Lodge St. Andrew No 524

History

1997 - 2011

1997

The highlight of the year, the meeting for the Lodge's 125th year, held in the Ballerup Hall, Civic Centre, East Kilbride on Saturday 20th September 1997. The meeting was to reconsecrate and rededicate the Lodge. The ceremonial work carried out in front of 178 Brethren by the Provincial Grand Master of the Province. Bro. Frank Johnstone, his commissioned Office-Bearers and deputation was of the highest standard. Among the Brethren present were some of the centenary Office Bearers, including the Master, Bro. Norman Robb. P.M., Senior Warden. Bro. Gavin Gordon, P M and Bro. Joe Nicol, P.M . The labours of the 125th year committee, under the chairmanship of Bro. A Gordon. P.M., over many months and the meeting with Bro. W Greig R.W.M. presiding, ended on a happy note with dinner and harmony.

Gifts to mark the 125th year of the Lodge were received from Lodge St. John. Busby No. 458 in the shape of an inscribed bell; harmony jewel to be worn by the Master from Lodge Douglas No. 1557. decanter and glasses from Lodge Kil Bryd No. 1667.

Photographs of the celebration are now mounted on the east wall and two in the corner unit constructed by Bro. W Greig, now I.P.M. The Grand Lodge of Scotland accepted a commemorative Jewel and programme: Provincial Grand Lodge received a cheque for £125: South Lanarkshire Council a suitably inscribed bench placed inside the conservatory at Calderglen Park, and for his fund-raising efforts, Bro. W. Babes. Archt. received masonic cufflinks. Bro J .R.S. Marshall Org. donated an oil painting depicting the exterior of the hall. The Lodge received an unusual gift of note from Bro. T. Falconer. D.O.M. - a pipe tune entitled '"Lode St. Andrew No. 524 125th Anniversary Year March".

It was the Lodge' s pleasure to present an inscribed gavel and inscribed stand to our sister Lodge. Kil Bryd No. 1667 to commemorate their 25th year in 1997.

1998

After the celebrations of the 125th year, Bro. John Norman Macdonald became RWM.

During the session the lodge held 18 Regular and 2 Special meetings with an average attendance of 66. The RWM presiding at all meetings.

We welcomed into our midst 5 initiates and 2 affiliates.

Bro. Andrew Gordon PM, has also been installed as Provincial Grand Almoner.

Bro. C. W. McCall PM was greatly honoured by the Grand Lodge of Scotland by being given Honorary Grand Rank of Assistant Secretary receiving a Certificate to mark the occasion from the hands of Bro Frank Johnstone. R.W P.G.M, later receiving from the Lodge a jewel to commemorate the honour.

The West Kirk Sunday School is delighted to be using our hall for their meetings.

A Mark token and the 125 year programme were given to Lodge St Andrew No 966. Malta. and two full pages or 524's artefacts appeared in the 1998 edition of Grand Lodge Year Book.

Other donations received over the year were a Robert Bums Plaque, Masonic Plate. 4 English Jewels and a Booklet about the Masonic Kitties in the U.S.A. The donors were sincerely thanked.

1999

Bro. Ian Bell was installed as RWM.

There were 18 Regular and 2 Special Meetings with an average attendance of 60. Three initiatives were welcomed onto the fellowship of the lodge

On Armistice Sunday last year, the P.G.L. of Renfrewshire East held their Divine Service in the Old Parish Church, in the village. Our hall was used for assembling before marching to church. Lodge hospitality was extended to the Province with the remainder going to a worthwhile cause, the Loaves and Fishes group.

Hosted by Lodge St. Andrew the Reigning Masters of East Kilbride worked the F.C. Degree and had a tremendous attendance of 130 Brethren.

Jubilee Certificates were presented to well-known and respected Brethren of the Lodge, Bro J. McLatchie, P.M. and Bro M. Park.

Bro. J.McG. Anderson. P.M., Tyler had the pleasure of visiting two Lodges when staying in Singapore.

