FOREWARD
Brother Joseph Fay P.M.
Lodge Whifflet St John No. 963
By In Masonic terms I suppose that it could be said that Lodge Coltswood Glenboig is only a “baby” compared with some Lodges who have been in existence for over 300 years. It must also be observed that as this fine Lodge celebrates its centenary, that in these years the Lodge has managed to survive and flourish to the standards it has today. The Lodge has survived many horrors of two World Wars, had the sadness of coping with the deaths of three Kings, Edward VII, George V, and George VI, and of course the abdication and death of Edward VIII. It also had to adjust to the decimalisation of our currency in the early 1970’s, as we enter the second Centenary of the Lodge currency may be about to be changed yet again. The village of Glenboig has also had to endure many changes since the formation of the Lodge. In the early years it had the world famous Glenboig Union Fireclay Company which produced 250,000 bricks per day. It also had the Bedlay Colliery, opened in 1905 and in 1969 employed over 1,000 men producing 250,000 tons of coal per year. Sadly it closed in 1981, and the shafts were filled in, during this period wages were poor, sickness was rife, and living conditions left a lot to be desired. In attempting to compile this short history of Lodge Coltswood Glenboig, we have to rely on the Lodge Minute Books for my information, and it is regrettable that a few of these books cannot be located. This is very unfortunate as the missing years total over twenty. It has to be hoped that one day these may be recovered, and perhaps in the future the missing blanks in the history will be filled in. I sincerely hope that the present and future Brethren who read these following pages will find them interesting and will be able to look back through the years of this fine Lodge with a lot of pride. Looking back with pride and admiration to our Founder Members, and look forward to the future, not with apprehension, but with a firm desire to further in the interests of a Lodge of which every Brother is proud to be a memer.
Bro. Joseph Fay PM
PM Lodge Whifflet St John No. 963
Honorary Member of the following Lodge’s -
Woodhall St John No. 305
St. Thomas No. 306
Newlands No. 949
Coltswood Glenboig No. 1067
Springburn No 1198
Services Lodge No. 1291
In the year 1909 a few informal meetings were
held by a group of Freemasons with a view to
forming a new Masonic Lodge in the village of
Glenboig.
These informal meetings were held in Roseneath Cottage, Glenboig, and as a result of these meetings the first called meeting was set to be held at the Glenboig Band Hall on Wednesday, 10 November 1909.
A further called meeting was held on 16th November 1909, and at this meeting it was decided to contact Lodges 177, 544 and 963 to gain sponsorship for a petition for a Charter for the proposed new Lodge. It was also decided at this meeting to contact the Church Committee of the U.F. Church with a view to letting their hall.
Considering the fact that in 1909, and within a radius of five miles, there were seven active Masonic Lodges namely 88, 147, 166, 177, 203, 544 and 963, why did our founder members think it was a viable proposition to try and form a new Lodge. After all Glenboig was only a small country village and the means of getting to the village were very limited.
However, the decision was made to carry on with the project and the wheels were set in motion to form Lodge “Coltswood” Glenboig No. 1067.
The Founder Members of Lodge
Coltswood Glenboig No. 1067 were as follows:
Lodge Patrick St Mary’s
No. 117
Bro. Thomson
Lodge Cadder Argyle No 147
Brothers Young P.M.,
Sloan, Sergeant, Sloan, Henry, Hynds, Baxter,
Ferguson, McKee, Hall, Hepburn, Paterson,
Hamilton, Madill & Black,
Lodge Old Monkland St.
James No. 177
Bro. Chapman & Sinclair
The Operative Lodge of
Airdrie No. 203
Bro. Carmichael & Sinclair
Lodge Progess No. 873
Bro. McRoberts
Lodge Whiflett St John No.
963
Bro. Brown & McRae
At a meeting held on 24th November 1909, it was reported that the petition for a Charter had been duly signed by our sponsors - namely Lodge’s Old Monkland St. James No. 177, Whiflett St John No. 963 and St Andrews No. 544.
The principal Office Bearers of the proposed new Lodge were then elected as follows:-
Right Worshipful Master Bro. S. McRae
Depute Master Bro. J. Baxter
Substitute Master Bro. J. Hynds
Worshipful Senior Warden Bro. R. Sloan
Worshipful Junior Warden Bro. A. Henry
Secretary Bro. H. Young
Treasurer Bro. S. Sloan
Senior Deacon Bro. G. Hamilton
Junior Deacon Bro. J. Ferguson
Inner Guard Bro. A. Paterson
Tyler Bro. S. McKee
At a meeting on 30th November 1909, it was decided that the name of the proposed Lodge would be “Coltswood” Glenboig, and that the Lodge colours would be crimson and gold, the same colours as Lodge Whifflet St. John No. 963.
It was also decided to rent the U.F. Church Hall for a period of 6 months.
On 6 January 1910, the completed and signed petition for a Charter was sent off to Grand Lodge of Scotland in Edinburgh.
At a meeting held on 3 February 1910, the Minute Book informs us that “Amid great scenes of joy and jubilation” a telegram was read from Bro. Muir, R.W.M. of Lodge 963, informing the Brethren that he had received a telegram from Grand Lodge stating that the new Charter had been granted this date 3rd February 1910.
