The end of the millenium
Bro. Knight's year was to have a sad start. Just a fortnight after his Installation he had to inform the Brethren on December 23rd of the death of two of our members, namely Bro. Archie Strachan and Bro. Joe Hammond. Archie, whose son Allan is also a member, is one of three brothers who joined Possilpark, the other two being Sammy and Willie. Archie Strachan,. unlike his brother Willie, a Past Master, had not sought high office preferring to remain in the background. Never the less he had been a stalwart of the Lodge for many years holding various Offices and getting involved in committee work, which is so important in the day to day running of the Lodge itself. He was also, along with his wife Jenny, a great supporter of the social side of the Lodge. Indeed Jenny was always willing to lend a hand in the kitchen and donate home baking etc. Archie lived in the Knightswood area for many years but after Jenny's death, he found it difficult to cope on his own. Latterly he was given a place in Erskine Hospital, where he remained until his death. As previously recorded, Bro. Joe Hammond had Affiliated to Possilpark from Lodge St Clair No. 362. Just ten months earlier, on February 9th, he received his Jubilee Certificate in his Mother Lodge. After affiliating Joe, as we all knew he would, proved to be an asset to the Lodge holding many Offices and taking an active role in its various committees. Like Bro. Strachan he preferred to remain in the background the only exception to this being, when he was Depute Master to PM. Bro. J McDonald in 1984/85. Joe took Freemasonry very seriously but he also had a tremendous sense of humour and a razor sharp wit. Along with his wife Mary, he enjoyed the various social events run by the Lodge.
In the coming months Bro. Knight had to inform the Lodge that a further four of our members had Passed On To Higher Service, namely Bros Wm. S. Smith, R. Bailey, T. D. McCool and Wm. Hutchison. Bro. Smith who died in March after a relatively short illness was one of our best known members having held various offices over the years in particular, those of Organist and Jun Deacon, for the years 1987/88 and 88/89. He also held the position of Halls Convenor for a number of years and along with Bros John Williams, Dick Buchanan, John McPherson and Jimmy Johnsen, formed the first of the Wednesday Work Parties which have done so much in keeping the premises in good shape which, at the time of writing, is still going strong albeit with different Brethren. Wee Willie was one of the characters of the Lodge and perhaps will best be remembered for the tall stories which he told with such panache. In August the death of Bro. R. Bailey was intimated to the Brethren. Unfortunately Bro. Bailey was one of many who had not attended the Lodge for many years and sadly nothing is known about him. In September the Brethren were saddened to hear of the death of Bro. T. D. McCool Snr. Dougie who had been ill for some time was unable to attend the Lodge. Previous to this he had been a regular at our meetings and also enjoyed the amenities of the Club to the full. The family name lives on in the person of his son Bro T. D. McCool Jnr.
Just as a fortnight into his year Bro. Knight had to inform the Lodge of the death of Brethren, so it was a fortnight before he vacated the Chair that he the same sad duty to perform. On November 10th he informed us of the Passing of Bro. Wm. (Billy) Hutchison. On the night Billy was Initiated he was accompanied by his two brothers, Edward and James and his brother-in-law, Bro. J.K.G. McDonald PM. As previously recorded in this History Bro. Edward Hutchison had tragically died a few years earlier which made Billy's Passing all the more poignant.
On a happier note on January 13th one of our members, Bro. R. W. Gillon, who had Affiliated to Lodge Dalhousie No.679 returned to his Mother Lodge where he was presented with his Jubilee Certificate. On the night Bro. Gillon was accompanied by a large deputation from Lodge Dalhousie, headed by RWM Bro. R. Simpson who along with Bro. Knight, presented the Certificate to Bro Gillan, and an excellent night was had by all. Subsequent to this occasion Brethren from Possilpark made a return visit to Lodge Dalhousie and it proved to be a most enjoyable evening.
Just two weeks later Bro. Henry Jeffrey RWPGM, visited the Lodge for the purpose of presenting Bro. John McPherson PM. with the Jewel of his Office of Honorary Provincial Grand Treasurer. In addition to this we learned later in the year that Bro. Wm. McArthur would be receiving the Honorary Rank of President of Stewards. As they had done for others in the past, the Brethren agreed to provide him with his Jewel of Office.