Gifts to the Lodge comprised of two tokens commemorating the Piper Alpha oil rig disaster; photograph of the statue of St. Andrew, on the island of Gozo in the Mediterranean; four humorous Masonic postcards; 175th year commemorative jewel of Lodge Union and Crown, No. 307; Masonic books (2) and a copy of a scroll denoting the granting of a charter to the Lodge of Kil Bryd by the Kilwinning Lodge.

One Lodge tie, token and 125th year programme was presented to a Lodge in Singapore. The Lodge is active with its Masonic and non-Masonic involvements.

2000

Bro. James Fraser was installed as the Millennium Master.

Nineteen Regular Meetings were held last year with an average attendance of 63.

We had the pleasure of welcoming five Initiates and two Affiliates into our company..

The Regular Meeting format has changed since December 1998 and we have had seven papers presented to the Lodge on Masonic topics

Bro. George Anderson was a kidney donor to his son, Jim, also a member of the Lodge. We wish them well and hope to see them both amongst us in the near future.

After the business of the PGL annual visit, the P.G.M. and his Office-bearers in an impressive manner reconsecrated the Lodge premises which had undergone an extensive refurbishment. Bro. David A. Reid, W.P.G.S.M. gave an enlightening talk on the mural which decorates the West wall of the Lodge room.

On the evening of the 25th year celebrations of Lodge McLaren, No. 1688 the use of the hall was given free of charge and as a sponsor Lodge, a suitably inscribed hour glass was presented.

A Lodge St. Andrew centenary jewel was gifted to the museum of Grand Lodge.

The Lodge was very fortunate in receiving a number of donations - two Past Masters jewels (Bro. Robert Allan , R.W.M. 1936 and Bro. Alexander Thomson , R.W.M. 1949), Past Master's apron and books ; Masonic clock ; Masonic print and glass (Lodge Scoon and Perth, No.3); Masonic glass ; 125th year jewel and programme (Lodge Fergusson St. James , No. 566) ; 50th year token (Lodge Randolph , No. 1434); four Mark tokens ; founder member's jewel (Lodge McLaren , No. 1688); rituals and two small keystones; copy of a scroll showing the granting of a charter to Lodge Montgomery Cunningham (Kilwinning) Lodge of East Kilbride, No. 79; centenary jewel (Lodge St. Andrew , No. 465) and a 1939- 45 commemorative jewel (Lodge Waverley , No. 597) .

In aid of our charity Bro. J. N. Macdonald PM and Bro. W. Elliot walked the West Highland Way, raising money for the Coronary Care Unit at Hairmyres Hospital..

2001

Bro. Thomas McWilliams Falconer was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the year we had 18 Regular and 1 Special meeting with an average attendance of 58.

The Divine Service was hosted by Lodge Kil Bryd No. 1667, and once again we represented more than half the Brethren present. Before we pat ourselves on the back, it should be noted Brethren that the attendance was again very poor, and reflects badly on our Order which is based "on the gift from God of the Volume of the Sacred Law."

During the year 4 Initiates and 2 Affiliates were welcomed into the Lodge, and hopefully we can rely on their support and attendances for many years to come, indeed Brethren it is our duty to encourage them to do so.

Again Brethren we had some very interesting lectures from Bros. R. Aitkenhead PM, H. Kane PM Lodge McLaren No.1688, and S. Foster PM Lodge The Kings Park No. 1386.

Gifts to the Lodge included a china plate commemorating the Bronte Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.535 (E.C), a metal "Lewis", 3 dress aprons Citizen's evening such a success.

Brethren represented the Lodge at the PGL Bowling and Golf tournaments, and Bro. J. N. Macdonald PM excelled in winning the Stableford Shield golf trophy. Bro. J. N. Macdonald PM also won the George Wallace trophy, with Bro. D. L. Haire, runner-up.

The Lodge again participated in the South Lanarkshire Council Doors Open Day.

2002

Bro. Thomas Jarvie was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

We held 18 regular Meetings with an average attendance of 61, which is slightly up on last year. We also held a Special Meeting in the Ballerup Hall where we witnessed an exemplification of an American Fellowcraft degree. This meeting showed all in attendance that freemasonry is still strong as 232 Brethren from within and outwith the Province attended the meeting. The disappointing aspect of this meeting was that only 37 of our own Brethren were present on this occasion.

