting
Working of the F.C. Degree was that by 3 Blood Brothers A, W. and P. Morrison
whose Father was present in Lodge at the time. Despite the times the Lodge
Minutes 3 Official Visitations; 2 to Lodge No. 557 and 1 to Lodge No. 505 Hurlford when Bro. T. McAulay
worked the Mark Degree. The Working of the F.C. at High Blantyre in 1939 was by
the R.W.M. and his Brother Andrew, J.W. Provincial Grand Lodge made its
Visitations in February and September respectively with Bro. T. Hart P.G.M.
giving his now expected lecture, this time on the subject of the ''Liberal Arts
and Sciences“, at the 1939 visit. With regard to Grand Lodge we read of our
Representatives being instructed to go to Grand Lodge and resist the proposed
increase of 5/ - in fees to Grand Lodge. Also that the issue
to Candidates of the Abridged version of the Constitution and Laws of Grand
Lodge was now compulsory. The Lodges Benevolence during 1939/ 40 was in £17 to 2 Brothers. Obituaries in that time were for
Bros. C. Allan,
1941
The Lodge continued to meet in the West Kirk through 1941. The
Master, Bro. W. McMartin, chaired 9 of the 12
meetings and saw 11 new members. with 1 Affiliate,
join the Lodge. Some noted Bros. were amongst those joining, namely Bros. A. McLachlan, J. Templeton; A. Orr and both J. and G. Currie.
An Official Visit was made to Lodge Loudon, Ayrshire, No. 51 when an F.C.
Degree was carried out by Bro. J. Shedden, P.M./S.M.
The Inner Guard, Bro. A. Morrison, “called-up'' asked to be relieved of his
office. This, oddly enough. is
the first reference to Bros. Being “called-up'' during the Second World War.
One Obituary was reported that of a Bro. T. Begg.
Provincial Grand Lodge visited in September under the P.G. M. Bro. T. Hart when
a “Clear Minute'' was made. 21 copies of the new Grand Lodge Constitution are
recorded as sold at 1/6d each; Initiates to receive their copies free. A
disappointing Minute appears in October when it is recorded that the General
Committee were, ''unable, due to a lack of unanimity: to make any
recommendation to the Lodge for its Office-Bearers in 1942“.
It is also recorded that the S.W. Bro. A. Moffatt
had withdrawn from Office, ''due to business and health reasons“. And further
that the R.W.M . Bro. W. McMartin
was absent from the Installation Meeting with no apology being recorded, this
being 3rd such occasion during 1941 . As to whether
these entries may be linked, to form a picture of some dissension, one cannot
tell. In December Bros. A. Y. Marshall and T. McAulay
installed Bro. Matthew Bickett as R.W.M. for 1942,
after due Election. with Bros. J. Hood and
Grand Lodge issued details of the Government's “War Damage Act''
and the Lodge proceeded to insure it's paraphernalia at a premium of £4.5.0.
Thus ended a somewhat quiet year and Lodge was set to enter 1942.
1942
1942 was marked by an upswing in the number of Initiates - there
being 27 joined the lodge in that year - the best figures since 1920. It was
therefore a busy year Degree work being carried out by Bros. Pettigrew,
Riddick, Strutt, Learmond, Anderson.
Lodge St. Andrew donated 10/- to a Testimonial for a Bro. Watson of
Provincial Grand Lodge. And in December we have a Minute where the Lodge sent
congratulations to the Provincial Grand Master Bro. T. Hart upon his being
Installed as Grand Lodge Senior Warden. The Lodge also subscribed £5.5.0 to
Grand Lodge War Distress Fund. Monies coming in to Lodge were a cheque from
''the Military'' for £32.19.4 for Furniture Damage and a Donation from Bro. R.
Currie, to General Fund, of £12.5.0. Once more we find that pitiful Minute from General Committee “. . . . unable
to recommend Office-Bearers for l 943 to the Lodge, as there is a contest for
the Chair.“ The Contest for the Chair was between Bros. A. Moffat
and S. Riddick with the latter being successful in the election. Bros. W. Wood
and A. Anderson were elected Wardens. There were in fact 18 contests, some
resided. It is recorded at this time that Lodge agreed for O.B.s
in the forces to be re-instated upon their return. Bros. R. Strutt
P.M. and R. Currie P.M. were Installing Masters in December when Bro. S.
Riddick became Master and Bro. R. Currie Dep. Master. At Grand Lodge the Bro.
Viscount Traprain relinquished Office to Bro. Captain
J. Stewart of Murdostown.
1943
1943 was a year noted for the high number of entrants:- 43 with l Honorary Affiliation (Bro. Captain Murdoch).
