250th birthday party at lodge
Masonic order celebrate special anniversary in style
A masonic lodge in Cambuslang has marked a unique moment in history as it celebrated its 250th anniversary.
The Cambuslang Royal Arch Lodge Number 114 was established in 1769 and has, over more than two centuries, had approximately 5500 members.
Earlier this month the lodge welcomed the Most Worshipful Grand Master Ramsay McGhee, who heads the organisation in Scotland, to the lodge where a rededication ceremony was held.
Mr McGhee, who brought a delegation of 34 masons from the Grand Lodge in Edinburgh, led the ceremony.
Peter Phillips, secretary of Lodge Number 114, said: “He rededicated the lodge. They did exactly what happened 250 years ago and we reenacted that point in time.
“We wear regalia at our meetings and so they rededicated our master’s regalia as well.
“A 38-page booklet has also been printed documenting the lodge history from 1769 to 2019. It was researched by past master Angus Ross and gives a potted history of the lodge.”
The dedication ceremony was just the start of a funfilled day for lodge members as they went on to the Cambuslang Institute where 150 guests and a top table of 12 enjoyed a meal and drinks before a ceilidh.
Several people gave a speech including South Lanarkshire Provost Ian McAllan, who congratulated the lodge on its longevity and commitment to local charities.
The lodge has to date given tens of thousands of pounds to charity and has recently donated funds to organisations including Prostate Scotland, Poppy Scotland, Fir Park Special Needs School, Glasgow Children’s Hospital and Cambuslang Heart and Chest.
Peter says the goodwill of the organisation and the brotherhood it provides members is one of the many reasons it has endured.
A mason since 1993, Peter said: “It’s a matter of camaraderie and meeting similar-minded people.
“To be a member you have to be of decent character. We have an enquiry where they enquire into your past. You have to believe in god, not necessarily a Christian god. You make a vow on that, be it a bible or the Koran, whatever your creed may be.
“There are no religious barriers to joining, we just look for a man of good morals and character.”
The 114 lodge operates from the purpose-built temple which opened on Tabernacle Lane in 1905.
Currently 55 members attend twice monthly meetings between September and April.