Annual Installation Meeting of December 2 2005 

The Annual Installation Meeting was one of the best in recent years. The attendance was 122, nearly half as many again as last year, of these 49 were visitors from 19 different lodges once again this was nearly half as many again as last year. The ceremonial work itself was of a high calibre and both RWIMs are to be congratulated on the standard reached. The collection for GL benevolence reflected the increase in numbers with £342 going to GL funds. 

After an excellent Installation Ceremony we had a tasty three course meal - its not called the steak pie season for nothing. We were then entertained by some excellent and well received toasts after which a comedian from near Cumnock and a trio of local girls entertained us with their singing into the wee sma' hours. As usual all of this was washed down with copious amounts of our favourite refreshments. After the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem the brethren made their way home to tell their wives of the splendid evening they had enjoyed.

A copy of the Installation Program as well as some photos of the office bearers and the RWM are included under Photos.

Regular Meeting of December 7 2005 

The first Regular Meeting in December was well attended with 53 bretren signing the Attendance Book including a deputation of 12 from Lodge St Mary Coltness No 31 and one visiting PM from Lodge St Enoch  No 1288. The recently installed RWM and his Office Bearers all performed to a high standard in the opening, closing and the conduct of the Lodge business. The new RWM had the unpleasant task of announcing the deaths of two brethren.

Bro William Moore, who lived in Whitburn but was originally from Newarthill and joined the Lodge in 1943, died on 13 July at the age of 88. Bro Hugh McClair PM from Lodge Dura No 1513, who was well known in local masonic circles, died very suddenly this week at the age of 64 with his funeral taking place on Friday. A minute's silence was observed as a token of respect.

The degree for the evening was a second ably conferred by the RWM of Lodge St Mary Coltness and a competent team of Office Bearers on a nervous but attentive candidate. The degree over the lodge was closed and we moved to the lounge to enjoy a pie and some light refreshment.

Regular Meeting of December 21 2005 

Due to the lack of a candidate the second meeting in December was a business meeting with only 32 brethren present. The IPM wished the RWM and his family the complements of the season and the RWM responded by wishing all brethren a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. 

Various reports of installations attended were received and the meeting finished at 7:45  giving us the opportunity to enjoy a small refreshment while watching a highly entertaining Carling Cup Game on TV so everyone went home early and happy. 

Regular Meeting of January 18 2006 

The first meeting of 2006 saw a large attendance of 60 brethren including a deputation of 14 from Lodge Woodhall St Johns No 305 headed by their RWM, plus the RWM of Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228, a brother from Lodge Shettleston St John No 128 and a brother from Lodge St Andrew Military No 556. The RWM welcomed all the brethren and wished them all a Happy and Healthy New Year.

The year began on a sad note with the announcement of several deaths:-

Bro Alex Dick who was SPGM in Provincial Grand Lodge and who was PPGSW in 1997 passed away this week. He was very well liked in the province and had been ill for some time. Bro Raymond Shiell died on Boxing day last year. Ray served in non-progressive offices in the lodge for many years and when he was Senior Steward his soup was legendary. Bro Andrew Simpson who was the oldest PM in the lodge died at the age of 92. He was on the chair in 1945 - 60 years ago and attended the Senior Citizens treat in December although he had to leave early because of his health. The death of the wife of Bro Ian Walls was also reported as was the death of the Grandfather of the intended candidate for the third degree. A minute's silence was observed as a token of respect for our departed brethren.

The degree for the evening was a third degree and as the candidate's grandfather's funeral was today, he was unable to attend so Lodge Woodhall St Johns No 305 conferred an exemplification on one of 919's PMs who is also on the board of Grand Stewards. As it was an exemplification there was more humour in the degree than normal and this made it all the more enjoyable for the Brethren. The RWM of 305 was made an honorary member of 919 for which he thanked the brethren and we all adjourned to the lounge for a beef pie and some light refreshment before making our way home after another excellent meeting.    

Regular Meeting of February 1 2006 

This was a business meeting only with a low attendance of thirty brethren signing the Book. Unfortunately another two deaths were reported at this meeting.

Bro Jackie Miller passed away on 21 January. He was 75 years old and joined the lodge at the end of 1956. He was a regular attender at meetings and the Senior Citizens Treat and was a popular member of the lodge.

The death of the son of Bro Robert Paterson was also reported.

One minute's silence was then observed.

After the business had been attended to, the brethren adjourned to the lounge to watch Motherwell outplay Celtic in the CIS cup semi final but still contrived to lose by two goals to one. A sad end to the evening.

