History of Lodge St.Andrew
1948 - 1972.
1948
1948 - the year of Bro. J . Mackie (Snr) as R.W. M. was a moderate year in which 22 members
joined the Lodge with 1 Affiliate. Lodge Regular Meetings were doubled to 2 per
month in October (the Second and Fourth Tuesdays) - the years total of meetings
being 12 Regular and 7 Special. The Working was as always by P.M.s of the Lodge with new names showing; Bros. Johnstone, G. Glendinning, A. Smillie and D. Shearer. Lodge Livingstone No. 599 also
assisted eluder its R.W.M . Bro. Craig. Lodge St.
Andrew itself visited Lodges 505 and 1194 to confer degrees. New applications
during the year were from Bros. D. Bilsland, A.
Currie, J. H. Mackie and M . Park.
Lodge Benevolence was in 2 payments totalling £17 to 2 Bros. The Lodge also
subscribed £25 to what is vaguely minuted as “Grand
Lodge Centenary. At Grand Lodge Bro. Dr. A. Buchan had become Grand Secretary.
Provincial Grand Lodge made their Annual Visit Parkhill
- were appointed to the British Legion Committee which was preparing the War
Memorial. A £5 Donation was also made to assist this task. At the Hall itself a
Donation of 6 Doz. Glasses was made by Bro. A. Thomson aid Bro. Gilfind printed the names of the R.W.M.s
of the Lodge to date on the R.W.M.s Board in East. A
gas-geyser for hot water was also installed. The Social Committee continued to
show a profit and were heartily congratulated. During
1948 some £80 was paid in by them - making some £260 in 3 years! They also
bought collecting bags at a cost of £7.10.0. The Treasurers Financial Statement
to September 1948 presented in December was unanimously accepted. Obituaries
reported were of Bros. A. Garroway and at Provincial
Grand Lodge - Bro. J. Pollock P.M./116 and P.G.S.M .
Bro. Pollock’s death was a sudden one. Also, in February, the Lodge lost one of
its greatest Pillars; P.M. Bro. T. McAulay. At the
Masonic Funeral Service the Rev. Bro. B. Falconer of Lodge 2 l 5 was the
Officiating Minister; the
1949
Meetings in 1949 numbered 21 (18 Regular and 3 special) of which
Bro. A. Thomson chaired 15. No reference is made to illness so we must assume business commitments caused him to miss some 6
meetings. Initiates for the year were 22 with 1each Affiliates and Honorary
members. Our Honorary member was Bro. G.
The successful run of some 3 years by the Social Committee appears
here to be interrupted. Its composition underwent a change with Bros. A. Smillie and T. Malcolm retiring and others, such as Bros.
G. Glendinning, A. Marshall and J. Leggatt, coming on. It was proposed that the late committee
should receive a belated ''night-out'' to supper and a Theatre and the new
Committee set out on its task. During the year following Bro. W. Young donated
some £27 to the Lodge from the Committee. Lodge Annual Ball was in November and
regalia worn by permission of Provincial Grand Lodge. The Nomination and
elections for l 950's Office Bearers led to Bro. W. Young becoming Master
Elect. P.M.s Bros. J. Mackie and A. Anderson were Sub
and Dep Masters respectively with Bros. J. Templeton
and R. Glendinning Wardens. Installing Masters in December
were P.M.s Bros. A. Y. Marshall and T. Pettigrew. At
Grand Lodge the new Grand Master was Bro. Sir Charles M. Barclay-Harvey of Kinord.
1950
Bro. W. Young, R.W.M. 1950, in 18 Regular Meetings saw 24 New
Members join the Lodge with 1 Affiliate. Amongst the Degree workers we find
Bros. R. and G. Glendinning, J. McLachlan,
J. Leggatt and D. Shearer. Also, at a Special
Meeting, we find Lodge Hamilton, Kilwinning, No. 7,
conferring the Mark Degree at Lodge St Andrew, when 18 Master Masons were
advanced. Lodge Benevolence was in 2 cases where a total of £40 was granted, to
one of which Provincial Grand Lodge added £40 in Annuity. Provincial Grand
Lodge made their Annual Visit, again in April, declared a Clear Minute and
congratulated Lodge upon its healthy financial state. The Provincial Grand
Master requested R.W.M.s not to surrender their
Mallets - emblems of Power and Authority to Visiting Brothers. Whilst it is not
so minuted we would assume the Lodge Ceremonial
Mallet should be used in such situations. It was also indicated at this time
that Grand Lodge desired all Daughter Lodges to appoint a Lodge Almoner. A long
list of Obituaries were reported; those of Bros. C. Thomson, A. Andrews, J.
McKay, W. Craig, W. Ainslie, W. Caullay and that of
the P.G.D.M. Bro. Ingles. At the Hall a bill for recent repairs reached £109,
the Organ repair £4.10.0 and it was agreed to lay Lino in Ladies Room and Hall
Passageways. A leather case for the R.W.M.s regalia
was purchased, as were an Ambulance-Box and 6 White Jackets for use at the
Third Degree. Lodge Property Insurance was taken out at a Premium of £9 P.A.
whilst the Lodge Cottage had a new Tenant, a Miss J. Mackie, at a Rent of £10
P.A. The Social Committee which had been re-elected en-bloc early in the year
received the resignations of Bros. C. McMillan and Geo. Glendinning.
These were made up by the co-option of Bros. W. Wallace and Robert Glendinning. During the year the Committee donated to the
Lodge the sum of £24.9.0. Lodge Finances were reviewed and this led to the sums
of even and £200. from the Savings and the Commutation
Fee funds being invested in war Loan at 3.5% interest. At the A.G.M. in
November the Financial Statement was found to contain no Bank Interest on the
Income Side. This was challenged by P.M. Bro. M . Bickett who was assured it would show in 1951. This did not
suffice and it was moved to refer the statement back to Auditors and Treasurer.
An amendment by P.M.s Bros. A. Y. Marshall and A.
Nicholson called for its acceptance and was so carried. The Elections for 1951
gave Bro. J . Templeton as
R.W.M.-e1ect. His Wardens were Bros. R. Glendinning
and D. Shearer. The Lodges first Almoner was Bro. R. Strutt,
P. M. Not, we are sure, the Lodges first Sick Visitor but this was a new ‘’Office“.
The Installing Masters in December were P.M.s Bros.