These figures are the and highest in the Lodges first
100 years. This gave rise to much work in Lodge and we find again many
occasions when 2 Degrees were carried out on one evening. Also Bros. being Balloted and Entered on the same evening. New names among
the Workers were Bros. J. Currie, J. Barr, Patton and W. Wood. The “Mark'' was
by Bro. T. McAulay, when 31 went “through''.
Interesting Candidates at this time were Bros. J. & W. M.Lachlan,
J . Stenhouse, J. Headley,
R. & J . Aitkenhead, J. Parkhill and P. Strangward.
We have no record in 1943 of incoming visitations but the lodge itself went out
to Storehouse and to
1944
Bro. T. Pettigrew, R.W. M. in l 944, saw 28 new members join Lodge
with 1 of each of Ordinary and Honorary Affiliates - the latter being Bro.
Munn, R.W. M. of Lodge No. 347. This work was carried out for the R.W. M. by
his Installing Masters. and by Bros. Higgins, Young,
and A. Moffatt. The Lodges 114, 599 and 1228 also
assisted under their respective R.W.M.s Bros.
Bennett, MacDonald and Dickson. The Mark, by Bro. T McAulay,
P.M., was received by no less than 34 Brothers. A long list of Obituaries was
reported; Bros. Esslemont, Winning, D. Thomson, Past
Treasurer; W. Speirs (on active service) and also that
of Major Robertson - son-in-law to P. M. Bro. D. Cameron (Secretary). The widow
of Bro. Esslemont thoughtfully returned his Apron and
Sash for use in Lodge. The Lodge expressed Benevolence in their usual
subscriptions to Glasgows Hospitals and to a Brother
(not of 524) with £2.2.0 assistance. A number of Brothers gave £10 to Lodge's
''Comforts'' Fund anonymously and another Donation of £3.10.0 to Lodge General
Fund, per A. McLachlan, is recorded. In January the
Lodge had, regretfully, to accept the resignation, due to ill-hea1th, of
Secretary Bro. R. Strutt, P.M. Bro. R. Moffat P.M. was elected to take his place. A ''Salute the
soldier'' week called for a representative from Lodge and Bro. A. Anderson S.W.
was so apponted. An interesting minute refers to a
talk by a very Senior Member of Lodge one Bro. J. Richardson who regaled all
with “Stories of 40 years ago“. The Military Authority “released'' Lodge Hall
from requisition ands in August, paid agreed damages of £324. Before this, in
January, the Financial Statement had been accepted, for 1943, with much satisfaction, due to the credit balance in General Fund. Again. in May, the Provincial Grand
Lodge had also expressed much pleasure in Lodges Financial Condition. Later, in
December, the Financial Statement was accepted for 1944. The Nominations and
elections for 1945 gave Bro. A. Anderson the Office of R.W.M. elect. His
Wardens were Bros. A. Moffatt and A. Wilson with P.M
as Riddick and M. Bickett as Substitute and Depute
respectively. Bro. R. Moffat P. M .
was re-elected Secretary. In December the Installing
Masters were the Old gleam Stalwarts, Bros. A. Y. Marshall and T. McAulay. Bro. T. Hart, P.G. M. had become Substitute Grand
Master in
1945
Bro. A. Anderson, R.W.M. in 1945, maintained the momentum set in
1944 - seeing 27 new members join the Lodge. The pace could be said to have
increased as Bro. Anderson held 24 meetings during the year - 9 Regular and 15
Emergency. He Chaired them all - being assisted in the
Working by a long list of Bros.: J. Mackie, J. Leggat,
J. Templeton, A. Smillie, A. Moffat,
J. Barr and A. Wilson. Visiting Lodges also assisted; Lodges
116, 384, 1231, headed by their R.W.M.s Bros. W. McChesney, J. Kerr and M. Mason. The Degree working
by Lodge 116 was in the hands of one Captain .J. Johnstone.
Bro. R. Currie P.M., conducted the Mark Degree with 17
“going through“. A visitation by Lodge St. Andrew to
1946
Bro. A. Moffat may not have been so
learned as his Bro. Robert who had earlier been R.W.M. of Lodge. However, Bro.
Andrew, having gained the Chair in 1946 certainly kept his end-up and, before
the year was ended, proved his worth. A record number of Initiates joined the
Lodge - no less than 45. To these were added 3 Affiliates. And, necessarily, a
record number of meetings were held; 9 Regular and 15 Special. No doubt the
members of H.M. Forces, returning to Civilian life swelled the numbers joining.