We had the honour of Initiating five Candidates and one Affiliate that year. One of the Candidates was Bro.Wra. Brown, brother of George, Brian, John Snr, and uncle to John Jnr. The extension of the Brown clan within the Lodge prompted some wit to comment, that we should change the name of the Lodge from Possilpark, to Glebe St. Wm. 'Billy' Brown, went on to become RWM for the session 2001/02.
This year unfortunately saw the Commission of Past Master Bro. J. D. Mowatt as WSPGM come to an end. Dougie had been a hard working member of Provincial. He was particularly prominent in his contribution in organising a tribute to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boys Brigade, which of course originated in Glasgow, and has spread throughout the World. He was one of the most popular Provincial Office Bearers of recent times and will be sadly missed from their ranks. However, it is not only his contributions that Provincial has lost. His wife Christine also did her bit at the various functions and fund raising events that took place and it would be amiss not to record this and thank her for her efforts.
Another Honorary member of our Lodge, Bro. Henry Jeffrey was retiring from the Office of WPGM. Harry as he was known to us all, had been an excellent WPGM and a great ambassador for Freemasonry both within and outwith the Glasgow Province.
In May that year a visitor from Canada, namely Bro. Ernest Hogg who is Sen. Warden of Britannia Lodge No.73 in the Province of British Colombia, attended our meeting when a Second Degree was conferred by Lodge Milton No. 1520. Bro. Hogg commented, that although the basics were the same there was vast difference in the Ritual Work carried out in his own Lodge compared to what he had witnessed that evening but he was very impressed by what he had seen. He then, on behalf of his RWM and Brethren, presented to the Lodge a Travelling Square, for which kind gesture, he was suitably thanked by RWM Bro. Knight.
Later in the year we had a visit from Brethren who were residents of Marcus Humphrey House, which proved to be a very enjoyable evening for all concerned. Further to this, the Brethren agreed to donate goods to the value of £100 to the House, the nature of the said goods to be determined by the Matron.
As previously recorded, we had made approaches to the YMCA about purchasing some land from them. Unfortunately we received word from our lawyer informing us that they were not inclined to do so. This meant that any extension we planned to build would be confined to our existing boundaries. As another busy year for the Lodge drew to a close, Bro. Knight had proved himself to be an excellent Master and under his leadership the Lodge had continued to prosper. On December 10th Bro. David W. Lamb, the nephew of Past Master Bro. Tommy Lamb, was Installed for the year 1994/95, by Past Masters Bro. J. McPherson and Bro. T. Rushford.
Like Bro. Knight the previous year, just a fortnight after his Installation Bro. Lamb had the sad duty of informing the Brethren of the death of two of our members namely, Bro. Douglas McDonald and Bro. Joseph McMenamin. Both of these Brethren were long time members of the Lodge. Bro. McDonald was one of three brothers, the others being Ronnie who had Passed On a few years earlier, and Willie who still attends our Meetings on a regular basis. Bro. McMenamin was a gifted musician and formed part of the orchestra that the Lodge had at one time.
During the remainder of the year, Bro. Lamb had to announce that a further six members had Passed On to Higher Service, one of which was Bro. James Daroch the son of Past Master Bro. Kenny Daroch, and the brother of Archie, who had lost his life in the Cheapeside St. fire in 1960 and Kenny Jnr who, as far as we know, is hale and hearty and living in the Kirkintilloch area. The Darochs were a local family living in Denmark St for many years before moving to the Milton. Jimmy himself had worked for a while in Quigley's Pawn at the comer of Bardowie St and Barloch St, and later for A & P Newall's Woodside Engineering Works. Their offices stood where the open- air market now operates, with the works themselves, stretching for a good distance down Stonend St. As far as is known the Daroch's, composed of Kenny Snr and Jnr and Jim himself, hold the record for Conferring the fastest Second Degree ever worked in Possilpark. It lasted approximately Thirty-five to forty minutes and they never missed a word.