Five new initiates were welcomed into the fellowship of the Lodge.

Lodge McLaren No. 1688, with our own RWM taking an active part in the ceremony, hosted the Reigning Masters Degree. The Divine Service was also hosted by "1688" and once again had a very poor attendance, although we were well represented by the 'usual ' Brethren. This has prompted us to look at the set up of the Divine Service and has prompted us to try something new, without interfering with the solemnity of the Service.

The Lodge participated in a number of sporting events. Bro. G. Craney won the Major Allen Golf Trophy, which is the second time in two years we have won this trophy. The Bowlers finished runners-up in the EK Royal Arch annual tournament, and a team of younger Brethren finished runners-up in the Douglas five-a-side football tournament.

Through the arrangements of the US visit, a number of Brethren accompanied the RWM to Lodge Gleniffer No.1219 where Bro. Rev. Canon Joseph Morrow WGSM gave the inaugural T. K. Powrie lecture.

Brethren have been out and about to so many different places; Australia and Northern Ireland to name two, and these Brethren have spread the good name of the Lodge wherever they went.

A number of gifts were received throughout the year. These included - the donation of Regalia, a ceramic Mell, gavel and stand, and a plate commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the PGL of Renfrewshire East.

We commemorated the Golden Jubilee of HM The Queen by having a special token struck, and also had a new Mark token made.

2003

Bro. Joseph G. Logan was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the year under review the Lodge held 18 Regular Meetings and one Special Meeting. We had an average attendance of 60 which is only just down from last term.

During the year we have had the pleasure of welcoming 5 new initiates into the Lodge.

On the sporting front the lodge won the Stableford Shield Golf Trophy thanks to Bro.G.J. Craney our D.O.M. Congratulations.

The lodge hosted the Joint Divine Service with the other East Kilbride Lodges which was held for the first time in recent times in the lodge rooms and on a Tuesday evening 29/4/03 . Our grateful thanks go to the Reverend Ann Paton minister of the Old Parish Church for officiating. The lodge felt the response was encouraging and worthy of repeating in the future.

The lodge also hosted the Annual E.K. Reigning Masters Degree on the 11/3/03.

We donated a T.V. and a DVD player to Ward 20 Hairmyres Hospital and PM J.N. McDonald began running a lottery bonus ball competition proceeds going to the lodge general fund..

Brother Ian Bell PM and Bro. T. Jarvie RWM represented the Lodge at the inaugural St. Andrew 's Gathering in Inverness on the 9/11/02.

The lodge was pleased to recognize l8 years service as Tyler by Brother James McGregor Anderson PM better known to all as Hamish by presenting him with a Past Tyler 's Jewel. Brother James Cantley now residing in Yorkshire was presented with a 50 year Jubilee Certificate. Brother Cantley made a presentation to the lodge of a personal copy of the Volume of the Sacred Law .

The lodge also received a PPGSW 's Jewel gifted to us by Mrs. Hood the daughter of the late Brother R. Glendinning PM and also a " 524 " plaque from brother McGregor PM .

We were treated to a Masonic Lecture by Brother J Lang PM Lodge Rosslyn St. Clair 606 on the beautiful Roslin Chapel, and if you have not visited this magnificent structure brethren then I would urge you to make a point of doing so.

2004

Bro. Joseph G. Logan was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the year under review the Lodge held 18 Regular Meetings. We had an average attendance of 55 which is down from last term.

During the year we have had the pleasure of welcoming 2 new initiates and one Affiliate into the lodge.

On the sporting front the lodge competed in the Provincial golf tournaments but sadly we were unable to repeat the success of last year, but we do thank our sporting stalwarts for their efforts. Better luck next year lads.

Brother John Colligan was presented with a 50 year Jubilee Certificate. The lodge received a Lodge RRA Commemorative Jewel from Bro John Watt PM 116 and a Masonic Key Fob from Bro J. B. McBride PM. Both these items are on display in the Lodge's display case..

2005

Bro. Derek J. Bell was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the year under review the Lodge held 18 Regular Meetings.

