Lodge Thane of Fife No 781

The Birth of the Lodge

 

We are indebted to the late P.M. Bro Andrew S. Wilson for compiling the history of the Lodge for the Lodges Hundred Year Celebration in 1991. this is an extract from that book.

The Background

An early gazeteer could find no more to say about Cowdenbeath than to say "see Lochgelly". Just over 100 years ago there were fewer than 1000 people living in the whole of Beath Parish.Between that date and the outbreak of the first world war the population  had increased twenty five fold, virtually doubling itself in every ten year period.Cowdenbeath itself grew up around an important highway - the Great North Road from London to Inverness.

The Cowdenbeath Inn became a well known halting place, and beside it stood an old Toll House, said to be one of the latest in the country to stop collecting tolls.Coal which was found in every part of the Parish, was responsible for the great influx of people into the area. local demand led to the formation of a Burgh in 1890. The High Street was then lit by paraffin lamps, arrangemnts for the disposal of sewage were non - existent and water supplies had to be carried in almost every case. the new born council had a formidable task ahead of it in 1890, when the first provost was Henry Mungall and the rates were threepence in the pound.

By 1911 the violent rate of expansion in the mining industry had been checked, and the troubles which followed in the post war slump in coal prices and eventually in wages were exacerbrated by the strikes of 1921 and 1926. Ten pits were closed down in the Cowdenbeath area, no longer able to produce coal at a profit. Wages were very low and pocket money did not amount to very much, so that there was little or no travelling. At the weekly dance held in Brunton's Hall it was always the same faces that were seen. gradually a different type of community had evolved in the Burgh, one which enjoys wider opportunities and has a wider outlook. Since the almost complete demise of the coal industy the old depressing rows are now eliminated, and the unsighty bings have disappeared. happily a great improvement in the standards of the living conditions amongst the working class people has emerged during the last few decades 

The First Hundred Years The history of the Lodge must of necessity begin in the village of Crossgates where Lodge Crossgates and Cowdenbeath No 540 was constituted on the 4th August 1873, the census of 1890 revealed that Cowdenbeath was a fast growing village of 4000 souls, and shortly after had been raised to a Burgh. many Freemason's resident in Cowdenbeath, were members of 540 and felt that there was a growing need for a Lodge in Cowdenbeath, where the coal industry was attracting more people into the area.

Several of these Brethren came together to discuss the matter, and one of there number, Bro John Goodall was elected to write to Grand Secretary for information as to procedure. this letter was dated 7th February 1891. A few days later, a meeting was called for 8 P.M. in McLeans Hall to hear Grand Secretary's reply, accompanying a petition was a letter of instruction Viz:- At least seven Master Masons to sign petition for Charter, and recommended by the Right Worshipful Master and Wardens of two Lodges, in the province, signed by the Provincial Grand Master, and returned to the  Grand Secretary with the fee of Ten Guineas. This meeting in a room of the Inn, also considered a name for the new Lodge. Each one present had his own particular suggestion to put forward, all were carefully considered , until finally one John Bolton pointed excitedly to the bottle of whisky on the table and the brand name

"Thane of Fife" the name immediately found favour and was adopted. Office Bearers were then elected.

Right Worshipful Master William Keddie, Depute Master William McLean, Substitute Master James Paterson, Senior Warden William Drummond, Junior Warden Alex Thomson, Treasurer John Bolton, Joint Secretaries John Goodall and Andrew Pollock, Chaplain Thomas Headley, Senior Deacon James Murray, Junior Deacon James Davidson, Architect Andrew Armitage, Bard James Hall Jnr, Inner Guard John Beattie & James Menzies, Tyler Alex Williamson.

That same evening a decision was reached that all the eleced Office-Bearers should be signatories to the petition. As this was Lodge Minto No 385's meeting night Bros.Paterson, McLean , Bolton and Murray volunteered to hire a horse drawn cab and proceed to Lochgelly to obtain the signatures of The Right Worshipful Master and Wardens of either St. John No.26, Union No 250 or Crossgates and Cowdenbeath No 540 would be sought.

