Lodge Douglas History

On 29th October, 1958, Brothers. D.S.Reid, T.Fox, J.D.Henderson. A.C.Graham and A.Lindsay were returning to East Kilbride from Lodge Regal, No.1422, where David, as a Past Master of that Lodge, had conferred the Third Degree. 

The link, which had brought them together, in the new town of East Kilbride, was Freemasonry and it is perhaps not surprising, in the discussion which took place, that a new Lodge was suggested. 

To Bro.Tom Fox falls the honour of proposing the same and it was reported that they conferred on this into the "sma hoors" of the morning. From this episode emanated a meeting of the first seven with a desire to spread the Light of Masonry. Viz. D.S.Reid, T.Fox, J.D.Henderson, A.C.Graham, A.Lindsay, M.Forsyth and A.Reid. 
 

The Chronology of their Progress was as follows


 

1958 
November 
8th - Report submitted to the Provincial Grand Secretary of Renfrewshire East. 
10th – Report submitted to the Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East. 
15th – First Meeting in Public Hall, Maxwell Drive, East Kilbride, of Brother Masons prepared to accept the duties and responsibilities of Founder Membership. 
22nd – Second Meeting of proposed Founder Members in Public Hall. Election of proposed Master and Office Bearers, Formation of Committees. Lodge to be named Douglas, East Kilbride. 
December 
8th – Petition for New Lodge from Grand Lodge of Scotland submitted by Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East. 
1959 
January 
7th – Lodge St. John, Busby, No.458, approved and sponsored Petition. 
14th – Lodge St. Andrew, East Kilbride, No.524, approved and sponsored Petition. 
30th – Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East approved and recommended Petition to the Grand Lodge of Scotland. 
May 
7th – The Grand Lodge of Scotland approved Petition and granted Charter to Lodge Douglas, No. 1557, East Kilbride, to be incorporated on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. 
June 
27th – Erection and Consecration of Lodge Douglas, No.1557, East Kilbride, and Installation of Office Bearers in A.E.U. Hall, Bosfield Place, East Kilbride. 
The A.E.U. Hall was packed to capacity on Saturday, 27th. June,1959, and our facilities were augmented by two large tents pitched outside the Hall, which provided cloakroom facilities. 
As the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East, headed by the R.W.P.G.M.,Bro. Robert McMenemy carried out the duties of Erection, Consecration and Installation, the sun was truly at its meridian and our Provincial Office Bearers had to labour under the discomfort of intense heat 

The Lodge has every reason to be grateful to those Principal Office Bearers of  Renfrewshire East, such as Bro’s. R. McMenemy, H. Blane, Wm. Binnie and J.L.Pate who throughout our early events, were ever ready with advice and co-operation. 
Indeed to inherit a Province which has such a high standard as that of Renfrewshire East. 
Within a period of seven months this great undertaking was accomplished and not without sacrifice, skill, and perseverance on the part of the Founders who produced the finished products of Lodge Furniture, Ornaments, Lights, Jewels, tools, Emblems, Regalia etc. To D.S.Reid, the first Right Worshipful Master and Chief Architect, great tribute must be paid, not only for his knowledge of the Craft, but for his ability in leadership that prompted and inspired the Brethren to execute the Design. 

One is tempted to discourse on individual contributions of craftsmanship and effort, but let us merely say, that each man gave his best and set an example for us to 
follow. 

Nothing useless is or low, 
Each thing in its place is best 
And what may seem but idle show 
Strengthens and supports the rest. 
(Poem by Longfellow). 

Significant Milestones in the History of the Lodge


 
 

1980 
Disposal of Lodge Grounds in the old village of East Kilbride. 
1984 
25th Anniversary of the Lodge, held in the Ballerup Hall, when a deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East carried out a Rededication ceremony. 
1986 
May 
1st - Lodge purchased the Douglas Hall from A.E.U. for £12,000. Lodge receive an interest free loan of £1000 from Lodge Union and Crown, No.307, to assist with the purchase. 
November 
15th – Special Dinner held to officially open premises, opened by George McKillop, Provost of East Kilbride District Council, and Bro. D.A.Reid, R.W.M. 1985-86. 
1988 
Lodge Purchase ground from East Kilbride Development Corporation for £500. 
1991 
May - Lodge repaid loan of £1000 to Lodge Union and Crown, No.307. 
1996 
The Douglas, East Kilbride, Masonic Trust formed with Lodge Douglas, Lodge Kil bryd and the East Kilbride Royal Arch Chapter. 
2000 
April – A major fire caused extensive damage to the Entrance Hall, Kitchen and Bar area. the total cost of repairs amounted to £40,000 . 
2001 
May – Completion of the Building of an extension to the existing premises, 
facilitated by 
The Douglas, East Kilbride, Masonic Trust

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