On 3rd March 1910, the remaining offices of the Lodge were filled as follows:-
Chaplain Bro. W. Hall Junior Steward Bro. W. Carmichael
Bible Bearer Bro. J. Black Librarian Bro. W. Madill
Architect Bro. J. Sinclair Organist Bro. T. McRoberts
Director of Ceremonies Bro. J. Brown Director of Music Bro. A. Sinclair
Sword Bearer Bro. J. Hepburn Bard Bro. R. Chapman
Marshall Bro. A. Sinclair Jeweller Bro. J.L. Brown
Senior Steward Bro. J. Sergeant
The Consecration and Dedication of the Lodge was held on 11th April 1910. A deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Middle Ward of Lanarkshire, headed by Bro. P. Spence, R.W.S.P.G.M. and a further nineteen members from Provincial met at the U.F. Church and dressed and marched to the hall to carry out the service.
At this meeting 22 sister Lodges were represented as follows:-
88 3 Members 305 4 Members
116 1 354 2
117 1 465 1
147 31 512 1
153 1 544 18
166 12 556 1
177 13 573 1
187 1 588 1
199 1 873 1
203 5 963 32
215
1
275
1
Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire Middle
Ward 20
A total of 153 Brethren attended this special meeting and the Minute Book tells us that the ceremony was one of “Great Feeling”. The Provincial Chaplain at this meeting addressed the Brethren and uttered some beautiful and important remarks.
In order that some of these
words are not lost forever, I think a few
extracts from his speech should be written down,
and hopefully absorbed by us as Freemasons.
“Tonight we have planted a seed, which would bye
and bye grow into a great tree under which we,
our children, and children’s children would sit
and enjoy its shade and fruits”.
“That charity was the highest gift possible of our great Masonic brotherhood”.
“He hoped that the foolish idea would never be entered into that a Masonic Lodge existed only to provide a few hours of social pleasure”.
“No Lodge should be constructed that measures its success on the number of candidates or high attendance at Lodge meetings”.
“A Lodge that sought to understand more and more of the high and hidden mysteries of the craft, and sought to protect these ideals was indeed a prosperous Lodge”.
These words were spoken over
100 years ago, and are as important to us as
Freemasons today as they were all these years
ago. The first official meeting of the Lodge was
held on 14th April 1910. At
this meeting the names of six candidates were
read out, balloted and initiated by the R.W.M.
All this happened on the same evening. At this
meeting Bro. John Ramsay (who had presented a
V.S.L. to the Lodge) was obligated as the first
honorary member of Lodge Coltswood Glenboig.
On the instruction of Grand Lodge the Dais was
draped and Office Bearers were in full Masonic
Mourning as a token of respect on the death of
King Edward VII.
May 1910
The meeting at which the
first Master Masons Diplomas were issued to
Brethren initiated on 14th April
1910.
June 1910
The evening when Lodge Coltswood welcomed its
first official deputation. Bro. Wyper led a
deputation from Lodge Whifflet St. John No. 963,
and conferred a Master Mason Degree.
June 1910
The first Mark
Master Degree was also conferred by Bro. Wyper
and a deputation from Whifflet St. John No. 963.
At this meeting a set of plans and working tools
of a Mark Master Mason were presented to the
Lodge.
The year of 1910 was a very important year for
the Lodge being its first year in existence, and
with a few exceptions the BYE-LAWS of Lodge
Whifflet St. John No. 963 accepted.
Brother Young (Sect) was requested to make a carpet for the Lodge and he agreed to do this provided he was given £1.00 (ONE POUND) to cover the cost of the material!
At a meeting held on 30th June 1910, certain other proposals were passed.
The first year of the Lodge was about to come to its conclusion and on 20th November 1910 Bro. Wyper of 963 was honoured by being the first Installing Master of Lodge Coltswood Glenboig No. 1067.
Now that the first year has passed, and the years start to roll on, the Minute Books are very sparse in content and coupled with the fact that so many years of history appear to be lost forever, I have read through the books in my possession and catalogued some of the events interesting events.
February 1911
Mr. Killen who was
the station master at Glenboig Station offered
to run a special train from Glenboig to
Coatbridge on meeting nights, and the Lodge
proposed to pay the balance of the cost if it
fell below the fares paid by passengers.
April
1911
It was decided to
have a Motto for the Lodge this was to be
“MOSS JANNA VITAL”
which translated means “DEATH IS
THE GATE OF LIFE”. This motto can be
seen to this date on the East wall of the Lodge.
May 1911
The meeting on 4th
May will be an E.A. Degree followed by a Mark
Degree at 8 p.m.
June
1911
Meeting on 22nd
June will be cancelled due to the Coronation of
King George V and Queen Mary.
May 1912
A football match
was arranged between Glenboig Masons and
Glenboig Merchants.
June 1912
Bro. Henry (Senior
Warden) was thanked for the use of his pony and
trap for Masonic duties and was presented with
an umbrella by the Brethren of the Lodge.
February 1916
It was proposed
that parcels be sent to Brethren on active
service.
August 1918
It was reported to
the Lodge that 24 members were on active service
October 1918
It was reported
to the Lodge that one of our members Bro.
William M. Thomson had been awarded the O.B.E.
November 1918
It was reported
that Brother A. Mutch Jnr. had been wounded in
France. A motion was passed that every
Brother on active service receive a postal order
for 5/-.
December 1918
It was reported
back to the lodge that Brother Kenny McConnell
killed in action in France, Brother James C.
Brash awarded the D.C.M. for bravery in action,
and Brethren sang the National Anthem at the
close of the meeting.
February 1919
Building Committee
proposed to the Lodge that they think about
building a new Temple.
March 1919
Lodge Coltswood were
involved in local committees regarding the
erection of a War Memorial. Collection
taken up for this project amounted to £3.3/-
July 1919
Brethren marched in full
Masonic Regalia for Church Service.
