Lodge Thorntree 512

Welcome to Lodge Thorntree website.

We hope you will enjoy it and hope it will be the first of many visits.
Better still if you are a brother passing through the province or have nothing to do on a Friday evening why not come along to one of our meetings. All visiting brethern will be made most welcome.

We meet.
Thorntree Hall Main Street Thornliebank
G46 7SF.
1st &3rd Friday Sep-May at 7.30 (unless otherwise stated)

Charter Granted 6th November 1871.
Lodge History.LODGE THORNTREE No. 512

LODGE HISTORY

Alongside the Pollokshaws to Stewarton Road and the Auldhouse Burn, just to the north of Spiers Bridge, there was a tract of steeply sloping ground locally known as the ‘Thorneybank’ – from the abundance of thorn trees that grew in this area – this later became known as Thornliebank. The hamlet, which was established beside this feature, assumed the name.
When Lodge Thorntree was founded Thornliebank was but a village consisting of a main street composed of “lands” of houses with a few side streets and buildings which, with a few exceptions, were plain even to meanness. The village was dominated by the huge chimneys of the Calico Printworks, which utilised the plentiful supply of water from the Auldhouse Burn. But for those works there would have been no Thornliebank. The village grew with the works and hardly a household was not dependant on them for its existence.
That some members of the Masonic fraternity dwelt within the village, are confirmed by the following extract from the Minutes of The Pollokshaws Royal Arch Lodge, No. 153. “On 7th May 1832, it was unanimously agreed that we should give our brethren in Thornliebank a night in Masonry and Harmony”. Most probably in the Rob Roy Tavern at the corner of Kennishead Road and Main Street and the visit to the village of calico Printers took place one week later.
The desire to raise a lodge in the village led to the presentation of a petition to Grand Lodge sponsored by Pollokshaws Royal Arch Lodge, No. 153 and Lodge St John Busby, No. 458. The petitioners were as follows:-

John Horner, 458, St John Busby. R.W.M.
Robert Scobie, 458, St John Busby. D.M.
James Smith, 458, St John Busby. S.M.
Robert McEwan, 458, St John Busby. S. Warden
William Charlton, 195, St John RA, Campsie. J. Warden
William Graham 307, Union & Crown, Barrhead. Secretary
John Barr, 153, Pollokshaws RA. Treasurer
James Scott, 458, St John Busby. S. Deacon
John Smith, 458, St John Busby. J. Deacon
Francis Boyd, 153, Pollokshaws RA. Inner Guard
John Henderson, 153, Pollokshaws RA. Tyler

