From Gold to Diamond
The hope expressed in the previous "Lodge History", that the Golden Jubilee year of 1974 would be a memorable one, was realised in full, with the then R.W.M. Brother Ian Campbell at the helm. The Brethern entered whole-heartedly into the spirit of the occasion, and enthusiastically supported the various events that took place, in particular the Celebratory Dance, which was held in the City Halls, and was attended by a total of five hundred, composed of Brethern, their families and friends. A very successful and enjoyable night it was.
By far the most important event that took place in connection with the celebrations, was the "Re-Consecration" of the Lodge, which took place on Wednesday 6th November. The "Ceremony" itself was conducted by Brother Adam J. Ferguson R.W.P.G.M., who headed a distinguished deputation from Provincial, which included Brothers Brian G. Brown Dep. P.G.M., William A. Leslie P.O. Secy., Andrew Petrie P.G.S.W., John Black P.G.J.W., John M. Stewart P.O. Chap., Archibald Scott D. of C., John Armstrong P.G. Stew. During the course of the evening, Brother Allan R. Anderson, First Principal of Maryhill R.A.C. No. 296, and one of our own Brethern, presented to the Lodge a set of "Square and Compasses" to mark the occasion, a gift which has been in constant use ever since. This occasion was one which will live in the memory of those Brethern who were present, a fitting climax to a memorable year.
A few short weeks later, the equally important Ceremony of Installation, took place and Brother Alexander H. King was installed as R.W.M. for the session of 1974/75. After the buzz and excitement of the previous year, there was a danger that a mood of anti-climax would prevail, however that was far from the case. Brother King's own enthusiasm, was reflected in the attitude of the Brethem, and the Lodge again enjoyed a very successful year. During the year the Lodge had a visit from the newly installed R.W.P.G.M. Brother Brian G. Brown, who dropped in one night, in a purely informal basis, and enjoyed himself immensely. In the same year Brother King was given Honorary membership of Lodge Anima No. 1223, an event from which we all derived a great deal of pleasure.
In December 1975, Brother Thomas M. Lamb was Installed as R.W.M., for the session of 1975/76. Brother Lamb's year saw the Lodge continue to flourish, and work on the aforementioned Extensions and Alterations began. To finance this work, we negotiated a loan of £20,000.00 from T.C.B., to be repaid over a period of 10 years. Apart from the financial worries of these Alterations, the work itself caused a great deal of upheaval in the life of the Lodge, and it was well into 1977, when Brother James Stevenson was R.W.M., before the work was completed.
Brother Stevenson's year as R.W.M., was unique, due to the fact that he began and finished his year, at opposite ends of the Lodgeroom, this was due to the Dias being moved, as previously mentioned, and thus he became the first Master to sit in the true East of the Lodge. Brother Stevenson, who was killed so tragically in a car crash in 1983, was followed to the chair by Brother Richard M. Jackson, who became the first Master to be installed in the true East of the Lodge.
Brother Jackson was the first Master for some time, who was actually born and bred in Possilpark itself, and in fact was the Third Master of the Lodge, to come from the same "close" at 59 Mansion Street, the other two being Brother Peter F. McPherson, and his son John.
Under Brother Jackson's leadership, the Lodge continued to flourish. On September 21st of that year, the Lodge lost one of its most active members, in the death of Brother William M. Brown, Benevolent Fund Treasurer. Most of the Brethern know that during the "Festive" season, parcels are distributed to the Pensioners, Sick Brethern and Widows of the Lodge, however they may not know, that it was Brother Brown, who suggested and inaugurated the scheme in 1975, and long may it continue, as a fitting testimonial to Brother Brown, and indeed to all those who have helped in any way, to make the venture such a success. Earlier in the year, two of our Past Masters were honoured by the invitation to Install Brother Irvine Clark, into the Chair of Lodge Innellan and Toward No. 1435. The Past Masters were Brother John McPherson and the late Brother James Stevenson, and on Saturday 25th November, they carried out that very pleasant duty, supported by a large deputation from the Lodge, who had made the journey, despite the fact that it was a very cold night. However, the warmth of the welcome extended by the Brethern of Lodge No. 1435, more than adequately made up for the cold conditions outside, and a very enjoyable and happy evening it was. Brother Jackson's term as R.W.M. was to end on the same happy note, when on the night of the Installation, he presented Brother David S. McLean, who had joined the Lodge on the 25th October 1928, with his "Fifty Year" Diploma. With the exceptions of admitting the Deputations, from Provincial Grand Lodge, and the Installing Masters, this was literally the last act of Brother Jackson as R.W.M., and a few minutes later, Brother David H. Agnew was Installed for the session 1978//79.