December 1919
During the first ten years
of the Lodge it averaged 21 new candidates, and
in that year of 1919, they had initiated no
fewer than 97 candidates.
March
1920
The Minute Book
quotes:-
“After justice had been done to the good things”
a pleasant hour was spent in song and sentiment.
March
1920
Motion to build a
two storey Temple was put to Lodge and was
defeated by a vote of 5 AGAINST – 3 FOR.
This seems a very small vote on such an
important matter, but the Minute Books gives no
further information.
April 1920
A report was put
before the Lodge with a view to purchasing the
U.F. Church Hall.
May 1920
A donation of £20
was received from the Eastern Star. A
wonderful gesture and a great deal of money in
this year of 1920.
August 1920
On the subject of a new
Lodge to be formed in Gartcosh, the Lodge voted
by 14 to 6 to appeal against the formation of a
new Lodge.
January 1921
After a few
meetings, proposals and counter proposals, it
was agreed that they should purchase the U.F.
Hall for £390 + half the legal fees.
November 1922
Unveiling of the
Glenboig War Memorial at 3 p.m.
October 1924
First discussions
took place regarding holding an annual dance.
The music would be provided by a piano and
violin and the tickets would be 4/- for men and
3/6d for ladies.
August 1927
Unable to open the
Lodge as only 6 Brethren arrived at the hall.
October 1928
Unable to hold a
meeting because of a fire in the ante-room.
All Lodge Aprons, Tools and even the Charter
were destroyed. Provincial Grand Lodge was asked
for dispensation until a new Charter was
received. In the meantime it was decided
to purchase 50 Aprons, and Lodge working tools,
and to contact Co-Operative Insurance Company.
October 1928
Lodge purchased 6
dozen cloth aprons at 2/- each and a full set of
working tools for £2.
October 1928
Settlement came
from the Co-operative Insurance regarding fire
damage. The offer was £378.10d for damage
to building and £100.00 for Lodge Regalia
November 1928
An offer of a
pulpit Bible to replace the one lost in the fire
was thankfully accepted.
November 1928
Lodge agreed to
purchase 24 Office Bearers Aprons at £1.5/-
each, Sashes at 12/6d, collarettes at 3/- and
Jewels at 16/6d.
1932
The Lodge formed a
Committee to visit Brethren who were three years
in arrears with Lodge dues.
1932
A motion was put before the Lodge that the
Brethren of Coltswood pay the harmony levy for
visitors. An amendment was put forward
that the Brethren do not pay. The
amendment was carried.
1932
A Whist Drive, Dance and Sale of Work raised a
profit of £5.4/9d and a Sale of Work with side
shows realised a handsome profit of £29.12/4d.
1933
The Dramatic Society who had hired the hall,
asked for permission to fit temporary
footlights. Permission was granted
providing they paid for the extra electricity
used.
February 1936
Lodge went into
official mourning owing to the death of King
George V.
March
1936
The Lodge was
informed of the death of Bro. Hynds, one
of the founder members. This was the first
break in the chain of founder members.
1937
Bro. A. Mutch was presented with a barometer in
recognition of his 25 years service as an Office
Bearer.
October 1938
The Lodge was
informed that Bro. A. Paterson, one of the
founder members, had been killed at work.
November 1940
Passed in the Lodge
was the motion that members serving in the
Forces be kept clear in the Lodge books whilst
serving.
November 1940
The R.W.M. of
Griffin Gartcosh ripped the seat of his trousers
on a nail on a Lodge chair. The Lodge had
to pay to have them mended.
December 1940
The Lodge was
informed by local authority that the hall would
be at the disposal of the local residents if
they suffered enemy attack.
August 1941
The Lodge was
informed of the death of another founder member
Bro. John Ferguson P.M.
September 1942
The Lodge discussed plans
for acquiring Past Masters Boards.
1944
Archibald Mutch awarded
Honorary Grand Rank of Provincial Grand Lodge
Bible Bearer
June
1951
The Lodge was
informed of the death of Ex-Provost Robert.
Irvine of Coatbridge who was Chaplain of the
Lodge.
September 1954
The Lodge decided to purchase an Apron, Sash and
Jewel and present it to Brother A. Mutch in
recognition of his services as Secretary of the
Lodge.
April 1955
The Lodge offered its
congratulations to Brother David Shaw (brother
of Jock “Tiger” Shaw of Glasgow Rangers) on his
appointment as Manager of Aberdeen Football
Club.
October 1956
An application for
Benevolence from a Brother of the Lodge was
refused on the grounds that the said Brother,
who had been initiated in 1926, had never paid
any dues to the Lodge.
October 1956
The Lodge was informed of
the death of a Brother of the Lodge who had only
attained the rank of a Fellow Craft.
January 1962
The Minute Book informs us that 11th
January 1962 was the date of the Lodge’s first
Instruction Class.
December 1963
On the subject of Past
Masters Boards, Brother Stewart of Lodge 199
made the boards and Brother Walker of Lodge 147
offered to put on the names of the Past Masters.
December 1964
The Lodge was informed of
the death of the former secretary for many years
– Brother A. Mutch.
September 1967
The Lodge was informed of
the death of another founder member - namely
Brother John Black.
September 1969
The Lodge was informed of
the death of Brother Hugh Young P.M. who was the
first Secretary of the Lodge and the last
founder member of the Lodge.
1971
William Menzies awarded
Honorary Grand Rank of Provincial Grand Lodge
Grand Marshall
January 1971
At the meeting on 7th
January reference was made to the Ibrox Park
Football Disaster and the Brethren were
upstanding to observe one minute’s silence.
September 1974
The dedication of the
Lodge Alter, Bible and Cushions took place.