A. Thomson and T. Pettigrew.
1951
1951, a “quiet'' year, was the year of Bro. J .
Templeton - himself a quiet man. Some 20 meetings led
to 20 Candidates joining dodge. The Work being carried out by such as D.Hood P.M. and Bros. R. Glendinning,
D. Shearer and A. Anderson. Lodge No. 557, High Blantyre, assisted on 2
occasions one of which was Mark Degree in May. Their R.W. M. was Bro. Frew. Lodge St. Andrew travelled once again to Lodge Hurlford No. 505. Lodge Rutherglen
No. 116 also visited “524” when a lecture on Freemasonry was delivered by Bro. Johnstone, the R.W.M. of 116 being Bro. Hamilton. Lodge
Benevolence reached £30 for 2 cases and some 7 Obituaries were noted; Bros. L.
Currie, T. Kelly, T. Stark, D. Hendry, J. Callagan,
A. Wllson, and that of P.M. Bro. T. Lennox. In the
Hall the Lodge was obliged to create an Emergency Exit which cost £68 and at
Lodge Cottage ceiling repairs became necessary. The Social Committee Donations
by Bro. W. Young were £25.1 .0. The R.W.M. gave reports of visits to the
Opening of the New Masonic Home, Ault Wharrie, at Dunblane and to a meeting of the “Masonic Benevolence
Council No. 6” at
1952
1952, Bro. Glendinning's
year as Master was, as we shall see, a momentous one. Not however in a
creditable manner which was unfortunate, and ironic, for the Lodge never had a
more meticulous Master. However, despite set-backs, there were 33 Initiates and
1 each of Affiliates and Honorary Members. These were admitted during some 17
Regular Meetings to which, perforce, 8 Special had to be added. Degree Work was
by Bros. Brown, Tennant, Hood and Grant assisted by Lodges 458 and 1231 under
their R.W.M.s Bros. Twynholm
and Lindsay. The Working for Lodge 458 was by P. M. - Bro. J. Orr a well known
Brother indeed. At this time he received Honorary Membership of St. Andrew. The
Mark Degree in 1952 was by Lodge Rutherglen No. 116
under its R.W.M. Bro. Mclvor. Bro. J. McLachlan J.W., reported attending
the consecration of Lodge Nitshill No. 1478. A Bro. Yeamon of the English Constitution who had attended a
number of Lodge meetings was bade farewell by the members on his returning to
Bro. W. Young P.M. received a Masonic Funeral at which Bro. Rev. W.
Wright of Lodge 116 Officiated. It was in January of the year that the Lodge
experienced a sever set-back to its Administrative Working. The shocking and
saddening situation occupied the lodge and its members for most of that year.
Following the Installing of the Lodges new Treasurer, Bro. I. Christie, it was
revealed that the Lodges accounts were some £1650 short, in its Book-Keeping,
prior to his assuming Office. The Brother concerned made full restitution
before the year was ended. The Lodge was moved to expel the offending Brother
but this was reduced to expulsion “sine-die'' by Grand Committee in
1953
Bro. D. Shearer, R.W.M. 1953, chaired all of his 18 Regular
Meetings. 16 New Members joined the Lodge and noted Applications were from Jas.
Hutchison, H. Morrison and, for Affiliation Bro. J . McLatchie.
The R.W.M. himself took part in Degree working assisted by Bros. Tennant and T.
Mitchell. Lodges No. 1265 and 426 also took part under their R.W.M as Bros.
Jamieson and Taylor, respectively. Lodge No. 426 conferred the Mark Degree.
During the year the Lodge donated £10.10.0 to the Coronation Fund; £10.0.0 to
the Masonic Homes Fund and £2.2.0 to the Earl Haig.
In the Hall interior painting cost £111 and it was also agreed to purchase
Slippers, Hoodwinks and 2 Wardens Cases. The Wardens reported visiting Lodge
St. John, Busby's presentation to P.M. Bro. J. Orr and the Lodge said farewell
to Bro. J. Peacock - off to
1954
During 1954, Bro Jonathan McLachan
R.W.M., held 18 Regular Meetings, all of which he Chaired himself. The Degree
working was well shared out among some 10 Brothers of the Lodge and
Provincial Grand Lodge made their Annual visit in April; Bro. R. McMenemy P.G.M. and 24 of his Colleagues. A Clear Minute
was inscribed for Bro. D. Shearers “Year” and approval given to the
presentation of Distinguished Service Diplomas to Bros. A. Y. Marshall, P.M.
and to Bro. R. Strutt, P.M. Permission was also given
to hold the next Installation on the Saturday following the second Tuesday in
December but the Lodge was directed to amend its Byelaws accordingly. Brother
James C. Leggatt was Elected R.W.M. for the Year
1955. He was Installed such in December by Bros. T. Johnstone
P.G.D.M. and H. Blain P.G.S.M. This ended the Year as R.W.M. for Bro. Jonathan,
as he was to become affectionally known, but his work
in the Lodge was far from over.
1955
Brother James Leggatt, R.W.M. in 1955 was
very much “Local boy” and, not surprisingly, an Agricultural Engineer. He had
joined the Lodge in 1939 and he had, as always worked well on its behalf. During his year as R.W.M. there were 20 meetings of the Lodge - all
Chaired by himself. 22 Candidates were Initiated
during the year by the Lodge P.M.s assisted by Bros.
J.
At a Special Meeting in April Distinguished Service Diplomas were
presented to Bros. A.Y.
1956
In 1956 Brother John Tennant R.W.M. had Bros. J. Parkhill as Secretary and R. Glendinning,
Treasurer. The R.W.M. chaired all of the 19 Meetings held and 19 new Members
joined the Lodge. Brother J. Downie P.M./ 557 was the one Honorary Member. Deputations were
received from Lodges No. 557 and 1499 headed by their R.W.M.S. Bros. J. Coates
and O'Hara respectively. The Lodge itself travelled to lodges 116, 510 and 557
on Official Visits. The R.W.M found it necessary to call on Brethren of the
Lodge to form a Soclal Committee. As a result he was
joined by Bros. Leggatt, G. Glendinning,
J. Mackie (Jnr.), A. Bain, H. Morrison and W. Wallace
(Jnr.) in forming one. Their efforts are reflected in
the conducting, during the year, of a Burns Supper, Basket Whist, a Bus Run and
a Children's Christmas Party. A donation of 15/- was received from the O.E.S.
toward the Christmas Party. Hall charges caused some unrest among those who
hired the Hall but he Lodge held firm. The local Legion and the O.E.S. were
granted the use of the Hall Free on at least some specific occasions. Some
consideration was given to requesting the Let or
Provincial Grand Lodge made their Annual Visit in February. A
''Clear Minute'' was inscribed but the Financial Statement had to be re-written
to adjust some clerical errors. The New Regalia, cost £148, was Dedicated in
October by Rev. Bro. Philp of Lodge No. 27. The death
of Bro. R. Strutt, P.M. holder of a distinguished
Service Diploma, occurred on 20th April. This led to a Masonic Funeral in
traditional manner, when the R.W.M. and the Rev. W. Wright, P.G.C. officiated.