Brother Agnew's year as R.W.M., can be looked upon, as one of the Lodge's most successful years, yet one that was tinged with a great deal of sadness. Successful because of the happy atmosphere that prevailed, which is reflected in the fact, that out of 1635 Brethern, who attended our meetings, 425 were visitors. This success, to a large extent, was due to the efforts of Brother Agnew himself, and the enthusiasm he inspired in others. The sad aspect of the year, is due to the fact that we lost three stalwarts of our Lodge, in the passing of Brother Thomas R. Patrick P.M., Brother David Hunter, Depute Master, and Brother John W. G. Dobbie P.M. Brother Patrick who was a C.A., served as Treasurer of the Lodge for fifteen years, and later acted as Auditor and Financial Advisor, up until the time of his death. Brother Patrick was R.W.M., of the Lodge for the session 1953/54, and sixteen years later his younger brother James was also Installed into that High Office. Brother D. Hunter, Depute Master, was one of those Brethern who kept to the background, but was always ready to do his best for the Lodge. The fact that he was Brother Agnew's uncle, and Depute Master, made his passing all the more poignant.
Brother John W. G. Dobbie's fame as a Ceremonial worker, extended far and near. He was conversant with all the Degrees, including the Installation Ceremony, and indeed acted as Installing Master on numerous occasions, the last being that of Brother Agnew himself. The last time the Brethern of the Lodge heard Brother Debbie, was when along with Brother Agnew, he conferred a Third Degree in the April of this year. It is perhaps for his work in this Degree, that Brother Dobbie is best remembered, and in fact, the Ritual he developed, is now being used by established and aspiring Third Degree workers alike. Brother Agnew was succeeded as R.W.M. by Brother James C. Buddo.
Brother James C. Buddo R.W.M. 1979/80 was the second "Affiliate" to attain that office in the space of eight years, the first being Brother James R. Sinclair 1971/72. This was due to be another successful year for the Lodge. In particular, the winning of the Captain Spiers Golf Cup, by the team of Brother Edward Dickson and Brother William I. Smith, brought a great thrill of satisfaction to all concerned. However this year like the previous one, had its share of sad moments.
Early in the year, on the 25th February, we learned of the sudden death of Brother R. E. Gunnell P.M., who had been R.W.M. for the session 1954/55. Although he was one of the great "Characters" of the Lodge, renowned for his humour and wit, he took Masonry very seriously as any Brother will testify, who witnessed the dignity and depth of feeling, with which he carried out all his Masonic duties. Some eight months later, the Brethern were to be stunned once again, when on the 19th October, Brother Edward D. Lone P.M., collapsed and died on one of his regular visits to our Social Club. Brother Lone, who was R.W.M. of the Lodge for the year 1961/62, often said that the Lodge and Club, were his second home, and we feel that "Wee Eddie" would be content that he laid down "The Working Tools" of life, in the place he loved so much, and amongst friends who held him in such high esteem. Brother Buddo's year as R.W.M. was to see the retiral of Brother John McCallum, from the Office of Secretary, a position he held for thirty years. The years of service he gave as Secretary, are testimony enough to his dedication to this Lodge, and to Freemasonry, but when one considers the fact that during these thirty years, he never missed one single meeting of the Lodge of any kind, and that he was for a time. Secretary of our Social Club, the Masonic Social Clubs Association as was, and Scribe E of Maryhill Royal Arch, of which he was also a P.Z. In recognition of his service to Freemasonry, Brother McCallum was appointed to the Office of Honourary Provincial Grand Senior Deacon, a proud moment for both him and the Lodge. It was obvious that it would be very difficult to follow Brother McCallum as Secretary. However we were fortunate that the Office was taken over by Brother Leonard McN. Miller P.M., who proved to be an excellent Secretary, as we all knew he would be. That year, one of our Past Masters, namely Brother John McPherson, had been honoured by the invitation to Install Brother Alexander S. Douglas, into the Chair of Lodge Anima No. 1223, and on the 3rd December, he carried out that very pleasant duty. On the 25th May the following year Brother John was made an Honourary Member of 1223, which means that we now have two Past Masters, who have been honoured in this manner. Thus Brother Buddo's year drew to a close, and he was succeeded as R.W.M. by Brother George Buchanan.
The year 1981/82 was to see the affects of the recession becoming more evident, with Brethern on short time working, or worse still, being made redundant. It therefore says a great deal for the resilience of the Brethern, that despite all the difficulties and pressures, which are generated by these circumstances, the Brethern under Brother George Buchanan's leadership, continued to work with their usual enthusiasm. One event of note that took place, was the presentation to the Lodge on the 9th April, of a V.S.L. by Brother William McKay P.M., in memory of his proposer the late Brother David M. McFarlane. This beautiful gift was consecrated on the 23rd April, by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, the Rev. John M. Stewart and is one of our most prized possessions. Another proud moment for the Lodge, was when our team of Brothers David Agnew P.M., Iain Gray, William McArthur Jnr., Frank Knox, John K. G. McDonald and Fraser McPherson, won the Masonic Knowledge Quiz, the Trophy for which, was presented to the Lodge, on behalf of the team, on the 14th May, by Brother Fraser McPherson, the youngest member of the team.
