Lodge
St. Andrew Kilmarnock
No.126
Established 1771
CHAPTER 5
With the passing of the lodges most successful Bi-Centenary the lodge returned
to regular business. Amongst other notable events which took place during
our historical Bi-Centenary year was the opening of the new lodge, Irvine
Newtown No1662. Deserving notice was that P.M. Bro. Adam Cunningham of 126
installed the first office bearers of this new sister lodge.
This year also seen the official opening of the New Kilmarnock Masonic Club.
The I.P.M. Bro. James McDowall presented the lodge with a beautiful alter
cushion and fall, the R.W.M. thanked the I.P.M. for this unique gift.
The minute of 13th October 1971 records the passing to the Grand Lodge above
of Bro. Rev. A.M. Beaton. The Rev. Beaton had for many years conducted the
lodge annual divine service in the St. Andrews Parish Church, Kilmarnock.
Sequel
On the 10th November 1971 the lodge held a memorial service to Bro. Rev. A.M.
Beaton, P.M. Bro. James McDermont paying tribute to the long association and
service the Rev. Beaton had given to lodge St. Andrews 126. This being acknowledged
by the lodge in conferring him with an honorary membership in 1964.
Extract 5 - 1 - 1972
"I.P.M. Bro. James McDowall now presented to the lodge on behalf of Bro. John
McDonald who was unable to attend a presentation set of square and compasses".
Signed R.W.M. John Farrell Alex. L. Phillips Secy.
Extract 13 - 9 - 1972
"The R.W.M. congratulated Bro. John Masterson on his award of certificate
and the imperial service medal, the brethren showed their approval with acclamation".
Signed R.W.M. John Farrell Alex. L. Phillips Secy.
A fund raiser of recent origin.
Extract 27 - 9 - 1972
"Bro. James Gordon gave report on the success of the sponsored walk, the proceed
of which he hoped would be in the region of £150. For the hospital relief
fund".
Signed R.W.M. John Farrell Alex. L. Phillips Secy.
13 - 12 - 1972
A P.M. jewel was presented to the lodge on behalf of the wife and family of
the late Bro. Wm. Taylor a M.M. of lodge 126. Who became a worthy P.M. of
lodge No469 Belfast Ireland.
20 - 12 - 1972
A deputation from P.G. Lodge of Ayrshire headed by the P.G. Master Bro. Gregor
Grant attend the lodge regular meeting to discuss proposal of a masonic home
in Ayrshire.
11 - 4 - 1973
The minutes now record the passing to the Grand Lodge above of Bro. Alex Phillips.
The lodge worthy secretary. A memorial service was held by the lodge at the
regular meeting dated 25th April 1973. P.M. Bro. Adam Cunningham conducted
the service "and spoke of the 15 years service Bro. Alex Phillips gave to
the lodge as secretary".
Signed R.W.M. P. Duffy Secy (pro-tem) Jas. McDowall P.M.
Extract 2 - 5 - 1973
"It was agreed to recommend to the brethren that the lodge sponcer Bro. G.
Johnstone on his walk from Aberdeen by the sum of 5pence per mile". The above
walk was in aid of the Ayrshire Masonic Homes.
12 - 9 - 1973
The records now record that at the quarterly communication of Provincial Grand
Lodge held at Troon on the 11th July 1973. P.M. Bro. Adam Cunningham of Lodge
126 was installed as Sub. Prov. Grand Master of Ayrshire.
Signed R.W.M. P. Duffy Secy (pro-tem) Jas. McDowall P.M.
10 - 10 - 1973
Mention is made in the minutes of a presentation made by the lodge to the
Gaelic. Mod. of a "Bardic Chair" as a memorial to the Rev. Bro. A.M. Beaton.
Signed R.W.M. P. Duffy Secy (pro-tem) Jas. McDowall P.M.
12 - 12 - 1973
"The minute of the above date records that in the past few years the demand
for tickets for lodge annual Burns Supper has been so great that it was agreed
that only 2 tickets per member be allowed".
Signed R.W.M. P. Duffy Secy Jas. McDowall P.M.
