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Earlier Lodges in East Kilbride 1738 - 1843
Prior to Lodge St. Andrew (1872) we have 3 lodges, one of which was closed and re-opened another of which was re-numbered. Thus leading to some confusion as to just how many lodges we did have before 1872. From copies of two extracts of the Minutes of Mother Kilwinning kindly presented by Bro. T. Bell P.M./117 and from one of the Minutes of Rutherglen Royal Arch No. 116, in the possession of Bro. J. Parkhill P.M./524 we have information we have information of our early lodges. To which we are able to add details found in the Rev. J. D. Ure's History of East Kilbride & Rutherglen (1793) and that of East Kilbride by Thos. Eric Niven, written in 1965. The extracts tell us that a petition, signed by Maxwell, Master; Joe Maxwell, Warden and John Wilson, Warden dated Jan. 18th 1738 was sent out from Calderwood to the Grand Master of Lodge Mother Kilwinning - Sir D. Cunningham of Corshill - craving a charter. This was granted on Feb. 8th of that year and covered the area of "Easter Kilbride, Cambuslang, Carmunnock and Blantyre". The Annual Payment to Mother Kilwinning to be One Merk Scots. The Rev. J. D. Ure refers to the Lodge as Kilbride Operatives. It seems to have worked steadily until 1759 when it closed after Dissension within. It is said to have resumed soon thereafter (1760) and to have worked again between 1790 and 1802. On April 14th 1803 Mother Kilwinning (Robert Glasgow - Grand Master) again had a petition before them from "....a number of respectable masons in the town of East Kilbride" craving a Charter. This petition was signed by Bros. William Lindsay, William Lawson and Robert Pollock. It was supported by Bros. Faulds, Montgomery and Gemmill of Lodge Eaglesham. The charter was granted and the Lodge named "Montgomery - Cunningham, East Kilbride, Kilwinning" and numbered 79. The annual fee being One Merk Scots. This Lodge is known to have worked until1808. East Kilbride's third Lodge - The Kilbride St. Andrew Kilwinning Lodge - dates from March 1831. This lodge, chartered by The Grand Lodge of Scotland was, at first, numbered 400. It was later re-numbered 329. The first master was Bro. D. Brown and amongst its members was James Watt, Painter/Poet and father of Alexander Watt. The minutes of Lodge Rutherglen Royal Arch No.116 dated 18th March 1831 tell us that the lodge, at the invitation of East Kilbride Masons, walked in procession to East Kilbride, headed by a band and with colours flying, and there Consecrated the New Lodge. The Consecration was carried out by Bro. A. Freebairn, Secretary, and the Installation of the Office Bearers by Bro. J. Cross, R.W.M. The Lodge worked for some 12 - 13 years when, due to Trade recession, it was unable to pay its fees to Grand Lodge and closed in 1843. These then were East Kilbrides earlier Lodges extending over a period of 100 years and more - all before the Erection of Lodge St. Andrew No. 524. Lodge St. Andrew, East Kilbride, No. 524
The Lodge was chartered on 5th August 1872 by The Grand Lodge of Scotland, in Edinburgh. The petitioners included Joseph B. Wallace R.W.M.., Richard Burns S.W., George Buchanan J.W., Alexander Workman, Treasurer., James Russell, Secretary, Neil McMillan S.D., and George Kerr J.D. The petition was supported by Lodges Rutherglen Royal Arch, No. 116 and St. John Busby No. 458. The Charter being awarded by Bro. Francis Robert, Earl Rosslyn the Most Worshipful Grand Master. The lodge was later Consecrated by the Provincial Master of Renfrewshire East Brother Colonel Sir Archibald Campbell, 1st Lord Blythswood, on the 26th April 1873. In the years which followed, up to 1917, a random selection of recurring well-known names displayed the following: Hugh Colligan ( Miner )...........................................................1873 John Currie ( Blacksmith )......................................................1873 Robert Young...........................................................................1873 Robert Paton ( Mason )...........................................................1874 Hugh Marshall ( Farmer ).......................................................1875 Hugh Begg ( Blacksmith )......................................................1889 David Granger ( Flesher )......................................................1890 George Aitkenhead (Affiliate ).............................................1891 William Mackie ( Surveyor ).................................................1892 Hugh Pollock ( Miner )...........................................................1900 Angus Calderwood ( Merchant )..........................................1902 John Buchanan ( Mason ).....................................................1902 Robert Aitkenhead ( Contractor ).........................................1902 James Marshall ( Clubmaster )............................................1902 William Dickie ( Millwright )................................................1903 George Warnock ( Flesher )..................................................1903 Hugh Barr ( Clerk )................................................................1903 Isaac Currie ( Mason )..........................................................1903 Thomas Callaghan ( Contractor )........................................1903 John Aitkenhead (Fruit Grower ).......................................1910 John MacDonald ( Joiner ).................................................1917 The first minute in the First Minute Book of the Lodge is dated August 10th 1872. Here it is - reproduced in full: "Lodge 524 met in their Lodge-room for deciding the colours of the clothing unanimously agreed to be Crimson also that Mrs Horner of Thornliebank make us 30 aprons. Bro. John Horner received the sum of one pound stg. of his expenses going to Edinburgh presenting our petition for Charter after business being over closed lodge in due and ancient form" Signed : J. B. Wallace R.W.M. 1872 The initial year of 1872 continued with a further 11 meetings during which the Roll Book records 10 initiates. The very first of these being James Torlay, Carter in East Kilbride. He was both Initiated and Passed, together with a Mr. Ballantine and a Mr. Miller on 7th September 1872. On 9th October 1872 we have a very full evening with candidates Proposed, Initiated, Passed and Raised - this becoming a regular pattern for some time to follow. In September it was agreed that meetings would be held on the Second Wednesday and the Last Saturday of each month. The election of Office Bearers took place in October with the R.W.M. being re-elected. Bro. R. Burns, elected Tyler, was voted £1:10/- per year for his services. The Installation took place on December 4th with Committees being appointed to examine the books of Secretary and Treasurer and to propose bye-laws. Visitors to the Lodge were recorded in November and