A popular innovation to appear that year, was the publication of a Newsletter, which was masterminded by Brother Frank McElhinney W.J.W. Although a great success, because of production difficulties, the venture had to be abandoned, but perhaps it may be ressurected one of these days. Brother McElhinney also organised a "Boxing Night", and amongst the celebraties who attended was the then "World Champion", Jim Watt, and Walter McGowan, ex World Champion. As well as attending to the domestic affairs of the Lodge, the Brethern raised the sum of £339.83, which was donated to the Provincial Grand Lodge Appeal, for the "Year of the Disabled Child", a very worthy cause, the success of which, will always be a great tribute to the generosity of the Freemasons of Glasgow. At the end of this busy year, Brother Buchanan was succeeded as R.W.M. by Brother James D. Mowatt.
The Installation of Brother James D. Mowat, as R.W.M. for the session 1981/82, was the third time in our history, that a son had followed a father to the Chair. It was some forty two years earlier in 1938/39 that Brother Mowatt's father had been R.W.M. and it was good to see him acting as one of his sons Installing Masters.
With no sign of any improvement in the previously mentioned recession, hard times continued for many or the Brethern, which led to a drop in attendance at the Club, with a subsequent fall in revenue, as required to pay our way in the world. Therefore hard decisions had to be taken, to ensure that the financial position if the Lodge was not put in jeopardy. The main recommendation, made by those Brethern looking into the situation was that Voluntary Labour, would take over all work, previously done by part-time staff. The response to this recommendation was tremendous, and at the time of writing, this practice still continues. Despite the concern and worry about the financial situation, the Brethern under the able leadership of Brother Mowat, maintained their interest in "All" things Masonic, both in and out of the Lodge. Early in the year the Lodge was presented with a Silver and Rosewood Mallet and Stand. The gift was given by Brother Ian Brown, in memory of his father, the late Brother William M. Brown. Ian, however had moved to England, and the presentation was made by Brother John McPherson P.M., on the 25th February.
Our team in the Masonic Knowledge Quiz, composed of Brothers D. Agnew P.M., W. McArthur Jnr., F. Knox and D. McLeod, were successful in retaining the Trophy, for the second year. Later in the year, we had the great pleasure of being hosts to Lodge Anima, who held their Installation, in our premises on the 1st December. A few days later Brother Mowatt's year came to an end, and his successor was Brother Frank McElhinney.
Brother Frank McElhinney's year as R.W.M., 1982/83, saw the efforts of the Brethern to stabilize the financial position of the Lodge begin to take effect. This, of course, was mainly due to the Voluntary Labour mentioned earlier. In addition to this, the Brethern took a long hard look at all our outlays, and various sayings were made. However, certain items were exempt from this scrutiny, in particular the Childrens Party and the distribution of Parcels carried on as usual. Other important factors which helped in the financial field, were the increase in Lodge collections, and the money raised by Brother J. D. Mowatt P.M., which was the proceeds of the Prize Draw which he organised. Brother Mowatt's fund raising abilities, were not confined to Possilpark however, for having been elected to the Board of Stewards of the Provincial Grand Lodge, he was given the task of organising their "Appeal" on behalf of the "Boys Brigade" Centenary, which proved to be a very successful venture.
Brother McElhinney, whose two brothers were already members of the Lodge, was a very proud man indeed, when his father became an "Affiliate" member, proving once again, that Possilpark is a Lodge with strong family traditions. A few weeks after the Lodge went into recess, we learned that Brother John McCallum, H.P.G.S.D., who had been ill for some time, had passed on to Higher Service, on the 1st July. In the passing of Brother McCallum, we not only lost one of our best known members, but it also marked the end of an era.
Later in the year, on the 8th September, we had the pleasure of seeing two of our members, in the persons of Brother David R. Munro P.M., and Brother Thomas M. Mowatt P.M., being presented with their "50" years Membership Diplomas. The presentation itself was made by the Provincial Grand Master Brother William Fleming, in his usual inimitable style. A few weeks later, a deputation of eight Reigning Masters, conferred a "First Degree". This was an excellent evening, and we hope it will be the first of many. Brother McElhinney's year, had its share of worries and sad moments, but true to the Possilpark tradition, the Brethern gave him their enthusiastic support, which made his year, a very happy and successful one.
Marching on into the new Millennium