1796

It would seem that the Lodge met on 17th May 1796 and again on the 19th May. On 17th May the meeting was at the house of Brother Duncan Stewart, with RWM Br John Young presiding. On 19th May they met at the house of Brother John Kincaid. Due to the absence of the Master, Depute Master John Lockhart presided, and John Norval was initiated Entered Apprentice. Again on the 20th of May a meeting was held, this time at the home of Brother John Robertson, again with Depute Master Lockhart in the chair, with Brothers Wood and Bell as Acting Wardens. At this meeting, two gentlemen, George Purdon and William Morrison, both weavers, were initiated Entered Apprentices. Brother John Lockhart and Brother George Brown promised that the fees of Brother Purdon would be paid to the Treasurer, whilst Brothers John and George Brown took a similar undertaking with regards to Brother Morrison! On May 31st several members were passed to the Fellow Craft Degree and then raised to the 3rd or High and Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. These works were undertaken at the home of Brother Duncan Stewart.

June

The month of June brings another change of venue. This time the Lodge met at the home of Brother John Robertson. Brothers Robert Price and John Hamill duly paid their fees, and there being no further business the Lodge was closed. The above Brethren were passed Fellow Craft on the 15th of June and again Brother Robertson's house was the venue

July

Three meetings were held in July, on the 4th, 12th and 14th respectively. On the 14th Brother Alec Clarke presented the Charter from Edinburgh. He was allotted the sum of £1.5/- (£1.25) for his trouble. He was also elected to be the Lodge's Proxy Representative to Grand Lodge, and the following Friday was agreed as the Day of the Constitution of the Lodge. The Election of Office-bearers took place.

‘Caledonian St John Royal Arch Lodge having met and the duly elected office bearers being clothed, the Masters, Wardens and Brethren of the following Lodges attended viz: Kirkintilloch Kilwinning and Argyle Cadder. Kirkintilloch Kilwinning being the Senior Lodge performed the ceremony of Entering Brothers Cumming and Simpson'.

1802

December

In common with many Lodges, the Festival of St John was celebrated. Accounts were £0.15.0 (£0.75). After the election the Brethren proceeded by torchlight through the town and returned to the Lodge. (Can we do it again? Would we dare?)

1803

The Lodge seemed to travel between Torrance and Lennoxtown for meetings. It would also seem the Lodge had reverted to the old number of 261.

June

This meeting was held in Lennoxtown and it was agreed at this meeting to hold a procession on July 1st. It seems that the Lodge worked two degrees per meeting. Br Harvey Passed Fellow Craft and was then Raised to Master Mason on the same night. Mr Hugh McQuinney was initiated as an Entered Apprentice.

July

On the 1st the Lodge met, processed and then returned to the Lodge room. On 7th the meeting was held in Torrance. William Gillies petitioned to become a member and he was initiated as an Entered Apprentice accordingly. As he was leaving the country he was passed Fellow Craft and raised a Master Mason on the same night, on payment of One Guinea (£1.05) entry, Diploma two shillings and sixpence (£0.12½) and to the Office-bearer concerned, the sum of sixpence (£0.2½).

September

Meeting held in Lennoxtown. Election of Office-bearers took place. There is a gap from1803 to 1806. There seem to have been some financial discrepancies to the sum of £19.7.11 (£19.39).

1808

The Lodge was held at the home of Br John Robertson. The business at hand was the discussion of the parcel of land purchased from a Mrs Besing. However due to other matters the sale was not processed. Even as early as this the Lodge sought to own its own property. There follows a number of statements inserted in the minute book, but give no indication of what these matters are about. Again our old number 261 is inserted.

1810

December

Some operative Masonic works were undertaken, with Brother Rankin being paid five shillings (£0.25) for expenses for the laying of the foundation stone at the Glasgow Lunatic Asylum, presumably now known as Gartnavel Royal Hospital. Postage amounted to two pounds eleven shillings (£2.55). There was a change of heart on the money scene. You can have time to pay! However if you are in debt you cannot take office. No pay No say! This of course remains the same to this day, since you cannot take office if you are not ‘clear in the books'.