December from Strathaven, Busby and Glasgow. This ended a busy year with results that must have been satisfying to all. 1873 The year of 1873, the first full year of working, proved to be a busy, stormy yet successful one, in many ways. A Brother Fleming emerges as Lodge Secretary. He records two meetings in January the second being an Emergency one for the Lodges first Provincial Grand Lodge Visitation. The visitors appear to have been satisfied and indicate this by the simple expedient of counter-signing the previous Minutes of the Lodge. This was done by Bros. W. Robertson and James Buchanan of P.G.L. Two proposals relating to Finance were agreed to about this time; firstly that the R.W.M. and Wardens to be paid expenses when representing the Lodge ( at Grand Lodge presumably ) and secondly that the payment of Fees on the night of Initiation be adhered to. On February 22nd a rift in the lute appeared - the Lodge received a letter of resignation form the R.W.M. Bro. J. Wallace. The trouble seems to have been over the business to be conducted on Wednesdays as opposed to Saturdays and to the notice to be given for Emergency Meetings. "Sides" seem to have been taken up with the result that the R.W.M., at the next meeting on March 1st, won his way, if only partly. Bro. Wallace evidently continued as R.W.M. until May 1st 1873. The last minute signed by him was on April 25th - the day before the Consecration of the Lodge. On the 1st of May a sad entry appears; "The R.W.M. threw down his Jewel when they were to be locked in the Chest and had to be called back to close the Lodge". Bro. Wallace continued to attend the Lodge, dissenting on May 14th to the minute of May 3rd, when Bro. Workman was appointed to represent the Lodge in Edinburgh. He was present once more on October 17th 1874 when he failed to be elected to the Chair. Meanwhile Bros. A. Workman and N. Buchanan were both nominated as the new R.W.M. with N. Buchanan successful on 31st May 1873. Lodge business continued with Jewels ordered for the office-bearers ( cost £5 ) and a "swatch of material" approved for Sashes and Aprons. Whilst on March 26th the Bye-Laws committee, having made no progress recommended that the Lodge should adopt the Bye-Laws of Lodge St. John Busby, No. 458. This was agreed. It is pleasant to record here that visitors from Lodge St. Andrew, No. 215 Strathaven made the first recorded presentation to the Lodge - that of a Dagger. It is in April 18th of this year ( 1873 ) that we find the first reference to the location of our Lodge Meetings. At a meeting on that date a Deputation was formed "to wait on Mrs. Cook at her hotel in Hunter Street, to fix a room for the Lodge to meet in". This deputation must have gone out forthwith - no doubt with great alacrity - for it's report was made that same evening. They reported that Mrs Cook had rented to them a room for the meetings of the Lodge at a rental of £2.10/- Per Annum, adding that a door and a table would be removed to suit the Lodge. At the same time 2 Bros. were called on to arrange a place for the Lodge to meet at Lectures on Saturdays. It was during April that arrangements for the Consecration Ceremony on 26th April were made. It was decided to meet the Deputations at the Railway Station and give them a glass of wine and a pie ( 150 were ordered ). A band had been engaged to play at the lodge and thism would be free-of-charge due no doubt to the influence of Alexander Watt. The Consecration of the Lodge took place in the local school-room. A donation was received for the P.G.M. Bro. A. Campbell in the summ of £5. April 1873 had proved to be a busy, eventful month - the Lodge going so far as to decline an invitation to visit St. Johns Operative No. 347 in Rutherglen. They made amends in June however when they invited 347 together with Cambuslang R.A. No.114 to visit East Kilbride. In August we read of arrangements for a Walk to High Blantyre with a band at the head. This band cost 30/-, but no report of the walk appears. Social Minutes begin to appear at this time with a Ball arranged for December. Endeavoursto move the Annual Festival from St. Andrew's Night to Hallowe'en failed Nov. 30th remained the date. Later, the number of participants at the Annual Ball, proving to be "only half expected", the Ball venue was confined to Lodge Room. In October Bro. Buchanan was re-elected R.W.M. but we have no minute of Installation. Provincial Grand Lodge appear to have visited the Lodge on November 12th as the ordinary minute for that date is countersigned by the P.G.M. Bro. A. Campbell. Lodge Secretary in the latter part of 1873 appears to have become Bro. J. King. The R.W. M. proposed in October "that our meeting nights be the 3rd Saturday of the month " No further details appear at this point. The last entry for 1873 gives the first indication of Lodge Instruction Class as on that date the Lodge "met for Instruction". It was also agreed at this meeting for R.W.M. and Wardens to attend Grand Lodge in May 1874 and to be excused an earlier meeting. The only reference to Degree work in 1873 is in the April 23rd meeting minute. However Lodge Roll Book tells us that no less than 31 candidates were initiated in 1873 with 6 Bros. affiliating, our first Affiliate was Bro. James Horner from Lodge St. John Busby No. 458. At Grand Lodge there was a new Grand Master - Brother Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart. 1874
1874 was a year of few meetings - 12 only - and little information from its
minutes. It begins too on a severe note with an entry regarding 4 Brothers
brought before the Lodge "for their conduct". In March, 2 noted visitors are
recorded; Bro William Bassett of the "Masonic News" and a Bro. Prentice, R.W.M.
- Elect of the proposed new lodge in Blantyre ( 557 ) who presented his petition
for signature by our R.W.M. and Wardens. Lodge benevolence receives its
first mention in the request of a brother for assistance "whose immediate wants
were supplied". April and May go by simple references to visitations from Lodges
114, 116 and 347. In June a proposal is made that "Bro. Joe Wallace's account be
settled". This looks most alarming but all is well when one month later it is
recorded that
Visitors from Lodge St. John Busby are here noted - Bros. Galbraith and
Horner. Bro. Horner agrees that he and other office bearers from Lodge St. John
would "chair" the Lodges Meeting on August 1st. No
minute shows for the meeting mentioned for August 1st and the next
minute, 15th August, tells us of a 1st Degree by our
Lodges own Brethren. On October 17th we have the classic reference as
one Wm. McIntyre, who received his First, Second and Third Degrees all in that
evening. The nomination this year was separated from the Election with three
nominations for R.W.M.; Bros King, Buchanan and J. Wallace. At the election in
November Bro. John King was elected R.W.M. for 1874/75 and Installed by Bro.