Meeting in Brunton's Inn 17th March 1891

Bro. Bolton reported that Lodge Minto was closed on their arrival and Right Worshipful Master Bro.Sime refused to conduct any business at that late hour.Bro. Bolton, however, obtained the signatures of Right Worshipful Master Bro.James Craig and Wardens of Lodge No 26, and later that of Right Woshipful Master Bro. Thomas Campbell and Wardens of Lodge No.540. The petition was now despatched to the Provincial Grand Master Bro. J. T. Oswald of Dunnikier for completion, and on it's return, posted without delay to Bro. D. Murray Lyon, Grand Secretary, with the fee of £10.10/- lent by Bro. Paterson.

On the 8th May 1891, amid great jubilation the new Charter was produced by the Secretary Bro. Goodall, Bro Secretary was then instructed to communicate with Bro Sime Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Minto No 385 and Bro.Campbell, Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Crossgates and Cowdenbeath No.540 inviting them to a regular meeting on the 3rd June 1891, with a view to installing the elected Office-Bearers.

Brunton's Inn Wednesday 3rd June 1891 

Bro. Willim Keddie , Right Worshipul Master Elect, vacated the chair in favour of Bro. Thomas Campbell, Right Worshipful Master of Lodge No 540 who proceeded to install the Office- Bearers. The Right Worshipful Master Elect  however could not be installed as the required number of Installed Masters was not present at the meeting. Following instructions from this meeting Bro. Secretary purchased a box of working tools @ £2.10/-, 14 Silver collar jewels @21/- each and 1 minute book @ 8/6. several articles were donated by the Office - Bearers . ie 3 Mallets the Tylers Sword, a working Bible, and two boards necessary for the third degree. Bro. Secretary was also requested to enquire of Grand Secretary if the Lodge was expected to pay the Annual fee of 5/- this year as Charter had just been granted.

Bruntons Inn 17th June 1891

Bro. William Keddie announced he had been to Crossgates on the 10th June and had been Installed as Right Worshipful Master by Past Masters, Bro. T. Campbell, Stein, and Muirhead.  Bro. Secretary intimated to the Lodge that the Annual fee of 5/- must be paid to Grand Lodge by 24th June. It was then decided that Initiation Fee would be £1.14/6 ( The daily wage of a miner was 4/- ) Lodge Crossgates and Cowdenbeath donated to the new Lodge the sum of Ten Guineas to cover the cost of Charter. As Brother Lord Rosslyn had also gifted Ten Guineas to the Lodge, Bro. Paterson who had originally advanced the cost of Charter, had his loan refunded. Initially it was intended to convene regular meetings on the first Wedesday of each month throughout the year, but from the onset, special meetings were called for the third Wednesday every month.committee Meetings were arranged, these being held in one or other of the various public houses in the Burgh. Meetings for the conferring of degrees were held in Brunton Hall.

The first candidates , Archibald Hodge, Engineer, Cowdenbeath and Neil Baxter, Grocer Kelty, were  initiated  at regular meeting  on 17th June 1891 between this date and 5th December 1891,  26 Candidates were Initiated. Ballot on Candidates was by show of hands untill 8th May 1892 when Ballot box was introduced. Two different degrees  were frequently conferred  on the same evening, and it was not unknown for three degrees to be worked at one meeting. On the 16th March1892 seven members were passed to the Felow Craft Degree, and immediately following, another five received the Master Mason Degree.

Digest of Lodge Business as per Minute Books

Special Meeting - Brunton's Hall - 16.9.1891

James Chips, William Parish and Richard Mitchell were proposed, and seconded and given a clear ballot. these candidates were then entered, passed and raised. the lodge was closed at 10.30 p.m.

