Masonic lodge’s anniversary

A Bridge of Allan masonic lodge has been celebrating its 150th anniversary.

A Lodge Abercromby rededication ceremony was carried out by The Grand Lodge of Scotland at Stirling County rugby club.

Lodge 531 was granted its charter on February 3, 1873.

The current Master, Brother William Wilson, welcomed the Depute Grand Master Brother William Gauld to the Lodge’s temporary home for the special occasion.

Brother Gauld and other members of The Grand Lodge of Scotland carried out the ceremony.

The Lodge Secretary, Brother Robert Stewart, gave a history on the foundations of Lodge Abercromby No 531 giving much of the credit to two members of the Lodge of Dunblane No IX – Bridge of Allan residents, local chemist Gilbert Farie and surgeon Peter Campbell.

In addition to the visitors from Grand Lodge, there was also a large deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire headed by PG Master Brother. Gordon Sewell and masonic members from lodges all over Scotland.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, a collection for the Scottish Masonic Homes raised £700.

Dinner followed the formal proceedings with speeches and toasts from RWM Brother Wilson and 531 Past Masters John Mitchell, John Don, Alistair Mackay, Iain Mcmillan and IPM Richard Mcconnell.

In his speech to the audience, the Depute Grand Master Brother Gauld thanked all Brethren present for the part they had played in raising £1.2million for Prostate Scotland and announced a Munro Challenge in the summer to continue the work of the charity.

There were also speeches from the Provincial Grand Master, Brother David Brown, the Master of Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No 76 and Brother Andrew Goodwin, a Past Master of Lodge Zetland No 391.