19 - 6 - 1974
A special meeting was held on the 19th June 1974. The purpose of which was
a masonic lecture on American Freemasonry given by a P.M. Bro. Tom McCall
of lodge 410 U.S.A.
Signed R.W.M. P. Duffy Secy Jas. McDowall P.M.
23 - 10 - 1974
The next event of importance chronicled is the lodges visit to lodge St. Andrew
Birmingham E.C. where an exemplification of the E.A. Degree of the Scottish
Craft was carried out by P.M. Bro. James McDowall of lodge 126. During this
visit the lodge was presented with a beautiful walnut turned collection box
suitably inscribed. A visit well remembered for its hospitality and friendship.
19 - 2 - 1975
"Bro. James Sharpe was presented with his jubilee certificate", "R.W.M. Bro.
Neil McIntosh wishing Bro. Sharpe continuing good health to take up his place
within the lodge".
Signed R.W.M. Neil McIntosh Secy Jas. McDowall P.M.
Extract 16 - 4 - 1975
It was passed by the lodge that in future an apology book would be place in
the outer hall reather than apologies being reported in open lodge".
Signed R.W.M. Neil McIntosh Secy Jas. McDowall P.M.
14 - 5 - 1975
It was agreed at the above regular meeting that a silver goblet presented
to the R.W.M. during the visit to Birmingham from the brethren of lodge St.
Andrew No4056 E.C. be presented to the newly installed R.W.M. on night of
installation.
Signed R.W.M. Neil McIntosh Secy Jas. McDowall P.M.
28 - 1 - 1976
The minutes record
"That the lodge was well represented at the consecration of the new lodge
Stinchar Valley No1705".
Signed R.W.M. Neil McIntosh Secy Jas. McDowall P.M.
A sequel to the above.
The lodge presented to the new lodge a set of mallets, wardens columns and
a D.O.C. Batton.
7 - 4 - 1976
The minutes record the presentation of a jubilee certificate to Bro. David
McCall, the R.W.M. congratulating Bro. McCall for his long and faithful service
to lodge 126.
Signed R.W.M. Neil McIntosh Secy Jas. McDowall P.M.
8 - 12 - 1976
The social events of the lodge during the last few years were well supported
so much so that a strict limit of 2 tickets per member was imposed on lodge
Burns Supper.
15 - 12 - 1976
A report is made in the minutes that the R.W.M. Bro. Neil McIntosh and members
of the lodge had attended the unveiling of a memorial plaque to the Rev. Bro.
A.M. Beaton at the Dundonald Parish Church. The R.W.M. in his report again
mentioned the long and faithful service the Rev. Beaton had given to lodge
126.
22 - 12 - 1976
One of the lodges interprises of recent years was the cutting and sawing of
logs at Culzean Estate. These were distributed to the senior members and widows
of the lodge, well over 250 bags were delivered by the lodge brethren. This
episode in our history not only united the members in this worth while task
but left a folk lore of tales that are best left to the individual.
Signed R.W.M. A. Gibson Secy Jas. McDowall P.M.
29 - 12 - 1976
Mention is now made in the minutes "That a property in Ayr has been purchased
to provide a Masonic Home in Ayrshire by the Provincial Grand Lodge".
Signed R.W.M. A. Gibson Jas. McDowall P.M. Secy.
2 - 3 - 1976
The records now show that the lodge returned to the Laigh Kirk for its annual
divine service.
Signed R.W.M. A. Gibson Jas. McDowall P.M. Secy.
23 - 3 - 1977
Bro. David Mitchell presented with his jubilee certificate by the R.W.M. Bro.
A. Gibson.
Signed R.W.M. A. Gibson Jas. McDowall P.M. Secy
6 - 4 - 1977
R.W.M. Bro. A. Gibson represented the lodge at the consecration of the new
lodge building of lodge St. Thomas No201 Muirkirk.
7 - 9 - 1977
Honourable mention is made in our minutes of a unique presentation ceremony.
Four worthy past masters of the lodge Bro's James McDermont, Edward Nicholas,
George Skilling and Thomas Hamilton received distinguished service certificates.