That year we had the privilege of Initiating three Candidates, which although down from the previous year, was more than some Lodges who had none at all. Despite the dearth of Candidates, the Brethren continued to work hard in promoting the cause of Freemasonry by keeping up our high standard of Ceremonial Work and getting involved with the various sporting and social events organised by Provincial. In April we had a visit from Bro. Henry Jeffrey IPPGM who had come for the purpose of Investing Bro. Willie McArthur with his Jewel of Office as Honorary President of Stewards. As well as being a long serving Office Bearer in Possilpark, Willie was for many years Admiral of St Andrews Ancient Cork Lodge and was well known and respected throughout the Province and beyond. In addition to this he was one of the band of Brethren who rendered valuable assistance to Provincial Grand Lodge by scrutinising the Books of the Lodges in the Province. This was assistance which Provincial would be hard put to do without and, needless to say, the Brethren were delighted that he had received this Honour.
In May we held a Memorial Service to remember those Brethren who had Passed the Veil. Officiating on this occasion was the Rev John Graham Provincial Grand Lodge Chaplain with the Eulogy being delivered by Bro. R. M. Jackson PM. The Rev Graham was very impressed by the solemn and dignified manner in which the Service had been conducted, and said that he had never saw anything to compare with it before. Due to the fact that, as far as we know, the Ceremonial Work involved is unique to Possilpark, having been developed by our own Brethren, we took this as a very great compliment indeed.
This year, one of our most respected Brethren in the person of Bro. Daniel R. Munro would be celebrating his 90th birthday, but in addition to this, this year would also mark his 60th year as a Past Master, having been in the Chair for the session 1935/36. Bro. Ronnie had made it clear that he did not want a fuss made about this but the Brethren had other ideas. Having thought long and hard about it, they decided to mark the occasion by donating the sum of £100 to Possilpark Parish Church, where he had been a member for well over fifty years and Session Clerk for some thirty-seven of those years. Bro. Ronnie was delighted by this gesture and we all wish him well for the future.
Bro. T. M. Lamb P.M. reported that he had been on the sponsored sail down the Clyde organised by Lodge Clyde No.408. He thoroughly enjoyed it and was pleased to further report that the sum of £880 had been raised for Erskine Hospital.
On the every day running of the Lodge, the kitchen had been refurbished by the Wednesday work party, who had also carried out other running repairs as and when necessary. The Brethren also gave the go ahead for the extension, which would provide more cellar space for the Bar. However, before work on this could be started a strengthening beam required to be placed under the roof of the existing cellar. The reason for this was due to rot in the joists which had only just come to light. The Brethren agreed that this should be done as a matter of urgency with the cost of all this work to be met by the Social Club.
It had not been an easy year for Bro. Lamb and the Lodge. The shortage of Candidates had required the Syllabus to be chopped and changed with the alteration of dates and times. However the Brethren had rallied round in their usual manner and kept the banner of Freemasonry flying high, ensuring that we continued to pay our way in the every day world.On the 16th of December Bro. Brian Brown was Installed for the term 1995/96, by Past Masters Bro. G. N. Brown, who is of course his brother, and Bro. J. Knight.
Bro. Brown's Installation was the first time in living memory, and almost certainly the first time ever, that four brothers held Office in the same year. They were, Brian RWM, John Snr. Depute Master, George Lodge Secretary and Billy Chaplain which is something that very few Lodges, if any, can equal.
On that night WSPGM Bro. Alex K. Watson, who headed the deputation from Provincial, had the pleasure of presenting Bro. James McCabe with his Jubilee Certificate and Bro. Daniel R. Munro with a scroll to mark the actual anniversary date of his sixty years as a Past Master. As there was no official document to mark Bro. Munro's achievement the scroll was made by Bro. A. H. King P.M. and signed by all those present.
Among the visiting Brethren that year were Bro. David McKenzie of Lodge Zetland, Shetland Islands, who went on to become Master of Lodge Athole No.413 and a frequent and welcome visitor to our meetings. Another visitor was Bro. Wm. Calmley of Lodge Longbranch Toronto Canada, who addressed the Lodge and presented us with a framed photograph of Robert Bums, for which, he was suitably thanked by Bro. Brown.
During the year we Initiated five Candidates one of whom being Mark Dragsnes, son of Andrew, who went on to become Master for 2000/01 and nephew of David and John both of whom have held various Offices in the Lodge, which again, demonstrates the strong family connections in the Lodge.
