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The Rifle Lodge Years
1859 - 1959
From an eventful “First 100 “First 100 years this Historiette is written to remind Brethren of its origin, its steady growth and some of its personalities- always remembering that it is the membership as a whole, and not the individual, upon "which the Lodge depends.
When the Queens Edinburgh Rifle: Volunteer Batta1ion was established in 1859 No.12 Company was started, with the patronage of the Craft, as a Freemason Company. The sponsors to Grand Lodge for a Charter were seven Brethren of that company and a large proportion of the Founder Members were from Lodges Canongate Kilwinning, Edinburgh Defensive Band and St. Clair.
The inauguration of the newly erected Freemasons' Hall took place on 24th February 1859 and The Rifle Lodge was .the first Lodge constituted in it. The first meeting .of the Lodge took ,place on 10th May 1960, three days, after its Charter had been granted and signed by the Duke of Atholl, the then Grand Master Mason. The inauguration of the Lodge and the installation of the first office-bearers took place in Freemasons' Hall on 5th June 1860 and was conducted by the Depute Grand Master, Brother J. Whyte Melville.
The colours of the Lodge are Thistle Green with jewels silver gilt, but these were changed to gold gilt in 1876. There is a tradition that the colours of the Lodge were adopted by pure chance, owing to the clothing of a Colonial Lodge having been thrown on the hands; of the Grand Tyler Brother, W. Moir Bryce, an enthusiastic founder of the Lodge, who promptly seized the opportunity of getting, a set cheap for the Lodge. The story is that a Lodge at the Goldfields secured a Charter and ordered clothing, jewels, etc., but, before it could be constituted, a change occurred in the circumstances of the district, and the members scattered. The bo was sent back. By-and-bye, when the members united elsewhere, they got their Charter and Jewels, but the clothing was by that time "lost" and could not be found anywhere. The original Jewels of the Lodge presented by the officers bore their names, but it is regretted that only a few of these are still extant.
The fee for a Founder Member was, £1 1s. c, and not less than 5/6 to Grand Lodge. "The fees for Initiation, which were £1 6s. 6d. and Affiliation 10/6, were almost immediately increased and in 1870 rose to £2 2s "for efficient members of the Army, Navy and Volunteers" and for Civilians £2 12s. 6d. ~e original Test Fee was 4/- paid quarterly but was changed - to 2/6.
During this early period it was customary to hold a second ballot if a candidate had not been Initiated within three months of the original ballot, but ultimately Grand Lodge extended the period to twelve months and of course "Lodge Rifle" conformed. Minutes of meetings in these early days were certainly brief and to the point as the following extracts show:-
"At, a special meeting of .The Lodge Rifle, No. 405, held in Freemasons' Hall, 96 George Street, Edinburgh (present as per Attendance Book), On 22nd February 1866. The Lodge having been opened in due form, Brothers Anderson and Bishop were both raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, after which the Lodge was closed."
"On 4th March 1866 Mr Simon Marks, Jeweller, Newcastle, was ballotted for, initiated, passed and raised in consequence of having to leave town the next day." "On 1st May 1866, the Lodge was -opened, the minutes read and passed, and the Lodge closed."
"Special Meeting 22nd April 1869. The Right Worshipful Master in the Chair. Brothers Hamilton, Bourhill and Anderson were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason."
From the foregoing it can be seen that the Lodge Secretary was not overworked and it is obvious that Grand Lodge did not have the firm hold over .the administration of Daughter Lodges as is the case today for the first Minute Book contains no les; than 236. blank pages. The "full" writing up of minutes was not resumed until 1866 but it is interesting to note that the firs~ Initiate of the Lodge to take "the Chair was Professor J. Gamgee, Principal of Dick Veterinary College in 1863 and he was also the inventor of Roller Skates.
It is recorded that on 1st February 1867 the Annual Ball was held in. Freemasons’ Hall at which the Brethren wore full regalia.
There were over 200 ladies and gentlemen present and the occasion was graced by the presence of the Grand Master Brother, J. Whyte Melville. By custom, the Brethren removed their aprons at midnight and adorned their ladies with them; a courtly gesture which future Masters might bear in mind.
The first minute on the subject of the Lodge owning its own premises was, in April 1867 when the desire was expressed for a Lodge Room in which it had a permanent right and a home to display its present belongings "and which might secure for it in all time coming some of the valuable relics and mementoes it might get from their present possessors."
The Banner which holds pride of place in the Temple was painted by Brother Bourhill and jointly presented; by him and Brothers Ford and Douglas. It was first carried in public in 1872 at the laying of the Foundation Stone of the Watt Institute (now the Heriot-Watt College). Until the beginning of this century, it was the common practice for members of the Craft to' attend ceremonies at which foundation stones were being laid. The first of these attended by members of "Lodge Rifle" was at the Corn Exchange, Biggar, in 1860. Subsequently, other such ceremonies, attended by members of "Lodge Rifle" were:-
1861 - The Wallace Monument, Stirling, and The Albert Bridge, Glasgow.