The R.W.M. in turn gave a history of each which was greatly appreciated by
the assembled brethren, he wished them many years of good health to attend
this their mother lodge.
Signed R.W.M. A. Gibson Jas. McDowall P.M. Secy
7 - 12 - 1977
Bro. David Campbell presented the lodge with a ceremonial sword for use in
the ceremonial work of the lodge. The R.W.M. thanking Bro. Campbell on behalf
of the lodge brethren for this very fine gift.
Signed R.W.M. A. Gibson Jas. McDowall P.M. Secy
A sign of the times.
15 - 3 - 1978
It was agreed that the lodge regalia and artefacts be covered by insurance.
Throughout the history of the lodge there are scatterings in the minutes of
events outwith the lodge, some were given the briefest of report, others a
more vivid and striking account is recorded, many will slumber in silence.
One event is recorded dated 11th October 1978 was the heavy flooding that
had taken place at Galston and the damage inflicted by the bursting of the
banks of the river Irvine. The minute records that it was the unanimous decision
of the lodge that a donation be made to the Galston Relief Fund.
Signed R.W.M. A. Gibson R. Ghee Secy.
6 - 12 - 1978
The minutes record that Bro. George Johnstone lodge 126 received the honorary
grand rank of Grand Marshal from the Grand Lodge of Scotland for his services
to freemasonry. "The R.W.M. Bro. John Cumisky congratulated Bro. Johnstone
on behalf of the lodge members in receiving this high honour, " and presented
a jewel of this office.
Signed R.W.M. J. Cumisky R. Ghee Secy.
24 - 1 - 1979
Mention is now made in the records of the formation of a keep fit class which
was met with great enthusiasm, alas no further mention is made of this venture.
28 - 2 - 1979
It was proposed that the lodge re-establish its summer outing arrangements
were made that this would take place at Girvan in the month of June.
2 - 5 - 1979
Two 50 year jubilee diplomas were presented to lodge members, to Bro. A. Stewart
and Bro. H. Gray. Owing to the long illness of Bro. Stewart who was at present
in Kilmarnock Infirmary it was agreed that the R.W.M. Bro. John Cumisky would
present this on his visit to Bro. Stewart.
Signed R.W.M. J. Cumisky R. Ghee Secy.
30 - 5 - 1979
The lodge received a unique gift from Bro. George Williamson a member of lodge
126 now residing in Rhodesia South Africa, this was a bronze plaque of a bull
elephant.
Sequel
Permission was granted from the trustees and the social club that this be
displayed and hung in the social club.
Signed R.W.M. J. Cumisky R. Ghee Secy.
5 - 9 - 1979
The lodge again has the honour in presenting a 50 year jubilee diploma to
P.M. Bro. Thomas Hamilton.
Signed R.W.M. J. Cumisky R. Ghee Secy.
16 - 1 - 1980
Our minutes now record that a presentation was made by the lodge to lodge
Buchanan No1499 to commemorate their 25th Anniversary, this was a set of working
tools, which was greatly appreciated by their members. Both lodges have shared
a unique friendship since the inauguration of lodge 1499 in 1955.
Signed R.W.M. J. Cumisky R. Ghee Secy.
19 - 3 - 1980
The lodge unanimously agrees to become an affiliated member of the Burns Federation
and is given the number 996 on the federations roll.
16 - 4 - 1980
The first mention in our minutes of a proposed Masonic House in Kilmarnock.
Signed R.W.M. J. Cumisky R. Ghee Secy.
28 - 5 - 1980
The lodge had always been committed in full-filling invitations to participate
in local events. The records show that the lodge received the honour of an
invitation from the Burns Federation to judge the schools verse speaking competition.
This was carried out by three worthy past masters of the lodge. Bro. James
McDermont, Bro. James McDowall and Bro. Archie Gibson.
Signed R.W.M. J. Cumisky R. Ghee Secy.
3 - 9 - 1980
The minute dated 3rd September 1980 records that the lodge was represented
at the consecration of the new temple of lodge Maybole No198. An appeal was
received from the Burns Federation for a donation towards the proposed memorial
stain glass window in St. Gilles Cathedral to Robert Burns. "A life long ambition
of all Burns enthusiasts". This was a world wide appeal and gained great support
by all who loved Scotland's National Bard.