Gillies of Lodge Union and Crown, In
December a Soiree / Concert was held in the
1875
1875 is also a year
of 12 meetings with a Bro. R. Paton as Secretary until June 19th
when, he having "gone to a foreign land", a Bro. P. Livingstone took his
place. The
minute of January 16th displays the first evidence of the lodges
approach to Degree working where we read of a Mr. Wm. Hutchison being initiated
"…for the lodge Bro. Speirs and for Candidate Bro. Colligan…". In January we
have evidence of Lodge charity when a Bro. received aid from the box. In March,
a Brother "badly and not able to work" was sent 14/- after a collection had been
made. Another "First" appears in February when the Ball Committee reported its
returns. Having drawn £1.17.6, paid the fiddler 15/- and a refreshment 2/6, the
balance of £1 was added to Lodge Funds. The Soiree / Concert is also reported
but without details. Lodge Instruction still receives attention and proposals
are made that "instead of Harmony after the meeting on February 20th
we have a lodge of Instruction", and again in December "that we meet on the
First Saturday of every month for Instruction". Invitations are also received
during the year to a Masonic Service in In
May of this year a Bro. Thomas is shown as "In the Chair" and conferring a Third
Degree. Bro. Thomas having to leave early for his train was followed by the
R.W.M. Bro. King who in turn conferred a Second Degree. The facility with which
our Brethren conferred degrees in those days makes one wonder at the content of
such degrees. Clearly meetings lasted for many hours or degrees were much
shorter. Meetings were held that summer but no business was transacted. In
1876 The next year 1876, the Lodge
being 4 years old was not a notable one. Bro. R. Kerr R.W.M. Chaired only 5 of
the 15 meetings held. Bro. J. King P.M. acted in the absence of Bro. Kerr. In
November the Provincial Grand Lodge Visitation was recorded by a Minute the
style of which is more in line to the Minutes of today. In this Minute Bro. R.
Kerr is taken to task for his attendances and failure to pass on information
sent to him by P.G.L. The Treasurer's Books were not examined as he was
indisposed. However Provincial were satisfied that Lodge Minutes were being well
kept and all else was in "good working order". This Minute is signed by Bro. J.
Caldwell, P.G.S.M. and Bros. Gilmour, McPherson, Carswell and From
January to May the Minutes are extremely short with degree work mentioned, but
no reference to any other business. A Bro. Wm. Ferguson of Lodge Govandale No.
437 is quoted as "standing for the candidate" in more than one degree. In July a
clash of interests leads to the Lodge "…on account of our Faire being on our
regular meeting night", postponing its Meeting. The postponed Meeting was held
on July 15th. At this meeting, and again in August, a Lodge
"Procession" is agreed and arranged for 9th September. Sadly no
report of this appears. However an interesting entry in October 17th
tells us that the Lodge met for the purpose of going to assist in laying the
Foundation Stone of the new Post Office in The
October Nomination, postponed till November, because of the absence of Brethren,
resulted in Bro. N. Buchanan being nominated as R.W.M. His Election and
Installation took place on the 16th December, Brother J. King being
the Installing Master. A Lodge Ball arranged for the last Friday of the year
receives no report. With Lodge Roll Book Indicating 3 initiates, so ends a
somewhat poor year.
1877 Yet another quiet
year follows in1877. The first 4 months of the year in fact have entries reading
"No business". This parlous state is ended in May when 2 Candidates receive
their First Degree. The conferring of the Second and Third Degrees occupies the
Lodge to the month of September. In October a new "hand-of-write" appears and we
have the best, full and well set Minute to date. At the Nominations which took
place in October Bro. J. Park was nominated R.W.M., and at the Installation in
November, he was installed by the I.P.M. Bro. N. Buchanan. The Lodge meeting on
December 1st was Provincial Grand Lodge Visitation. A very brief
minute, "Books examined", was signed by the P.G.M. Bro. A. Campbell. The Minute
of November 17th leads to 2 interesting observations; first the
addition to a proposal that the Lodge Ball be held on 25th January
1878; "and that it be open to friends", also the Secretary's entry "the Brethren
retired from Labour to Refreshment for the space of half an hour and the Lodge
was then closed in due and ancient form". The year saw the entry of 2 initiates
and 1 affiliate. The 3
years which follow 1878, 1879 and 1880, under the Chairmanship of Bro. Park and
for the latter part under that of a re-called Bro. J. King P.M., were indeed
difficult. This is not to say that Bro. Park R.W.M. was at fault and in fact no
criticism of 1878 In 1878 five out of
the eleven meetings were held with no business being transacted. A proposal was
made and agreed, that the Lodge send out Invitations to neighbouring Lodges to
visit us at our "Quarterly Meetings". Invites were sent out to Cambuslang,
Rutherglen and 1879 The year 1879 has
record of five meetings only, January, March, May, November and December. The
first three record "no business". It is in November that the seriousness of the
Lodge affairs begins to come to light. A proposal is made to go with the
Election of Office bearers for next year. "Bro. J. King is nominated but
declines the Office. Lodge Minute continues "…there being no other Brother in
the Lodge which would accept the office we could not go on with the Election..."
It is then arranged to send a letter to P.G.M. to say a Deputation would meet
him at Busby. The Minute like so many during these years is not signed. The year
is saved from being almost totally negative in December when on the
20th of that month, with Bro. J. King in the Chair, 2 candidates, D.
Conn and J. Brannen, receive their initiation. 1879 really comes to a close on
15th January 1880 when the P.G.M. with four of his Office Bearers
meet the members of the Lodge and record the following: - "We the undersigned,
certify that the Minutes of the Lodge have been regularly kept and that although
from certain circumstances the Lodge is not clear of Grand Lodge dues we are
hopeful that this will be immediately attended to." This is signed by Bro A.
Campbell P.G.M., Caldwell P.P.G.M., W. Adam P.G.D.M. and by the Secretary and
Treasurer. Thus ended 1879 but with 2 entrants to its
credit.