In this year our good friends in Lodge Thorntree No.512, celebrated their 125th Anniversary as would Lodge Maryhill No.510, which was one of our Sponsor Lodges. Thomtree with whom we have had a special relationship for many years would be holding a Re-dedication service on-Sunday 10th November (The writer of this History remembers being part of a deputation to them in 1955 indicative that this relationship spans at least fifty years).
Maryhill will be holding a Celebratory Dinner later in the year to which the RWM and Wardens have been invited. Bro. Brown intimated that he intended to attend on both these occasions and the Brethren agreed to purchase tickets for the Master and Wardens.
It also came to the attention of the Brethren, that another of our members, namely Bro. Win. Spiers, who had Affiliated to Mother Kilwinning No.O, had completed fifty years in the Craft. As they had done in the past they agreed to cover the cost of his Jubilee Certificate. Bro. Brown said he would be going to his presentation which is being held in No.O on Tuesday 24th September and looked forward to a large number of Brethren accompanying him on that occasion, which indeed turned out to be the case, and a most enjoyable night was had by all. Further to this it is worth recording, that Bro. Arthur Jackson, who is the Secretary of No.O, is the elder Brother of our own Bro. Richard McN. Jackson PM. and there is another younger brother Thomas, who is a Past Master of a Lodge in London. Whilst these Brethren are not members of Possilpark, it again shows the strong family ties that exist in Freemasonry.
On a sadder note eight of our Brethren Passed On to Higher Service during the year. Some were known only to the older members but, in their day, had been staunch supporters of the Lodge whilst others were very well known indeed. Bro. Wm. Donnelly who had moved to East Kilbride some years earlier had not attended for some time. Bro. Henry McBain who lived locally and was well known in the Possilpark area and although he had never sought high office he was one of our regulars. The name McBain is still connected to the Lodge in the person of his son Henry Jnr. Bro. Tommy McElhinney father of Bro's Frank McElhinney PM. Iain and Thomas Jnr. Tommy had Affiliated to Possilpark from Lodge Clydebank No. 1234 and had been a great asset holding various Offices and always willing to give a helping hand whenever it was required. He had a great sense of humour and was always good company. Bro. George Bakie who lived locally and was well known in the surrounding area worked as a bricklayer with British Rail and did several jobs for us over the years. His son George Jnr. is also a member and his daughter Helen worked as a waitress in the Club for quite a while. Bro. William McDonald whose two brothers Ronald and Douglas had died a few years earlier was one of a number of Brethren, who living as he did in East Kilbride, travelled long distances to attend our meetings. For many years Willie had a grocers shop on the corner of Saracen Street and Mansion Street (across the road from Williamson's Pub.). He therefore knew a lot of the local characters and could tell some entertaining stories about them. Willie was another bro who didn't seek Office but was a strong supporter of the Lodge. Bro. A. Nixon whose main interest in life was the Boys Brigade in which he held the Rank of Captain in one of their Companies for many years. Among these eight Brethren were two Past Masters, Namely Bros John Taylor and Hugh T. Kennedy. Bro. Taylor had been in the Chair for the year 1951 /52 and was well known locally. At one time he had a fruit & vegetable shop across from High Possil School and subsequently, it is believed, somewhere in the Govan area. After retiring he moved to Milport where, as far as we know, he spent the remainder of his life. Bro. Hugh T. Kennedy, although not the oldest in years, was the longest serving Past Master that attended on a regular basis and was regarded as the Father of the'Lodge. He held the Office of Director of Ceremonies for many, many years. He lived in Doune which meant, that to get to Possilpark and back home again, necessitated about a forty-five mile round trip. He very seldom missed a meeting whether it was a fully fledged Lodge meeting, Committee meetings of all kinds, or nights when the Instruction Class met, which amply demonstrated his love for and dedication to the Craft. He was a plumber to trade and rose through the ranks in the Glasgow Corporation to be in overall charge of all the plumbers employed by them. His responsibilities included the repairs and the upkeep of all the plumbing work in the Civic Buildings both within and outwith the City Boundary, a responsibility which he handled with his usual aplomb. In his younger days he lived in the Ruchill district, then later in Allison Street, then on to Drumchapel, then Lenzie and finally to Doune. His interest in Freemasonry was not confined to Possilpark as he was involved with Lodges Buchanan, Kileam and St James Doune as well as other Orders of Freemasonry. Few people know that he had been seriously wounded during the Second World War and although this was not obvious, he found certain things difficult to do. For example, being unable to use his left arm to its full potential he had to get help to fasten his Past Masters Jewel onto hislapel. He was the epitome of what a Freemason should be and was respected by all who knew him.