The Alter was presented by Brother Harris, the
Bible by Brother Findlay, and the Cushions by
Brother Menzies.
October 1975
It was passed in
open Lodge that any Brother who had attained
pensionable age would benefit from a free meal
at Installations. At the present time I am
unsure if this motion has been rescinded.
January 1977
Past Master R. Gunning presented the Lodge a set
of Deacon’s Rods.
September 1977
On Sunday, 15 September,
the Lodge was represented at the Church Service
to dedicate the Pulpit Bible “Presented to
Glenboig Parish Church from Lodge Coltswood
Glenboig No. 1067”.
February 1979
Three Gavels for the use
of the R.W.M., W.S.W., and W.J.W. were presented
to the Lodge from Lodge 963.
September 1987
The R.W.M. announced that the Lodge had received
a gift of a hand engraved box containing
individually wrapped cigars with the Lodge
Coltswood logo. The cigars were sold for
£1.00 each, and raised the sum of £50.00 for
Lodge funds. It was also decided that the
box remain the property of the R.W.M.
October 1987
Brother J. Dorricot
R.W.P.G.M. presented to Brother Harris,
Treasurer, a framed Diploma and a personal Jewel
to make the occasion of being honoured by
receiving Distinguished Service Membership for
his service to Lodge Coltswood.
May 1989
Brother James Jarvie P.M.
of Lodge Milo 938 in Saudi Arabia presented a
ten year anniversary jewel to the R.W.M. of
Lodge Coltswood.
November 1989
A portrait of the H.M.
Queen was presented to the Lodge by Brother W.
McLaughlin.
April 1990
At a meeting on 5 April
1990, Brother J. Dorricot, R.W.P.G.M., gave a
glowing report to the Brethren of Brother James
Shanks P.M. of Lodge Coltswood, and at present
the W.P.G.S.W. He made reference to the
fact that although Brother Shanks had been
initiated in 1966 he had attained the Chair in
his Mother Lodge in the year of 1969/70. Brother
Dorricot presented to Brother Shanks a
Distinguished Services Diploma and a Jewel was
presented to Brother Shanks P.M. by R.W.M., Bro.
John Mack, to mark the occasion.
Brother Shanks is still very involved in Coltswood, and at the time of writing he is the Right Worshipful Depute Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire Middle Ward.
December 1994
Brother R. Gunning P.M.
was installed for the second time as R.W.M. of
Lodge Coltswood, on 3rd December
1994.
December 1994
At a specially called management meeting, the
Brethren were deeply shocked when informed that
Bro. R.W.M. R. Gunning had died. Brother A.
Hamilton I.P.M. took over his rightful duties of
R.W.M. for the ensuing year.
April 1995
As mentioned elsewhere,
the Lodge was always keen to support local
organisations and they donated £25 to Glenboig
United Football Club to help pay for their trip
to Belgium.
June 1995
Bro. J. Tate P.M. of Lodge
Avon presented to the Lodge a paymasters wicket
for use in the Mark Degree
June 1995
Bro. Sandy Stewart
presented a portrait of Bro. Robert Burns to the
Lodge
April 1996
The Lodge received an
anonymous donation of £1240, a very generous
donation indeed.
May 1996
The Lodge received a
quotation for a new Lodge carpet priced at
£1153.83 including VAT
November 1996
A brother of the Lodge
reported to the Lodge (his name shall not be
revealed) that “he was in bed with influenza,
and that he was looking forward to receiving a
“Get Well Card” from the Lodge. The response
from the brethren was “tough luck”!.
November 1996
Bro. Harris P.M. was
presented with a gift from the Lodge in
appreciation of 45 years service to the Lodge
and 25 years as unbroken service as Treasurer
March 1997
The Lodge purchased a PA
system for the harmony at a cost of £600
April 1997
The meeting of the Lodge
was scheduled to commence at 7pm, The temple
could not be opened because no brother had the
keys!. The Secretary put this report in the
minute book :-
“Two well known brethren, being key holders and also Past Masters of a superior breed of workmen travelled to Glenboig in search of more Masonic light, on arrival at their destination they found that the keys were missing from the pockets of their apparel. This caused great consternation amongst the assembled brethren, after calling a conference of the Brethren one of the Master Masons gained passage from Glenboig to Ramone in search of keys. Great was the rejoice when he returned and proclaimed “The keys are here”
September 1997
The Lodge was upstanding for one minutes silence
in memory of Diana Princess of Wales who was
tragically killed in a car accident in Paris
France
February 1998
Lodge 88 New Monkland
Montrose donated an organ to the Lodge
March 1998
David Stewart P.M. of
Lodge Coltswood Glenboig No. 1067 was installed
as RWM of Lodge Fleur De Lys No. 1722
April 1998
A quaich was presented to
R.W.M. Bro. Callum Stewart by Lodge Ruchill No.
1436
November 1998
The Lodge was informed of
the sudden death of Brother William Angus.
Brother Angus was at the time of his death the
Lodge Tyler, and at the Annual General Meeting
had been proposed and seconded for the post of
Inner Guard. Sadly he was never installed
in this office but as a mark of respect the
Lodge did not fill this post in the ensuing year.
March 1999
Apron from Lodge 1067 of
the French Constitution presented to the Lodge
April 1999
A clock was presented to
the Lodge by Bro. John Thomson in memory of Bro.
William Angus
February 2000
Bro. D. Morgan
received his Master Mason Degree from the
Brethren of Lodge Caldercruix St. John No 1314.
The Secretary wrote “Bro. Morgan and the
assembled Brethren will never forget this
Degree” I wonder why?