1880
In 1880, a year
credited to Bro. J. Park. Of 14 meetings, only1 is chaired by him. Bro. King is
in command elsewhere and throughout. On January 17th the deputation
to meet the P.G.M. reported to the Lodge; a £1 donation from the P.G.M. is
delivered and a Second Degree conferred - Bro. J. King in the Chair. 4 meetings
between February and May record the formation of a Committee to collect
regularly from the Brethren for funds to buy Lodge Furniture and further Degree
work. From June to September during 4 further meetings each of the three degrees
are carried out, but with no other business noted. In October Bro. King is
nominated R.W.M. and is Elected and Installed as such in November. This meeting
in November was held in "Rae's Hall" - the first mention of such premises. An
Emergency meeting on the 26th of the month to confer the Third Degree
was also held in Rae's Hall. The P.G.L. Visitation took place on December
4th of that year. It was an Emergency Meeting once more and held on a
Saturday. Their Minute of Inspection extends for the first time to a full page
but is badly written. The Minute declares that all the Lodge Books are "fair and
regular"; that some fees to Grand Lodge are still due but that they believe
these will soon be paid and they Congratulate the Lodge on a successful year.
They recommend that the Lodge purchase a Roll Book and bring it up to date, and
that Initiation Fees be paid in full at the time and not in Instalments. They
end by saying that every effort should be made to ensure the conferring of the
Second and Third Degrees. The Minute is signed by Bro. A. Campbell P.G.M. and 6
others. The year ends with a meeting in Rae's Hall when a Social Committee is
formed and there were 5 Initiates during the year. The Lodge Secretary is Bro.
Jarvie. 1881 In
the year 1881 the Lodge emerged from the doldrums of the previous 3 years. All of the 15 meeting hrld were in Rae's
Hall of the Bro. King chaired 12.
The Chairman at the January meeting was Bro. Hugh Colligan Depute Master
and on 2 other occasions a Bro. J. Walker.
Few Minutes remain unsigned and the Opening, Passing and Raising of the
Lodge is regularly quoted. Degree
work is carried out at 8 of the Lodge meetings with yet another 'Full House' on
December 2nd when Mr Jas. Dunsmore received all Degrees in one
evening. In May a Mark Degree is
arranged - Bro. John Walker to be in charge - with the proceeds (2/6 each) to be
used to buy Lodge furniture. This
is the first reference to a Mark Degree.
However, if it was ever held, no Minute appears to tell us so. Little is recorded on the Social side -
we hope the Invite from Lodge 557 to a Social Meeting in January was taken
up. P.G.L. made their Annual Visit
in November with Bro. A
1882 1882
brought the Lodge to its 10th Birthday. Of 16 meetings held - no month being
omitted - Bro. J Walker R.W.M. chaired but six. The stalwart Bro. J King P.M. also
chaired six with Bros. H Colligan, R Paton, A Simpson and a Bro. Philips R.W.M.
Lodge 556 assisting. It was on
March 18th when a Bro. Philips took the Chair, assisted by J Wilson
of 556 a Senior Warden. This seems
to indicate an Official Visitation by Lodge 556 but unfortunately no Degree work
took place. Degree work was held a
six of the year's meetings with three candidates entered and one Bro.
affiliated. The 2nd
Degree in November was conferred by Bro. B Crann of lodge Busby St John. Deputations were received in June from
'Busby and Cathcart'. The Lodge in
turn visited Lodges 557 and 458 in February and September. East
Kilbride 'Show' again caused the Lodge's June Meeting to be put back one week as
the regular meeting was 'too soon after the Show' in August we again find the
proposal that the Secretary send notices to all members to attend the next
meeting. The subsequent meeting
gives no other details than that of a deputy to Lodge Busby. The designation, age and other details
abut candidates begin to appear in the Minutes where, formally, next to no
detail was given. The Annual Visit
by P.G.L. was in December when the Clear Minute ends by reporting that the
P.G.M. donated £1 to Lodge Funds. Since
the Lodge Roll Book is not mentioned we may take this to indicate that one at
last had been procured and brought up to date. At the Installation Meeting November
18th Bro. Robert Paton, Mason, having been elected was Installed
R.W.M. by Bro. G Hart P.M. Lodge No 153.
Bro. Paton chaired his meeting on November 30th but it was not
until February 17th 1883 to we find him back again in the Lodge. In December Bro. J King acting R.W.M.
records a vote of thanks to Organisers of Lodge's Annual Assembly, December
15th, and praises their able arrangements and managements. This is the first Minute of such a vote
and one feels that such an entry would go far to encourage the Workers of the
Day.
1883 The Chairmanship of
Bro. Robert Paton extends over the year, 1883, 1884 and 1885. Until August 1885,
more precisely, as we shall see.
Bro. Paton presided over 11 of the 13 meetings in 1883, Bro. J King, P.M.
524, and Bro. A. Maxwell, R.W.M. 557, the others. Brother Maxwell did much for Lodge St
Andrew and in November, the ceremony of Installation. Degree work was carried out on six other
occasions, including the Nomination and Instruction Meetings by the Lodge. The illness, death and funeral of Bro.
Simpson took much of the Lodge's attention from February until September. The Lodge gave the contents of the
Charity Box to Bro. Simpson in February and wrote to P.G.L. on his behalf. In May P.G.L. sent £4 for our Bro. but
later, he having died, the Lodge agreed to defray the expenses of his Funeral
and Burial. Finally in September
the sum of 6/6d is returned to the Charity Box. The Lodge Demit Book being brought into
line with Grand Lodge Rules, two Bros. are guaranteed demits in April. In July some concern is evident over
absent members when two Bros. are detailed to visit any Bro. absent from a
meeting to ensure with regard to his health. Two boxes for Lodge Wardens are agreed
to be purchased with £1 subscribed for furniture. In August a proposal is made to have an
Emergency Meeting each month on the third Monday but no evidence follows to show
if this was ever practiced. In July
and September the Lodge attended the Foundation Stone laying ceremonies at both
the Established Church at Busby and the
1884 During 1884 -
another "quiet" year - Bro. R. Paton was in the Chair at 7 of the 14 meetings.