Quarterly Committee Meeting in Crown Hotel 19.9.1891

Books and accounts of Bro. J. Bolton were examined and found to be correct and in good order. Balance of fund  £21.2 /1/2

Regular and Committee Meetings 7.10.1891

Bro. William W. Keddie Right Worshipful Master drew attention to the unsatisfactory manner in which members leave the Lodge while working degrees. He moved that each Brother wishing to retire must approach the Right Worshiful Master and ask his permission before doing so.The meeting also moved that the proposer of a candidate pay the Treasuer the sum of 2/6 as security against candidate not turning up for initiation. This to be returned from candidates fee.

1.12.1891 At this meeting the Right Worshiful Master proposed that "Rough eliment in this degree ( Master Mason ), with boards be discontinued in the future". Agreed unanimously.

25.12.1891 Installation of Office Bearers and Bro. Alex McDonald Thomson as Right Worshipful Master also the first St. John Festival Installation conducted by Bro. J. Stewart Lodge Union 250. Later at  the Festival " The refreshment was purveyed in Mrs. Brunton's usual style and a pleasant evening was spent in in song and sentiment" The Lodge was closed at 12 midnight.

6.1.1892 It was agreed to hold an Annual Assembly (Annual Dance) on the 19th February 1892

17.2.1892 Proposed and carried that Ballot Box be purchaased for future use.

20.04.1892 Due to resignation of Bro. A Pollock joint Secretary, Bro. W. Holman was installed in his stead.

6.05.1892 Committee Meeting in Raith Arms hotel, whether to purchase a flag or banner bearing Lodge name and number finally carried to obtain banner.

18.5.1892 First use of Ballot box , one candidate rejected with 20 black balls.

24.06.1892 Lodge agreed to donate 10/- to fund to erect a bust of Sir Archibald Campell in Grand Lodge.

28.08.1892 Ceremony of Consecration of Lodge Thane of Fife N0. 781 A grand procession through the principal streets of Cowdenbeath led by Fordell Brass Band, entered the lodge at 5 p.m. Bro. James Townsend Oswald Right Worshipful,Provincial Grand Master in the chair, assisted by D. Briggs Depute Provincial Grand Master, Bro. James F. Bremner Provincial Grand Senior Warden, Bro. Rev. G. Strang Anderson Provincial Grand Chaplain, and Bro. David Osborne Provincial Grand Secretary  The following Lodges were repesented Lodge St. John 60,Kirkcaldie N0. 72, Elgin's Lodge at Leven N0.91, St. Syre N0.121, Union N0. 250, Minto N0. 385, Dunearn N0. 400, St. Clair of Dysart N0. 520. St. John N0. 540, Randolph N0.776 and Wemyss N0. 777.The ceremony completed the Lodge closed at 6 p.m. 

The Minutes  of the years 1892 and 1901 were little more than a catalogue of candidates receiving their degrees, little of other interest being recorded. It was normal practise to hold two degrees at one meeing. This could be a combination of any two degrees including the Mark.  

No further records until March 1914

 The  minutes of the Lodge between the years of 1901 and 1914 were irretrievably lost, unfortunately, this was the period in which the Masonic Hall in Stenhouse Street and our present building was built '

25th March 1914 Committe Meeting in Masonic Hall Treasurer Bro. D. Sturrock submitted his quarterly report showing the sum of £97. 1/1 at credit of Lodge fund and £35.14/4 in the Benevolent Fund, and Committe agreed an extra £1 be given to Hallkeeper for extra cleaning, also the washing of glasses be added to his duties allowing £1 extra per year.

24th April 1914 A Masonic Funeral was held on the death of Bro. James Henderson, Subtitue Master.

2nd September 1914 A Masonic Funeral service was held following the death of Past Master Bro. Thomas Todd. On returning to the Lodge Bro. Andrew Burt , R.W.M thanked Bro. Rev. Robert Muir IPM of St. Marks Lodge N0. 102, Glasgow who presided at the burial.