On 6th November, 1871 a Charter was granted. On 15th December, 1871, the Lodge held their first meeting with the aforementioned Petitioners occupying the offices shown against their names. A deputation from Lodge St John Busby was received and three candidates Lachlan McKellar, Archibald McKellar and James McMillan, were initiated, passed and raised.
Consecration took place on 17th February, 1872 by Brother Colonel Campbell of Blytheswood, Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East who installed the office bearers as previously given, with the addition of Brother James McMillan as Bible Bearer and Bro. Rev. George Campbell, of Eastwood Parish, as Chaplain. It is interesting to note that on this occasion, after the Lodge had been opened in due and ancient form, the 22 lodges attending were marshalled in procession and proceeded through the village accompanied by the Brass Band of the Royal Renfrewshire Volunteers. On return to the lodge room, Consecration and Installation took place.
In the summer of 1877, the Lodge agreed to seek the permission of the proprietor of Rouken Glen, Alexander Crum Esq., to visit the glen, (being at that time a private estate) which was graciously granted. Therefore on 11th August an Emergency Meeting was held and after the Lodge had been opened, the Brethren “to the number of about 75 with a number of visiting Brethren were marshalled in proper and Masonic order for the proposed walk to the Rouken Glen”, permission having been granted to the Lodge to appear before the outside world in Masonic Regalia by the Provincial Grand Master Colonel Campbell of Blytheswood. The procession was preceded by the Band of the 3rd Battalion of the R.R.V. On arrival at the mansion house, the company was received by the proprietor and his Lady. Cake and wine having been handed round, thanks were expressed by the R.W.M., the Brethren then engaged in a ramble about the glen. Return was made to the Lodge Room where an enjoyable evening was spent in harmony. In commemoration of this special day, the Brethren had the bridge and the waterfall at Rouken Glen incorporated into the Lodge Crest along with the Thorn Tree.
In the days when Freemasonry was accorded its rightful place at the laying of foundation stones with Masonic ceremonial, the Lodge attended a considerable number within and without the area. Of intimate local interest, the following are worthy of note:-
26th July 1879 ¬ Memorial Stone of the Public Hall, Thornliebank.
29th September, 1883 ¬ Foundation of the new Court House Building, Paisley.
3rd October 1885 ¬ Foundation Stone of the Langside Established Church, (now Langside Old Parish Church).
9th May, 1891 ¬ Foundation Stone of Thornliebank (now Woodlands) Parish Church.
2nd June 1951 ¬ Relaying of the original Foundation Stone on the site of the re-erected Church of St James, Pollok.
Following the Great War there was a large influx of new members and the Lodge became the centre for the social life of the community. Many social events were organised and conducted for the local charities.
On Saturday, 5th November, 1921 the 50th anniversary was marked with “Jubilee Celebrations” held in the Public Hall, when “ a goodly company sat down to dinner under the chairmanship of Bro. Robert Craig R.W.M. Time honoured toasts were submitted and pledged where after a musical programme was sustained by several members of the Lodge”.
Unfortunately on a sour note, years later (1934), R Craig was stripped of all Masonic privileges and expelled from the Craft for embezzling £517 (a considerable amount at that time) whilst acting as secretary/treasurer of the Penny Savings Bank of the Newton Mearns Co-operative Society Ltd. between 1920 and 1931.
The depression years of the early twenties saw the departure overseas of a considerable number of Brethren and again, on the closing of the Printworks in 1930, members journeyed south to continue their crafts.
At the regular Meeting on Friday 4th January 1935 Bro. James Hadden received the heartfelt congratulations of the Brethren for having been awarded the Kings Police Medal for Gallantry and was invested with this award by King George V at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace a month later.
Between the wars the Lodge energetically pursued its interest and participation in all things local ¬ to mention just one ¬ the occasion of the Annual Service at the War Memorial situated in the School Grounds when the Brethren, wearing regalia, joined with the several organisations.
During the Second World War many of the brethren served in the Forces. On the 10th January, 1947, a “Welcome Home Dinner” was given to these Brethren and each received in gift a Wallet with a sum of money.
On Friday, 15th October, 1948 the Ex-Service Brethren presented to the Lodge a new altar in memory of their fallen comrades:-

Bro. William Cunningham, Merchant Navy. Bro. Hamilton Durnan, Royal Air Force
Bro. William S. McKenzie, Army.

