3^rd May 1858

In the Beginning

The Athole Lodge, derived its origin by twenty Freemasons who lived in, or in the vicinity of Kirkintilloch. The charter is dated the 3rd May 1858.

During a committee meeting of the founding brethren, it was announced that the Grand Lodge of Scotland had looked favourably on their petition and had granted a charter. The charter, on being produced by Brother Duncan Walker, brought great applause and cheers from those original, enthusiastic Brethren.

The Grand Master Mason at that time was George 6th Duke of Athole, whose name, incidentally appears first in the roll book of the Lodge. The first Master, Brother Dr. DP Stewart, was an intense and enthusiastic upholder of the traditions of the House of Athole Stewarts. Therefore it was inevitable that the name would be 'The Athole Lodge', with the number '384'. Then to match the name, it was proposed that the regalia should be in Murray of Atholl tartan. What distinctive regalia it is, especially when worn with a black dinner suit. Many fine comments have been made to the Brethren about their dress and on not just a few occasions, from the highest ranking Brethren of the Craft.

In the mid nineteenth century the territories of Provincial Grand Lodges did not seem to be so well defined as they are today. It is on record, that, at that time the Provincial Grand Master of Dunbartonshire was Brother Alexander Smollett M P, and since he was unable to attend the consecration of the new Lodge at Kirkintilloch, he commissioned Brother Donald Campbell, Substitute PGM of Glasgow, to act as Deputy PGM of the County.

The beautiful and impressive ceremony prescribed by Grand Lodge was carried out on 9th June 1858 by Brother Campbell before a large and representative gathering.

The Deputy PGM thereafter installed the first office-bearers, as follows :-

Brother Dr. Donald Patrick Stewart                 R.W.M.

Brother Alexander Paterson                              D.M.

Brother John Miller                                               S.W.

Brother Hugh Jack                                               J.W.

Brother Alexander Thomson                             Treasurer.

Brother Duncan Walker                                      Secretary.

Brother Peter McNab                                           S.D.

Brother Walter Scott                                            J.D.

Brother John Gray                                                I.G.

Brother Alexander Wilson                                  Tyler.

On that occasion, a prophecy was made, that, 'the Lodge's enthusiastic members bid fair for a vigorous and lasting growth in the long course of years which we (the Brethren at the Foundation Ceremony) trust is yet to roll over it'.

The Athole Lodge No. 384 had been well and truly launched and received into Scottish Freemasonry. The ceremony closed with the Tyler's Toast :-

'Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again'