History of Lodge St.Andrew 1872 - 1897.
The Lodge was
chartered on 5th August 1872 by The Grand Lodge of Scotland, in
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
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
Visitors to the Lodge were recorded in November and December
from Strathaven, Busby and
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
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
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 this 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 sum 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
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.
Endeavours to 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 Paisley; the laying of
the Foundation Stone at Lodge Patrick St. Marys, No. 117 and to the
Consecration of Lodge St. Johns Operative, No. 347's New Hall in Rutherglen.
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 Edmonds.
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 Glasgow. "22 went away and joined in the Ceremony, returning in
the evening.
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 Bro. Park is recorded. Our
Lodges Board of "524's R.W.M.s credits Bro. Park as R.W.M. in 1880. In
that year we see that of 14 meetings Bro. Park chaired 1 only and Bro. J. King
P.M. the remainder.
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 Blantyre
and resulted in a Deputation being received from Lodge St. Johns Operative No.
347 at the "Quarterly Meeting" in May. We read in September of a
letter from P.G.L. with regard to a Masonic Burial Ground, the Minute ending
"…there was nothing said about this." Bro. Park was re-elected R.W.M.
and Installed in November. An Emergency meeting in November was for the P.G.L.
Visitation with Bro. A. Campbell simply counter-signing a previous Minute. 1878
shows the dubious record with 1886 as the only years in which the Lodge failed
to enter any candidates.
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 Campbell, P.G.M. at the Head. A 'clear minute' is
recorded but the Lodge is again urged to have a 'Role Book'. They said
also that Lodge Minutes must show degree in which Lodge is working; that
Elections must be held in the Third Degree and that the Lodge copy of Grand
Lodge Laws be on view and so minuted. Oddly enough this Minute is one of
the three not signed during the year. Bro. J Walker Nominated R.W.M. in
October was elected in Installed by Bro. T.M. Campbell in November.
Deputations were received at this meeting from Lodges No. 0, 4, 305, 408, 458
and 557. The Installation Minute ends, ' …Lodge called from Labour to
Refreshment and after being in Harmony with Song, Toast and Sentiment for a
time was called back and closed in Due and Ancient Form…' Initiates in 1881
equal 2, and a third Brother was affiliated.
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 Sherriff
Court House at Paisley. In April it was agreed on the motion of Bros.
Livingston and Nimmo, 'that Bro. J King P.M. be given a token of Lodge
appreciation for his valuable services.' A committee was formed to take
up subscriptions. This resulted, on May 19th, in the R.W.M.
Bro. R Paton presenting Bro. J King with a P.M.'s jewel suitably
inscribed. The Minute tells us that, 'Bro King suitably replied and the
evening ended with a happy Harmony together with some Blantyre Brothers'.
There can be no doubt that Bro. king would treasure such an Honour and would
wear his Jewel with the greatest pride. The Lodges first P.M. Jewel was
surely earned by a very consistent and hard working Brother and Master.
The Nomination Meeting in October resulted in all the Officers for 1883 being
unanimously Re-nominated for 1884. Brothers from Lodge Star 219 and
Blantyre 557 were present at the Harmony which followed. The Installation
Ceremony in November was carried out by Bro. A Maxwell R.W.M. 557 - a simple
one of re-obligating the Office Bearers stating that 15/-, the balance from
Lodge Ball, had been passed to Treasurer. Initiates were 3 and Affiliates
2. At Grand Lodge a new Grand Master presided: The Earl of Mar and
Kellie.
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 Paisley, on the 26th
May 1890. At the Meeting of the Lodge on August 15th, these were
read to the Lodge by Bro. Secretary. Interested Brethren of today would find
the 10 page entry worthy of a closer scrutiny. A determined effort was also
made in March to promote a Harmony Night in April. Invitations were sent to
Lodges Nos. 114, 116, 458, 512, 557 and 617 to attend this Harmony.
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 Blantyre. In September the R.W.M. reported that the Rev. Bro.
