FOREWARD
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 over300 years.
Itmust also be observed that as this fine Lodge celebrates its centenary, that inthese 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, and as we now approach the Millennium our currency is 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 filled in.
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 nearing 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.
Look 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 member.
Bro. Joseph Fay, PM Lodge Whifflet St John No. 963
Affiliate Member of Lodge Coltswood Glenboig No. 1067
A HISTORY OF LODGE COLTSWOOD GLENBOIG No. 1067
In the year 1909 a few informal meetings were held by a group of Masons 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 16 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 he village were very limited.
However, the decision was made to carry on with the project and the wheels were set in motion to form “Coltswood” Glenboig No. 1067.
The Founder Members of Lodge Coltswood Glenboig No. 1067 were as follows:
| Name | Lodge Number | Name | Lodge Number | Name | Lodge Number |
| Bro. Young (P.M.) | 147 | Bro. Baxter | 147 | Bro. McRoberts | 873 |
| Bro. Sloan | 147 | Bro. Ferguson | 147 | Bro. Brown | 963 |
| Bro. Sergeant | 147 | Bro. McKee | 147 | Bro. McRae | 963 |
| Bro. Sloan | 147 | Bro. Hall | 147 | Bro. Thomson | 117 |
| Bro. Henry | 147 | Bro. Hepburn | 147 | Bro. Chapman | 177 |
| Bro. Hynds | 147 | Bro. Paterson | 147 | Bro. Sinclair | 177 |
| Bro. Madill | 147 | Bro. Hamilton | 147 | Bro. Sinclair | 203 |
| Bro. Black | 147 | Bro. Carmichael | 203 |
At a meeting held on 24 November 1909, it was reported that the petition for a Charter had been duly signed by our sponsors – namely 177, 544 and 963.
The principal office bearers of the proposed new Lodge were then elected as follows:-
| Name | Office |
| Right Worshipful Master | Bro. S. McRae |
| Depuate 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 30 November 1909, it was decided that the name of the proposed new Lodge would be “Coltswood” Glenboig, and that the Lodge colours would be crimson and gold (the same colours as 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 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 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 3 March 1910, the remaining offices of the Lodge were filled as follows:-
| Office | Name |
| Chaplain | Bro. W. Hall |
| Juniour Steward | Bro. W. Carmichael |
| Bible Bearer | Bro. J. Black |
| Librariian | Bro. W Madill |
| Architect | Bro. J Sinclair |
| Organist | Bro. T. McRoberts |
| Director of Cerimonies | Bro. J. Brown |
| Director of Music | Bro. A. Sinclair |
| Sword Beraer | 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 11 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.
Atthis meeting 22 sister Lodges were represented as follows:-
| Lodge No. | Attendees | Lodge No. | Attendees | Lodge No. | Attendees | Lodge No. | Attendees |
| 88 | 3 | 177 | 13 | 305 | 4 | 573 | 1 |
| 116 | 1 | 187 | 1 | 354 | 2 | 588 | 1 |
| 117 | 1 | 199 | 1 | 465 | 1 | 588 | 1 |
| 147 | 31 | 203 | 5 | 512 | 1 | 873 | 1 |
| 153 | 1 | 215 | 1 | 544 | 18 | 963 | 32 |
| 166 | 12 | 275 | 1 | 556 | 1 | Provincial | 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 almost 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 14 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.
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.
26 May 1910 was the meeting at which the first Master Masons Diplomas were issued to Brethren initiated on 14 April 1910.
9 June 1910 was the evening when Lodge Coltswood welcomed its first official deputation. Bro. Wyper led a deputation from 963, and conferred a Master Mason Degree.
The first Mark Master Degree was also conferred by Bro. Wiper and a deputation from 963 on 16 June 1910. At this meeting 963 presented a set of plans and working tools of a Mark Master Mason.
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 963 accepted.
Brother Young (Secy) 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 30 June 1910, certain other proposals were passed.
- Accept lease of hall for £2.00 (TWO POUNDS) per annum.
- 14 days should elapse between proposal and ballot.
- Initiation Fee would be £3.3/- (£3.15p)
- Affiliation Fee would be 7/6d (37 1/2p)
- Test Fee would be 3/- (15p)
- Life Membership Fee would be £1.10/- (£1.50p)
- Harmony ticket would be 7d (3 1/2p)
The first year of the Lodge was about to come to its conclusion and on 20 November 1910 Bro. Wyper of 963 was honoured by being the first Installing Master of Lodge Coltswood Glenboig.
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 4 May will be an E.A. Degree followed by a Mark Degree at 8 p.m.
June 1911
Meeting on 22 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 (S.W.) 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 £20.00 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 £390.00 + 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. P.L.G. 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 £2.00.
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
The
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
It
was passed in the Lodge that all members serving in the Forces be kept clear in
the Lodge books whilst serving.
November 1940
The
R.W.M. of Griffen 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 Master Boards.