Bro. J. Speirs S.W. and Bro. J. King P.M. taking over at the others. January,
February and November 26th only saw Degree work - the 3rd
Degree in February being by Bro. A. Maxwell R.W.M. 557. In May the Lodge
business is given over to an Instruction Class "run through" of the
2nd Degree. Five meetings are dismissed as having "No Business" other
than Minutes. In September on a happier financial note - the balance of monies,
after buying Lodge Furniture is passed to the Treasurer. In October, on the
11th the P.G.L. gives the Lodge a "Clear Minute" and on the
18th Bro. R. Paton is nominated R.W.M. for 1885. The latter Minute
records that Grand Lodge Laws were laid on the table; that 18/- in the Charity
Box be passed to Treasurer and that 4 Bros. receive
diplomas. At
the Installation meeting in November a proposal is made to postpone Installation
"on account of the Nominated Bros. not all being present". Since no Minute of
Installation does appear we are left to assume either that the Installation did
take place that evening or that the Office Bearers "soldiered-on" into 1885. The
latter may have been more likely, as we shall see, but with Bro. J. King P.M.,
once again doing the "soldiering". The last Minute for the year is a sad one as
it tells us that "…the Committee at our Annual Conversation (A.G.M.?) reported
the Lodge to have gone 7/2d in arrears…" It was then proposed, "To fall back on
the Fund for that purpose". 1884 ended on this note but with 3 Candidates for
the year. 1885 In the third of the
years credited to Bro. R. Paton as R.W.M. -1885- he chaired only 2 of the 13
meetings held. Bro. J. King P.M. chaired 9 of the remainder with Bro. J. Speirs
of 524 and Bro. A. Maxwell, R.W.M. of 557 the others. Bro. J. Speirs, Senior
Warden in 1884 is now referred to as Substitute Master. The Minute of February
21st 1885 reveals yet another division. With Bro. J. King in the
Chair, Bro. Paton not having attended since November, a proposal is made, "…that
Bro. Jarvie (Secretary) wait on the R.W.M. and inform him it is the urgent wish
of the Lodge that the O.B.'s be Installed and that Bro. Logan be Raised…" Bro,
Jarvie must have failed to prevail on the R.W.M. at an Emergency Meeting was
held on March 11th to Raise Bro. Logan to the Degree of Master Mason.
Bro. J. King chaired this meeting. The R.W.M. Bro. Paton did appear on March
21st and again on April 18th. At the first of these a
1st Degree was carried out and the Installation may also have taken
place. In April the 2nd Degree is recorded as conferred by the R.W.M.
Bro. Paton. However, in August the Lodge receives the resignations of the R.W.M.
Bro. Paton and Bro. Speirs Substitute Master. These are agreed not to be accepted, until September when
it is then agreed to do so. No indications appear in the Minutes as to what the
trouble was between Bro. R. Paton and the Lodge. Provincial Grand Lodge Annual
Visitation was in September and the Clear Minute recorded is signed by Bros.
Caldwell, Nisbet and McPherson. Correspondence from Grand Lodge continues
earlier appeals for Benevolence with Subscription Sheet brought before the
Lodge. Bro. J. King P.M. was nominated R.W.M. in October and in December
Installed for his fourth term as R.W.M. by Bro. A. Maxwell R.W.M. 557. During
the year 4 candidates were admitted. At
Grand Lodge the P.G.M. for Renfrewshire East, Bro. Sir A. Campbell
(1st Lord Blythswood), had become the Most Worshipful Grand
Master.
1886 As we have said of
1886 it shares with 1878 the doubtful distinction as the only years in which no
candidates were received. 1878 however showed other signs of life - 1886 almost
none. Only 7 meetings were held. Bro. J. King R.W.M. chaired 5 of these - up to
the Installation. In January and February the 2 meetings held led to no other
business than that of Minutes. The next meeting in August also saw no other
business other than Minutes. October and November saw the Nomination and
Election of Bro. Robert Mackie as R.W.M. - Elect. One can almost sense the
relief with which Bro. J. King P.M. Installed Bro. Mackie as R.W.M. in December
of that year. Minutes at the end of the year tell us of 7/- being paid to a
needy Brother and of 19/1d, the Balance from the Lodge Ball, being paid to the
Treasurer. The year ends on a financial note when, it is proposed "…that
Brethren pay their Test Fee quarterly to assist Lodge Funds…" It is also agreed
that any Member in arrears be admitted as "Clear" on the payment of 2/6d. The
year has to be acknowledged as the "Record Low" and this may have had its effect
on the Brethren of the Lodge for, as we shall see, recovery was
strong.
1887 Bro. Robert Mackie,
R.W.M. of the Lodge, throughout 1887, 1888 and 1889 was a thorough and business
like Chairman. During his years as Master he Chaired all the Meetings of the
Lodge and set the Lodge up into a robust state which led to even greater
years.In 1887 the Lodge Secretary Bro. Jarvie reached the end of some 10 years
in office to be followed by Bros. J. Cameron and H. Kerr during Bro. Mackie's
Stewardship. In March the Secretary is instructed to write to all Members to
attend the next meeting "For Harmony"!!!. At the April meeting it is proposed to
send a Committee of Bros. to visit all non-attending Members and urge them to
return. The P.G.L. Annual Visit, held in May, is on a Regular Meeting date. A
"Clear Minute" is recorded but it continues "...we regret to find that owing to
the state of Trade in the district there were no Initiates last year and
attendance is low. Still it is pleasing to note that there are Members who are
exerting themselves to keep the Lodge open." Signed Bro. Caldwell and 2 others.
Secretary Bro. Jarvie seems to have become unable to attend during the second
half of the year possibly due to health reasons. His place being no doubt taken
by Bro. J. Cameron, Lodge Secretary for 1888. A crop of proposals at this time,
all of which were agreed indicate the Financial State of the Lodge and Brethren.
These excluded a proposal for all Test - Fee arrears to be cancelled; the
Initiation Fee be reduced from £1.19.0 to £1.12.6 (with P.G.L.'s permission) and
that the Master receive 4/- expenses for going to P.G.L. It is also agreed to
approach the Landlady with a veiw to reducing the room - rent. There being no
Degree - Working in progress it was also agreed to have "practice in the Order"
at each meeting. In October the Lodge visited No. 557 in High Blantyre. One
woukd like to think that they carried out the working too, although this is not
recorded. Bro. R. Mackie was re-elected as R.W.M. in the November and Installed
by Bro. Crann of Lodge St. John Busby. At last meeting of the year a Mr. A.
MacDonald was Initiated by a Bro. Mackie of Lodge St. Mungo No. 27, thus saving
the year from being without a candidate.