1825

January

On January 1st there were twelve petitions for membership, and the Election of Office-bearers took place. January 7th saw fourteen Brethren Passed and Raised Fellow Craft and Master Mason. The Lodge met yet again on January 10th with further initiates.

May

Payment was made to Grand Lodge. We are still in business.

July

On July 22nd a committee was formed to purchase clothing and also to arrange a Lodge Procession. The Brethren then went to Harmony.

August

Arrangements are made for the procession on September 2nd at 11am. Brethren are to be decently dressed and each Brother attending is to pay two shillings (£0.10). Those attending at night only are to pay the same. Anyone in arrears is to be excluded. After a few appropriate toasts and songs the Lodge closed.

September

This is a full transcript of the meeting held on September 2nd.

‘The Caledonian St John Royal Arch Lodge met this evening in their Lodge room. The R.W.M. was in the Chair assisted by Bros R Rankin and G Riedon Senior and Junior Wardens. After the Lodge was opened a Deputation was sent to their Worthy Brother The Rev James Brown inviting him to attend, which invitation he cheerfully accepted. The Lodge was shut for a time. They arranged themselves in true Masonic Form, according to their order, walked in full procession, preceded by a Full Band of Music to the Clachan where they met their sister Lodge Lennox Kilwinning. After a few appropriate toasts being drunk in front of Br W Muir's house they returned (approximately one hundred Brethren being there), to Lennoxtown and proceeded to Milton calling at Br James Heddleston's, drank a few Masonic toasts, returning to the Lodge room and spent the rest of the evening in Harmony with toasts and songs.'

Financial Statement September 1824---December 1825.

For entries £38.0.6

Quarterly Account £0.2.18

Expenses

Two small books and paper £0.0.6½d

For Whisky £0.0.8½d

To J Telford one day to Kilsyth And J Lockhart with postage £0.9.0

Postage £0.0.10½d

To an applicant £0.1.0

Postage £0.0.8½d

To an applicant and postage £0.1.5½d 9¾

cloth for aprons and making and mounting £0.9.9¾d

Two applicants and postage £0.2.1½d

To J Lochart expenses to Edinburgh £1.10.0

Expenses to Master and Wardens to Craig Barrent £0.2.0

Mrs Robertson's A/c £1.3.4

Postage £0.1.4

Whisky £0.0.4

J Pollock going to Kirkintilloch £0.1.0

J Robinson Vintner A/c £1.10.0

J Rankin & D. Galbraith to Kirkintilloch £0.2.0

Ten names enrolled Grand Lodge £2.15.0

Carriage of the above to Glasgow to W Adams £0.0.6½d

Cleaning aprons and dress flag £0.1.2½d

A Wylie & D Galbraith to Glasgow Mason inquest £0.6.0

Kirkintilloch Band Expenses £0.5.0

Other expenses for that period included:

3½ yard Persian for aprons £0.7.0

2 Yards of tartan £0.11.0

Cotton fringes £0.4.8

Pair of compasses £0.0.10

Paint for aprons & silk thread £0.2.2 ½

Yard black velvet £0.1.3

Mrs Robinson for spirits at procession £0.19.6 24

Grand Lodge Certificates £6.0.0

1827

June

On June 21st the Lodge headed by a full military band processed in due form to the Clachan, where they met sister Lodge Lennoxtown Kilwinning. The procession then went on to Woodhead House and to the seat of the new Parish Church, where the foundation stone was laid. The Rev Dr McLeod of Campsie officiated. The intrant fee was reduced to Half a Guinea - 10/6 (£0.52½)

1858

July

Elections were held.