9 P.M .s. and a number of Bros. attended. The death was also reported off Bro.
J. Richardson who joined Lodge in 1898. Brother George Glendinning
was Elected R.W. M. for 1957 and, in December was Installed
by his father, Brother Robert Glendinning P. M.,
assisted by Brother David Shearer P.M. At Grand Lodge Bro. Lord MacDonald had
ended his 4 years as Grand Master and was succeeded by Archibald, The Earl of Eglinton and Winton.
1957
Brother Geo Glendinning, in l 957, held
21 Meetings all but one of which he was able to Chair. Degree work was carried
out regularly by the Lodge Brethren assisted by visitation from Lodges 116,
1265 and Sandyford, and as a result 29 Candidates
were initiated. There was also 1 Affiliate. The Mark Degree was in the hands of
Bro. R. Glendinning P.M. Treasurer who advanced 19
Brothers to that Degree.
An invitation was received to the 150th Anniversary of Lodge No.
215 Strathaven. Grand Lodge issued several new edicts
during the year. One that the maximum number of Degrees in
one year be 25 and the other that the Minimum Joining Fee be raised to
£10.10.0. The Minimum Test and Mark Fees be 10/- and 5/- respectively
and that Life Membership be 10 times the Lodge Test Fee. Lodge Collections
through the Year were as follows: General £2.0.0, Tea £1.3.0, Harmony £5.4.0.
For Provincial and Grand Lodge Benevolence the sums of £2.18.0 and £8.15.2 were
collected respectively. Lodge Benevolence lay in the Sums of £10, £15 and £20
to respective Brethren and to the Earl Haig Fund
£2.2.0. The re-installation of Bro. R. McMenemy by
Lord McDonald, Past Grand Master took place at Renfrew on l 8th April. The
R.W.M., S.W., J.W. Secretary and Treasurer were sent by the Lodge to represent
them at this event. Provincial Grand Lodge Annual Visit to Lodge St Andrew was
on 12th March when a “Clear Minute'' was recorded. Brother R. Glendinning P. M./ 524 was, by
then Provincial Grand Standard-Bearer. The Obituaries of 2 P.M.s
were reported - Those of Bros. H. Barr and Jas. Mackie (Snr).
Brother Mackies' Funeral was a Masonic one at which
the R.W.M . and the Rev Bro. Philp of Lodge
A proposal to change Lodge meeting night to a Monday was defeated
and a request for a Sunday let of the Hall refused. It was agreed to purchase
25 Master Mason aprons and a Cupboard to contain Glassware. The Purchase of a
Table light for Secretary's Table was not necessary as one was gifted by P.M.
Bro. J. McLachlan. This ended a successful year for
Bro. G . Glendinning who was destined still to serve many years in the Ledge.
Bro. Jas. Mackie, Jnr. was Elected R .W. M. for the
year 1958. His installing Master was P.M. Bro. A .
1958
1958, a year in which 22 meetings of the Lodge were held, saw Bro.
Jas. Mackie in the Chair on every occasion. 26 New Members and 3 Affiliates
joined the Lodge in that year. The Affiliates were Bros. I .
Bayne, J. Cantley and J. F. Nicol of whom more anon. At the First Degrees
conferred by P.M. Bro. J . Tennant in February that
year, Bro D. MacDonald was Initiated.
1959
Brother Mitchell, in his year as R.W. M., 1959, held 22 Meetings,
Chaired all and entered 25 New Members. 2 Brothers Affiliated to the Lodge and
21 received their Mark at the hands of Bro. A. Anderson P.M. In the Working of
Degrees the R.W.M. was well served by the Lodge P.M.s
together with Bros. T. Greig, J. Dunn, J. D. Pryde and J. Bayne. Lodges 116,
458 and 1194 visited the Lodge and conferred Degrees, the latter 2 being headed
by their R.W.M.s. Bros. Lees and Wood, respectively.
Bro. Jonathan McLachlan P.M. became Lodge Almoner and
was given 6 Assistants to endeavour to cover the Lodges increasing area.
Benevolence in this year was of £5 to the Daughter of a deceased Brother.
Collections for Provincial and Grand Lodge Benevolence Reached £3.6.1 and £9.12.4
respectively. Each was made up to £15.15.0. Average collections in the Lodge
were; General £3.15.0 and Tea £2.4.0. New Entries appearing at this time were
“Lodge Social Income“. The average received over 6 Meetings was £25.11.0. The
Erection of the Proposed New Lodge proceeded apace. Lodge St. Andrew with Lodge
St. John, Busby had supported the Application for a Charter. This the new Lodge
received in May - their number being 1557 and their name, Lodge Douglas. Lodge
St. Andrew, having approved a let of their Hall to Lodge Douglas, in the
January, for the 3rd Friday of each month were asked in February to change this
to every and Friday, from the September. As this conflicted
with other Regular Bookings the arrangement lapsed. In the September a
request was received from the new Royal Arch Chapter in the Town, East Kilbride
No. 781, for the let of the Hall on each and Friday of the Month. This was
agreed and taken up. Proposals made in Lodge at this time called for it to be
extended if possible. It was agreed to contact the E.K.D.C. with a view to
acquiring more ground adjoining. The setting up of a Building Fund was referred
to the Finance Committee. Enquiries had also been received from E.K.D.C. with
regard to the demolition of the Lodges Old Cottage, now in a state of
disrepair. The obituaries were reported of no less than 5 Brothers in 1959.