1888 For Bro. Mackie'ssecond year in Office as R.W.M., 1888 Bro. J.Cameron, Secretary records 11 Regular and 3 Special Meetings. All of which wereChaired by Bro. Mackie. This was the first recorded use of the term"Special"for an Emergency Meeting. The accord between 524 and 557; already evident becameeven more so in 1888. Of the 8 recordings of Degree Work 4 were carried out byLodge 557. So too was the Installation at the end of the year. Three FirstDegrees were by the R.W.M., Bro. Mackie - the others show no record as to whoworked. Echoing an agreed proposal of 1887, Bro. H. Marshall reported that thelandlady tookno rentfor the previous year. It was also agreed in May ofthe year to close till August - the first indications of an actual recess as weknow it. Grand Lodges Scottish Benevolent Fund, which had been discussed over a lengthy period, was decided in September when a proposal was agreed that Brethren themselves could make Voluntary Subscriptions to the Fund. In August a Deputation was received from Lodge Rutherglen Royal Arch No. 116 - they inturn inviting Lodge St. Andrew to come to 116. An invitation was also received to attend the Foundation Stone Laying of Cambuslang West Established Church. Two "Annual Assemblies" were held in 1888. The first in February 24th and the second, after proposals and counter-proposals, on St. Andrews Day - 30th November. To date no Reports are given on such Assemblies - which is a pity. Cash Balances following such events are given however and in March £1:1:0 was passed to Lodge Funds whilst in December a 9/- Balance was divided, 5/- and 4/-, between Grand Lodge Scottish Benevolent Fund and Lodge Charity Box respectively. A tactful move is evedent at the arranging of the Assemblies in this year when it is moved and agreed "...that the Office - Bearers act as a Committee..." Bro. R. Mackie was again Elected R.W.M. and Installed as such by Bro. A. Maxwell Of Lodge 557, in November. It is noticable that minutes of P.G.L. Visitations fail to appear for the next few years - we assume they would be carried out. However in 1888 we do have the first recording of the Auditors Report - terse though it may be Bros. J. King and J. Campbell reported in December "...that the Books were in order with a Balance on the right side..." It is so minuted ! Bro. Mackie's second year ended with 5 new members and 2 affiliates - the best of his three years in Office. An application received at the end of the year was that of Hugh Begg, Blacksmith. 1889 Bro. Mackies third year - 1889 - was a
busy and varied one, Certainly Lodge Minutes begin to offer much more detail,
running sometimes to a whole page. The R.W.M. chaired all meetings required of
him to the Installation - 15 in all including 4 Specials. Degree Work was by
Bros. J. Tait Lodge No.27, the Worthy Bro. A. Maxwell of 557, Bro. W. Scott
R.W.M. 406, Bro. Latimer 116 and the R.W.M. of 524 himself. Many Invitations
flowed to and fro; Divine Services at Cambuslang and to Rutherglen 116,
Harmonies at 116 and Thornliebank 512, Installations of St. John Busby and to
Livingstone Blantyre and to Foundation Stone Laying Ceremonies at the Camlachie
Institute, Glasgow and the County Buildings in Paisley. Deputations are also
received from Lodges Pollokshaws Royal Arch No. 153 and St. Johns Operative
No.347. In February the Lodge Secretary Bro. J. Cameron intimated his intention of emigrating to the U.S.A. and submitted his resignation as Secretary. A Harmony Meeting was then arranged for February 9th to bid farewell to Bro. Cameron. On that evening Bro. Cameron handed in all books belonging to the Lodge. The Brethren present decided to give Bro. Cameron a Masonic Testimonial - a Committee was detailed to arrange this and the Harmony defined. On the 16th February the R.W.M. reported the "... disapointment of the Testimonial Committee in that Bro. Cameron refused to accept the testimonial..." We trust that the Brethren did have a good Harmony of some kind on the 9th and that the Testimonial was of cash. Bro. H. Kerr was Elected Secretary and Installed on March the 16th. It was at this time agreed that the Lodge Secretary should have a Cash Book and to compare the same to the Treasurer from time to time. In April Bro. J. Mackie Depute Master presented Wardens Mallets to the Lodge. The R.W.M. reporting the cost of working tools, the Lodge deferred the purchase of these. Continuing on a financial note the Secretary gave the Financial Report for the year in the November, adding that Lodge Room - Rent had been arranged with a Mrs. Paterson at £1:5/- per year. The Cash Balance of 19/- received latter, in December, from the Annual Assembly, was applied to having Lodge Bye -Laws revised and re - printed. No recess took place in this year, as following proposals in May, meetings were held in June, July and August. A letter from Grand Lodge with regard to a Bazaar in Aid of Annuity Funds was deferred in both August and October. In October there were 2 nominations for R.W.M. Bros. R. Mackie and J. McKay. Circulars were sent out for the November meeting and at this Bro. J. McKay was elected R.W.M. His Installation in December was by Bro. Wm. Scott R.W.M. Motherwell, No. 406 assisted by Bro. J. King P.M. 524, Bro B. Crann P.M. 458, and a Bro. Hunter of Glasgow St. Mungo, No.27. Here we have some indication of Installation Procedure in that part of the Minute where we read "...the Brethren then returned to the Lodge and saluted the new R.W.M...." Before the year ended a Masonic Annuity Committee was formed of Bro. John McKie and 9 others. We take this to be action on the letter received from Grand Lodge in August. Bro. Mackie's third year closed with 3 new members added to the roll. 1890
The resurgence
within the Lodge, brought about and developed during the years of Bro. R.
Mackie's chairmanship was sustained, and further advanced by Bro. John McKay
through the years 1890, 1891 and 1892. He was recalled for a 4th term
as we shall see in 1897 - the 25th year of the Lodge's history.
Throughout his 3 years in office he missed through illness, only 1 meeting out
of the 65 held. In
1890 alone of 25 meetings held 19 were for Degree Work. The Lodge still carried
out more than 1 Degree a night and some 23 Degrees were conferred. The R.W.M.
himself conferred 15 of these and with the assistance of Bros. Scott 406,
Barclay 552 and both Bros. Ferguson and Purdie of 581 - entered no less than 17
Apprentices in that year. These along with 1 affiliate made up the candidates
for what proved to be a very successful year for Degree Working. The Regular
Meeting of January 11th 1890 was given over to a re-appraisal of
Lodge Meeting Nights and Rules. A proposal to fix Lodge Meeting Nights to the
3rd Friday of each month was agreed. It was further agreed to form a
Committee to Revise Lodge Rules. The R.W.M. with Bro. J. King P.M. and Bro. M.