August

Another procession! This time the cost was one shilling (5 pence) to march! At 3pm, well dressed and decent, with deputations from The Kirkintilloch Lodge St John Kilwinning No. 28 and The Athole Lodge No. 384, the Brethren arranged themselves in order of precedence and marched to the Crown Inn, Clachan. After refreshments the members returned to Lennoxtown and processed through the village accompanied by Campsie Brass Band.

December

At this meeting it was proposed that the Burns Centenary be celebrated with a Supper and Ball to take place in the Lodge on 25th January 1859. The Lodge Number '195' is referred to for the first time in this minute.

1859

January

The word 'Caledonian' is used for the first time in the Lodge title. On January 28th fourteen names were to be sent to Grand Lodge for enrolment with a payment of Three Pounds Seventeen Shillings (£3.85) for same. It was proposed that a Benevolent Fund be set up.

April

An invitation was received from The Athole Lodge No. 384 to join them in an anniversary celebration. Even then, the links between the two Lodges were strong, and this of course continues to the present day. The name Allan Marshall is shown as Master Mason, a name still to the fore in the Lodge today (2005) in the person of RWM Br. Brian Marshall.

1860

In February, the word Campsie is used for the first time in connection with the name of the Lodge.

1861

The month of June sees the Lodge agree to attend the laying of the Foundation Stone of the Wallace Monument in Stirling.

1887

March

On March 14th the manager of the Lennox Print Works granted permission for a Freemason to have time off to attend the funeral of Br Miller of The Athole Lodge No. 384. The funeral took place with Masonic Order and Procession to the service and interment.

April

Again money troubles with Provincial Grand Lodge stating that the Wardens owe money. Perhaps this is what is known as Fees of Honour?

May

Brethren gathered on May 24th for the burial of Br Lindsay. The internment was at the Clachan Churchyard. The cortege left the Brother's house led by a band. Fifty Brethren were in attendance. Br Taylor supplied the hearse and two horses free of charge. An outing to Loch Lomond was being arranged for June. A question was raised as to the whereabouts of the old minute book.

June

On June 4th members met and departed for a days outing in a Brake supplied by Br Ingram. The day was wet, but the influence of a Mr Oliver and Br Ingram (coachman) enabled shelter to be obtained for man and beast at a large house at Bell-Ma-H (now known as Balmaha). The Jubilee of Queen Victoria was celebrated on June 18th by holding a procession and church service at the Parish Church. Following the service the members processed through the town to Balglass Farm, reformed and returned to the Lodge. The Lodge was closed at 7pm. The old minute books were returned and put in the Lodge Chest on June 24th.

1900

May

A new Century! Same finances! Br Cochrane offered to pay for repairs to the Lodge banner, which had been hung out to celebrate victory in Pretoria, South Africa. This was of course the end of the Boer War.

June

An invitation was received from Lodge Kilsyth St John No. 39 to attend the laying of the Foundation Stone of the New Temple in Parkfoot Street, Kilsyth. Their Temple stands to this day, a tribute to the foresight of the Brethren of Kilsyth.

1903

January

Six members received their Mark Degree at Lodge Glasgow St Mungo's No. 27.

May

A circular from Grand Lodge stated that the Master, Depute Master, Secretary and Treasurer of Lodge Neptune Kilwinning No. 442 have been suspended.

June

A presentation of a pipe was made to Br J. Thom of The Athole Lodge No. 384. This event was reported in the Kirkintilloch Herald. 1904 The Lodge was still working more than one degree in the same night. Two degrees were conferred on the same brother as he was leaving for South Africa.

1909

February

On the 24th Br E.H.S. Craig brought forward the idea that 195 transfer to Dunbartonshire.

March

At the meeting on 31st agreement was reached that our Lodge would transfer from the Province of Stirlingshire to the Province of Dunbartonshire. A pivotal moment in our Lodge's history!

1910

The year began with a visit from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire and the matter of transferring to Dunbartonshire was raised. The Provincial response to the request was a favourable one, and the Provincial Grand Master expressed his delight at the strength of the Lodge finances and membership.