Brothers A. Arthur, W. Young (Initiated 1891), G Wallace, W. Wallace (Snr) and T Pettigrew P.M. The Funeral of Bro. T. Pettigrew
was a Masonic one at which the Rev. Bro. W. Wright Officiated. On a happier
note we find recorded the appointment of Bro. R. Currie P. M. as a Steward at
Grand Lodge and a visit from a Bro. R. Stibbings of
Lodge No. 6442 E.C., who was Provincial Grand Deacon in Warwickshire. The
Instruction Class arranged a lecture by Bro. R. Kemp P.M./ 1265 on the Compass
Club and Invitations were received to attend Lodge Douglas, and also to the
Dedication of a Masters Chair to the Memory of the Rev. Bro. D. Seath P. M./ 1265.
Provincial Grand Lodges Annual Visit in February led to a Clear
Minute for 1958. The Provincial Grand Master Bro. R. McMenemy
urged the Lodge to revive their Annual Divine Service. This they did, along
with Lodges 458 and Langside when the attendance was
high. The Election in November gave Bro. W. H. Wallace the office of R.W.M. in
1960. And in December he was installed by Bros. G. Glendinning
and R. Glendinning P.M.s. A
request to Provincial Grand Lodge for permission to wear Regalia at the Annual
Dance was not granted. Lodge Hallkeeper was now Bro.
C. Limmond.
1960
Brother William Wallace in his year as Master conducted 18 Regular
and 6 Special Meetings. He Chaired them all and
introduced 27 New Members. 4 Brothers were also Affiliated
at this time. Degree working was carried out by the Lodge P.M.s
assisted by a variety of other Brethren. Amongst these were The Masonic Pipers
from Lodge Livingstone No. 599 with Bro. Moore P.M in charge; Lodge Abercrombie
No. 1430 headed by Bro. A. Watson P.M. and from East Kilbrides
new Lodge: Lodge Douglas No. 1557 with its R.W.M. Bro. D. S. Reid. Also from Lodge 557, Bro. Bauchop R.W.M.
and Lodge 458 Bro. A. G. Murray R.W.M. The Degree conferred by Lodge No.
458 was by Bro. James Orr P.M. Two Mark Degrees were conferred in this Calendar
year by P.M.s Bros. A. Anderson and R. Glendinning. The Lodge Extension continued to cause concern
to the Lodge with Plans drawn up, rejected and re-drawn. At the end of the year
Brethren were loath to accept the verdict of a Mr. Dick that the Lodge was not
suitable for Extension and Renovation and that they should consider a
completely new building. Donations received for the Building Fund included
£7.2.0 from a Bro. R. McGill and £60 from the “St.Andrews
Circle Club”. A Bazaar held during the year, and opened by Mrs. Barr, realized
£116.2.1. The Heating Boiler, faulty was agreed to be repaired at a cost of
£20. Lodge Collections averaged £3.18.0 per meeting and Tea Fund £2.11.0.
Income from the Social Side averaged £23.14.0. Lodge Annual Balls held in the
Provincial Grand Lodge gave a “clear minute'' for the previous
years working at their visit in February. A collection taken for Provincial
Grand Lodge Benevolence (£3.2.6) was augmented to £15.15.0. At the Election in
November, Bro. J. B. Parkhill, for 13 years lodge
Secretary, was Elected R.W.M. for 1961. The new Lodge Secretary was P.M. Bro. J . Leggatt. The Grand Lodge Benevolent Collection is not recorded but
a report is given of a Grand Lodge Annuity of £50 per year to a Lodge Widow. At
Grand Lodge the Office of Grand Master was now occupied by Bro. Andrew, 11th
Earl Elgin and 15th Earl Kincardine.
1961
Brother John Parkhill, R.W. M., chaired
all but 2 of his 22 meetings held in 1961. New members totalled 27 and 2
Brothers Affiliated to the Lodge; Brothers T. Harrison and A. Fraser. 11
Brethren received their Mark at the hands of P.M. Bro. G. Glendinning.
Degree Working during the year was carried out by the
Lodge P.M.s assisted by Bros. R. McLaren
and H. Morrison and also by Lodges 116 and 1557. A Unique First Degree took
place in September when no less than 6 R.W.M .s, all resident in
Brother Thomas Greig received the Lodges
Nomination as R.W. M. for 1962. Duly Elected he was Installed R.W.M. in
December by Bros. Jonathan McLachlan P.M. and D.
Shearer P.M. Brother J. Leggatt P.M. continued as
Lodge Secretary.
1962
Luckily for the Lodge in l 962 Bro. T. Greig
was a better Master than he ever was a Singer. With this assessment we are sure
he will be happy to agree. He Chaired all of his 23 Meetings, enjoyed an
average attendance of 79 and there were 23 New members in that year. 2 Brothers
Affiliated and there were 2 Honorary Members Bros. Blain and Denholm of Provincial Grand Lodge. Assisting the R.W.M. in
Degree working were the Lodge P.M.s with Bros. D,
Marshall, N . Robb, A. Fraser and W.
Carrick. Lodges No. 116 and 1557 also conferred degrees whilst led by
Bros. T. Black and Q. Watt respectively. The Mark Degree in May was by P.M . Bro. A. Anderson when 21 Bros. were advanced. The
Joint Divine Service with Lodge Douglas, 1557, in April was well attended.
Lodge benevolence was extended in £10 to 2 Brothers; the Masonic Homes £3.3.0
and to Provincial Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge £15.15.0 and £25.0.0
respectively. Donations of £10, anon, and £61 from ”St.
Andrew Circle Club“ brought the Building Fund to £430.4.0. The Social Fund
surplus for the year was £3.1.4 having promoted a Theatre Night and Dinner
Dance amongst other Functions. The Passing of 2 P.M.s
of the Lodge occurred in 1962. Those of Bros. I. Mitchell and
A. Y. Marshall. Bro. A. Y. Marshall received a Masonic Funeral at which
the Rev. W. Wright Officiated. Bros. H. Blain P.G.M. and W. Binnie
P.G.S.M. attended. Bro. H. Blain of Provincial Grand Lodge had been Installed
P.G.M. in February when Bro. R.McMenemy reached the
end of 11 years service as P.G.M. Provincial Grand Lodge visited the Lodgc in March declaring a “Clear M inute”
and again in May when the P.G.M. dedicated the New Altar and Wardens Boxes
donated by Bro. Jas. F. Nicol. A noted visitor during
the year was a Brother K. Buchanan from the Friendly Isles. 2 Brothers of the
Lodge, Bros. Hood and Hickinson, leaving to live in
1963
Bro. Hugh Morrison chaired all of his 21 Meetings in 1963.