Marshall were thereupon appointed. It is
worthy of note that a reply was received from P.G.L. - within the week - to say
the Lodge could change their meeting night any time they wished to do so. The
Rules Committee worked swiftly, on May 26th we have a 10 page entry
headed "Byelaws of Lodge St. Andrew No. 524" The catalogue begins with a list of
the O.B.'s for 1890; R.W.M. Bro. J. McKay; S.W. Bro. T. McBryde; J.W. Bro. J.
Robertson; Secretary Bro. H. Kerr and Treasurer Bro. R. Pollok being the first 5
in a total of 23. The Introductory Remarks extend to 1 full page we reach the
first of 28 Regulations. Among these we find that at the Nomination Meeting the
Nominations for the Office of R.W.M. will be received from (1) - The R.W.M. (2)
- The Office-Bearers (3) - The Brethren of the Lodge - possibly 3 in all. We
find also that a Committee of 5 Brethren of the Lodge (not Office-Bearers) is to
be formed "… To arrange disputes among the Brethren…" and again the Lodge Tyler
act as Officer and warn Members of Meetings and finally, that candidates must be
over 18; that Initiation Fee be £1:12:6 and Test Fees 2/6d. To all of which we
find the signatures of Bro. J. Caldwell P.D.G.M., James Derwette P.G.Secy. and
A. McPherson P.G.Treas. Certified and Authorised by them at This
all resulted on 4th April, in the Lodge adjourning to "Harmonise in
the Light", with Toasts and Song, together with Brethren from the above Lodges
and others from lodges 128 and 544. We feel that this Minute must leave very much unsaid. In the Minutes for
1890 it emerges that the P.G.L. of Renfrewshire East was to hold a Grand Bazaar
in Aid of Grand Lodge Benevolent Funds. The Lodge formed a Committee in January
to organise the Lodges' contribution to this Bazaar. Subscription cards in aid
of this were issued to the Brethren in May and urged again in August. In
September the Bro. Junior Warden made a request on behalf of Mrs. Gilmour of
Eaglesham House, Stallholder, for the Brethren to get as much material as
possible for her stall. All must have gone well and to the satisfaction of
everyone as from a Minute dated 8/12/1890, inscribed by Bro. Sir A. Campbell,
Grandmaster we learn of the thanks expressed by him to all who made the Grand
Masonic Bazaar "so great a triumph". Divine Service Invitations were received
from Cambuslang and
1891 Coming to 1891 Bro.
J. McKay's second year in the Office of R.W.M. we see that he carried out all
the Degree Work except 1 Third Degree which was conferred by Bro. Thorburn
R.W.M. 557. This meant that the R.W.M. carried out 20 Degrees leading to the
Initiation of 15 Candidates. On 2 occasions we have cases where 3 Degrees were
conferred on the one evening. For example take the Minute of the Special Meeting
on the 4th September: "…Axel Larsen, who leaves for
1892 In 1892 the R.W.M.
carried out all of the 11 Degrees conferred and Chaired all of the 19 meetings.
The Mark Degree was conferred by Bro. Wm. Barclay P.M. 553 in March when 22
Brethren were advanced (19 from 524 plus 2 from 553 and 1 from 510). At this
Meeting a number of Honorary Members were made leading to a total of 17 for the
year. Of these 5 were from our Provincial Grand Lodge. The number of Initiates
for the year was 11. Benevolence might be said to have been the feature of the
year. In January 2 Brethren "unwell and not working", received 15/- each. In
April a Widow's Appeal was read and after a Visit had been made, where the
circumstances were found to be, "not too bad", a payment of 10/- was made. It
was decided to refer the case to P.G.L. In the October a Bro. Stewart was killed
at his work and his Widow and family received 30/-. In the December the Lodge
received a somewhat salutary lesson when a letter was received from Grand Lodge
to say that the Lodges Application for an Annuity on behalf of a Brother could
not be met as "…the Brother was not registered at Grand Lodge…" It was also a
varied year on the financial side. In March a "Deputation" was received whose
business was to describe the Testimonial being prepared for Bro. Bailie A.
Caldwell P.G.D.M. of Renfrewshire East and no doubt to receive subscriptions. In
January Bro. J. King P.M. passed to the Treasurer the sum of £2:11:0 being a
Social Committee credit balance. It was also agreed in April that the Lodge
Funds be transferred from the Clydesdale to the National Security Bank and that
Lodge paraphernalia be insured. In September Grand Lodge recommended the
Initiation Fee minimum be £2:2:0 and this was agreed to be the Lodges' new
Initiation Fee. In August it is minuted that the Rev. Bro. P. Black of Old
Monkland would give the Masonic Service in our The
Lodge is 20 years old; Brother McKay has ended a busy period of 3 years as
R.W.M. and at Grand Lodge, we have a new Grand Master, Bro. The Earl of
Haddington.
1893 The great efforts
made by the Lodge during the previous 6 years under Bros. R. Mackie and J. McKay
as Masters were no doubt difficult to sustain at a high level. Certainly the
years of 1893 and 1894 under Bro. W. McIntosh were quieter years. Bro. McIntosh
was able to chair 20 of the 26 meetings during his 2 years as Master - illness
in 1894 being the causes of his absences. Bros. J. McKay P.M. and R. Mackie P.M.
Secy. acted in his absence. Candidates and Degree Work fell away but the R.W.M.
and Bro. J. McKay shared the working equally over the 2 years. In 1893 there
were 4 Initiates and 7 Honorary Members. The year began with a report of 1892's
Finances, "forgotten" in December 1892. It is described as "good". It is also
reported that £2:15:0 had been collected for the family of Bro. Stewart,
deceased. The Lodge paraphernalia Insurance was given as Sum Assured £100 and
the premium 3/6d. The premium was described as exorbitant! From a Notice of
Motion made in March, and later debated it appears the Lodge was issuing
circulars, by now for all its meetings. There is a minute telling of the result
of the vote but this is almost meaningless and leaves us to guess the result. At
a Presentation and Harmony Meeting held in April, Bro. J. McKay received his
P.M.'s jewel "…of gold and to the design of Bro. A. Brown, Argyll Arcade,
Glasgow…" In his reply, thanking the Brethren of Lodge Bro. McKay urged all to
do their best for
Invitations were received to the Divine Services of Lodges 103, 215 and
557. One was also received to a Harmony at Lodge Clyde. The Lodge conducted its
own Divine Service on the 2nd July when the Rev. Bro. D. Ness took
the pulpit. This time we hear something more about it when we read that the
Balance remaining after the Service equalled £2:17:8. This was passed into the
Benevolent Fund of the Lodge. A letter received in May from Lodge No. 259in
Aberdeenshire West asked for help to build a suitable Hall. This letter was
"laid aside". Such letters were, or were about to become a regular feature as we
shall see. At the A.G.M. in November it was agreed to pay the Secretary a 10/-
Honoraria. Bro. W. McIntosh was again elected R.W.M. and Installed in December
by Bro. Barclay P.M. 553.
