Lodge Douglas Standard.

To our Founder Members we are also indebted for the magnificent Standard. The design, which embodies our MASONIC emblems, displays in the centre of the
Volume of the Sacred Law, the Cross of St. Andrew and the Douglas Heart all with faithful significance. The ribbons which decorate our Standard bear evidence of the ties we have established with Sister Lodges, particularly in our early days, and serve to remind us of those who came forward with outstretched hands to assist us over the first hurdle. The Standard was replaced by our Brethren from Lewis Lodge no. 872 E.C. in Whitehaven, for our 40th Anniversary, and is a glorious copy of the original.

   Origin of Crest and Standard

The inspiration for the Crest and Standard of the Lodge was captured whilst driving along the Kingsway en route into the City of Glasgow.
On the bridge spanning the carriageway, there were two Heraldic Insignias - one depicting the New Town of East Kilbride and the other depicting the Coat of Arms of the County of Lanarkshire,incorporating the 'Douglas' Heart. The coincidences of our two landmarks and Masonic symbols were remarkable. So, with a combination of Heraldy, without infringement, and the incorporation of our Masonic symbols, the Crest and the Standard of Lodge 'Douglas' was realised.
Bro. Tom Fox drew the details of the original and final drafts which adorned the Installation Programme, Letter Headings, Hymn Sheets and ultimately the Standard.
Sometime back in January, 1959 Bro. D.S.Reid had visited Lodge Georgetown Cardonald, as the guest of Bro. John L. Pate, Provincial Grand Secretary, who introduced him to a brother of Lodge Georgetown, an Artist by Profession who had cosiderable experience in expressing his work on canvas. Bro. Reid approached the subject and was assured that this was possible,he was asked to undertake the task on our behalf. The result is the Standard which adorns the Lodge.
Bro.Quintin B. Watt and Bro. Thomas Fox on learning what Bro. Reid had negotiated requested that they share the cost with him. This was agreed and the Standard was a joint gift and token of esteem by Bros. David Reid, Quintin B. Watt and Thomas Fox.
We could say that the Standard is likened to the 133rd. Psalm - the centre of all our purpose as Freemasons.

"Behold how good a thing it is - That Brethren in Unity should dwell"

                 Twelve points to define Standard.

1.   The Chequered Square
Represents the gathering and the meeting of the Brethren. On the Level.

2.    The Blue and White, and Red and White Squares
Refers to the original seven Founder Members. (Murray Area Blue, Calderwood Area Red). Their purpose of meeting is defined by the Square and Compasses.

3.    The Columns
The Terrestrial and the Celestial did the Great Architect Design. In Strength and Beauty did the Lodge grow. The Church and State did the Douglas's defend.

4.    The Shield of the Douglas with three Mullets- the Three Stars
The three Stars represent the three Brethren who form a Lodge.
The five points represent the five Brethren who hold a Lodge.
The ten points represent the seven or more Brethren who make a Lodge perfect.
The Douglas's are represented with the Three Mullets (Stars) from the lineage of 'Moray' in that of William, Le Hardi, father and his two sons William and James (The Good Sir James- the Black Douglas).

5.    The Heart
Represents one of the Sacred Dictates of a Freemason - 'A Faithful Heart'. The 'Douglas' relevancy - The Heart of King Robert, the Bruce - 'Faithful unto Death'.

6.    The Bible superimposed on the Heart
This is dedicated to Lodge St.John,Busby No.458, our Sponsor Lodge. In Freemasonry St. John, The Evangelist, is represented as one of the great Parallel Lines.

7.    The 'Saltire' superimposed on the Shield
This is dedicated to our other Sponsor Lodge St.Andrew E.K. No.524. It is also the Emblem of the Scottish People.

8.    Lodge 'Douglas Motto', Avant (Forward)
The Motto of the New Town of East Kilbride is 'Forward'.
Forward was our Aim and Advancement of the New Town and the Craft.
The Motto of the 'Douglas's', - ' j'ai arriere (Never Behind)'.

9.    Parchment Scrolls
Represents our Petition and Charter, granted 7th.May,1959.  Seven Months in Erection of the Lodge by 52 Founder Members representing 46 lodges.

10.   Lodge Number on the Roll of The Grand Lodge of Scotland
No.1557. coincidental with a famous date in Scottish History.
'The First signing of the Scottish Covenant'.

11.   The Crown
The Brethren's Crowning Glory  27th.June,1959  They Marked Well.
The Good Sir James Douglas was Knighted on the field of Bannockburn 23rd.June 1314, and from that date the Douglas family bore the Crown within their Coat of Arms.
The 'Royal' Crown of King Robert, the Bruce.

12.   The All Seeing Eye
The Great Architect, ever watchful, guides our Ways and Actions.