Candidates for the year numbered 23 and there were 4 Affiliates with 3 Honorary
Members. Among the Affiliates was Bro. William Carrick
and the 3 Honorary Members were Bros. Binnie, Pate
and the Rev. W. Wright of Provincial Grand Lodge. Degree working by the P.M.s and Lodge Members was supplemented by Deputations
from Lodges 1557, 458 and 557 with Bros. Reid,
Provincial Grand Lodge paid its Annual Visit in April when a “Clear
Minute'' was inscribed. Average Attendance had been 71 and Collections £3. 19.0
per meeting. The Social Fund showed a deficit of £19.
During 1963 the Children of Lodge Members were taken to the Pavilion Theatre
and a Bus Run in June proved successful. Brother James McLatchie
was Elected R.W.M. by the Brethren. He was Installed by Bro. J
. Maitland P.M. Lodge Ellangowan No. 716
assisted by Bro. W. Wallace P.M./ 524. A large
Deputation from Lodge St. Mungo No. 27, of Glasgow,
Bro. McLatchie's Mother Lodge, was present.
1964
Brother James McLatchie, R.W. M. in 1964,
had a busy and varied year. Hall re-building and plans occupied a great deal of
the time of all concerned. If they did not in fact come to pass it was not for
the want of trying. During the years 23 Meetings were held and the R.W.M.
chaired all but one. 25 Candidates and l Affiliate were entered, the Degree
work being carried out by Lodge P.M as assisted by Bros. A. McLachlan.
N. McMillan and W. Carrick. Bros. J. Maitland, P.M., 716, Installing Master
also conferred an F.C. Degree. Lodges Nos. 27, 458, 1265 and 1557 under their
Masters Bros. Smith, Moore, Campbell and Cameron also assisted whilst on
Deputation to the Lodge. P.M. Bros. A. Anderson conferred the Mark Degree on 28
Master Masons. Lodge Average Attendance showed an increase to 78 as did Average
collection to £4.12.0. The Re-building Plans, their return long awaited in
1963, came to hand in March 1964. They now, “had to go to Provincial Grand
Lodge” as a courtesy it seems. In June they were declared acceptable to
Lanarkshire County Council but, in August. not so by
the
In a drive to bring members back to the Lodge it was decided to
visit as many as possible, to inquire into the reasons for absence, and to
prevail upon them to return. Lodge Office Bearers were requested to clean their
own Regalia and it was agreed to replace the Sashes and Gauntlets of the R.W.M.
and Wardens. Brother Neil McMillan Jnr was Elected
R.W. M. for 1965 by Lodge Brethren. His Installation was by P.M.s
Bro. J . McLachlan and T. Greig. At Grand Lodge the
Grand Master Lord Bruce ended 4 years in Office and was succeeded by Bro. Major
Sir Ronald Orr-Ewing.
1965
In Brother Neil McMillan, Jnr, R.W.M.,
1965 we have, surely, the genuine Lodge St. Andrew "local-boy". As we
have seen, the rivalties of "locals" and
"New Townies" dated back to 1947 approximately. Brother Neil was the son
of Bro. Neil McMillan, Snr, P.M. in 1934 and
Great-Grandson of the Bro. N . McMillan,
Founder Member and Senior Deacon in 1872. This was a great tradition for
our R.W.M of 1965 to live up to. Bro. Neil chaired all off his 22 meetings,
Initiated 20 Candidates and received 5 Brothers as Affiliates. The Degree work
was by Lodge P.M.s assisted by Bros. N . Robb, W. McLachlan Jnr, R. Orr, A. Fraser and A . Mackie. Lodges No. 27, 116, 458 and 1557 also took part
whilst on Deputation to the Lodge. The first three were headed by Bros. Jarvis,
Marrow and McCourty respectively. The Mark Degree was
in the hands of Bro. J. McLatchie I.P.M. when 21
Bros. were advanced. The Building Fund continued to receive donations; £200
from Social Committee via Bro. W. Wallace, £9 per Bro. A. Wales, £3.10.0 per
Bro. D. Nelson U.S.A., £2.16.0 per Bro. J. Cantley
and £5 Anon - a total of £220.6.0. An Appeal was made to the Brethren to
consider letting the lodge have interest free loans. Bro. McLatchie
I.P.M. thanked all who had assisted the Lodge Bazaar. Lodge average Collections
had increased, yet again, to £6.6.0.
Bro. D. P. Marshall C.A. had become Lodge treasurer. Lodge Almoner
was now Bro. Tom Harrison, who was quite tireless in performing this duty.
Lodge Benevolence was £5 to a brother and £15.15.0 each to Provincial and Grand
Lodges. The Building Fund stood at £446.10.0. Provincial Grand Lodge visited
the Lodge in March and declared a “Clear Minute“. The Deaths were reported of 3
P.M.s Bros. R. Aitkenhead, M . Bickett and W
. McMartin. And also, of our Canadian “pioneer'' Bro. J . Gilchrist. Brother 5 James F. Nicol was Elected R.W.M. for 1966 by the Brethren and
Installed as such by Bros. T. Greig and J. McLatchie P.M.s in the December.
1966
Brother Nicol held 18 Regular and 1 Special meeting in 1966, entering 19 Candidates and 4
Affiliates in that time. Among the Affiliates were Bros. Chas. McCall and W.
Gilmour (Snr). Lodges Nos. 458, 1230, 1265 and 1557
conferred Degrees whilst on visits to the Lodge headed by Bros. Wylie, May, Esler and Gibbons respectively. P. M. Bro. A. Watson of
Lodge Abercrombie also took part in the Working. The Mark Degree was conferred
by Bro. J. McLachlan P.M. on 16 Master Masons.