1934

The year opened as it sometimes closed, with Brethren called to the Grand Lodge Above. The Secretary Br Sword resigned and Br John Long was appointed as Acting Secretary for the remainder of the year. On 28th February Mrs Shepherd, wife of Br Shepherd held a concert with the money being raised for the building fund. After all expenditure was paid there was a balance of £21/5/2 (£21.26). God bless the ladies!

May

In May the Lodge took action by writing to all office bearers to inform them that if absent for 3 consecutive meetings they must write and give reasons. There was some concern about some posters or notices from the Ministry of Labour. These were not considered conducive to a Masonic Lodge and the Rechabite Committee were asked to remove same. The request was denied and the Lodge was told to seek other premises on expiry of the lease in 1935. What these notices were or their content is not known. Given that the premises were also in use as the local Labour Exchange perhaps the display of the posters was relevant to the ‘daytime' use of the building.

1940

The Lodge carries on with degree work and social activities. A dance in February made a profit of £9/4/2 (£9.21) and it was agreed to donate £3/3 (£3.15) to three local war parties i.e. Lennoxtown & Campsie Glen Work Party, First Aid Comforts Fund and VAD.

March

Owing to the large number of candidates coming forward it was agreed in March to return to the twice-monthly meetings.

May

At the regular meeting held on 5th May it was announced that Lodge St John Kilwinning No. 28 would hold a special meeting at the hall on Friday 17th with use of Lodge furnishings. Also it was reported that provided the Tyler locked up the premises after each meeting there would be no difficulties regarding the holding of meetings. With the Lodge in recess, at a special meeting on May 28th, the Athole Lodge No. 384 asked to take part in the Mark Degree for their members as the Government had commandeered their own hall. Br M. Currie, P.M. Athole Lodge presented 195 with a new life member's roll.

1945

May

Hostilities ceased on May 8th Victory in Europe (VE Day). The degree planned was cancelled. On 22nd May the Lodge agreed to buy the property at 32 Main St Lennoxtown for a payment of £50 due on May 28th. At a special meeting on Saturday 26th May fifteen Brethren were raised to the Mark Master Degree accompanied by four from Lodge Possilpark 1330.

September

Notice of expulsion from the Order was read on 11th September from Lodge 1242 and 5 notices of rejection from various Lodges were read.

November

The November meeting welcomed home a brother from the armed forces, a Br T. Main. Homecomings continued with a warm welcome for Bros Anderson and Ramsay who were on leave, but saddened by the news of the death of Brother D King. There was a discussion on the closing date for the Roll of Honour. The proposed date was 31st October but on an amendment the date was altered to VJ Day (Victory over Japan). Complaints were registered that financial statements had not been received by post. This received short shrift as it was pointed out that the Bye Laws did not call for this to happen. It was suggested that the mallet presented to the Lodge by Depute Provincial Grand Master G.M. Reid be suitably inscribed. The Rechabite Committee was to be asked to allow the Lodge to use the heater during the winter months. Regarding heating the hall, it was reported that provided the Lodge supplied the oil there was no objection to the Lodge using the heater.

December

Members must have been keen as there was a meeting on Christmas Day! Remember then of course that in Scotland Christmas Day was a working day, with New Year's Day being the National Holiday.

1953

January At the regular meeting it was suggested the Lodge be opened in June and August. The Lodge was again represented in Provincial Grand Lodge as P.M. William W. Clow was elected as Vice President of Stewards. March A two minute silence was observed during the meeting held on March 31st on the death of H.M. Queen Mary. Our good friends at Lodge Possilpark conferred the Mark Degree. It was not such a burden this time as only eighteen Brethren were thus honoured. An appeal was made for the Brethren to support the Masonic Club and the Burns Club at Torrance. This was their Silver Jubilee and Br C.O.J. Cook had been elected president. Br C.O. Julius Cook was a staunch supporter of this Lodge and a great proponent of the National Bard right up until his death in the early 1980s.