Many new names were to be found amongst the Workers: Bros. Higgins. W. Young,
D. Shearer, G. Currie, J. Cochrane, R. Glendinning,
A. Anderson and Bro. Bathgate. Bro. Bathgate was one of the Bros. affiliated
and carried out a Degree on the same night. Lodges Cambuslang
No. 114 and Livingstone 599 also assisted under their R.W.M.s
Bros. Orr and Clark. The Lodge, in return, travelled to Lodges Burns St. Mary
No. 505 and to Loch Fyne No. 754 to confer Degrees.
The R.W.M. attended the Semi-Jubilee of Lodge Eaglesham
No. 1265. The Mark for 1946 was in the hands of P.M. Bro. R. Moffat. Applications of note, in 1946, were from Q. Watt,
W. Wallace, W. Grant. G. Glendinning
and C. Limond. Donations were made as usual to Glasgows Hospitals and a Brother also received £12 in
Benevolence. Provincial Grand Lodge also provided Benevolence in a Grant £25 to
a deceased Brothers daughter. They made their Annual Visit in May and declared
a Clear Minute for 1945. Bro. T. Hart. P.G.M., was
reported ill at this time. Obituaries recorded were of Bros. J. McCallum, D.
Sloan, A. McMillan, G. Warnock, J. Wallace and J. Terrace. And,
on the 10th December, the long serving Provincial Grand Master. Bro.
Thomas Hart, also died. He had served as P.G.M. for 17
years and attained the Rank of Grand Senior Warden. We have no doubt he was
greatly missed. Lodge Social Activities too had taken an upward surge. Bro. A. Smillie, through the year, paid in some £65 from a series
of Functions held. 7 White Lamb-skin Aprons were amongst the items bought. The Sociai (committee was of J .
Mackie Junior Warden/ Convenor, Bros. Young, Cowan, Higgins, Smillie and Malcolm. The Hall itself' gained by the
acquisition of Crockery (£15.8.0) and Glasses (£1.15.0) with Tables and Forms.
The Hall was now open every Tuesday evening with Instruction Classes being held
every other Tuesday. The Hall-keepers wages were boosted by an agreed payment
of 10% of Lets Income. Some evidence of Dry-Rot had appeared by Main doorway. Both the re-printed Financial Statement for 1945, presented in
January, and that for October 1946. presented
in December, were passed as in order and highly praised by Lodge and Provincial
Grand Lodge. The Honoraria to Secretary; Treasurer and loller
were increased to 12, 7 and 4
1947
Following the post-war peak of admissions in 1946, Bro. A. Wilson,
R.W.M. 1947, saw 21 candidates added to the Roll, with 2 Honorary
members. Again a large number of Meetings were held; 9 regular and 11 special.
New names among the Degree workers were those of Bros. T. Malcolm and A. Paton, with the R.W.M. also participating. Lodge No. 244
Storehouse, under its R.W.M. Bro. Hawthorn also assisted. The Mark Degree was
carried out by Lodge No. 505. Burns St Mary, of Hurlford. For their work here both the R.W.M. Bro.
Donnelly and the I.P.M. Bro. H. Hunter received Honorary Membership. Visits
were made by the Lodge to Lodge Cumberland Kilwinning
No. 215 (E.C.) at their 200th Anniversary and to the Consecration of Lodge the
Royal Stuart No. 1414. Provincial Grand Lodge visited in April under Bro. Inglis, S.P.G.M. and declared a Clear minute. Bro. Sam B.
Love had earlier become the new Provincial Grand Master. Lodge St. Andrew had
reached its 75th year in 1947. But, sadly, no reference to this appears in
Lodge minutes. The announcement (designation) of the New Town of East Kilbride
was also made in 1947 - but here again Lodge minutes make no reference. Lodge
Benevolence reached something of a record peak in 1947 with £100 being granted.
These were however to 2 persons only. One of £20 to a Brother
and 2 of £40 each to the daughter of a deceased Brother. In the latter
case Grand Lodge also granted £40. Some 5 Obituaries were reported; Bros. J . Stanger, J. Hastie, A. Shierlaw, W. Taylor
and the Lodges oldest member - 94 year old Bro. R. Russell. The Social
Committee continued to work very successfully and contributed no less than £70
throughout the year. Of note is the firm arrangement recorded for the Mark
harmony:- “Tickets 2/- each; Visitors excused; no free
beer“. The Annual Ball in October was voted a success and, it is recorded,
Regalia was worn with permission. Lodge Secretary, who
had resigned in January but later withdrew this,
endeavoured to do so again in October. It was then minuted
that the Lodge would not accept even this second resignation. The Financial
Statement to October 1947 was accepted and, as funds were adjudged to be good,
it was agreed to consider Investing part. Lodge
Auditors were Bros. R. Currie, A. Y. Marshall and J. Shedden.
The Honoraria for the year was passed at 20, 7 and 4
Thus prepared, the Lodge moved into the 4th
Quarter of its history.....