Deputations were also received from Lodges 116 and 307 with Bros. Morrow and
Hannah in charge. Provincial Grand Lodge made their Annual Visit in March
headed by the P.G. M. Bro. H. Blain. A “Clear Minute'' was inscribed. Lodge
Benevolence during this year was of £5 to a Brother and in the sums of £26.5.0
and £50 to Provincial and Grand Lodges respectively. The Building Fund
benefited by 2 sums from the Social Committee of £200 and £300. The Finance and
the Action Committee in a combined report declared that the sum of £5000 was
now available for the rebuilding of the Hall, as and when the Plans were passed
by the Dean-of-Guild. Brother Walter MacLachlan (Jnr), Junior Warden, who was emigrating
to
1967
Brother A. McLachlan, R.W.M. in 1967, for
many years a hard-working Brother behind the scenes, conducted 21 Meetings
during his year and in that time added 23 new members to the Roll plus an
Affiliated Member. He was assisted in the Working by Lodge P.M.s
and a large number of Visiting Lodges. These were Lodges 116. 307, 458, 606, 1265, 1430 and 1557 headed by Bros. Morrison,
Carrey. Nichol, Hughes, Henderson, Allison and Govan.
The Mark Degree was conferred by P.M. Bro. J. McLatchie
on 21 Master Masons. 2 Brothers reported attending Lodge Consecrations; Bro. J.
Pollock to
1968
Brother Alex Wales conducted 20 meetings in all and entered 20
Candidates plus 2 Affiliates. In this he was assisted by Lodge P.M.s and Bro. R. Orr together with Deputations from Lodges
116, 307, 458, 1186 Stoneyburn and 1557 headed by
Bros. Innes, Little, Linton, Mooney, W. Harper. The Mark Degree was conferred by Bro. J. McLatchie. P.M. A number of
Brethren of the Lodge accompanied Bro. J. McLatchie
to Lodge Girvan No. 237 when he and Bro. A. Gibbons P. M./1557
Installed the R.W.M. and his Office-bearers. At Lodge St. Andrew the Lodge
Members were greatly pleased to hear that a member of the Lodge, Bro. Major
Robert Aitkenhead, had been Installed as R.W.M. of
Lodge Lord Kitchener No. 3402 (E.C.) in Cyprus. Lodge Benevolence that year
equalled £26.5.0 to Provincial Grand Lodge And £50.0.0
to Grand Lodge. Lodge Average Collection was now £7.1.0. Bro. W. Carrick, on
behalf of the Social Committee, donated £400 to the Building Fund which had now
reached £4736. Provincial Grand Lodge made its Official Visit in March headed
by the P.G.M. Bro. W. Binnie. He was accompanied by
21 of his colleagues in Provincial Grand Lodge. A “Qualified Clear Minute'' was
inscribed by them for the year 1967 Working in the Lodge. In their Minute was
noted, “All Fees to Grand Lodge appear to have been paid but are not yet
vouched'' The P.G.M. presented a Diploma as Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden
to P.M. Bro. R. Glendinning. The P.G.M. returned in
May with a Deputation and presented to Bro. Glendinning,
on behalf of the Lodge, a Jewel as Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden. He also
presented, to P.M. Bro. J. Shedden, again on behalf
of the Lodge, a Diploma of Distinguished Membership. P.M. Bro. N. McMillan (Snr) was also to receive a Diploma of Distinguished
Membership but was not present to receive it Bro. Neil was in indifferent
health at this time. At the Nomination and Election Meeting Bro. R. Orr was
Elected R.W.M. for 1969. His Installing Masters in December were P.M.s Bros. W. Wallace and J. Leggatt.
The Treasurers Books had not been Audited in time for
the A.G.M. in November and, in the December, the Treasurer, Bro. D. P. Marshall
C.A., resigned. At Grand Lodge the new Grand Master was Bro. David
Liddell-Granger of Ayton.
1969
Brother Robert Orr took up Office as R.W.M. for 1969 at a time when
Lodge Administration was in disarray. It is with regret that these words are
penned, and having done so, one is obliged to say something of why this was so.
The “unsteadiness” of this period, which was not finally Cleared until May
1970, stemmed from the fact that for a number of years the presentation of
Lodge Annual Statement of Account had been of a different nature to that
traditionally practiced; to the non-production of this statement at 2 A.G.M.
Meetings; to misunderstanding of Lodge's Social Fund and its intermissions -
all of which led to a “Qualified Clear Minute'' in March 1968 and yet another
in January 1969. The Lodge itself, on 14th January 1969, received the Balance
Sheet for 1968. It was accepted. Provincial Grand Lodge, making an early
Official Visit in January, on the 28th, gave a ''Clear Minute'' but once again
qualified this with a rider, “. . .we are not satisfied that the Amounts in
each Account have been correctly allocated and call on the Secretary and
Treasurer to approach P.G.L. for advice in making corrective adjustments . . .”
The R.W.M., Bro. R. Orr, conducted 20 Meetings during 1969, missing
one only due to illness. 24 New Members were added to the Roll and Degree Work
was carried out by the Lodge P.M.s. and Brother James
Clark. Assistance was provided also by lodges 116, 307, 1265, 1536 and 1557.
The Visiting Lodges were led by Bros Watson, Dove, Henderson, Reid and Belshaw. Bro. L. Belshaw, R.W.M.
l 557, it was noted, was the First Initiate of Lodge Douglas to attain the
Chair of the Lodge. The Mark Degree in May was conferred by P.M. Bro. J. McLachlan upon 20 Members. An Invitation to Lodge Rutherglen No. 116's Divine Service to mark their 200th
Anniversary was received. A number of Bros. attended. A report about Lodge
116's 200th Anniversary and Dinner was also given by the writer. He also
reported on the Opening Ceremony at the Third Masonic Home in Dunblane. P.M. Bro. J. McLachlan
also reported a visit to Lodge Lewis, Whitehaven, E.C., accompanied by Bro. D.
MacDonald, S.W. Bro Roy Adams, Marshal, was obliged to resign his orifice as he
was to leave to take up residence in
Masonic Hall,
1970
The strained Administrative position had not as yet been resolved
when, Bro. D. MacDonald, began his year as R.W.M. Happily this was accomplished
in a short time. In December 1969 the P.G.M. directed that P.M. Bro. R. Glendinning would be Lodge Treasurer, “Pro Tem”. This was
in no way a reflection on the Lodges elected Treasurer, Bro. J. Alexander, but
a charge on Bro. Glendinning to bring the Lodges
Financial Returns to an acceptable state. Bro. R. Glendinning,
referring to the ''mixed up Funds'' of the Lodge, recommended that all
accounts, including Social Accounts, be read in Lodge before payment: that more
than one estimate be taken for all Lodge Harmony
catering and that Lodge Licence be most strictly confined to use of the Lodge
only. He also later recommended that Social Fund Monies should NOT be used to
purchase Stocks for any body other than the Lodge. It was agreed that a Stock
Audit be taken. This was taken on the 4th May by P.M.s
G. Glendinning, H. Morrison and Bro. R. Aitkenhead. Provincial Grand Lodge made their Official
Visit on 14th April 1970 headed by the P.G.M. Bro. Wm. Binnie.