2nd December 1914 A deputation was appointed to attend consecration ceremony of  Lodge Torrie N0. 1141, on the 5th December 1914.

26th December 1914 Installation of Bro. Aex Drylie as RWM by P.M Bro George Kirk.

20th January 1915 Letter from Grand Secretary as  directed by The Most Worshipful Grand Master to bring to the notice of the Lodges the desirability of the Lodges under the Scottish Constitution preparing and preserving  a Roll of Honour containing the names of those Brethren of the Lodges who are, or who have been engaged in the service of King and Country with the Imperial Forces at this momentous period in our Country's history. The Lodge is requested to make up  a list or Roll of all who have given their lives and at the close of war and when peace is restored the complete Roll, may be available for the incorporation in the records of Grand Lodge of Scotland

3rd March 1915 Committee Meeting Bro.Sturrock, Treasurer gave a report regarding gas explosion in the Hall, and intimated the insurance company had been notified. The company's assessor had inspected the danage done, Messers Scobie & Beveridge, Dunfermline engaged  to inspect and report on damage. Bro. Sturrock to be given & 7/- in lieu of lost wages on day of explosion.

29th June 1915 At Committe Meeting Secretary instructed to send letter of sympathy to the widow and family of Bro. Barclay who died from wounds received in France.

15th March 1916 A special service was held to mark the 25th Anniversary of granting the Lodge Charter. Life membership was presented to those Brethren who held office when Charter was granted. The Lodge was opened, then adjourned when the Brethren headed by the Kelty & Blairadam Band marched to the Church of Scotland, Broad street where the Bro. Rev. R. Muir  Past Master of St. Marks Lodge N0.102 delivered the sermon. 

6th August 1916 Committee of Enquiry set up as required by Grand Lodge

23rd December 1916 Installation of R.W.M. Brpo Walter Miller

7th February 1917 Secretary instructed to send letter of condolence to the Provincial Grand Master Bro. Lord Bruce on the death of his father, The Earl of Elgin.

24th April 1991 Dedecation of new carpet and regalia Bro. Rev. Frank T. Smith M.A. Provincial Grand Chaplain. 5th May 1991 Church Service in Cairns Parish Church Conducted by Bro.Rev. Frank T. Smith M.A Provincial Grand Chaplain.

10th May 1991 Special Meeting for the pupose of Centenary Re-Dedication of the Lodge . The Lodge is honoured by a visit by a deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland headed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason Bro. Brigadier Sir Gregor Macgregor of MacGregor Bart.

A deputation was admitted from The Provincial Grand Lodge of Fife and Kinross headed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro Lord Elgin.

The ceremony of Re-Dedication was carried out by Senior Grand Chaplain Bro.Rev Joseph Morrow. 

At the close of the meeting all retired to the Co-operative Community Hall for a fine dinner and harmony. 

14th June 1991 An anniversary Dinner Dance was held in Masonic Hall to conclude the Centenary Celebrations.

A Few Long Serving Office - Bearers Of The Lodge

Bro George Wilson         Who over a period of  forty years held every office in the Lodge with but one exception, George was never installed as Right Worshpful Master

Bro. David Sturrock        Treasurer for 38 years

Bro. John Beveridge        Organist for 32 years

Bro. Gaston Watkins       Treasurer for 26years

Bro. George Dick             Bible Bearer for 22 years

Bro. William Barns         Senior Steward  for 22 years

Bro. Archibald Watson   Tyler for 21 years Presented with Distinquished Service Diploma  4th October 1989 for 21 years faithful service to the Lodge as Tyler

Bro. Michael Paton         Almoner for 20 years Presented with Distinquished Service Diploma 4th Ocober 1989 for 20 years faithful service to the Lodge as Almoner 

Bro. Andrew S. Wilson   Past Master Secretary for 20 years Presented with Scroll and Jewel as Honorary Grand Secretary 1st March 1989

Bro. George Drylie         Secretary for 16 years