May

At the meeting on 26th May Br Clow intimated that there might be further developments in the purchase of the Rechabite Hall. This is the first time such a proposed purchase is recorded and there is no mention of any sale of property, i.e. the property on Main Street. These discussions took place during recess and a committee was appointed to negotiate on behalf of the Lodge.

September

On 22nd September it was agreed to write to all who were members over the past fifteen years about the purchase of the hall. However as the Management Committee were still dealing with the matter it was agreed to await a report.

October

On the 13th October a letter was received from the Independent Order of Rechabites discussing the purchase of the hall and our final offer. After reasonable discussion it was decided to leave it in the hands of the Management Committee but not to increase the offer. An amendment was made to drop the idea and concentrate our efforts on building our own hall. The amendment was carried by 25 for and 11 against. The offer of £600 to purchase the hall was accepted by the Rechabites. Agreement was made to purchase the hall subject to scrutiny by our solicitor and all Brethren were to be notified to attend a meeting to ratify the purchase.

1981

The year commenced with the installation of Br David King Anderson who had been secretary. He was later to fill the role of Treasurer, retiring from that post in 2002. A quiet man, but one who has the well-being of his Mother Lodge as close to his heart now as the day he joined our noble Order. Br David received well deserved recognition both from Provincial Grand Lodge, in the form of attaining the rank of Provincial Senior Grand Warden, the highest elective office within the Provincial Grand Lodge, and from Grand Lodge, in the form of Honorary Grand Jnr Deacon

1983

Br James Paton Cheyne followed Br Eddie Thomas into the Chair of King Solomon. Br Jimmy Cheyne was a remarkable man, again a stalwart of the Lodge and an extremely hard worker. He called a spade a spade, but could be relied on to assist no matter what the request. Jimmy and John McCormack worked together as Installing Masters over many years in the late 1980s and early 90s. Jimmy was also instrumental in bringing the Caledonian Lodges together, and his name appears on the certificate commemorating the inaugural meeting held in the premises of Lodge Caledonian Annan, No. 238. On his death, a Verse was written in his memory, and retains pride of place at time of writing in the place that Jimmy himself would most often be found after the meetings – beside the bar. The verse is appended below:

 

A Toast to J. P. Cheyne

Here's to the Cheyne

That held us together

Here's to Big Jim

A jolly fine fellow.

Here's to the man

Who would not let go

It's up to us now

To get on with the show.

 

1984

The Chair was occupied by Br Reginald Millar Cooper, again a very hard worker for our Lodge. Br Cooper's zeal for Freemasonry was such that when the opportunity came for him to progress in office; he went from Inner Guard to Junior Warden in order to make his dream come true. We played host to the Caledonian Lodges Annual Gathering, which due to the numbers in attendance was hosted in Milngavie, in Lodge Ellangowan No. 716's premises, with the dinner dance held thereafter in the Milngavie Town Hall.

1985

Br John Reid McCormack took the Chair as Master of the Lodge. A keen floor worker, he had the privilege and pleasure of heading fine Degree Teams both within and outwith the Lodge, sometimes known as 'The A-Team' after the television programme of the time. As previously mentioned, Br John had the honour of being chosen as Installing Master on many occasions, partnered several times by the late Br James P. Cheyne, PM. He also had the honour of being on the Toast Lists at both St John Kilwinning No. 28's 250th Anniversary and Lodge Ellangowan's Centenary Celebrations, both held during his term in the Chair. He succeeded Br D.K. Anderson PM as Provincial Grand Lodge Office-Bearer for 195 in 1996, and rose to the rank of Provincial Grand Director of Music before being chosen by the newly commissioned Provincial Grand Master Br John F. Herrick to represent the Province as Substitute Provincial Grand Master. He was Commissioned and Installed in June 2002. A great honour for both Br McCormack and his Mother Lodge!