He was accompanied by 24 of his colleagues. There was in fact a total of 120
Brethren present. A £Clear Minute'' was inscribed but it was noted that the
Financial Statement was not yet ready for presentation. During the Competent
Business of the Lodge that evening an Account due to Tennent
Caledonian of £417 was read and passed for payment - the first such of its
kind. A Second Degree was conferred the same evening by P.M. Bro. A. Wales, and
the R.W.M., reminding the Brethren that the present Hall was now 60 years old,
described the efforts made in 1910 to erect the Hall and called on all to give
the same unstinted service to the Extending and
Renovating about to take place. The P.G.M ., at his
Visitations directed that all Finances were to be in order within l Month. On
April 28th a vital Finance Committee Meeting took place, and on the 5th of May,
the “Clear letter” required by the P.G.M. was signed by the Administrative
Office Bearers. 'This was passed at once to the P.G.M. and, being accepted, the
Financial tribulations of the Lodge, which had lasted
too long, were at an end. In the October of the year, 1970, the Treasurer's report,
Audited, was accepted by the Lodge. The new Hall Building Action Committee
consisted of the R.W.M., S.W ., J.W., I .P. M .,
whereas., Secretary, P.M. Bro. T. Greig and Bro. G.
Wilson Snr. In February the E.K.D.C. agreed to Lodge
plans for reconstruction toward the front of the building. In March the
Committee met Messrs. Hawk and Crossan, Architects to
discuss the Plans, Costs and Clerking of the Work. It was decided to call for 6
tenders to the Work and to request a Bridging loan of £5000 from the Provincial
Building Society. We're monthly repayments were learnt to be £55. Provincial
Grand Lodge were requested to acknowledge the Lodges
intention and this was done. A11 were urged to expedite the Working and its
activities. 3 Estimates to the Work were received and that of the Barrhead Builders Ltd., was
selected. Their estimate was £11,362, and Work to be completed 20 weeks after
its “on-site'' beginning. It was now necessary for the Lodge to find a
Temporary Home during rebuilding. The Scout Hall in
During 1970 21 Meetings were held and the Writer had the good
fortune to be able to Chair all of these. 26 new members were added to the Roll
together with 3 Affiliates and 1 Honorary Member. Among the Affiliates was Bro.
R. R. Campbell. The Honorary Member was Bro. Jas. Hughes P.M., Lodge Rosslyn, No. 606. Bro. Hughes, an absolute pillar of the
Lodge Rosslyn, had always made the members of Lodge
St. Andrew No. 524 so very welcome and assisted greatly in arranging our visits
to Rosslyn Chapel. The Degree working of the Lodge
was carried out by the Lodge P.M.s assisted by Bro.
K. Hutchison and others. Also by Visiting Deputations from Lodges 307, 606,
1265, 1536 and 1557 headed by Bros. Gray, Bain, Smart, Hamilton and Pettigrew
respectively. Bro. W. Carrick passed the sum of £400 from the “Development
Fund” to Treasurer for Lodge Building Fund and asked that £180 be set aside to
purchase the Gas Boiler for the New Halls Central Heating Plant. Lodge
Benevolence was in the sums of £15 to a widow and £20 each to Provincial Grand
Lodge and Grand Lodge Benevolent Funds. Lodge Average Collection equalled
£6.19.0. The New Centenary Fund, collected so steadily by P.M. Bro. Jas. Nicol had reached £25.5.0 over the 2 years to date. Over
this period too the sum of £1172 was drawn from the Sale of Refreshments. Lodge
Attendance in 1970 equalled an average of 84. After the recess the Lodge met as
stated in Scout Hall,
1971
The first day of Bro. W. Carrick's year, 1971, was marred by the
sudden death of the hard-working P.M. Bro. R. Glendinning,
Lodge Treasurer. Brother Robert, as was related, was a Past S.W. of the
Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East. His son George, P.M. Bro. G. Glendinning, was Elected and Installed in the Office of
Treasurer in February. The Obituaries were also reported of Bros. R. Cranston
and J. Whyte later in the year. In the December of
1971 too, the Province as a wholes suffered a great loss in the passing of Bro.
S. Love, P.P.G.M. The Office of llodge Secretary too
had a new occupant - Bro. John B. Parkhill P.M., who
had previously served as Secretary for some 13 years. During 1971 Bro. W.
Carrick arranged some 23 Meetings, 18 Regular and 5 Special. Unfortunately, due
to a lengthy illness, lasting some 6 months in the middle of the year, he was
able to Chair 16 only. Nevertheless 28 New members were added to the Lodge Roll
- the Working being carried out by Lodge P.M.s with
the aid of Bro. A. Smillie. Lodges 307, 458 and 1557
also assisted when on Deputations headed by Bros. Munro, Holt and Crichton
respectively. The Mark Degree was held on September 4th when 18 M.M.s were advanced by P.M. Bro. J. McLachlan.
Of this meeting, more anon. Provincial Grand Lodge made their visit of
Inspection in March headed by the P.G.M. Bro. R. Denholm.
An unqualified Clear Minute was inscribed by them for the Financial and
Administrative year of 1970. The financial return under review was in fact for
a period of 2 years combined, thus ending officially all the anxiety created
over a number of years. The Installation of Bro. R. Denholm
as P.G.M. was announced as 17th April in the Prince of Wales Halls, Renfrew.
Both the Provincial and Grand Lodges acknowledged our Invitations to them to
attend Lodge Centenary Meeting and Dinner on Saturday 16th September 1972. The
Centenary Committees reported that the East Kilbride Town Council's Ballerup Hall had been booked to contain all of the Lodges
Centenary Meeting and Dinner. Invitations and Prices were agreed and a “Book”
to assist Brethren to save for “The Day”' proposed by the Writer, was agreed. This “Book” to be controlled by the Proposer.
It was at this time too that Decimal coinage was introduced. The Lodge was
pleased to hear, about this time, of a Brother of the Lodge. James Hutchison. having been made provost of Rutherglen.
The Secretary was directed to send the Congratulations of the Lodge to Bro.