1944
Archibald Match awarded Honorary Grand Rank of Provincial Grand Lodge Bible Bearer
June 1951
The
Lodge was informed of the death of ex-provost R. 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 11 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 7 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 Coltswood logo. The cigars were sold for £1.00 each, and realised 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 by Brother Mack, R.W.M., to mark the occasions.
Brother Shanks is still very involved in Coltswood, and at the time of writing he is the Worshipful Depute Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge.
December 1994
Brother R. Gunning P.M. was installed for the second time as R.W.M. of Lodge Coltswood, on 3 December.
December 1994
At a specially called management meeting, the Brethren were deeply shocked when informed that Brother R. Gunning, R.W.M., had died.
Brother A. Hamilton P.M. offered to take over the duties of R.W.M. for the ensuing year.
April 1995
A 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 PM of Lodge Avon presented to the Lodge a paymasters wicket for use in the MMM 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 PM 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 with 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
PM David Stewart of Lodge Coltswood Glenboig No. 1067 was installed as RWM of Lodge Fluer Del Lys No. 1722
April 1998
A quaich was presented to RWM 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 MM 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 late of Glasgow Rangers
September 2000
Bro. John Thomson presented to the Lodge a commemorative plate plaque to commemorate the Piper Alpha disaster
December 2001
The Lodge was informed of the sudden death of Bro. PM Bobby Angus
2002
Bro PM James Shanks awarded Honorary Grand Rank of Provincial Grand Lodge Grand Junior Deacon
January 2003
Bro. PM Hugh Campbell paid a glowing tribute to PM Bobby Angus and thanked the 39 brethren from the Lodge who attended his funeral
May 2003
Bro. PM Andy Miller 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 Pm J Harris but because of illness he was unable to attend the Lodge. The certificate will be presented to him by PM Jim Roberts
November 2003
The Lodge was informed of the death of Bro. PM J Harris 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 RWM Neil Thomson in memory of his grandfather who was a member of Lodge Kilwinning for over 50 years
June 2006
Bro
PM James Shanks was installed as the Depute Provincial Grand Master of the
Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire Middle Ward along with Bro PM Gordon
McCaffer as Provincial Grand Treasurer at the Installation of Provincial Grand
Master & Commissioned Office-bearers attendance on this evening was 440
October 2006
Two PM’s of Lodge United Services (of Pretoria) No. 2067 English Constitution South Africa North, presented to RWM Neil Thomson a token of the Lodge also a copy of minute of the Lodge Re-Dedication
October 2007
Bro. Andrew Durning died on 24th October 2007, his funeral held on 28th October 2007 was held 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 a complaint. He also carried the Lodge set up, hall cleaner, and covering 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
RWM Gordon Rowe thanked PM Peter Greenan for all his work as Lodge Secretary over the past three years
June 2008
At
a presentation ceremony at the regular communication of PGL Bro. James
McIlliden was invested with the honour of Provincial Grand Rank, 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 for his commitment
to the craft in general and to Lodge Coltswood
August 2008
Over sixty Brethren took part in the 2008 PGL 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 Bro. Alex Brown; RWM conferred the
M.M. Degree on his father Sam Brown.
January 2009
RWM Bro
Colin T. Campbell attended the annual wreath laying ceremony at the National
Burns Monument in Mauchline, Ayrshire, the ceremony was attended by The
Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire, members of Ayrshire Provincial Grand
Lodge, The Grand Lodge of Scotland, RWM’s of various Ayrshire lodges, members
of various other Masonic orders and fellow Brethren. Also in attendance were
members of the Scottish Parliament and local Councillors. RWM Colin T. Campbell
is picture below with the RWM of Lodge St David Tarbolton (Mauchline) Bro John
Chalmers.
March 2009
On
the evening of 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
that Robert Burns took his obligation, this was only one of four occasions
where the charter had left 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
in 2010.
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
We are delighted to inform you that at a recent dinner held at Gartlea Community Centre a total of £5200 was raised 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 this year
June 2009
On
the evening of Thursday 18th June a presentation of £1000 was made to Right
Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro. James L. Jack on behalf of the
Provincial Grand Lodge caravan fund, 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 RWM 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 PM DM Bro. Ian Wilson, the degree was conferred in a exemplary manner by resident Professional of Drumpellier Golf Club PM Bro. Ian Taylor. 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. RWM 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 would like to pay thanks to the Brethren from Drumpellier Golf Club for their support and in particular to PM Ian Taylor for arranging such a fantastic night. A very complimentary vote of thanks was proposed by the Provincial Grand Master.
(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 we conclude we 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.
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.
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 after the sudden
death of PM 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.
R.W.M. Chain of Office
After many months of discussions regarding the purchase of a chain of office for the R.W.M., 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.
I think that it is very fitting that the R.W.M. of Lodge Coltswood will at last be adorned with a chain of office befitting his high position.
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, hospital, 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 Lodge.