Sequel
The window is now in place in St. Gilles Cathedral, a lasting tribute to Robert
Burns. 5 - 11 - 1980 Yet an other appeal was received by the lodge, this was
an appeal run throughout Ayrshire by the Ayrshire and Arran Health Board for
donations to purchase an x-ray scanner to serve Ayrshire. This was to gain
over whelming support by the folks of Ayrshire and the Ayrshire masonic lodges.
26 - 11 - 1980
For a great number of years it had been the custom of the lodge to give a
Christmas parcel to our senior members and widows, it was now agreed that
a monetary gift be given instead.
Signed R.W.M. H. Orr R. Ghee Secy.
10 - 12 - 1980
The minute of the 10th December 1980 records the P.M. Bro. Adam Cunningham
of lodge 126 had received the honorary rank of Substitute Provincial Grand
Master. It was approved that the lodge present P.M. Cunningham with a dress
apron and sash in provincial colours.
Signed R.W.M. H. Orr R. Ghee Secy.
Over a great many years the lodge had been served by a trusted stop and pedal
organ. In the name of progress which so often dictates change the organ was
deemed "old fashioned and obsolete" there are some who still say that its
sound was superior to its contemporary replacement. Never the less it was
agreed at the meeting of the 25th February 1981. That as the organ was the
sole property of lodge 126 it should be presented to the Provincial Grand
Lodge of Ayrshire to be given to a less well off lodge within the province.
Signed R.W.M. H. Orr R. Ghee Secy.
2 - 9 - 1981
A letter was read out from the relatives of a Bro. William Bone, a member
of lodge 126 who in 1905 had left Scotland for a new life in America. It was
the wish of the Bone family that an old hand made masonic buckle and Bro.
William Bone's M.M. certificate be presented to the lodge.
Sequel
Both items are included in the lodge artefacts. The minutes record that the
lodge was represented at the 150th Anniversary of lodge St. Peter Galston
No331.
Signed R.W.M. H. Orr R. Ghee Secy.
20 - 1 - 1982
The minutes record the passing to the Grand Lodge above of P.M. Bro. Thomas
Hamilton, a worthy brother of the lodge who preserved the ancient landmarks
of our order and with example and precept passed on to the members a quality
of doing real service to the fraternity and to his mother lodge.
Sequel.
The lodge was later to receive from the Hamilton family the donation of an
I.P.M. jewel of office to be presented to the I.P.M.'s on installation night
as a memorial to P.M. Bro. Tom Hamilton.
Signed R.W.M. H. Orr R. Ghee Secy.
27 - 10 - 1982
To commemorate the opening of the new general hospital at Crosshouse, the
lodge after seeking the advice of the medical staff of the new hospital gave
the donation of two infusion pumps for their intensive care unit.
Signed R.W.M. H. Orr R. Ghee Secy.
12 - 2 - 1982
The sudden death is now recorded of the S.D. elect Bro. David Campbell, a
memorial service is recorded on the 2nd February 1983 on behalf of this young
brother who died so suddenly.
Sequel
On the 16th February 1983 the lodge received an anonymous donation of a sports
trophy, the trophy to be completed for annually and designated the David Campbell
Memorial Trophy.
Signed R.W.M. J. Gordon R. Ghee Secy.
5 - 1 - 1983
The first mention
of a Fiddlers Rally is recorded. This venture has now become an institution
of the lodge which is shared by the community surrounding Kilmarnock. Its
continuous success has provided many charities with donations to their funds.
Signed R.W.M. J. Gordon R. Ghee Secy.
The lodge records show that the lodge was represented at the centenary meeting
of lodge Luce Abbey No689.
14 - 9 - 1983
The lodge received a unique visitor, a brother James Murray from lodge Oakleigh
Australia. Bro. Murray was one of the founding members of the food parcels
to lodge 126 during the war years, he gave an interesting account of the organisation
of this epic under taking and the great bond of friendship that exists between
the two lodges. Bro. Murray received an honorary membership of lodge 126 at
this meeting.