1870 - Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.
1876 - The Galashiels Masonic Hall.
1883 - The Municipal Bui1dings, Glasgow.
1888 - Masonic Hall of Lodge Trafalgar
1896 - The; North Bridge, Edinburgh.
1911 - The new Grand Lodge of Scotland Buildings, George Street.
The minutes bear evidence of careful working, not without touches of that Masonic Spirit which occasionally prompts such little additions to the ceremonies of the Craft as linger in the memories of candidates, if not of those who take part in them. One of these, the giving of the Right Hand of Fellowship to each member on admission appears to have been regularly done after 1870 The Lodge originally met on the First and Third Tuesdays of each month from September to May and in 1870 it was decided to hold the Election and Installation of Office-bearers on a convenient evening nearest to the day of St. John (December) instead of mid-summer.
The ceremony for installing the R. W. Master has been worked since it was instituted in 1872 but the first mention of it in the Minutes appears in April 1878.
In 1873, the first recorded inventory of the Lodge property was taken and the whole insured for £100.
On the 19th October, 1875, it was proposed in Open Lodge to provide a box to be passed round .among the Brethren during the working of the 1st Degree, the proceeds of such collection to be specifically used for poor and distressed Brethren and/or their dependents. This would appear to be the forerunner of .the Grand Lodge Law which now directs that collections for Benevolence must 'always be taken during an Initiation ceremony. Furthermore, there is little doubt that from such a modest beginning the Lodge's Benevolent Funds were steadily built up to a position which enables suitable grants to be made, and a landmark was reached when, in 1958, a sum of £100 was gifted to "Randolph Hill," the .hospital and convalescent home attached at "Auld Wharrie."
It was first resolved to work the Mark Degree in 1870 and the fee was fixed at 5/-, but it seems to have fallen into abeyance until 1892 a when on 5th May the Master and Office-bearers of Lodge St. Vincent, Glasgow, No. 553, visited the Lodge to work the Degree and it is interesting to note that the then Master of the Lodge was one of the candidates.
The Lodge's first Funeral Lodge was held in 1899, the Tracing Boards were first used in that year and the Master, Brother Maurice-Isaacs, J.P., was the first Jewish Brother to take the Chair of any Lodge in the Capital.
A committee was appointed in 1885 to consider the introduction of Music into the Lodge ceremonies and since then full use has been made of this adjunct to beautify our workings and how fortunate the Lodge has been in this regard. The book of hymns now in use was compiled by the late Brother William G. Bowie, P.M., who many present day members will remember, but no story of music in the Rifle Lodge would be complete without mentioning the name of Brother Andrew Morrison. He has -been Organist of the Lodge for the past 40 years, has rarely missed a Meeting and his music, whether in Lodge or Harmony Room has charmed and delighted many thousands of Brethren. It was very fitting indeed that the Grand Master Mason saw fit to honour him in 1957 by making him an Honorary Grand Director of Music. Over the years it is natural that ,many gifts have been made to the Lodge but pride of place must be given to the elegant gold Chain-of-Office (or Collar), worn by the Master. It was presented by Brother E, Roland McNab, S.S.C., P.M., and consists of a number of 'shields held together by chain and motifs from which is suspended the Jewel of a Master. On the shields are engraved the names of those Brethren who have passed through the Chair.
Among other earlier presentations or acquisitions are the Memorial Scroll in memory of those Brethren who fell or served in the Great War of 1914-18 and which was unveiled by the late Brother The Rev. Canon R. J. Mackay (Chaplain of the Lodge) in 1931, the Warden’s & Chairs and Batons, the Volume of the Sacred Law and Cushion, the Deacons' Wands of Office and the 2nd Degree Tracing Board.
Of more recent years, other presentations have been made but more of that later.
The meetings of the Lodge continued in Freemasons' Hall until 1910 when Grand Lodge decided to erect more commodious premises, and one of the last functions held by the Lodge there was the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of its Foundation.
The Church Service was held in St. Martin's Episcopal. Church and the Service was conducted by Brother The Reverend Canon '. R. J. Mackay, Chaplain of the Lodge.
The Lodge secured temporary, but not very .suitable, premises at the Royal Society of Arts Hall, 117 George Street, and the dates of the meetings were changed to the First and Third Mondays of the month.
In 1914 The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland offered accommodation in the Chapel of St Andrew at 76 Queen Street, and here the Lodge stayed for 33 years and it was from the latter years of that tenancy that began what must surely be recognised as the most progressive and challenging years of the Lodge.