John Murray would take the Masonic Service on 26th October. This
seems to be a clear reference to the Lodges' own Masonic Service but
unfortunately no other references to it appear. The Lodge Meeting on the 17th
October was changed to the 15th "…because of a Public Meeting
in the village on the 17th …" - a clear indication of how
closely knit all the village must have been. At the end of the year the
Financial Report was well received - it having a Credit Balance of £13:7:7. It
was agreed to present Bro. R. Mackie P.M. with a P.M.'s Jewel and to pay the
Bro. Tyler an Honoraria of 10/-. Bro. J. McKay, having re-elected as R.W.M. was
Installed by Bro. Wm. Barclay P.M. 553 "…in a most creditable manner…"
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 London soon, received his First, Second and Third
Degrees from the R.W.M., his Instructors to have him well posted…" On
March 6th we come to our First Mark Degree. It was a Special Meeting
and in the care of Bro. Wm. Barclay P.M. with Bros. R. Steven and G. White of
Lodge St. Vincent No. 553. Some 20 Brethren received their Mark Degree. It is
here too we have our First Honorary Affiliate Members, there are 6 altogether
with Bro. Wm. Barclay P.M. 553 (and a Past P.G.L./Jeweller of the P.G.L. of
Glasgow) being the first. Among the others were Bros. R. Steven and G. White
with notably Bro. George Aitkenhead - No. 128 on our Roll. The Lodge thus
increased, in 1891, by 15 Initiates, 1 Affiliate and 6 Honorary Members. Bro.
McKay, the R.W.M. chaired all but 1 of the 21 meetings held. It was the
Nomination Meeting in November which he missed, being ill. Even so he was
re-nominated as R.W.M. for 1892 in his absence. He was Installed R.W.M. in
December by Bro. C. Galletly, P.M. 362, and described as S.D. at Grand Lodge.
The Minute of this Installation tells us that the Lodge was raised to the Third
Degree for the Election, earlier. Lodges represented were Nos. 27, 177, 306 and
609. During the year Bro. R. Mackie P.M. was presented with a P.M.'s jewel. A
Brothers call for assistance from Douglas, Lanark was met by a grant of 2/6d
and it was agreed to enquire the cost of Aprons for the Master and Wardens. The
years Financial Statement showed the Credit Balance to have increased to
£15:0:0. A sad note is struck in the month of June when we read of Bro. J. King
P.M. thanking the Lodge for their letter of sympathy at the death of Mrs. King.
To Mrs. King, we have little doubt; Bro. John King owed much of his success as
a Brother and R.W.M. of Lodge St. Andrew No. 524.
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 Parish Church on 4th
September. Once again we fail to find further reference to the Divine Services
being held by the Lodge. At the end of the year Bro. Wm. McIntosh is elected
R.W.M. and Installed by a Bro. N. Denholm I.P.M. Lodge No. 553. The Laws of
Grand Lodge are minuted as on view but it is noteworthy that the Election is by
a "Show of Hands", in open lodge. Provincial Grand Lodge appends a
clear minute to this entry but adds that Candidates must be balloted and also
appeals to Lodge Wardens to attend Provincial Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge.
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 Lodge St. Andrew. Deputations were present
from Lodges 103, 215, 347, 458, 556, 557 and 609. A Brother Johnstone gave the
Lodge a gift of an Apron Box.
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, Glasgow. In August we find that the Divine Service proceeds equalled
£ 5:2:7. From this is deducted £1:9:1 for expenses and the Balance despite an
earlier decision is divided into £3 to the Victoria Infirmary and 13/6 to the
Lodge Benevolent Fund. Invitations are received during the year to the Divine
Service of Lodge Sir George Cathcart; to a Dramatic Entertainment at Lodge
Strathaven in aid of the Town's Unemployed and to a "Quarterly
Meeting" and Harmony at Lodge Rutherglen Royal Arch No.116.
The Lodge itself agrees and arranges a Social Meeting for St.