Following the Unveiling of the Gift by the reigning Provincial Grand Master Bro. S.W. Love (P.M. 512), a Service of Dedication was held.
On Tuesday 16th October, 1951 the 80th Anniversary was marked by a Celebration Dinner and Harmony, Bro. James Barclay R.W.M. presiding.
The Lodge celebrated its Centenary on Saturday 4th December, 1971 with a re-dedication ceremony. A deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, headed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason, Bro. D. Lidell-Granger of Ayton, C.St J; D.L.: F.S.A. (Scot), was admitted by the R.W.M. Bro. John Rannochan. The re-dedication was carried out by Bro. the Rev. J. Stuart Lochrie. The Brethren of the Lodge whilst celebrating 100 years of Freemasonry in Thornliebank deeply regretted the passing of Bro. Samuel W. Love P.M., Past Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East, some four days previously, on St Andrews Day. Bro. Love had taken an active part in the preparations for the centenary and would have been a central figure at the re-dedication. It had been planned that he would present the R.W.M. with a new Chain of Office. The Centenary Dance was held the following October in Woodfarm Hall where the brethren their ladies and invited guests enjoyed an entertaining evening.
In 1975 Bro. G. Neil McK. White was honoured by Grand Lodge by being appointed to the rank of Hon. Grand Marshall.
On the 1st May, 1976, Bro. Archibald McD. Hutchison P.M. of 512 was installed as the Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East. The Lodge was well represented, for such an important occasion. Regrettably, Bro. Hutchison would serve only a short time in this office, passing away in 1977. In the same year Bro James Sanderson P.M. was honoured by Grand Lodge with the rank of Hon. Grand Junior Deacon.
At the regular meeting on 16th February, 1979, which happened to be the night of the Provincial Visitation, it was announced with deep regret that the R.W.M. Bro. Thomas Torrance Jnr. had been called to the Grand Lodge above, having had suffered a severe and sudden heart attack. The Lodge went into mourning for a period of one month. Only two weeks after the death of their R.W.M., the Lodge received the devastating news of the death of the W.J.W. Bro. Robert Jackson. As a result of these tragic deaths, it was agreed by the General Committee to drop the position of Substitute Master as a progressive office. This allowed W.S.W. to remain in that office for a further year, and a natural progression of all other offices.
During the 1970’s Lodges Thorntree, Pollokshaws Royal Arch, Union & Crown, Thistle & Crown, St Christopher and Nitshill joined together to form a charity committee, known as the North East Corner. This committee raised large sums for charitable causes, through various events such as race nights, smoker evenings and swimming Galas. In 1982, the NEC organised a sponsored walk from Pollokshaws Burgh Hall to Neilston Masonic Temple, calling at each Lodge along the way. This walk became an annual event, although sensibly the route was reversed which resulted in the walk being “downhill”. The NEC also regularly visited the ex-Servicemen of Erskine Hospital. Regrettably, the committee was wound up in 1992 after twenty years of worthwhile fund-raising.
Since the 1920’s Lodge Thorntree has met in Thorntree Hall in Main Street and until 1983 had always been on the upper floor of the building, the hall being approached by a long flight of stairs and an even longer L shaped corridor. Later in that year the hall was closed, the insides demolished and rebuilt leaving only the outside shell of the original building. During this time the Lodge meetings were re-located for a while to Carnwadric Parish Church Hall where on the 6th April, 1984 two football players from the Ibrox area were admitted into Freemasonry, namely Bro. Alistair McCoist and Bro. David Mitchell, when 179 Brethren from 49 Lodges signed the book. All eyes may have been on the Rangers players but the third initiate was Bro. Derek Jarvie who went on to become the 101st Master of Lodge Thorntree. In September of 1984 our good friends at Lodge St Christopher offered the use of their premises at Broompark Farm, this necessitated a change of meeting nights to the first and third Mondays of the month. This proved to be an unsettling time for the Lodge and it was only with unstinting support of the Brethren that saw the Lodge through this testing period. Thorntree Hall, newly renovated, re-opened in May 1985 and the Lodge returned to its revamped surroundings, the meeting nights reverting to the first and third Fridays.
1986 saw the 250th Anniversary Celebrations of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and many brethren of 512 had the opportunity to join with Freemasons from all over the world in the various celebratory events. During the Installation Meeting of that year the incoming R.W.M. Bro. Andrew Meldrum had the honour of presenting Bro. John Waterson P.M. with a Grand Lodge 250th Anniversary Commemoration Medal. This was in recognition of his 50 years service as a Past Master.
In January, 1991 Bro. Duncan McG. Tennant P.M. was installed as Provincial Grand Senior Warden and to add to this great achievement for Bro. Tennant, and honour to the Lodge, he was asked to accept a commission as Provincial Grand Substitute Master and was commissioned in Busby in May 1992. Later that year on the 8th November, the Brethren joined our sister Lodges of the Province in a march through the streets of Renfrew, from the premises of Lodge Prince of Wales to Renfrew High Parish Church. The parade paused at the War Memorial in order that a wreath be laid on behalf of the Brethren of the Province by the Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East Bro. Alexander G. Murray. On arrival at the church, a Divine Service of Remembrance took place.
In September 1993, 220 Brethren and their guests attended a boxing night in the Redhurst Hotel, at which several Scottish sporting personalities were present. This event was organised by Bro. William Ferns and Bro. Alan Herbert Worshipful Wardens, in aid of the 125th Anniversary Fund and was a complete success.
The 125th Anniversary Celebrations of the Lodge took place on Friday 8th November, 1996 and commenced with a ceremony of re-Dedication and Consecration, led by the Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire East Bro. Alexander G. Murray, at the conclusion of which a Celebration Dinner and Harmony took place, presided over by the R.W.M. Bro. Alan F. Herbert and heartily enjoyed by the brethren present.
On 25th December, 1999, the Lodge learned that Bro. Archie Duff P.M. had finally lost his long fight against bone cancer. In recognition of his selfless service for the Lodge, the Brethren agreed that a new set of Square & Compasses be purchased and suitably inscribed with his name.
In the affairs of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East, Lodge Thorntree has given long and faithful service. Senior office bearers have included:-