1988

A special meeting was hosted by Lodge Caledonian No. 238 Annan, at which many 195 Brethren were present. The original link forged between 195 and 238 was still going strong, fostered by our Master, Br Andrew (Drew) H. Nicol. This was followed by an excellent dinner and dance, further cementing our friendship. Unfortunately, our conviviality was not shared by all of the Caledonian Lodges, and it is minuted that our Lodge showed its displeasure at the Caledonian Lodges' boycott of social events. A special meeting was held within the Masonic Homes in Dunblane, which was home to one of our elderly Brethren. Br Nicol led an excellent team into Ault Wharrie, opened the Lodge and conferred an Entered Apprentice Degree, which was extremely well received by both Lodge members and residents alike. Honorary tokens were given to the wives of the Secretary, Treasurer and Tyler for their services to the Lodge. A most successful year for our Lodge in recent times.

1989

Br Robert Gray Wilson was placed into the Chair of King Solomon, and led our Lodge in another successful year. Another hard and generous worker for the Lodge, he presented us with a new Altar Bible and Deacon's Wands. His good lady Joan also presented us with new curtains for the Lodge Room and cushions for the Altar. His late father also presented us with the Master's Lectern. On 26th September Br G. Kerr was initiated. He has progressed through various offices and in 2002 held both the posts and offices of Secretary and Depute Master.

1990

One of our Lodge's finest floor workers in recent times is now our Master, Br Stephen W. Coyle. Br Coyle is another tireless worker for our Lodge, ready and willing to assist where and when he can. On March 13th the Lodge received the generous gift of £1000 from the estate of the late Brother J. Clark, the Uncle of Br Frank Clark, PM. This legacy boosted our funds, assisting the Lodge to repay the loan from Lodge Kilsyth St. John 39, which was gratefully received and thankfully applied to carry out essential repairs when the winter gales blew one of our chimneys down.

1994

The Chair was occupied by Br John A. Horsburgh. A quiet year ensued, with one notable exception. In March an application was received on behalf of a Mr Brian Marshall. In May Br Marshall was initiated. A quiet, unassuming man, Br Marshall gave no hint in his early Masonic career that he would become one of the finest Masters that our Lodge has known. There will be more said about Br Marshall shortly!

1995

Br Alexander Beattie Watt is now in the Chair of our Lodge. A well respected Mason, Br Watt is ‘old school', from the same stable as Brethren such as Jimmy Cheyne and George Smart. On 28th March five Brethren received the Mark Ceremonial Degree, one of whom was Br Brian Marshall. Together with the name of Brian Marshall is the name Graeme Kerr, later elected to office as Lodge Secretary. On 30th September we were privileged to host the Caledonian Lodges Meeting, held at the Masonic Temple Kirkintilloch, together with eight other Lodges named Caledonian. In attendance were representatives from Provincial Grand Lodges of Dunbartonshire, Ayrshire, Inverness-shire and Dumfriesshire. Also there were representatives from the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Grand Lodge of the Far East. The Lodge is fortunate that a number of Past Masters still play a major role in the life of the Lodge. P.M. John R. McCormack Substitute Provincial Grand Master carries on the strong link with the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dunbartonshire, an honour that a goodly number of 195 Brethren have had.

 

Demographic Membership 1899 - 1921

Lennoxtown membership remained steady at 112 members from 1899 to 1921. The membership included a ships master, sculptor, 2 bakers, a mason, a sub-postmaster, a shipwright and a solicitor. Milton of Campsie Membership numbered 32. The trades listed for members include a groom, a chauffeur and a coachman, who was excluded by PGL. There was one member hailing from Kilsyth in 1900. Kirkintilloch provided 5 members between 1906 and 1919. Blanefield gave the Lodge 12 members between 1910 and 1921, one a stonemason. Strathblane provided 7 members, which included a stationmaster. Campsie Glen. Members of the period of 9 years 1912 to 1921 gave us another stationmaster and an optician. In 1911 we had one member who was an ostler. Did we have a coaching inn or a horse drawn transport system? Torrance we have one member in 1920 From the Glasgow area from 1904 until 1921 we had 79 members. These included 4 policemen, a teacher and a forger. (I hope this means he worked in a forge.)