1894 In
1894 there were but 2 Degrees conferred: a 3rd and a 1st
by the R.W.M. The 1st Degree, in November, gave the Lodge its sole
candidate for the year. With 11 Regular Meetings and 1 Special Meeting it is a
year which gives us an increasing insight into Lodge affairs. The P.G.L.
Visitation, due in January, was put off till June the 30th. Then they
are able to give a "Clear Minute" and are pleased to note the healthy state of
Lodge Finances: Credit Balance £33:15:0 of which £10:12:11 is in the Benevolent
Fund. The P.G.M. being absent this Minute is signed by the P.G.D.M. Bro.
Caldwell and 11 members of P.G.L. Benevolence features yet again in "Relief to a
Brother £1"; to a renewed request from Mrs. Stewart, Widow a grant of £3; to a
"destitute Brother on-the-way" 5/- and a report from P.G.L. that they too have
contributed to Mrs. W. Stewart in the sum of £4. In March alterations cause the
Lodge - room to become "unsuitable" and it is agreed to bear part of the expense
to make the Lodge - room once again convenient for the members. We must assume
they still met in Rae's Hall and can only wonder at the above. A Divine Service
is arranged for July 8th and it is agreed to give Proceeds to the
Victoria Infirmary, The
Lodge itself agrees and arranges a Social Meeting for
1895 The 2
years 1895 and 1896 were under the Chairmanship of Bro. T. Bell, R.W.M. During
those years some 28 Meetings were held of which Bro. Bell Chaired 23. In his
absence Bro. J. McKay P.M. acted for him and it would seem that Bro. Bell leaned
very heavily on the redoubtable Bro. J. McKay. This is evident in that all
Degree Work in the 2 years was carried out by Bro. J. McKay. Degree Work was
carried out on sixteen occasions yielding 10 Candidates 6 and 4 respectively. In
this time there were also 1 Affiliate and 10 Honorary Members. Bro. Sir J. S.
Maxwell S.P.G.M. was one of the latter. The Mark Degree in 1896 was under the
care of Bro. A. Brown P.M. 512, 13 Brethren received their Mark Degree at that
time. In 1895, as we learnt, the Installation was held on the 11th
January. The Installing Master was Bro. Denholm P.M. 553, who was assisted by
Bro. Thom also of 553. This Minute of Bro. Bell's Installation is a very full
one and the procedure shown is very close to that we Know of today. Bro.
Secretary tells us that Bro. Bell was supported by Bros. McKay, McIntosh, Begg,
Sweeney and McNaught. In February the death is reported of a Bro. R.Y. Wilson,
at Mauchline, of whom the R.W.M. spoke very highly. A wreath is purchased by the
Brethren and a letter of thanks for this is received from Bro. Wilson's Mother.
In March and May we have further entries of Benevolence to Brethren "on the way"
with payments of 5/- and 1/8d. An application for relief from the I.P.M. Bro.
McIntosh who is indisposed is met with a grant of £3. Sadly however we read of
the death of Bro. McIntosh in September and also that of a Bro. D. McInnes. In
November relief of £2 is voted to the widow of Bro. McInnes. Further letters
from "various Lodges" seeking Building Fund Aid are received and "laid aside".
So too are letters from Lodge
1896
1896 was a year not
unlike that of 1895 but with apparently, a reduction in general activity. It did
reveal facets of Lodge life as had 1895. A Committee was formed in March to
revise Lodge Bye-Laws. This consisted of the R.W.M. with Bros. McKay P.M.,
Johnstone, Allan and Bro R. Mackie P.M. Secy. The reading of the revised
Bye-Laws was put off in August and it is not until January 1897 that we hear of
them again. A Motion to change the Lodge Meeting Night to a Saturday, made in
April, was ruled "incompetent" and we hear no more of it. Further indications of
a measure of acrimony appear in April when it is moved, and agreed, for
Secretary's and Treasurer's books to be examined, as some Brethren, "questioned
the accuracy of these with regard to Test Fee payments". The Committee formed to
examine the books reported in June and we find all dismissed by the Minuted
entry, "the Brethren concerned in the dispute are not voting members in 1896".
The Secretary and Treasurer appear to have been vindicated. In November Grand
Lodge passed a new law to say that "No Passing or Raising of Candidates may be
carried out at intervals of less than 2 weeks." This would certainly cause a
major change to the practice and precept of
1897
Brother John McKay P.M. - R.W.M., setting out on his 4th term
as R.W.M. and the Lodges 25th year in 1897 had as Secretary Bro. R.
Mackie P.M. Bro. Mackie was then in the 5th of his many years as
Secretary. At Provincial Grand Lodge Bro. Sir A. Campbell was in his
30th year approximately as P.G.M. and at Grand Lodge the "new boy"
was Alexander, the Lord Saltoun - M.W.G.M. The year begins with a reading of the
New Bye-Laws. These were agreed after a reduction of the Benevolent Committee
from 8 members to 5 had been made. The P.G.L. returned them to the Lodge in
March for some re-consideration all of which were finally resolved in September.
In that month the New Bye-Laws are entered, in their entirety as once before, in
a 10 page minute of some 27 Bye-Laws. Of intrest are the points that Candidates
must now be over 21 years of age unless they are the Sons of Scottish Master
Masons and that applications refused may be remade after 3 months. A Life
Membership Fee becomes available at £1:1:0 - this to be divided equally between
General and Benevolent Funds. Following a vote in Open Lodge a large majority
favoured holding a Divine Service. This was held in June and the Rev. A. Millar
of So
ends our first 25 years. |