Provincial Senior Grand Wardens
Brothers John Waterson, James Graham, James Fraser, James Jamieson, Archibald McD. Hutchison,
John H. Blair, Duncan McG. Tennant

Provincial Grand Substitute Masters
Brothers Samuel W. Love, Duncan McG. Tennant

Provincial Grand Depute Master
Brother Archibald McD Hutchison

Provincial Grand Secretaries
Brothers Archibald McD. Hutchison, James Sanderson

Provincial Grand Masters
Brothers Samuel W. Love, Archibald McD. Hutchison

In more recent times, Bro. Dr. Iain Cameron P.M. was appointed to the Education Committee (2003). Bro. Andrew Lilley P.M. to the board of Stewards (2004).

2011-2012


R.W.M. Derek McCormick

Secretary John McNeill PM.
Contact E-Mail mcneill-j1@sky.com


Lodge Syllabus 2011-2012
Friday 16th December F.C. by Lodge Newton Mearns. No. 1706
Friday 20th January Bus. meeting/Mini Burns supper harmony.
Friday 3rd February Annual Provincial Visitation.
Friday 17th February M.M. by Pollokshaws R.A. No. 153.
Friday 2nd March E.A. by Lodge Sir George Cathcart No. 617.
Friday 16th March F.C. by Lodge Albert Edward No. 592.
Friday 30th March M.M by Lodge St. Christopher No.1453.
Friday 13th. April E.A by lodge Thistle & Crown No. 1167.
Friday 27th. April F.C by Lodge Woodhall St. John's No. 305.
Friday 4th May M.M. by Lodge Possilpark No.1330
Friday 18th. May Annual Dance.

Recess



Friday 7th. September E.A.. by Lodge St. Andrew (EK) No.524.
Friday 28th September F.C. by Lodge Nitshill No.1478.
Friday 5th October M.M by Lodge Thorntree (Prestonpans) No. 1038
Friday 19th. October E.A. by Worshipful Wardens.
Friday 2nd. November AGM.
Friday 16th November F.C. by Lodge Irvine Newtown No. 1662
Friday 7th December Annual Installation of
R.W.M. Elect Bro. and office bearers, within Thorntree Hall 6.30 prompt.
Meal Tickets £ (except for invited guests)
Visitors welcome.

All meetings start at 7.30 prompt unless otherwise stated.

Functions.
Watch this space for what is coming soon

Mini Burns Supper Harmony immediately after Bus./ meeting 7.30 prompt.
20th January 2012.
Note it was a fantastic night last time!

Know you Know

"A Special Message From."
R.W.M. Derek McCormick
I would like to thank all who attended my installation and hope to see and enjoy your support during the coming year.

Brethern of lodge Thorntree please make a special effort to attend and support your lodge and functions. If you have not attended any meetings for a long time do come along we will be happy to see you and you will be made more than welcome.
your lodge needs your support.

Annual Dance. Friday 18th May 2012
Be sure to get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. (you have been warned they go very quickly)

Lodge Thorntree 512.
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Contact for Lodge Thorntree 512.co.uk
Secretary John McNeill
mcneill-j1@sky.com

lodgethorntree512.co.uk
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