During the year we have had the pleasure of welcoming 3 new initiates and 2 Affiliates into the lodge.

We held for the first time our Past Masters dinner and an excellent evening was had by those who attended we were entertained by our own Provincial Grand Secretary Brother Andrew Hosie who delivered an excellent lecture it is hoped to persuade Andrew to return and give his talk at a lodge meeting.

We had the privilege of hosting the Annual St Andrew Lodges gathering and whilst it was a memorable meeting the turn out from our own members was very disappointing with only 14 members of our lodge present. Of that figure 10 were Past Masters of whom 7 are elected office bearers, and only 4 lodge members in the body of the lodge.

2006

Bro. Thomas Jarvie was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the year being reviewed the Lodge held 18 Regular Meetings and one Special Meeting (more about that later)

We were blessed with 4 candidates for initiation and one affiliate coming forward

Bro. Charles William McCall PM (HAGS) was presented with his 50 year Diploma by two Past Masters of his Mother Lodge Springburn 1198. Brother Charles as we are all aware has been a stalwart of this lodge since he joined us and has been an inspiration to many of us and we wish him many more years to enjoy your freemasonry Charles, congratulations .

2007

Bro. Thomas McWilliams Falconer was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the year being reviewed the Lodge held 18 Regular Meetings.

Both the Secretary Bro. Alex McGregor PM and the Treasurer, Bro. B. Douglas demitted office. Bro. Douglas retiring and Bro. McGregor due to commitments in another order.

Brother Andrew Gordon PM. was honoured by Grand Lodge by being awarded Honorary Grand Almoner rank.

The lodge continues to support the charitable work of Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge, and more recently our in house charity the proposed Kil Bryd Hospice.

We held our Annual Charity Dinner held recently realised the sum of £1255.00 and was a success, and great credit must go to Past Master Ian Bell for the success achieved.

On the 11/09/2007, Brother Andrew Gordon PM (HGAlmoner) was presented with his 50 year Diploma by the RWPGM Brother David Reid.

2008

Bro. Justin A. Cullen was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the past year we held a total of 18 Regular Meetings.

We initiated 3 Brethren into the Lodge and also had 3 Brethren affiliate. We hope that all new members of the Lodge enjoy the Lodge and hope that they will take an active role in promoting the best interests of the lodge.

The Lodge has been well represented within and outwith the Province by Brethren going out visiting other Lodges and making the name of 524 known throughout many distant lands.

The RWM and 3 Brethren also attended the annual St. Andrew gathering hosted by Lodge St. Andrew 126, Kilmarnock, where the RWM also took part in the degree. 16 Brethren attended the Annual Installation of Lodge Oban Commercial 180 in November.

The Lodge continues to hold its Annual Dance, this year in Oban, and also the Burns' Supper, where a collection of £97.72 was raised for the Marcus Humphrey House.

Donations were also made to the Haven and to the East Kil Bryd Hospice, and a big thank you is given to all who assisted in however small a way. At the time of writing we have completed a sponsored walk and held a Charity night in aid of MS Revive Scotland, and a large total is expected.

At the installation in December a new set of regalia was dedicated and presented by the IPPGM Bro. Dixon J. Drye.

2009

Bro. Justin A. Cullen was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the year we held 18 Regular meetings and 1 Special meeting.

Despite the absence of an Almoner, Bro.T. McCutcheon has continued to carry out these duties, ably assisted by Bros. C.W. McCall PM HAGS, and the Lodge is deeply indebted to them for their bard work in visiting the sick and bereaved.

At the Annual Provincial Grand Lodge visit, the Lodge again received a "clear minute".

During the year we initiated four candidates and also had one initiate join our midst.

It was at a Special meeting in May that we set up firm ties with Lodge Oban Commercial No.180, who visited us for the first time. In January we also had Lodge St. Andrew, Kilmarnock 126 visit us for the first time.

At our first Regular meeting in September 2008, we also had the pleasure of Lodge Cambuslang Royal Arch 114 visiting us and on that occasion it was the RWM's pleasure to present Bro. A. McGowan with his 50 year diploma. Bro. McGowan is a MM of our Lodge who has now affiliated to 114.