Regular Meeting of February 15 2006 

The second meeting in February saw 63 Brethren sign the Attendance Book including a deputation of sixteen brethren from Lodge Livingstone St Andrew No 573, the RWM from Lodge The Duke of Hamilton No 1636, two visitors from Lodge Airdrie St John No 166 and one each from Lodge New Monkland Montrose No 88, Lodge Woodhall St Johns No 305, Lodge St Andrews Military No 668, Lodge Murdostoun Castle No 1096 and Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228.

The death of Bro Stevie Naismith, who was not a member of 919 but took part in lodge Burns Suppers a few years ago, was announced.

The degree for the evening was a third ably conferred by the RWM and his degree team from 573 on one of our candidates. The RWM of 573 received a lodge tie for his efforts as he was already an honoray member and the brethren adjourned to the lounge to enjoy a pie, some liquid refreshment and some friendly banter.

Regular Meeting of March  1 2006 

The first Regular meeting in March was attended by 48 Brethren including five from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire Middle Ward, two brethren from Lodge New Monkland Montrose No88 , the RWM of The Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203, and one each from Lodge Woodhall St Johns No 305, Lodge St Andrews Military No 668 and Lodge Concord No 1341.

The business for the evening was our annual visit from Provincial who were headed by the RWPGM and gave a complimentary report on the workings of the Lodge in 2005 for which the IPM, Secretary and Treasurer, in particular, are to be congratulated.

There then followed an excellent rendering of the First Degree with two of our younger members on the floor for the first time. Once again the deputation from Provincial congratulated all who took part in the degree on their excellent work which was also appreciated by an attentive candidate.

We then adjourned to the lounge for a pie and some liquid refreshment before returning home through another very cold night. 

Regular Meeting of March  15 2006 

The second Regular meeting in March was attended by 61 Brethren including a deputation of 16 from The Operative Lodge of Airdrie, and two brethren who were there to support the candidate - one from Lodge Ancient Brazen No 17 and the other from Lodge Hope Bridge Castle No 827.

It was reported that the Lodge had been sent a photo of Bro James McPherson PM 1917-1919 by his great granddaughter in Canberra Australia. He was the only PM from our first fifty years whose photo we did not possess so we now have a full set for which we thank his great granddaughter for her kindness.

The degree for the evening was a Third ably conferred by the RWM and office bearers of the Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203 on an enthusiastic candidate. After the degree the RWM of 203 was congratulated on an excellent degree and, to his surprise and delight, was made an honorary member of 919. 

  We then adjourned to the lounge for a pie and some liquid refreshment before returning home through another very cold night. 

Regular Meeting of April 5 2006 

The first Regular meeting in April was attended by 56 Brethren including the WSW of Lodge St Marys Coltness No 31 as well as a deputation of twenty brethren from Lodge Murdostoun Castle No 1096 comprising fifteen of their own members, two PMs from Lodge St Mary Coltness No 31, two PMs from Lodge Woodhall St Johns No 305 and one PM from Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228.

This was the first meeting since the Scottish Parliament enforced the Smoking Ban and our attendance did not appear to be affected and the ban was strictly enforced. 

The degree for the evening was a Second ably conferred by the RWM and office bearers of Lodge Murdostoun Castle No 1096 on an attentive candidate who seemed keen to learn more about masonry. After the degree the RWM of 1096 was congratulated on an excellent degree and made an honorary member of 919. 

  We then adjourned to the lounge for a pie and some liquid refreshment before returning home through another cold and wet night. 

Regular Meeting of April 19 2006 

The second Regular meeting in April was attended by 52 Brethren including the WSW of Lodge Caldercruix St John No 1314 as well as a deputation of eighteen brethren from Lodge St John Carluke No 187 and headed by their IPM as the RWM was ill..

The death of Bro David Sutherland was reported. he was 81 years of age, joined the lodge on 17 April 1946 almost exactly 60 years before this meeting but he was not a regular attender. A minute's silence was observed as a token of respect.

The degree for the evening was a Third ably conferred by the IPM and office bearers of Lodge St John Carluke No 187 on an large and attentive candidate who seemed to be taking everything in. The degree was well received by the brethren present and the degree team were given hearty congratulations. For the second time ( the first was on April 5) the deputation was allowed to retire before the meeting was closed thus reducing congestion outside the lodge room and at the bar. 

  We then adjourned to the lounge for a pie and some liquid refreshment before returning home. 