Andrew's Night in November. At the A.G.M. a debate ensues as to why the
Treasurer required to have 2 Bank accounts - one for the "lodge" and
another for the Benevolent Fund. Following timely advice and explanation it was
agreed this should continue. The Financial Statement for the year was given
without detail or comment. Bro. Thomas Bell received the Nomination and
Election as R.W.M. for 1895 - the Installation being postponed till the 11th
January 1895. No reason for this postponement is given. This ended the reign of
Bro. Wm. McIntosh; and at Grand Lodge the Grand Master was Bro. Sir Charles
Dalrymple.
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 Lurgan, Ireland and "Lodge Kilwinning" re Bazaars.
The Lodge Divine Service is arranged in the Parish Church on 18th
August, with the Rev. Shearer conducting, again we have a Financial Report of
it, if no other. The collection reached £3:19:5 with expenses at £1:5:3. The
balance was placed in the Lodge Benevolent Fund. A gift was received by the
Lodge from Bro. Fraser of Lodge 116, of an ancient gavel head. The Secretary has
decided to write and thank Bro. Fraser. In a manner seemingly contrary to the
foregoing the Lodge voted 9 to 6, "not to have the Stewards Rods
painted." In June we hear of a large Deputation from Lodge Cambuslang No.
114 headed by Bro. A. Telfer R.W.M. - no other details provided. The Provincial
Grand Lodge visit in April was of 9 Brethren headed by Sir J. S. Maxwell,
S.P.G.M. A Clear Minute is recorded, the Office Bearers are congratulated on
their attendance and Finance is detailed. This was of a Credit Balance
£29:13:10 of which £10:11:4 were in the Benevolent Fund. At the A.G.M. in
November the Secretary's Honoraria was increased to £1:1:0 Bro. Bell,
re-elected R.W.M. was Installed in December by Bro. Phillips of "Shamrock
and Thistle"
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 Lodge St. Andrew. At the Nomination
Meeting there are 2 Nominations for R.W.M. in 1897; Bro. J. McKay P.M. and Bro.
H. Begg. However, at the Election Meeting, Bro. J. McKay P.M. was elected and
later Installed by Bro. Thorburn P.M. 557. All of which we'd say indicated some
concern in the Lodge as to who would be our R.W.M. in 1897 - the Lodges 25th
Anniversary.
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 Blue Vale Parish Church was the Minister. Some 13
Lodges were represented and a Collection of £3:4:5 was taken up, after £1:6:6
expenses the balance was applied to Lodge Benevolent Fund. Benevolence extended
during the year included 2/6d to a "Brother on the way" and £3 to
Mrs. McIntosh, widow. On her behalf also the Lodge Secretary was directed to
appeal to P.G.L. In March of the year we are puzzled by an entry saying that
Nominations were being called for a Brother to succeed the P.G.M. Bro. Sir A.
Campbell. This is contrary to our information where Bro. Campbell remained
P.G.M. until 1902. We must assume that he was re-elected for a further term.
The Provincial Grand Lodge Visit in 1897 was on June the 18th when 9
Brethren headed by Bro. Major F. W. Allan P.G.D.M. attended the Lodge. A
"Clear Minute" was given and financial details recorded. Lodge Funds
were in Credit to £21:0:9 with £14:3:9 in the Benevolent Fund. During the year
a Bro. A. McLelland, Jeweller presented the Lodge with a set of candle-sticks
and candles for which he was thanked. It was also agreed to repair some of the
Lodge Jewels. Although no minute appears of a specific 25th
Anniversary Celebration, we feel it did not go unmarked and the state of Lodge
financially with the mind - picture we have to date leads us to say the Lodge
would be well justified in drinking a Toast to itself in its 25th
year. Brother McKay, ill for a time in the spring, chaired all but 2 of the 11
meetings, and with Bro. Thorburn P.M. an Honorary Member shared the working of
4 Degrees. New Members for the year were 4 Initiates and 7 Honorary Members.
Bro. Secretary ends a Minute in July "…after some business of a miscellaneous
nature the Lodge was closed…" We wonder what reception such an entry would
receive today.
So ends our
first 25 years.
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