Hutchison. Small loans to the Building Fund now amounted to £276. Lets and
Charges to be made in the New Hall, once ready, were referred to Halls and
Finance Committees. (These 2 Committees had been meeting together for some
time.) They recommended later that Lodge lets should be Monday to Thursday for Meetings, and Friday/Saturday for Socials. This was agreed.
A list of Charges recommended was also agreed. For the purpose of advising
companion bodies of these decisions and to discuss mutual concerns, the Halls
Finance Committees met with Lodge Douglas, The East Kilbride Royal Arch Chapter
No. 781 and the local Branch of the Order of the Eastern Star. All who took
part considered it a useful meeting and the Lodge was thanked for its
considerate step. Unfortunately only the O.E.S. have,
to date, been able to take up lets in the New Hall. The Lodge Extension and
Renovation was completed in June - in the event however it took longer. It was
agreed that Keys to the Hall would be held by the Treasurer and the Assistant
Secretary; Bros. G. Glendinning and T. Greig P.M.s. Bros. Glendinning would have the sole key to Spirits Cupboard. It
was in April that the R.W.M. Bro. W. Carrick first took ill and was prevented,
much to his chagrin, from attending Lodge until the September.
September 4th 1971 was the “Great Day” in the New Hall. On that
date the Lodge was able to resume its Meetings in the Hall - extended, rebuilt
and renovated throughout. The Meeting was the Mark Degree referred to. The
R.W.M. was able to attend, but not to undertake the strain of the Chair. A very
happy occasion was much enjoyed by all present. The R.W.M. was able to resume
his full duties in October. And, typically, as he had retired from his place of
work he now volunteered to act as Hallkeepcr. A
Divine Service and a Dance took place in the November. At the A.G.M. the
Secretary's and Treasurer's reports were read and accepted. The Brethren of the
Lodge Elected Bro. N. Robb as R.W.M. for 1972 - the Centenary year of the
Lodge! Bro. Robb was Installed by P.M.s
Bros. Jas. Nicol and J. McLatchie.
Bro. Robb, in a thoughtful gesture, took Bro. A. Smillie,
M.M., as his Depute Master. At the General Committee at the end of the year the
Centenary Committee, among others, was reformed. Its Members in 1972 would be
the R.W.M., I.P.M., D. MacDonald, Jas. Nicol, Jas. Leggatt, A. Marshall, G. Glendinning,
T Greig and I. Parkhill.
P.M. Bro. D. MacDonald was again declared Convenor of the Committee. The Committee
asked and received from the Lodge “carte-blanche” to organise the Lodge
Centenary Celebrations. Thus, with the Lodge back once more at ''Home'' and the
Centenary year awaiting, Bro. Carrick, in better health, was relieved of the
duties of R.W.M. and thus able to concentrate on the Hall, whilst Bro. N. Robb,
R.W.M. assumed these duties and prepared for the momentous days ahead.
1972
1972, the centenary year of the Lodage,
had arrived. At the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East was Bro. R. Denholm P.G.M., and at Grand Lodge in
And, at the height of it all, February to March, two active P.M.s, members of both Bye-laws and Centenary Committees
were detained in Hospital with Heart Attacks. These were P.M as Bros. James Nicol and Bro. D. MacDonald. Luckily absences were kept
down to 6 weeks approximately, ending on March 13th.
The Centenary Celebrations Arrangements proceeded apace. The R.W.M.
and P.M. Bro. D. MacDonald, detailed by the Committee, met Mr. G. McNay the E.K. Town Clerk. Al1 arrangements for the Lodges
Centenary Meeting, the Grand Masters Reception and the Dinner within the Civic
Centre were finalised. Mr. McNay confirmed that a
Civic Reception would be given to the Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Master
and to Officers of the Lodge. The Lodge, in turn, invited the Provost with 4
members of his Council to attend the Lodges Celebrations as was practicable.
The Provost, in the event, was represented by Bailie T. Powell. The Lodge's
list of invitations to the Centenary, in addition to the Council Members
stated, was: to Grand Lodge for all members of the Deputation; to the P.G.M.
and 7 members of Provincial Grand Lodge; to all R.W.M.s
in the Province of Renfrewshire East; to representatives of the Hairmyres Curling Club and the East Kilbride Bowling Club
both of whom had sent Invitations to the Lodge to send a member to their
Centenaries, taking place in 1972. The Programme for the Day had been long
agreed. A Schedule of Timings from 9.30 am to Midnight was issued to all
persons remotely concerned. Catering for the Dinner was in the capable hands of
the
The Day dawned, and remained, bright dry and mild. Planned in 5
parts: New Masonic Hall Inspection by the G.M., Civic Reception to Lodge Office
Bearers and the G.M., The Centenary Meeting, The G.M.s
informal “Get together” and the Centenary Dinner and Harmony, the day called
for an early start for many Lodge members. At 11.30 a.m. the New Hall was Inspected by the P.G.M. and the G.M. with some members of
their eventual Deputation. At 12.15 p.m. the Lodge Office Bearers with the
P.G.M. Bro. R. Denholm and the M.W.G.M. Bro. D.L.
Granger and their Deputations - some 44 in all - were received by the Provost of
East Kilbride Mr. I. Smith and the Town Council. This took place in the Council
Chambers of the Town Council in the Civic Centre. Following the Reception a
cheerful lunch was enjoyed by all until 2.00 p.m. The R.W.M. Bro. N. Robb
presented the Town of
This ended the Celebration of the Lodges Centenary. Many
Congratulations had been received. Equally many were received, after the event,
for the considerable success of the Day. This was due to the generous effort
and concern of many persons - not all members of the Craft, far less the Lodge.
Within the Lodge credit was given to the Centenary Committee whose sustained
work, over some 2 years, was so well rewarded. The Centenary Ball took place in
the Ballerup Hall on 7th October and a great success
this proved to be. Some 200 were present. The Guests were Bros. J. Thomson
R.W.M. 1557, A. Crichton P.M. 1557 and A. Brown Founder-R.W.M. Lodge Kilbryd No. 1667. On the 29th November the Lodge
entertained 100 Senior Citizens of the Town. Many old friendships were renewed
amongst the guests. The Divine Service of 1972 was held at the
At their first Open Meeting, on 19th October, in the
...this concludes the
first one hundred years of Lodge St. Andrew 524.
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