Regular Meeting of May 3 2006 

The first Regular meeting in May was attended by 46 Brethren including a deputation of thirteen brethren from Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228 headed by their RWM and two other visitors. In the absence of the RWM, the IPM presided over the meeting in his usual manner.

The degree for the evening was a mock second degree ably conferred by the RWM and office bearers of Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228. The degree was well received by the brethren present and the degree team were given hearty congratulations. 

We then adjourned to the lounge for a pie, some liquid refreshment and renewed friendships with the brethremn of 1228 before returning home.

                                                Regular Meeting of May 17 2006 

The death was announced of Bro Ian Walls who joined the lodge in 1980 and was 61. He had been in minor office in the lodge on several occasions. A minute's silence was observed in memory of Bro Walls.

On Wednesday 17^th May, Wilsontown Ironworks St. John’s Lodge No.236 visited to advance two M.M.s of this Lodge to the Mark Degree, the deputation of thirteen Brethren was headed by their own R.W.M.  

To our knowledge, this was the first time a visiting Lodge had conferred the Mark Degree in Lodge Robert King Stewart during our 105 year history, and the assembled Brethren had a wonderful Masonic treat by the manner in which the work of the evening was carried out by our visiting Brethren.  The balance between the youth and experience of the Office Bearers, together with the correct dignity and decorum in the approach to their duties was a joy to behold. 

 The silence of the assembled Brethren during the Degree, said more in appreciation of the labours our visitors than any thunderous applause could have.

 Our R.W.M. congratulated their R.W.M.  for a magnificent evening of Masonic education and expressed to the two candidates how fortunate they have been, to be so involved in this historic occasion.

Regular Meeting of June7 2006 

The only Regular meeting in June was attended by 51 Brethren including sixteen visitors from eleven different lodges including one brother Lodge Mother Kilwinning No 0, two from Lodge St Mary Coltness No 31, three from Lodge Rutherglen Royal Arch No 116, one from Lodge Lockerbie Quhytewoollen No 258, one from Lodge Whifflet St JohnNo 963, one from Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228, one from Lodge Griffin Gartcosh No 1254, two including the RWM from Lodge St Enoch No 1288, one from Lodge Concord No 1341and two including the RWM from Lodge Heatheryknowe No 1461.

The death was announced of Bro George Sullivan who was one of our Senior Citizens and lived in Ayr.  Bro George was 86 and joined the lodge in 1946 and was a member for over 60 years. Because of the distance involved he did not attend the lodge in recent years. A minute's silence was observed as a token of respect.

There was no degree at this meeting instead we enjoyed a lecture on "Symbolism in Freemasonry" by Bro Robert Mathew PM which was both informative and entertaining. He emphasised many similarities between freemasonry, the druids, the ancient Greeks and others and encouraged the brethren to look at our degree work and the lodge furnishings from different points of view. Bro Mathew was given a warm and appreciative round of applause by the brethren for his considerable efforts. 

  We then adjourned to the lounge but there were no pies so some liquid refreshment had to suffice before returning home. 

Regular Meeting of July 5 2006 

The only Regular meeting in July was attended by 49 brethren which was not surprising as we were competing with a World Cup Semi-final on TV and it was again a very warm evening. There were 11 Visitors with 5  from Lodge Mauldslie Castle No 1630 including their RWM, two from Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228 including their RWM, two from Lodge Murdostoun Castle No 1096 and one each from Lodge Hamilton Kilwinning No 7 and Lodge Hamilton No 233.

The death was announced of Bro James Paterson at the age of 79. He joined the lodge in 1949 and attended regularly when his health permitted. He was very proud of his family's connection with the craft particularly so when his grandsons joined the lodge recently on their eighteenth birthdays and it was unusual and inspiring to see three generations of the same family attending the lodge together. His funeral is at 2 pm on Tuesday 11 July at Holytown Parish Church. A minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect.

The degree for the evening was a Mark degree with four candidates, one a visitor from 1096. The degree was patchy mainly due to the last minute absence of the Senior Deacon. The brethren who acted as deacons did their best but were not sufficiently prepared. Otherwise the degree was good with some excellent work by the PMs who took part and was well received by the brethren and the candidates.

We then adjourned to the lounge where Scotch pies were supplied and eaten along with some liquid refreshment before returning home. 