Signed R.W.M. J. Gordon R. Ghee Secy.
The minute dated 26th October 1983 contains the report of two past masters
of the lodge P.M. Adam Cunningham and P.M. James McDermont who accompanied
a deputation of Ayrshire brethren to the Grand Lodge of Denmark.
Signed R.W.M. J. Gordon R. Ghee Secy.
Two items of interest appear in the minute dated 29th February 1984. "That
a recent meeting of the lodge past masters, it was unanimously agreed that
their P.M.'s jewels would be returned to the lodge". The minute also records
that P.M. Bro. James McDowall was elected the first president of the lodge's
Burns Club No996 on the Burns Federation roll.
Signed R.W.M. J. Gordon R. Ghee Secy.
As a sequel to above.
P.M. James McDowall who's knowledge and love of Burns is well known within
and outwith the province. His "immortal memories" have graced many masonic
lodges, his love of Burns was to encourage him to be the author of a play
dramatising a "night with burns and his cronies in Johnie Dows Inn" on the
13th April 1984. The play was performed by members of the lodge who took their
first steps as thespians before an audience from sister lodges, the play was
a great success. At the conclusion of which P.M. McDowall and his thespians
were loudly applauded by the attending audience.
7 - 11 - 1984
It is now recorded that P.M. Bro. James McDermont of lodge 126 had been installed
as W.J.W. of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire.
Signed R.W.M. J. Gordon R. Ghee Secy.
21 - 11 - 1984
On the 21st November 1984 the first mention is made in our minutes of a proposed
new lodge in Dundonald. On the 1st August 1985 lodge Burns Dundonald No1759
received its charter from Grand Lodge, a number of 126 brethren being founding
members. The first R.W.M. of lodge 1759 being P.M. Bro. Adam Cunningham of
lodge 126. It was approved that lodge St. Andrew 126 donate the R.W.M. of
lodge Burns Dundonald with his regalia. A large number of lodge St. Andrew
No126 attended the concreation of the new lodge.
Signed R.W.M. J. Gordon R. Ghee Secy.
5 - 12 - 1984
P.M. Bro. Adam Cunningham of lodge 126 received the honorary grand rank of
Senior Deacon from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The lodge presented the P.M.
with a jewel of this office.
Signed R.W.M. John. A. Ghee R. Ghee Secy.
The minutes record the presentation of a jubilee certificate to Bro. James
Kenmuir. R.W.M. Bro. John Ghee in presenting the diploma spoke of Bro. Kenmuir's
50 years faithfull service to the lodge and the long association the name
of Kenmuir had with lodge 126. Bro. Kenmuir's father Bro. David Kenmuir being
R.W.M. 1934 - 36. He wished Bro. Kenmuir continuing good health to take up
his place within the lodge.
Signed R.W.M. John. A. Ghee R. Ghee Secy.
The minutes are saddened by the passing to the Grand Lodge above of P.M. Bro.
James McDermont the lodge D.O.C. There can be few brethren who do not recall
P.M. McDermonts militate commands as the lodge D.O.C. an office synonymous
to his batton and walking stick. The lodge held a memorial service where many
tributes were made to Bro. James McDermont both as a man and mason. Thus ended
the career of one who steered the craft through stormy waters with a skilful
hand in earlier days, when reality was a stern fact and the obstacles to progress
were many. "When I go down to the grave I can say, like many others, I have
finished my days work, But I cannot say, I have finished my life, My days
work will begin again the next morning, The tomb is not a blind alley, It
is a thoroughfare, It closes on the twilight, It opens on the dawn". As a
lasting tribute and memorial to Bro. James McDermont it was approved by the
lodge that his walking stick be part of the official regalia of the office
of lodge D.O.C.
Signed R.W.M. John. A. Ghee R. Ghee Secy.
12 - 11 - 1986
The lodge received an invitation to the forth coming centenary of lodge Oakleigh
Australia. It was arranged that a brother of lodge St. Andrew 126 now residing
in Australia would represent the lodge at this historical meeting and present
a suitable engraved silver trowel on behalf of the lodge to commemorate this
event.