Demographic Membership 1921 - 1944

The years between 1921—1944 shows the same distribution of members from far afield, from Lesmahagow to Lancashire to Lochgilphead. The life membership roll shows Glasgow with 28 and Lennoxtown and surrounding areas 124. The family connections were strong with fathers and sons as members. The occupations of members show a wide diversity, instrument makers, optic and prism makers, a limb maker along with solicitors, clergy, civil servants, butchers bakers but no candle stick maker. We have master mariners, marine engineers and professional footballers even before Sir Alex Ferguson. Yes, his membership does give us a Knight of the Realm. During this 22 year period there was a cross section of trades and industries from agriculture, mining to quarrying and printing. It is not surprising then that our hall was once a boot and shoe factory. Lennoxtown again shows that familiar street names continue to give us members to the Lodge. Service Street did, and still does, give us members. Main Street had a number of Brethren. Again this continues to the present day. 1922 was a very busy session for initiates. On March 8th there were 3 candidates, on the 11th March 4 candidates, and on the 18th March there were 2. The Glasgow members came from a wide area, stretching from all corners of the City i.e. Dennistoun, Bridgeton, Maryhill, Partick, Springburn and Govan.

Demographic Membership 1944 - 1958

During this period the distribution of members showed that Glasgow Brethren were only exceeded by 10 Brethren from all the surrounding areas of Lennoxtown, Campsie Glen, Milton of Campsie, Lenzie and Kirkintilloch. However there was one exception – a member from Hamilton. In this period our membership continued to show a variety of callings, from a minister of the Church of Scotland, art dealers, members of the armed forces and professional men such as teachers, an accountant and a stonemason. The professional membership continued with the entry of William MacFarlane, a medical practitioner. He was born in Lennoxtown and lived at 60 Main Street. Like many of our members not far to travel to attend our Lodge. The inventor of the Macintosh raincoat was an important employer in this area as was the clothing industry. Calico manufacture played an important part in the commercial and industrial employment. Family connections were also present, e.g. William Barredge and son Andrew, three Brethren from Thornliebank, Robert, Alexander and John Morton. All were Entered on 13th April 1948.

Historical Notes

This particular item is not Masonic, however as previously recorded shows the continuing familiar family names within the Lodge. The fact that such names appear in this article could be coincidental. However the closeness of the community would and could be seen as more than this. This will be seen in the names included in this article. This report is taken from the archives of the Kirkintilloch Herald reporting on the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Independent Order of Rechabites (S.U.) Glazier Bank Tent No 1788, circa 1887.

First Minute:

‘A public meeting took place here this evening at 6.30. Called by order of the District Executive of the I.O.R. (S.U.), the Rev John Drake, Free Church, Campsie occupied the chair, and the principles of the Order were delivered by the Reverend gentleman and the advantages of adopting them. At the close of the meeting the district officer met and admitted to membership all present and who has made application: Viz. John Sim, Alex McIntyre, James McPherson, John Campbell, William Grey, D.S. Hunter, Joes Taylor, A Colquhoun, Alex Gilchrist, G. Campbell, Neil May Rachel Hunter, Margaret McMillan, Lizzy McCormack. The said persons constituted a Tent with all the responsibilities and privileges of the branch.'

This being the Silver Jubilee year 1913. Mr James S Campbell who was an honorary member some forty years earlier circa 1887, when a tent existed in the village This tent along with others in Scotland had been destroyed under the enrolment crisis. The Members agreed to retain the old name of Glazer Bank Tent. Also admitted on 24th December 1887 as junior members were: Lizzie Brown, Janet May, Christine Hunter, Catherine McPherson, Margaret McIntyre, Eliza Hunter, Jeannie May. John McIntyre, Neil May, A McCormack, F.M. McCormack. The name McCormack is associated with the Lodge even to-day The membership stood at 102 Juveniles and 14 Adults. The writer knows very little about the order, apart from being abstentious and religion based. The order exercised the drinking ban on the lodge, even as part of the sale conditions to us. The Crisis Act affected a number of societies both friendly and trade orientated. It was better known as the Combination Act. There were several iterations of these laws during the 19th century, and at one stage the Trades Unions could see their funds seized if their industrial action was declared unlawful in a Court of Law.