June 2000
Brethren of the Lodge
attended the funeral of Jock “Tiger “Shaw of
Glasgow Rangers
September 2000
Bro. John Thomson presented to the
Lodge a commemorative plate plaque to
commemorate the Piper Alpha disaster
October 2000
It was reported that the
Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire Middle
Ward had presented a cheque for £7000 to St.
Andrews Hospice Airdrie
December 2001
The Lodge was informed of
the sudden death of Bro. Bobby Angus P.M.
January 2002
Bro. Hugh Campbell P.M. paid a glowing tribute
to Bobby Angus P.M. and thanked the 39 brethren
from the Lodge who attended his funeral
2002
Bro James Shanks P.M.
awarded Honorary Grand Rank of Provincial Grand
Lodge Grand Junior Deacon
May 2003
Bro. Andy Miller P.M.
Lodge Coltswood No. 1067 received his 50 year
certificate from The Provincial Grand Lodge of
Lanarkshire Middle Ward, another 50 year
certificate was due to be presented to Bro J.
Harris P.M. but because of illness he was
unable to attend the Lodge. The certificate will
be presented to him by Bro. Jim Roberts P.M.
November 2003
The Lodge was informed of
the death of Bro. J. Harris P.M. the former
Treasurer of the Lodge who in 1996 was honoured
by the Lodge for 45 years service to the Lodge
and 25 years unbroken service as Treasurer
January 2004
Lodge donated £100 to the
East Asia Tsunami Fund
May 2006
Lodge Dumfries Kilwinning No. 53 presented a
gavel to R.W.M. Bro. Neil Thomson in memory of
his grandfather who was a member of Lodge
Kilwinning for over 50 years
June 2006
Bro. James Shanks
P.M. was installed as the Depute Provincial
Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of
Lanarkshire Middle Ward along with Bro Gordon
McCaffer P.M. as Provincial Grand Treasurer at
the Installation of Provincial Grand Master &
Commissioned Office-bearers attendance on this
evening was 440
October 2006
Two Past Master’s of Lodge United Services (of
Pretoria) No. 2067 English Constitution South
Africa North, presented to R.W.M. Bro. Neil
Thomson a token of the Lodge and also a copy of
minute of the Lodge Re-Dedication
June 2007
At a presentation ceremony at the regular
communication of Provincial Grand Lodge Bro.
James McAlinden was invested with the honour of
Provincial Grand Rank Organist, Jim has
entertained the Brethren and visitors alike at
Glenboig for many years and his input in the
Harmony has been legendary. Jimmy has been a
regular attendee of Coltswood over the years and
has regularly been referred to as "Jimmy and his
big organ". This was a great honour for both
Jimmy and to Lodge Coltswood
October 2007
Bro. Andrew Durning died
on 24th October 2007, his funeral was
held on 28th October 2007 at McLarens
funeral parlour Coatbridge. In relatively short
time as a mason he a made a big impression on
all brethren within and outside the Province. He
was as well known for his generosity and amongst
other things he donated the present Lodge bible
and the two columns within the Lodge. Andy did
not keep well but fulfilled his office as Bar
Steward without complaint. He carried out the
Lodge set up, hall cleaning, and covered various
offices. Andy planned his own “Masonic” funeral
down to the last detail and would have been
proud of the brethren present and the ceremony.
Not counting the attendance of all the “pigeon
fanciers” that were representing all the various
clubs.
November 2007
R.W.M. Gordon Rowe thanked
Peter Greenan P.M. for all his work as Lodge
Secretary over the past three years.
August 2008
Over sixty Brethren took
part in the 2008 P.G.L. Golf Competition at
Drumpellier Golf Club. Lodge Coltswood No. 1067
were in superb form with Bro. Colin Campbell
winning the overall tournament and the Challenge
Cup, Tom Ferguson winning the Seniors and the
Lodge 1067 Team won the Masters Trophy. The
Amicoil Trophy was presented to Bro. Colin
Campbell by the Most Worshipful Grand Master
Mason Bro. Sir Archibald D. Orr Ewing at the
regular communication of Provincial Grand Lodge
on Friday 6th October 2008
October 2008
Bro. James L. Jack,
Provincial Grand Master attended the Regular
Meeting of the Lodge this evening. It was a
special occasion in that R.W.M. Bro. Alex Brown
conferred the Master Mason Degree on his father
Sam Brown.
December 2008
R.W.M. Bro. Colin T.
Campbell designed and published a new website
full of infromation and details about the Lodge;
this gave the Lodge a presence on the World Wide
Web. Before long the Lodge was contacted by
interested brethren and members of the public
from as far away as Australia.
January 2009
RWM Bro Colin T.
Campbell attended the annual wreath laying
ceremony at the National Burns Monument in
Mauchline, Ayrshire, to commemorate the 250th
Anniversary of the birth of Bro. Robert Burns.
The ceremony was attended by The Provincial
Grand Master of Ayrshire, members of The
Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire, The Grand
Lodge of Scotland, R.W.M.'s of various Ayrshire
Lodge’s, members of various other Masonic orders
and fellow Brethren. Also in attendance were
members of the Scottish Parliament and local
Councillors.
March 2009
At the Burns Supper on the 14th March 2009 the
Brethren and friends of Lodge Coltswood were
entertained to the highest level by the Brethren
of Lodge St. David Tarbolton (Mauchline) No.