Signed R.W.M. John. A. Ghee R. Ghee Secy.
10 - 4 - 1987
The minute dated
10th April 1987 records a presentation to lodge 114 to commemorate the 50
years friendship between 126 and 114, a friendship which is still flourishing
today.
Signed R.W.M. A. McAllister R. Ghee Secy.
7 - 10 - 1987
A deputation from the lodge attended the consecration of the new temple of
lodge Burns St. Mary No505.
Signed R.W.M. A. McAllister R. Ghee Secy.
A unique minute is recorded dated 18th November 1987.
It records the nomination of P.M. Bro. Adam Cunningham of lodge St. Andrew
126 for the high office of Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire. His nomination
was unanimously approved by all the lodges in Ayrshire. Bro. Adam Cunningham
was installed in 1988 as Provincial Grand Master. Sequel In lodge St. Andrew
No126 long and chequered history, this is the first time a brother from lodge
126 has held this high and distinguished office.
Signed R.W.M. A. McAllister R. Ghee Secy.
25 - 5 - 1988
It is worthy of note that our minutes record that on the 25th May 1988 a special
meeting was called to welcome the reigning R.W.M. of lodge Oakleigh Australia,
Bro. Wes. Mellords. On this auspicious occasion an exemplification of the
Scottish M.M. degree was carried out by P.M. James McDowall of lodge 126.
On an address to the lodge R.W.M. Mellords spoke of the special friendship
that exists between our two lodges. He then presented the lodge with two D.O.C.
battons and two centenary jewels, one from the Grand Lodge of Victoria Australia
and one from his mother lodge, Lodge Oakleigh. The R.W.M. Bro. Andrew McAllister
thanked Bro. Mellords for these fine gifts assuring him of the continuing
friendship between the two lodges there after R.W.M. Bro. Wes Mellords received
an honorary membership of lodge St. Andrew No126.
Signed R.W.M. A. McAllister R. Ghee Secy.
One of the main social outings of the lodge was to commence on the 7th September
1988. This is the now annual Bowling Match with Erskine Hospital. Bro. Norman
Weir being the founder of this event. Bro. Adam Cunningham donating a trophy
for this event to be known as the Breckenridge Shield. This event has grown
into a deep friendship which has encouraged more social visits between lodge
126 and Erskine Hospital.
7 - 9 - 1988
Bro. James McFarlane was presented with his 50 years jubilee diploma by I.P.M.
Bro. John Ghee, The I.P.M. commenting on his long service and his regular
attendance to his mother lodge, wishing Bro. McFarlane continuing good health
for the future.
Signed I.P.M. John. A. Ghee R. Ghee Secy.
16 - 11 - 1988
An invitation was received from lodge St. Andrew Birmingham No4056 E.C. to
attend a special meeting to celebrate the anniversary of the 500 meeting,
the lodge was represented at this meeting by Bro. George Johnstone of Lodge
126.
Signed R.W.M. James. Paton R. Ghee Secy.
Throughout the annals of our lodge history the minutes had never contained
any momentous fact that the world held its breath. This was to change, as
our minutes dated the 28th December 1988 records the devastation of the Lockerbie
Air Disaster, a tragedy that was to echo around the world. Help was to come
from the four corners of the globe to this tiny Dumfriesshire village that
had suffered this unparalleled disaster, to the masonic world. This was the
home of lodge Lockerbie Quhylewoollen No258. The responce from the Scottish
craft to a disaster fund was greatly supported. "Mans inhumanity to man, makes
countless thousands mourn".
Signed R.W.M. James. Paton R. Ghee Secy.
22 - 2 - 1989
This evening P.M. Bro. Adam Cunningham of lodge 126 entered his mother lodge
for the first time as the Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire. After the business
of the evening was complete P.M. Adam Cunningham presented the lodge with
a highly embroidered lodge banner bearing a crest of St. Andrew and cross.
The R.W.M. Bro. James Paton thanking the P.M. on behalf of all the lodge brethren
for this most beautiful gift.