 

From the Lodge minute book. The Eulogy as previously mentioned.

Lennoxtown, 11th November 1876.Caledonian Lodge 195

The Great Architect of the Universe having called Bro Allan Marshall from his earthly cares. The above lodge met today to pay the last tribute of respect by his own desire while he was amongst us. The Brethren met in the Lodge Room to the number of 21 thereafter the Lodge was opened by the R.W. Master in the E.A. Degree. Thereafter they accompanied the remains to the place of internment in the Campsie Parish Church Yard where the usual ceremony was gone through. Afterwards they returned to the lodge room where the following resolutions were proposed and carried Brother James Martin after commenting upon the excellence of our departed Brother, he moved the following resolutions. Whereas it has pleased the Supreme Architect to call from his earthly labours our beloved Brother Allan Marshall at “high Noon” of a career of usefulness, and whereas it's meet and proper that we as Masons should render to his memory the tribute of our love, therefore, Resolved that we deeply sympathise with the relatives and friends of our deceased brother in their bereavement Feeling that we too have a part in their sorrow and a fellowship in their woe. Resolved, that this preamble and these resolutions be entered upon these minutes of the Resolved that in the life of Allan Marshall the mason, Christian, friend was devoted to principle and free from odious blemish, is presented for imitation a pattern of intellectual gifts worthily employed and a generous heart whose promptings were equivalent to action. Resolved, that as an expression of our regard for our deceased brother, this Lodge do not elect an Architect for a twelve-month. Lodge and a copy there of be transmitted to the relatives of the deceased. Resolved, that as a further expression of our feelings at this affective event this Lodge be closed without ceremony, upon the passing of these resolutions. Brother John Bennie in seconding these resolutions remarked as follows. Most deeply do I sympathise with the sentiments of the resolutions now presented; as well as the just tribute to the memory of departed Brother Allan Marshall, so beautifully embodied in the eulogy just spoken. The long acquaintance which it was my privilege to enjoy with our departed brother was one of peculiar interest. His was a true heart full of noble impulse and laudable ambition; he even grappled with error and fought manfully for the truth. He too was a Mason at heart as well as in life and name. But he is gone. The knell of death has come to our ears as on the dark wings of the night wind, and how sudden; like the throw of the shuttle; a single palpitation, and the once strong manly heart throbs no more. The brittle cord of life is severed. In his public career he laboured severely and successfully in the noble cause of humanity; while in a more private sphere he was an enviable and skilled doctor, a worthy parishioner and a true friend. I deem it fitting that we show our appreciation for him in life by our sorrow in his death. When his welcome memory shall revisit in other days, these say hallowed circles clustering with other joys around our altars and hearts, let us then with true Masonic devotion fondly cherish them and now from him who presides in the East to the humblest of the Craft let us all bow In humble submission before Him who chastens and in the unity of our Brotherhood “Thy Will be done” The Worshipful Master, in putting the resolutions said. My Brethren of Campsie Caledonian St John R.A.Lodge No 195 in the Masonic Fraternity. The resolutions and the remarks to which we have just listened speak to us of the beloved dead and at this solemn moment when even the heart throbs as if fearing to disturb that sleep from which none but the Judge of all can waken him, there seems to come from the Heavenly Master of the Celestial Lodge above, a voice full of love and consolation saying to us, write, from henceforth blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, Yea saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labours.

The lodge was then closed.

Peter Robertson
James Martin Lacy.

TOP