The loss of these Brethren was a tragedy as far as the Lodge was concerned. However, a greater one was to affect not only our country but also the World as a whole. This of course was the massacre at Dunblane which took place on the 13th of March. At the meeting the following night the Brethren observed two minutes silence in memory of the victims and agreed to contribute to any appeal fund that became established for their relief. In due course, the sum of £211 was donated.
On the every day running of the Lodge the cost of fitting a beam under the cellar roof, as mentioned earlier, was quoted to be £865 plus Vat, which was agreed as acceptable. The plumbing work involving the upgrading of the Ladies and Gents Toilets had been completed after a fashion, but the joinery work was completed by the Lodge work party with the assistance of Bro. John.Williams in particular. Just as Bro. Brown's year had started by creating a record, as it were it was to close in a similar vein when he and his brother George Installed the Master in Barrhill Twecher No. 1444. Although Brethren from the Lodge had Installed Masters of other Lodges in the past, namely, Bros. R. Gunnell and J. Dobbie at Lodge Ruchill, J. McPherson and J. Stevenson at Lodge Innellan and Toward and J. McPherson at Lodge Anima. This was the first time that a Reigning Master in his first term had carried out this duty and perhaps it will be a long time before it happens again. Bro. Brown had been an excellent Master. His year had had its share of highs and lows but, as he prepared to hand over to his successor, Brian could do so in the knowledge of a job well done and that the reputation of the Lodge had been enhanced under his leadership. On December 14th Bro. Stuart Grierson was Installed for the session 1996/97, By Past Masters Bro. J. K. G. McDonald and Bro. F. McElhinney.
During the year we had the privilege of Initiating four Candidates, one of whom was Colin McElhinney son of Bro. F. McElhinney PM. and the nephew of Bro's. Iain and Thomas Jnr. Unfortunately however Bro. Grierson had to inform the Brethren of the death of a further four of our members, one of whom was Past Master Bro. James N. Johnsen who died in January just a few weeks after his old friend and contemporary Bro. Hugh T. Kennedy. Bro. Johnsen had been Master of the Lodge on two occasions, first in 1963/64 and then in 1991/92, when along side Past Masters J. K. G. McDonald and Thomas M. Lamb, he had stepped into the breach when the Lodge so badly needed their services. Although he didn't show it he was of a nervous disposition and he worried constantly about whether he was up to the job or not. Going to the Chair for that second time was a big decision for him and the fact that he decided to do so clearly shows the love he had for this Lodge. Jimmy was brought up in the area between Queens Cross and the Round Toll. After he married he lived in various parts of the City and eventually moved to Saracen Street (where the school now stands) where he stayed for some time. The family then moved to Barmuloch and then finally he and his wife Sissy moved to High Knightswood. He served his time as a Grocer with R. & J. Templeton, rising to the position of manager of their shop in Garscube Road (Between St. Georges Road and Raglan Street). However when the big supermarkets opened up the type of shop he worked in began to close, and he had to look for pastures new. After trying various jobs he started as an Undertaker with Wylie and Lochhead where he remained until he retired. Jimmy was one of our best known and best loved members, famous for the shaggy dog stories he told, for example, his experiences in the undertaking business and his involvement in the Burial in the Firth of Clyde where the coffin kept coming to the surface. He was also part of the Wednesday work party where the patter between him and Willie Smith was absolutely fabulous. Jimmy was a good man, a good friend and Freemason and will be sadly missed.
During the year the Lodge premises were redecorated which included wall panels being fitted, a plaster arch and mock beam being fitted to the proscenium at the Dais, the Lodge Crest was hand painted on the wall above the bar and a new carpet was purchased for the Lodge Room. The carpet was made to order for us, with the Square and Compasses with the letter G, as its pattern. There were some who thought it a bit over the top, but it is a beautiful thing and much admired by all who see it. Also at long last the extension to create more cellar space for the bar will be starting in late July or early August. A price for the work of £7485 plus £370 in Council Fees was approved and we look forward to the extra space it will give us.
