An organisation which claims the distinction of being the oldest in Barrhead has marked a landmark occasion in its history and that of the town – its bicentenary.
The celebration of the Lodge Union and Crown No.307, based in Cochrane Street, took place this month almost 200 years to the day of its first meeting.
Among those in attendance was Dr Joseph Morrow, who is the current Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the current Lord Lyon King of Arms.
Formed in February 1824, the lodge has been a presence in the town for so long that Queen Victoria’s uncle, George IV, was on the throne during its establishment.
“One hundred and fifty attended (the bicentenary celebrations) from all over Scotland and from as far (and wide) as Caithness, Inverness, the Borders, Aberdeenshire and the west coast," explained Past Master (PM) Johnny Gauld who was master of the lodge from 2002 to 2003.
“We also had greetings sent from as far away as Texas in the United States of America.
“Outside the religious organisations, outside the churches and the chapel, the lodge in Barrhead is the oldest surviving organisation (in the town).”
Indeed, writing in the latest edition of its monthly magazine, the lodge’s Right Worshipful Master Robert D Scott remarked that it is “incredible to think that 200 years ago, before the invention of motor vehicles, before the American Civil War, before passenger railway, before the first photograph was taken, before the reign of Queen Victoria, brethren were meeting in a Masonic Lodge in Barrhead.”
Around the time of the lodge's founding, as PM James Renfrew explains in his writings on its history, Barrhead was a mere collection of four different hamlets, Ralston, Dovecothall, Grahamston and West Arthurlie.
A charter was granted on February 2, 1824 and Lodge Union and Crown No. 378, as it was previously known before renumbering took place, came into being.
Originally they gathered in a local pub known as Cowan’s before meetings moved to an upper room of the Queen’s Arms Hotel in Barrhead.
In 1872, the lodge moved to Lesser Public Hall and in 1905 they came up with the idea of building their own temple.
Construction began on their current site in 1910 and totalled a cost of £1446.
The Lodge celebrated its centenary in 1924, with James also noting that this involved “a series of festivities, the highlight of which was a dinner for almost 350 people in the Higher Grade School.”
And in 1994, a handsome extension was built, which his record explains enhanced "the already impressive listed building” in Cochrane Street.
In November 2010, as part of their celebration marking the centenary of their temple, Freemasons marched along Cross Arthurlie Street from the Masonic Temple to the Bourock Church.
“The amount of people locally and throughout Scotland who weren’t even in the masons who donated money or assisted in getting the building built (in the early 20th century) was incredible,” explained Johnny.
“It will always be a key place. The whole community, not even just those in Barrhead, but people further afield, having been using it whether they have got a connection to the masons or not," he added.
“Disabled groups have used it. Kids clubs have used it. So many different organisations have come and used it over the years.”
Given the organisation’s local significance and, with such a big milestone to mark, unsurprisingly the lodge’s bicentenary celebrations have been years in the making.
Nearly seven years ago a small sub-committee was formed under the leadership of PM Bud Gauld to prepare for the big day, with the committee meeting formally on 20 occasions since.
The event on Saturday, February 3, included a parade, followed by a rededication ceremony by the Grand Lodge.
The parade was led by the pipers and drummers of the Caledonian Cowboy Collective band and the procession led from the temple in Cochrane Street, through the centre of the town up to Allan’s Corner roundabout, along Main Street and then on to Bourock Parish Church.
A short service was held at the church before everyone paraded back again led by the pipes and drums.
Following the rededication ceremony, those in attendance enjoyed a drinks reception, a meal and toasts.
“At the meeting, the building was reconsecrated and then we went downstairs for a fantastic dinner,” said Johnny.
“Dr Morrow gave an absolutely fantastic talk on the masons and Barrhead.
“Provost Mary Montague also gave a brilliant talk about the history of Barrhead and the connection with the lodge in Barrhead.
“The Reverend Pamela Gordon, the minister at Bourock Church, meanwhile provided a fantastic service and also sat on for the meal and talked about the various charities that the lodge has given to over the years.
“Most recently, we have donated to defibrillator (provision) in the town and we are just in the process of raising money, another £2,000, for another one.”
Provost Mary Montague added: “I was delighted to attend the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Lodge Union and Crown No.307 where I enjoyed such a warm welcome.
"They are one of Barrhead’s longest standing organisations and have made a positive impact on so many.
"They have also raised countless sums for charity, making a real difference.
"The Lodge remains a great way for members to connect, to feel part of the local community and help others across the area.
"I’m sure they will continue strongly on, for many years to come.”
While this month’s event was long in the making, the 307 will continue to celebrate throughout this year, as they both honour their rich heritage and look ahead to the next chapter.
“Every month we’ve got celebrations,” added Johnny.
“January was a Burns supper which was very successful.
"This month obviously we have had the 200th celebration and next month we have a civic a dinner for businesses and organisations in the town.
“In the remaining months we have various things falling into place to celebrate the whole year.”
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