Regular Meeting of August 2 2006 

The only Regular meeting in August was attended by 61 with the numbers receiving a welcome boost by the presence of 25 Visitors. There were four visitors from the Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203, three visitors from Lodge New Monkland Montrose No 88, Lodge Airdrie St John No 166 and Lodge Whifflet St John No 963, two visitors from Lodge St Mary Coltness No 31 and Lodge Murdostoun Castle No 1096 and one each from Lodge Glasgow St Mungo's No 27, Lodge St Marnock No 109, Lodge Clydesdale No 551, Lodge Blantyre Kilwinning No 557, Lodge Plantation No 581, Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228, Lodge St Enoch No 1288 and Lodge Dura No 1513. The RWMs of  lodges 31, 88, 166, 203, 963 and 1096 were included in these numbers.

The following deaths were announced - Bro Andrew Duncan PM of Lodge 1228 Motherwell Caledonian who was an honorary member of the lodge and had delivered lectures to 919's Instruction Class in the past - Mrs Peggy McNamee the mother of bro Kenneth McNamee PM - Mrs John Cummings the widow of a brother and bro Peter Mackie who was 85 and joined  the Lodge in 1959 but was not a regular attender.. A minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect.

The degree for the evening was a First Degree conferred on a young interested candidate.  Some of the office bearers gave an unblemished performance while others could have made this a first class degree had they not required prompts which test the listening brethren's patience. However it was a good degree all round and well appreciated by the brethren and the candidate.

We then adjourned to the lounge where Scotch pies were supplied and eaten along with some liquid refreshment before returning home. 

Regular Meeting of September 6  2006 

The first Regular meeting in September was attended by 55 brethren which included a deputation of 15 from Lodge St Thomas Larkhall No 306. In addition there were a further 8 visitors including brethren from Lodge Glasgow St Mungo's No 27, Lodge New Monkland Montrose No 88, The Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203, Lodge Woodhall St Johns No 305, Lodge Murdostoun Castle No 1096 and two PMs from the English Constitution one from Lodge University of Edinburgh Lodge No 2974 and the other from Robert Bloomfield Lodge No 8328.  

The degree for the evening was a Second Degree conferred on a nervous young candidate by the RWM and office bearers of Lodge St Thomas No 306.  This was a quite different second degree to what we in 919 are accustomed to which made it all the more enjoyable. The degree team performed admirably and the assembled brethren enjoyed an excellent degree. The RWM received a Lodge Tie for his efforts as did our two visitors from the English Constitution. 

We then adjourned to the lounge where Scotch pies were supplied and eaten along with some liquid refreshment before returning home. 

Regular Meeting of September 20  2006 

The second Regular meeting in September was attended by 50 brethren which included a deputation of 16 from Lodge St Mary Coltness No 31 headed by their RWM. In addition there were a further 3 visitors including brethren from Lodge Glasgow St Mungo's No 27 and The RWM and another brother from Lodge Union No 244.

The degree for the evening was a Third Degree conferred on an attentive young candidate by the RWM and office bearers of Lodge St Mary Coltness No 31. The degree team performed admirably and the assembled brethren enjoyed an excellent degree. For his efforts, the RWM of Lodge St Mary Coltness then received honorary membership of 919 for which he thanked the brethren. 

We then adjourned to the lounge where Scotch pies were supplied and eaten along with some liquid refreshment before returning home. 

Regular Meeting of October 4 2006 

The first Regular meeting in October was attended by 48 brethren which included 6 visitors, one from Lodge Glasgow St Mungo's No 27, two from Lodge Murdostoun Castle No 1096, one from Lodge Buchanan No 1499 and the RWM and another brother from Lodge  Almondale No 1658.

The degree for the evening was a First  Degree conferred on an attentive and interested candidate by the lodge office bearers. The degree team gave an excellent rendering of the first degree which reflected the steady improvement in degree work over the year. Particularly pleasing was the fact that two of the brethren delivering lectures are still not in office. 

We then adjourned to the lounge where liquid refreshment had to suffice before we returned home. 

Regular Meeting of October 18 2006 

The second Regular meeting in October was attended by 42 brethren which included 10 visitors, one from Lodge Glasgow St Mungo's No 27, five from Lodge Murdostoun Castle No 1096, one from Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228, one from Lodge Buchanan No 1499, one from Lodge  Almondale No 1658 and the RWM from Lodge Burns Immortal No 1730. The attendance was obviously affected by the school holidays.

The degree for the evening was a Second Degree conferred by the lodge office bearers. The degree team gave an excellent rendering of the second degree further showing the improvement in degree work which has taken place over the year. The candidate , in particular, appeared to enjoy the degree which was well received by the brethren present.

We then adjourned to the lounge where liquid refreshment had to suffice. 

 

 

 

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