The Jewels belonging to two of our late Past Masters namely -Bro's George Buchanan and Hugh T. Kennedy were given to the Lodge, by Bro. Dick Buchanan and Hugh's daughterLynne. As both refused any remuneration for them the Brethren proposed that, with their agreement, we donate £150 in George's name to Marie Curie Cancer Research and £150 to the Regalia Fund to help purchase a new Volume of the Sacred Law, which would be dedicated to Hugh's memory at the Re-dedication Ceremony to mark our 75th anniversary. Both Dick and Lynne gave their wholehearted approval to these proposals.
This year 1997 was also the 25th anniversary of Possilpark Masonic Social Club in its present form and various suggestions were put forward to celebrate the event The final decision was that a Charity Dance would be held, with all the proceeds going to Yorkhill Children's Hospital Scanner Appeal. The organisation of the Dance was left in the capable hands of Bro. T. McGuire who had volunteered his services, an offer which was readily accepted. The night itself was a great success both socially and on the financial side. The total amount raised from tickets, the raffle and donations, the Lodge giving £50, was the magnificent sum of £900 and Bro. McGuire was warmly thanked for his efforts in making it such a success.
Dealing still further with matters affecting the Social Club an Extraordinary General Meeting was to be held in September to discuss amendments to its Constitution and in particular changes to Classes of Membership. With the 75th Anniversary drawing closer it was brought to the attention of the Brethren that the Masters Chain of Office required additional bars to be added at a cost of £828. This was agreed, and left in the capable hands of Bro. J. D. Mowatt PM. So another busy year drew to a close and as Bro. Grierson prepared to vacate the Chair he could do so in the knowledge that a great deal had been accomplished during his year. On December 13th Bro. John W. Wallis was Installed as Master for the year 1997/98 by Past Masters Bro. G. N. Brown and Bro. Brian Brown.
Although it is not generally known, Bro Wallis was not bom in Scotland (and contrary to the belief held by some that he wasn't born at all, but manufactured) he first saw the light of day in Kingston Upon Hull East Yorks. Which means, that although he has resided in Glasgow for most of his life, this technically makes him the second Bro from across the Border to become Master of the Lodge the first being the late Bro. K. J. Skeggs PM. who was Master for 1964/65
The list of Office Bearers that year makes interesting reading, showing as it does, that we had three Brown brothers in Office, Bro. George PM. as Secretary, Bro. William as Chaplain and Bro. Brian as President of Stewards. We also had two of the three Dragsnes brothers, Andrew as Junior Deacon, John as Architect, and Andrew's son Mark as Standard Bearer. In addition to this the RWM himself is one of three brothers who are members, namely George and Raymond, which once again demonstrates the various family connections that exist in the Lodge.
Having been an Office Bearer in the early to mid seventies, Bro. Wallis could have perhaps been RWM at an earlier date but, due to work commitments, he had to absent himself from the Lodge for a good few years. However, be that as it may, we are very glad that he has come back to us and has now achieved that High Office.
During the year we Initiated five Candidates, one of them being Past Master Bro. J. K G. McDonald's son John Jnr. Sadly we lost a further two Brethren, namely Harry Doherty and Charlie Gow.
Harry had worked for some time as a barman in the Club and latterly as doorman. At the time of his death he held the Office of Tyler and was very well known to everybody having been a member for a long time since joining the Lodge in November 1953. Due to the fact of moving to Castlemilk to live which, coupled with his work commitments, he had been absent for many years. However when he moved to the Maryhill district he started attending the Lodge again and proved to be a great asset. Bro. Gow also joined in the late fifties and served in various Offices but he was to find his niche in the Royal Arch, particularly in the Maryhill Chapter, where he was a P.Z. and a stalwart for many years. Charlie was a baker to trade and lived for a long time in Saracen Street. In joining the Lodge he followed in the footsteps of his father the late Bro. David Gow who was Tyler for many years.
During the year Bro. John Whannel PM., Bro. A. H. King PM. and Bro. James Braidwood received their Jubilee Certificates. Bro's. King and Braidwood received theirs on the 8th of October from Bro. George A. L. McEwan RWPGM, Bro. Gavin Stewart WSPGM and of course, our own RWM Bro. John Wallis. However due to ill health, Bro. Whannell was unable to attend on this occasion but was presented with his when Bro. Wallis and a number of Brethren from the Lodge, accompanied by Bro. George A. L. McEwan RWPGM visited his home a few weeks later, a visit which was greatly enjoyed by all concerned.
