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