Brethren it was also with pleasure to learn that another MM of the Lodge has been honoured for his dedication to Freemasonry elsewhere. I refer to Bro. A. Pollock who was bestowed with the Honorary Provincial Grand rank of Junior Warden by the Province of West Yorkshire.

On the charity side, we presented a cheque for £200 to the Marcus Humphrey House which was collected at the Burns Supper. £105 raised at the New Year Dance which was presented to the Haven. The hard work done last year also saw the fantastic sum of £7112 (yes seven thousand one hundred and twelve pounds) raised for MS Revive.

Brethren I look forward to the coming year as it is one where we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the dedication of our Temple and I look forward to the rededication ceremony by the Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Grand Lodge, it should be a day to remember.

A further note of thanks must go to Bro. T. Falconer for stepping in under difficult circumstances.

2010

Bro. Robert Cook was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the year we held 18 Regular meetings and 1 Special meeting with an average attendance of 51.

Despite the absence of an Almoner, Bro. T. McCutcheon has continued to carry out some of these duties, ably assisted by Bros. C. W. McCall PM HAGS, and the Lodge is deeply indebted to them for their hard work in visiting the sick and bereaved.

The Lodge also participated in the Provincial G rand Lodge Golf and Bowling competitions, and despite our bowlers playing well they did not win any of the trophies, but Bro. J. N. Macdonald PM did win the Stableford Golf trophy for the third time, and Bro. R. Belshaw won the longest drive at the same competition. It should also be noted that the team of Bro. G. Wyllie and Bro. J. N. Macdonald PM reached the semi final of the McMenamy trophy. The Lodge also presented the Provincial Grand Lodge with a new Stableford trophy.

During the year we initiated five candidates.

For the first time the Lodge attended a Special meeting in May at Lodge Oban Commercial No.180, where we conferred a Fellowcraft Degree. On this occasion Bro. R. Cook RWM presented an engraved trowel to the Oban Commercial Lodge to cement the friendship between the two Lodges. This was the first time a Lodge from outwith the Province of Argyll and the Isles had conferred a degree in 180’s long history.

The RWM also presented a trowel to Lodge Ben Ledi No.614 to thank them for the hospitality received at the last three sponsored walks.

During the year Bro. M. Park was presented with a 60 year diploma, not many people who get this still attend and take an active part in the Lodge, but Bro. Matt still attends the Enquiry Committee every time it sits. Bro. J. Callaghan received his 50 year diploma, and Bro. T. McCutcheon received a Distinguished Service Members Certificate, which is only given with the approval of the Provincial Grand Master, so not an honour just given by the Lodge.

On the charity side, we presented a cheque for £171.29 to the Marcus Humphrey House, which was collected at the Burns Supper. Ward 24, Wishaw General Hospital was presented with a cheque totalling £3782.00. Ward 18, Hairmyres Hospital received a cheque for £266.87 - raised at the Cork Degree. A donation of £100 was made to the Old Parish Church for use of their hall for the Annual Installation. Donations of £25,

£25 and £50 respectively were donated to YMCA, Anaconda Expedition and Cancer Research.

In April the Lodge celebrated 100 years of Freemasonry at 38 Kittoch Street with a ceremony by the Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Grand Lodge. It was a day to remember, with 107 Brethren signing the sederunt book that day.

2011

Bro. Robert Cook was installed in the chair of King Solomon.

During the year we held 18 Regular meetings and 1 Special meeting with an average attendance of 45.

Our Almoner, Bro. K. Walker has had an arduous first year with the passing of so many well known Brethren and has carried out his duties admirably, and he still has the assistance of Bros. C. W. McCall PM HAGS, the Lodge is deeply indebted to them for their hard work in visiting the sick and bereaved.

During the year we initiated two candidates.

During the year Bro. N. Robb PM was presented with a fifty year diploma.

On the charity side, we presented a total of £6470.00 (yes six thousand four hundred and seventy pounds) to various charities with the main benefactors being the Beatson Oncology Unit who received £5278.