This year of course was the penultimate one before our 75th Anniversary and while the general format of the events to mark it had been decided, some fine-tuning was still required. For example it was felt, that to attend the functions that were planned and purchase the memorabilia that would be on offer could prove quite expensive. A thrift club was set up under the stewardship of Bro. John Knight PM. The purpose of the club was to enable Brethren to make payments, as and when they wished, toward the costs of the said celebrations. When the time came it proved to be a great success.
Due to the fact that'one of the Lodges in the province with an attached Social Club recently getting itself into very serious financial trouble, Bro. George A. L. McEwan RWPGM called a meeting of all Lodges with similar Clubs. His purpose in so doing was to ensure that they had the following in place. 1, a Minute of Agreement between the Lodge and the Club to define what the responsibilities of each organisation were, 2, that there was proper Insurance Cover in place, 3, that proper Accounts were kept and a Balance Sheet published annually, and 4, that to safeguard the Lodge's interests some senior Office Bearers were involved in the management of the attached Club. The seven Lodges present indicated that they already had all these in place which made Bro. McEwan a very happy man indeed. The feeling of those present, was that by holding similar meetings on a regular basis, where we could pool our knowledge and experience, would be an excellent idea and it was even suggested that we might be able to get discounts from Accountants and Insurance Companies if we approached them en-bloc rather than individually. Although subsequent meetings were held, alas, alas, it all came to nothing. With the cellar extension now completed, it was agreed that the bar area needed to be refurbished. After much discussion concerning quotes from various companies some Brethren decide that they would do the job themselves.
Those mainly involved were Bros Tommy McGuire, Alf Grimsey, John McPherson, Tommy Rushford, John Wallace and John Williams with other members and'non members being called upon from time to time. The old saying that one job leads to another proved to be the case once again, for the work was not only restricted to the bar itself. Years of storing beer kegs etc in the old cellar had severely damaged the floor making it necessary to lay a new one. In addition to the new floor being laid a new door was slapped through from the said cellar into the erstwhile whisky store where the cooler cabinet now stands. Despite the amount of work involved and, bearing in mind, that the Club was still operating normally, the job, with the exception of a few odds and ends, was finished in four to five weeks which speaks volumes about the efforts of those involved. Once they had finished with the bar they turned their attention to converting the existing cloakroom into the Lodge Museum, which meant of course that a replacement cloakroom had to be found. The problem was solved, although it meant a lot of work upgrading it, by converting a room that had been used for bar storage was now available due to the extra space created by the extension, which after all, was the whole idea of having it built in the first place.
The Museum itself is much admired by all who see it containing, as it does, items of interest mainly from our own Lodge. There are many other items of interest originating from Sister Lodges and various Orders connected with Freemasonry. In addition to these artefacts there are many books which can be borrowed by interested Brethren. The time and effort put in by those concerned in the refurbishment of the bar creating the Museum and all the other repairs and improvements that had arisen during the course of this work, is much appreciated by the Brethren, and they were suitably thanked by Bro. Wallis for the work they had carried out.
Among the many visitors we had during the year, were Bro. Robert Dunseith RWM of Royal St George Belfast No.633 Irish Constitution and Bro. Chris Base of Brackwell Lodge No.6792 English Constitution. This visit by Bro Dunseith, was reciprocated when Bro Wallis and several of our Brethren attended the Installation Ceremony in Royal St George, and as we had done in the past, a letter was sent, thanking them for the hospitality that had been extended on that occasion.
We ourselves received a letter, which included a donation of £10 for Lodge funds, from Bro. Base thanking us for our hospitality to him during his visit. These two instances prove, if proof were needed, that that no matter where a Freemason may go, he will always find a welcome. Bro. Wallis's year had indeed been a busy one, with the Lodge continuing to prosper on all fronts. As the time came for him to hand over to his successor, he could be very content with his year as Master. On December 12th Bro. John Begg Thomson was Installed as Master for the session 1998/99 the Installing Masters on this occasion were Past Masters Bro. T. Rushford and Bro. J. Knight.