Signed R.W.M. James Paton R. Ghee Secy.
29 - 9 - 1989
On the 29th September a special meeting was held to receive a deputation of
Canadian and American brethren who would carry out an exemplification of the
E.A. degree as practised in their mother lodges. This was to prove a most
enjoyable masonic evening, it is worth noting that the degree team all wore
the kilt.
Signed R.W.M. James. Paton R. Ghee Secy.
15 - 11 - 1989
It is now recorded that P.M. Bro. Adam Cunningham of lodge 126, the Provincial
Grand Master had received a wooden plaque from the district Grand Master of
Ghana to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Provincial Grand Lodge of
Ayrshire. P.M. Cunningham asked that this be kept by his mother lodge, lodge
126.
Signed R.W.M. James. Paton R. Ghee Secy.
27 - 12 - 1989
In recognition of his election to the high office of Provincial Grand Master,
P.M. Adam Cunningham was presented with a framed self portrait in his official
regalia by this his mother lodge.
Signed R.W.M. James. Paton R. Ghee Secy.
New technology was to come to the aid of the lodge. "The lodge is most fortunate
in possessing a lodge register which has been in constant use for 200 years,
it contains the names addresses and most of the occupations of our members.
A Great tribute must be paid to the long list of secretary's who have perpetuated
this book. It was approved by the lodge members that the contents of this
register be Micro-Filmed and a copy deposited with Grand Lodge for safe keeping".
Signed R.W.M. James. Paton R. Ghee Secy.
5 - 9 - 1990
It is recorded that the lodge was represented at the Centenary meeting of
Lodge St. Molios No774 on the Isle of Arran.
Signed R.W.M. J. Paton R. Ghee Secy.
17 - 10 - 1990
The lodge was represented at the Golden Jubilee of lodge St. Maurs Kilmaurs
No1398.
Signed R.W.M. J. Paton R. Ghee Secy.
31 - 10 - 1990
The lodge was now to honour three worthy brethren of the lodge, by presenting
distinguished service diplomas to Bro. Adam Cunningham, Bro. James McDowall
and Bro. Stewart Johnstone. R.W.M. Bro. James Paton in presenting the diplomas
spoke of the long and faithful service each of these brothers had given to
this their mother lodge, each gave a fitting reply thanking the lodge for
this honour. It was characteristic of Bro. James McDowall in his reply gave
a apt quotation from "Burns" which was greatly appreciated by the brethren.
Signed R.W.M. J. Paton R. Ghee Secy.
To add a lighter note to our history the minute dated 9th November 1990 records
the installation of Bro. Samuel Sefton Davies as R.W.M. of lodge St. Andrew
No126. Bro. Davies has the unique distinction of being the only Welshman ever
to hold this office in lodge 126.
The minute of the 11th December 1991 records that Bro. Stewart Johnstone the
lodge treasurer had received grand honorary rank of Assistant Grand Treasurer
from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Bro. Johnstone having carried out the duties
of lodge treasurer for 25 years.
Signed R.W.M. S. S. Davies R. Ghee Secy.
Sequel
At the regular meeting dated 18th March 1992 the R.W.M. Bro. S. Davies on
behalf of the lodge presented Bro. Stewart Johnstone with a jewel of office
as honorary Assistant Grand Treasurer. The R.W.M. spoke of the long and faithful
service Bro. Stewart Johnstone has given to his mother lodge as lodge treasurer.
In congratulating him he thanked Bro. Johnstone for the 25 years dedicated
service wishing him continuing good health to carry out the duties as lodge
treasurer.
Signed R.W.M. S. S. Davies R. Ghee Secy.
"Let your actions shine out your freemasonry, let the main sermon of your
life be illustrated by your conduct, and it shall not fail to be illustrious".
1 - 4 - 1992
Bro. Andrew Kirkland was presented with his 50 year jubilee certificate. The
R.W.M. S. Davies congratulating Bro. Kirkland in completing 50 years membership
to lodge 126.
Signed R.W.M. S. S. Davies R. Ghee Secy.