133. This was to commemorate the 250th
anniversary of the Birth of Robert Burns. The
evening was complete by having the charter
present that Bro. Robert Burns took his
obligation, this was only one of four occasions
where the charter was allowed to leave the Lodge
room in Mauchline, to which the Brethren of
Coltswood will forever be in the debt of
Lodge St. David for this high honour. The night
also raised over £2000 for the Lodge Coltswood
Centenary Fund.
April 2009
Suddenly, on Saturday 4th April 2009, Peter Greenan, aged 68 years, sadly passed away. Peter was an affiliate member of Lodge Coltswood and served as the lodge Secretary from 2005 till 2007.
May 2009
A dinner held at Gartlea Community Centre raised a total of £5200 on behalf of the Lodge Coltswood Glenboig Centenary fund and Lodge St. Andrews No. 544 Regalia fund. The night was chaired impressively as always by PM Ian Wilson and the speakers on the evening just got better as the night went on, first we had the memoirs of John "Bomber" Brown who entertained us with the exploits during his footballing career, then following, a great supporter of Lodge Coltswood Mr Mitchell Gibb who entertained us with his usual wit and humour, last and by no means least was the surprise of the evening Mr Bill Kelly who blew the audience away with this alternative humour and impressions, by far one of the best speakers heard on the circuit.
June 2009
At the regular meeting of
Thursday 18th June a cheque for £1000 was
presented to the Right Worshipful Provincial
Grand Master Bro. James L. Jack on behalf of the
Provincial Grand Lodge caravan fund by R.W.M.
Colin T. Campbell, the money was raised by the
Brethren of Lodge Coltswood on their very
successful Burns Supper & Sportsman's dinner.
June 2009
On a unique occasion R.W.M. Bro. Colin T.
Campbell welcomed a large and distinguished
deputation from Drumpellier Golf Club in to the
Lodge room. The deputation was headed by the
Immediate Past Captain of Drumpellier Golf Club
Depute Master Bro. Ian Wilson P.M.; the degree
was conferred in an exemplary manner by resident
Professional of Drumpellier Golf Club and Past
Master of New Monkland Montrose No. 88 Bro. Ian
Taylor P.M. The evening was further enhanced by
a Deputation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of
the Lanarkshire Middle Ward headed by the
Provincial Grand Master Bro. James L. Jack, a
total of 77 Brethren from far and wide signed
the attendance book and were thoroughly
entertained by the Drumpellier members. R.W.M.
Bro. Colin T. Campbell, also being a member of
Drumpellier Golf Club was delighted to have had
the opportunity to invite the Brethren along for
this special occasion and thanked the Brethren
from Drumpellier Golf Club for their support and
in particular to P.M. Ian Taylor for arranging
such a fantastic night. A very complimentary
vote of thanks was proposed by the Provincial
Grand Master Bro. James L. Jack
July 2009
After all the
years of fundraising the Lodge took delivery of
a full set of new Regalia, the new Regalia in
Medici Crimson was manufactured by Toye, Kenning
& Spencer and supplied by Millennium Mark. The
Regalia consisted of 24 aprons, sashes and
collars with fine bullion and lambskin. In
anticipation of the Centenary year all the
office bearers jewels were also refurbished and
silver plated during the recess and the Master's
chain of office was refurbished to very high
standard, this included sandblasting and silver
plating of the metal work and jewel, engraving
of the shields with the master's from the year
2000, when the chain of office was first
introduced, this was all finished off with a new
ribbon to compliment the rest of the Regalia.
October 2009
A total of 93 Brethren including 19 Reigning
Masters from within and outwith the province
attend a Reigning Masters degree and conferred
the 1st or Entered Apprentice degree
on one of their candidates. The deputation was
headed by the R.W.M. of Lodge Regal No. 1422
Bro. James Gold. On the occasion the R.W.M.
Colin T. Campbell presented the Reigning Masters
with a diploma to mark the occasion. A vote of
thanks was duly given by the Provincial Grand
Master Bro. James L. Jack and replied to by
R.W.M. Bro. James Gold
October 2009
The Lodge was
honoured to have the Provincial Grand Master
Bro. James L. Jack and Provincial Grand Chaplain
Bro. Peter Price to conduct a ceremony of
dedication to the new Lodge Regalia, this
meeting was attended by distinguished members of
Provincial Grand Lodge and members for within
and outwith the province. Following the ceremony
of dedication Bro. Matt Topping from Lodge St.
John Shotts No. 471 presented the Lodge with the
apron, sash and case of former Past Master Bro.
Archibald Mutch that was found at a car boot
sale by one of their Brethren, this was the
original apron presented to P.M. Mutch at the
end of his term in office 1915-16, a fitting
tribute on the evening of the new regalia being
dedicate a apron of nearly 100 years old being
brought back into the Lodge room. To round the
night of The Provincial Grand Master Bro. James
L. Jack was made an honorary member of the Lodge
only the 9th in the history of the
Lodge, following the business the Provincial
Grand Master delivered a lecture on the George
Washington Masonic memorial to the delight of
the assembled brethren.
November 2009
On the 17th
November R.W.M. Colin T. Campbell, W.J.W. Gordon
Rowe P.M. and Brother William Lees
travelled to France to visit Lodge Fidellte
Occiate No. 1067 of The Grand Lodge of France,
they were met by the R.W.M. Bro. Alain Huppe at
Toulouse airport and taken to the town of Albi
in Southern France, a dinner was held at one of
the Brethren’s restaurants and the next morning
Daumas–Condomines Guy and the Brethren of the
Lodge showed them around the sights of Albi
including the Toulouse-Lautrec museum and the
cathedral of Albi, a truly remarkable piece of
architecture, that evening they attended a 1st
Degree in the French Rite along with the
Provincial Grand Master and his Office Bearers
and Brethren of the Province .The evening was
rounded of by a presentation of an Lodge
Coltswood Past Masters apron and Centenary Jewel
to the French Lodge and the three visitors
receiving Provincial honours and a Lodge banner,
later that evening Guy Daumas–Condomines also
presented the R.W.M. Colin T. Campbell his own
Past Masters apron, jewel and sash.
