1983 – 2007. The Post-Centenary Years
From the time that the Lodge had moved out of and sold its premises at Fore Street, Scotstoun, the issue of a permanent home had constantly been under discussion. The proceeds of the sale of the Fore Street site and the insurance settlement agreed as a result of the fire damage to the buildings were placed in a General Reserve Fund approved by a Notice of Motion on 14th November 1980. Formal and informal discussions took place between Lodges Kelvin Partick No 1207, Western No 1346 and St John Whiteinch No 683. An offer was submitted to buy Temple Parish Church, near Anniesland Cross but rejected. Negotiations took place to buy a share of the Ardery Street Hall. A Notice of Motion was passed 24th January 1986 to proceed in this direction and the outcome of these negotiations proved to be successful.
A letter was read out in the Lodge on 27th May 1988 regarding an application for Affiliation to St Lawrence Lodge No 6042 { English Constitution} from Brother Alexander W. Macdonald, a Master Mason of the Lodge. St. Lawrence Lodge was advised that Brother Macdonald was a clear Member. Subsequently, Brother Macdonald became an Officer in that Lodge and became Master. The Lodge has 6042 { English with St Lawrence Lodge in South Shields on number of occasions and representatives have attended each other’s Lodge’s Installations.
In October the Lodge agreed to present Distinguished Service Membership to Brother John S. Williamson P.M. and this presentation was carried out at the Meeting held on 9th December 1988. Several weeks earlier, Brother Williamson had been honoured by the Grand Master Mason with the award of Honorary Grand Bible-Bearer. At the Annual Installation of Provincial Grand Lodge on 22nd November 1988, Brother John C. McLean was installed as Provincial Grand Inner Guard.
On 8th April 1988, the Lodge was notified by Brother Stewart Smith, a Master Mason of the Lodge, that the Consecration of a new Lodge, Lodge Tir an Eorna No 1775, by Grand Lodge on Tiree would take place on 8th July 1988. A number of its Founder Members were Master Masons of Lodge St John Whiteinch No 683; a large Deputation of Brethren from the Lodge and a number of our Sister Lodges attended the Consecration. The arrangements for the visit and a number of other subsequent visits were made by Brother John C. McLean. Three years later, on 26th April 1991, Lodge Tir an Eorna No 1775 conferred a First Degree in Lodge St John Whiteinch. The Deputation from Tiree was headed by the Master, Brother Stewart Smith. On 25th March 1994, Lodge Tir an Eorna once again visited the Lodge and conferred the Second Degree. The Deputation was headed by the Master, Brother Alastair MacInnes. On that occasion, the Depute Provincial Grand Master of Glasgow, Brother George A. L. McEwan attended, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Master of Argyll and the Isles, Brother Geoffrey H. Spearman.
The Lodge’s 110th Anniversary was celebrated on 14th May 1993, when the Chair was occupied by Brother Robert D. McLachlan. A Deputation was received from our Sister Lodges, headed by the Master of Partick St Mary’s Lodge No 117, Brother Ronald Macdonald. Provincial Grand Lodge was present and led by the Provincial Grand Master, Brother Henry Jeffrey. The Provincial Grand Master and Depute Provincial Grand Master, Brother George A. L. McEwan were presented with Honorary Membership of the Lodge. A Third Degree was conferred by Partick St. Mary’s Lodge.
During 1993, the Lodge recorded a unique achievement. By June of that year, 4 Master Masons of the Lodge occupied the Chairs of 4 different Lodges in Scottish and English Constitutions:-
- Brother Robert D. Mclachlan – Master of Lodge St. John Whiteinch No 683
- Brother Alexander Cowley – Master of Lodge Douglas No 1557
- Brother William Masterton – Fenny Stratford Lodge No 8985(English Constitution)
- Brother Alastair Macinnes – Lodge Tir An Eorna No 1775