23 - 12 - 1992
Bro. David Bell was presented with his 50 year jubilee certificate. R.W.M.
T. Frame in presenting the diploma congratulated Bro. Bell for his steadfast
attendance at lodge meetings and wished him continuing good health to take
up his usual place within the lodge.
Signed R.W.M. T. Frame R. Ghee Secy.
1 - 9 - 1993
The minutes are now saddened in recording the passing to the Grand Lodge above
of P.M. Bro. Neil McIntosh. A memorial service was conducted by the lodge
on the 15th September 1993 to this worthy brother.
Signed R.W.M. T. Frame R. Ghee Secy.
EULOGY
"Some time at eve when the tide is low,
I shall slip my
moorings and sail away,
With no response to a friendly hail,
In the silent hush of the twilight pale,
When the night stoops down to embrace the day,
I shall slip my moorings and sail away,
O'er the ebbing tide of the unknown sea,
Of a lonely voyager sailing away,
To mystic isles where an anchor lay,
The craft of those who have sailed before,
O'er the unknown sea to the unknown shore,
A few who have
watched me sail away,
Will miss my craft from the busy bay,
Some loving souls that my heart held dear,
In silent sorrow will drop a tear,
But I shall have peacefully furled my sail,
In mooring sheltered from storm and gale,
And greeting the friends who have sailed before,
O'er the unknown sea to the unknown shore".
The above exquisite verse was written by an unknown author published in June
1916.
The lodge was represented at the installation of the Provincial Grand Master
of Ayrshire Bro. William Rae on Saturday 15th January 1994.
Signed R.W.M. T. Frame R. Ghee Secy.
The minutes dated 16th February 1994 records that the lodge was represented
at the special meeting of lodge Cambuslang Royal Arch No114 on Friday 11th
February 1994 to celebrate their 225 anniversary. The lodge on this occasion
made a presentation of a tracing board easel and ceremonial rods to commemorate
this historical event.
Signed R.W.M. T. Frame R. Ghee Secy.
30 - 3 - 1994
The lodge receives approval from Grand Lodge of the new special Bi-Laws of
the lodge.
Signed R.W.M. T. Frame R. Ghee Secy.
The records now record the presentation of a 50 year jubilee diploma to Bro.
James McIntyre.
Signed R.W.M. T. Frame R. Ghee Secy.
13 - 4 - 1994
The minutes record the presentation of a distinguished service certificate
to Bro. Eric Bell. The R.W.M. Bro. T. Frame expressing the long and faithful
service Bro. Bell had given to his mother lodge and of the 32 years he had
carried out the duties as a lodge office bearer.
Signed R.W.M. T. Frame R. Ghee Secy.
CONCLUSION
These my brothers are the annuls of our history. The window into our past
has been partly opened to the reader an insight is given to the strenuous
activities of our fore-fathers, who sought to build and preserve our ancient
craft and jealousy keep the name of lodge St. Andew unimpaired.
The work of the
past has borne much fruit, truely each generation garners where it has sown,
but while we are sowing for others we should not forget from whence we garner
our present privileges. It can never be too strongly impressed that we of
today live in a privileged age, an age in which the book of masonry has received
a new index, an age in which whole pages that were uncut have been opened,
new chapters of revelations of past history, present conditions and future
predictions have been brought to light for the first time. What would not
our ancient brethren have given to have read those chapters.
There is no doubt in the future, as in the past newer thoughts and conceptions
born of change will effect in some way our order. Whatever may lie in the
lap of the gods who can tell. Lodge St. Andrew is poised to celebrate its
225th Anniversary under R.W.M. elect Bro. Ian Baird, we have examined the
past we now look to the future.
It is our earnest wish that the future of lodge St. Andrew No126 may bear
the same charm to those who come after us as it has to us and was to our forefathers.
"Whatsoever things are true"
"Whatsoever things are honest"
"Whatsoever things are just"
"Whatsoever things are lovely"
"Whatsoever things are of good report"
"If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think of these things"
So mote it be.
Masters of lodge St. Andrew No126
It is to be noted that from 1771 to 1780 the election of office bearers was
half yearly there after annually.