November 2009
On 27th November a large gathering
from the Lodge attended a civic reception in
Motherwell Civic Centre granted by North
Lanarkshire Council to celebrate the Centenary
of the Lodge, the gathering was led by R.W.M.
Bro. Colin T. Campbell and 40 brethren from the
Lodge. Guests of the Lodge that evening were The
Provincial Grand Master Bro. James L. Jack,
speeches were delivered by The Deputy Provost
James Robertson and replied to by R.W.M. Bro.
Colin T. Campbell. The Provincial Grand Master
Bro. James L. Jack also gave thanks for the
evening the night was rounded off by a
presentation by the Deputy Provost to the Lodge
and in return cheques were presented to the
Deputy Provost on behalf of his chosen charities
The Poppy Appeal and The Erskine Hospital.
November 2009
A glass display cabinet with storage for the new
Lodge Regalia was donated to the Lodge by R.W.M.
Colin T. Campbell for the adjacent, this cabinet
was made by his father Bro. Thomas Campbell a
Master Mason of Lodge Airdrie St. John No. 166.
November 2009
The Annual General Meeting of the Lodge was held
on 5th November 2009 the following
Office Bearers were proposed for office for the
Centenary year 2010 -
Right Worshipful Master
Brother James Durning PM
Immediate Past Master
Brother Colin T. Campbell PM
Depute Master
Brother James Shanks PM, DPGM
Substitute Master
Brother James Roberts PM
Senior Warden
Brother Gordon Rowe PM
Junior Warden
Brother Ralph Sinclair
Secretary
Brother Neil Thomson PM
Treasurer
Brother Gordon McCaffer PM, PGT.
Almoner
Brother Bobby McIntosh PM
Chaplin
Brother Kenneth Murray PM
Senior Deacon
Brother Joe Spiers
Junior Deacon
Brother John Mack
Inner Guard
Brother Robert Reid
Architect
Brother Samuel Brown
Bible Bearer
Brother John Lindsay
Director of Ceremonies
Brother Callum Stewart PM
Bard
Brother Jim Ringrose
Sword Bearer
Brother Stanley Cargill
President of the Stewards
Brother Alan Hopkins
Junior Steward
Brother Les Rowe
Director of Music
Brother James McAlinden HPGO
Marshall
Brother Tony Sinclair
Tyler
Brother Andy Stewart
December 2009
Due to the continued ill health of Bro.
Sinclair Upton, R.W.M. Colin T. Campbell and
Bro. Ian Wilson P.M. attended his home on Friday
4th December to present him with his
50 year Jubilee Diploma, Brother Upton was
initiated on 6th October 1955, passed
20th October 1955 and raised 19th
November 1955 and received his mark on 20th
September 1956. Brother Upton commented that he
was missing attending the Lodge and was asking
for a few of the old faces.
December 2009
At the Installation
ceremony held on 6th December 2009
Bro. James Durning P.M. was installed Right
Worshipful Master of Lodge Coltswood Glenboig
for the Centenary year by Installing Masters
Bro. Ian Wilson P.M. and Bro. Bobby McIntosh
P.M., the logistics on getting to the Ceremony
were difficult due to the railway bridge between
Coatbridge and Glenboig being closed due to
emergency repairs, however after a delayed start
and rather large attendance under the
circumstances, another milestone in the history
of this fine old Lodge was recorded.
December 2009
R.W.M. Bro. James Durning
presented the R.W.M. Bro. Colin Fulton of Lodge
St. Andrews No. 544 with a Centenary Jewel as a
token of appreciation of being one of the
sponsor and founder Lodge’s who signed the
application for Charter in 1909.
January 2010
P.M. David Stewart
assisted by I.P.M. Bro. Colin T. Campbell
attended The Operative Lodge of Airdrie No. 203
to present the Lodge with a Centenary Jewel as a
token of appreciation of being one of the
founder Lodge’s.
January 2010
W.S.W. Bro. Gordon Rowe
P.M. assisted by Bro. Robert Ross P.M. and Bro.
Alex P.M. attended Lodge Partick St. Mary No.
117 to present the Lodge with a Centenary Jewel
as a token of appreciation of being one of the
founder Lodge’s.
January 2010
I.P.M. Brother Colin T.
Campbell presented R.W.M. Bro. Thomas Connor of
Lodge Whifflet St. John No. 963 with a Centenary
Jewel as a token of appreciation of being one of
the sponsor and founder Lodge’s who signed the
application for Charter in 1909.
February 2010
Amid great celebration the Ceremony of
re-dedication was carried out by The Grand Lodge
of Scotland in the Masonic Temple, Clark Street,
Airdrie, A deputation for The Grand Lodge of
Scotland was headed by the Depute Grand Master
Bro. Hugh Bryson and the deputation for the
Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire Middle
Ward headed by The Provincial Grand Master Bro.
James L. Jack, this was followed by a Centenary
Banquet in Gartlea Community Centre Airdrie
catered for by Bro. Alan Boslem of Big Bite
Catering. On the day all visitors were presented
with a special enamelled token in a presentation
case, this token was struck to celebrate the
Lodge Centenary year. All members of the Lodge
were also presented with a commemorative jewel
to mark the occasion. The harmony was kicked
off by the fantastic after dinner speaker Eric
Davidson
(All excerpts taken from the Minute Books and website by permission of the Lodge).
All the events I have noted in the foregoing pages were taken from the Lodge Minute Books, but I am sure that there will be many events that Brethren, especially the older Brethren of the Lodge, will remember and wonder why they were not included in the history. The probable reasons for any omissions is that the events were not in fact minuted, or that they are somewhere in the lost Minute Books.
Before I conclude I would like to pass comments based on my own personal experiences since attending Lodge Coltswood over the past few years and to mention a few events that have come to light since I started to write this history
Honorary Membership
During the first hundred
years of the lodge it has noted that only a few
Brethren have received honorary membership of
the Lodge:
On April 1910 Bro. John Ramsay was obligated as
the first honorary member of the Lodge.
Bro. J Rooney, Bro. Tom Preston, Bro. A McMillan
Jnr and Bro. A McMillan Snr of Lodge Ruchill No
1436 and Bro. R. McMillan of Lodge St. Marks No.
102 for the work carried out to the paths and
roads on the outside of the temple.
In recent times this honour was bestowed on Bro.
Gordon Millar P.M. of Lodge New Monkland
Montrose No. 88 and Bro. Joseph Fay P.M. of
Whifflet St. John No. 963. On 30th
October 2009 the Brethren bestowed the honour of
honorary membership on the Provincial Grand
Master Bro. James L. Jack for his support to the
Lodge. It should also be noted that Bro. Gordon
McCaffer current Provincial Grand Treasurer
received honorary membership of Lodge St. Modan
No. 985 and Lodge No. 1067 in the French
constitution. Bro. Jim Durning P.M. received
honorary membership of Lodge New Monkland
Montrose No. 88, Newlands No. 949 and Whifflet
St. John No. 963. Bro. Kenneth Murray P.M. also
received honorary membership of Lodge Newlands
No. 949.
Lodge Installations
Mentioned earlier was the
“caustic wit and humour” of Bro. Ian Wilson
P.M., but it should be noted that following the
installation in December 2009 he will have
installed no fewer than ten Right Worshipful
Masters at Coltswood and also his own brother
into the chair in St. Marks Lodge No. 102
Glasgow a truly remarkable statistic.
Lodge Hospitality
We are all
aware of the hospitality shown by the Lodge to
all visitors, but some visitors might not be
aware of the donations of sandwiches, cakes and
of course the famous “Coltswood Dumpling” that
are given by members of the Lodge every meeting
night. Brethren with this attitude towards
the Lodge go a long way in helping to keep
expenses down, and help create a good close
“belonging to” feeling.
Lodge Harmonies
I am sure that
no visitor could ever leave a Lodge Coltswood
harmony without being impressed by the
atmosphere and friendliness generated throughout
the evening. The Caustic wit and humour of Bro.
Ian Wilson P.M., who controls the proceedings is
accepted (or suffered) by the Brethren, and it
creates a feeling of being part of the Lodge.
The Famous Coltswood
Dumpling
It would be
wrong of me not to mention the famous Coltswood
dumpling, I bet that brought a vision of few
Coltswood brethren, I refer to however the
Scottish delicacy supplied for years by P.M.
James Shanks mother till see sadly passed away,
keeping up the Coltswood tradition, P.M. Gordon
Rowe’s mother took on the task of supplying the
dumpling and to this date it is still enjoyed by
Coltswood and visiting brethren alike. May we
thank the ladies who have provided this service
to the Lodge over the years and long may it
continue.
Instruction Classes
The Lodge
instruction classes are remarkably well
attended, and every Brother of the class is
striving to perfect his ritual work for the
benefit of the Lodge. The present instruction
class master is Brother Robert D. F Ross P.M.
after the sudden death of P.M. Bro. Angus, and
it is becoming more and more evident that
Brother Ross using his own methods and foresight
is moulding the class members into the finished
product.
Candidates and Office
Bearers
Considering the fact that
within the Craft at large, there seems to be a
general feeling of apathy, it is very pleasing
to note that Lodge Coltswood seems to have a
steady flow of candidates. It is also very
pleasing to see that all the progressive offices
within the Lodge are filled by young Brethren,
eager and willing to head for the position of
R.W.M. thus assuring the progress and stability
of the Lodge for the foreseeable future.
Right Worshipful Master’s
Chain of Office
Prior to the year 2000 discussions regarding the
purchase of a chain of office for the R.W.M.
were had and Brother James Strickland P.M., a
jeweller by profession, offered to make and
supply the chain of office at cost price, saving
the Lodge a vast amount of expense. This
offer was gladly accepted and approved by the
Lodge. It was very fitting that the R.W.M. of
Lodge Coltswood will at last adorned with a
chain of office befitting his high position. The
same chain of office was refurbished during the
2009 recess by Millennium Mark for the Centenary
and was dedicated along with the new Lodge
Regalia on 30th October 2009.
In conclusion I would respectfully remind the Brethren always to bear in mind the very high principles that Lodge Coltswood was founded on. The Lodge has always been noted for its high quality and friendliness, and I am sure that these are the reasons that down through the years, scores of Brethren wanted to affiliate and become part of this fine Lodge.
Also we must never forget the charities, hospitals, local organisations and schools that this Lodge has helped financially over all these years.
Let the example set by the Founder Members, and carried on by the Past Masters and Brethren over the last 100 years, excite and encourage present and future members to build and develop this Lodge to even greater achievements to be passed on to future generations, and we look forward to the next 100 years hoping that this will herald another milestone in the history of this great old Lodge.