Between the years of 1945 and 1947 membership grew considerably, so much so that despite the ample room; in the Chapel of St. Andrew, there was a decided lack of accommodation for members and their guests in the Harmony Room. After considerable discussion, it was eventually decided to seek suitable premises which could be purchased and mention must here be made of the untiring efforts of the Committee selected for this task, and in particular Brother F. K. S. Fraser, P.M. It was he who finally arranged for the purchase of our present premises, having previously had the foresight and imagination. to appreciate its possibilities. Prior to the takeover, it had been in use during the war as a sleeping annexe for Service men, and for a year or so had been rather neglected. However, the building was purchased for £4,000, £3,000 of which was left on Bond.
It was now that the challenge to the Lodge Members was offered and accepted. The valuable services rendered by so many members was an object lesson to all. Each Brother gave of his best as far as ability allowed; the joiner and electrical work will ever remain a memorial to Brothers D. MacLaren, P.M., and G. Todd respectively, whilst .their forebearance in money matters, was a shining example to their Masonic spirit. Among other notable gifts of that period were the pedestal fashioned most beautifully and presented by Brother E. E1der, P.M., the sundial and Past Masters' Board, made and carved by Brother A. A. Thomson, P.M., and presented by the Past Masters themselves, and the framed Tracing Boards presented by Brother G. E. Cooper, P.M., and Brother W. Ford.
At this stage, one of the main requirements was sufficient money to meet the needs of current outlay, and a great deal of credit is due to Brother F. K. S. Fraser, P.M., for- launching the scheme of £5 Unit Certificates. It was now that the loyalty and enthusiasm of the Members became really apparent, for the sum of almost £1,100 was raised by this means, and finally enabled the Lodge to discharge its debts to tradesmen.
The first meeting in the new premises was held on December 1947 when Brother A. A. Thomson, P.M., had the honour of opening the Lodge. On the same evening Brother G. E. Cooper was installed into the Chair by Brother Henry Laird, P.M. (Grand Piper), and. Grand Lodge was represented by the late Brother Charles Burrows, a greatly respected member of the Craft and an Honorary Member of the Lodge.
From then on the many problems which confront a landlord began to appear, and it became obvious that a monthly meeting of the General Committee was not the ideal way in which to conduct the affairs of the Lodge and building. Early in 1949 therefore, a Lodge Management Committee was elected, consisting of five Brethren, whose duty it was to attend to the day; by day administration of the Lodge premises. At the same time, a separate Lodge Building Fund was created, the object of which was to administer the income and expenditure of all monies which related to the Building. The success of these moves speaks for itself; basically the Brethren then appointed are still serving. Nevertheless, whatever success this Committee may have achieved, their efforts would have proved fruitless but for the constant activities of so many Lodge Members. By means of Whist Drives, Dances, Cabarets, Voluntary Levies, Raffles, Sales of Work and Personal Donations, great strides were and still are being made. By May 1951 the last two creditor tradesmen were paid in full, and by mid 1957 all £5 Unit Certificate holders who wished repayment were also repaid. That this latter was accomplished in half the time agreed upon reflects the utmost credit on all concerned. special mention must be made here of Brother G. E. Cooper, P.M. Always an enthusiastic member of the Lodge, he undertook the administration of the Building Fund at its inception and his constant concern for the finances of the Fund acted as the spur .to the activities already mentioned. Under his capable hands a satisfactory Reserve Fund has been built. At this stage it is appropriate to tell of a decision which brought a reprimand from Grand Lodge which confirms earlier reference to the vigilance Grand Lodge now has over the affairs of Daughter Lodges and later a commendation to the Brethren. The two outstanding tradesmen's accounts were from members of the Craft and it was recognised .that they had been more than patient. In view of the recent great efforts made by the Brethren to raise money it was felt that they should not be approached again at this stage and accordingly the General Committee decided that a sum of £433 12s. 2d. lying in the Benevolent Fund should be loaned to the Building Fund; this was done with the approval of the Brethren and the tradesmen were paid. A letter was received from Grand Secretary dated 8th December 1953 which demanded that the sum borrowed p1us interest be repaid to the Benevolent Fund not later than 28th February 1955.
A Special Meeting of the Members was held on 20th January 1954 when Brother T. Balmain, R.W.M., took the Chair Brother F. K. S. Fraser, P.M., was called to speak to the Meeting and the position, including the events leading to it, was put squarely to the members. An amicable discussion followed, the members appreciating that what had been done, although wrong in concept, had been done with good intent.
It was decided to inaugurate a "Gift and Loan" Scheme and on that night cash amounting to £144 5/- was received. In all £143 was loaned (this was refunded to the Brethren concerned on 14th August 1955) and £390 11d. was gifted - £533 11s. and the Secretary was proudly instructed to write Grand Secretary confirming that the capital sum borrowed on 29th March plus accrued interest was repaid to the Lodge Treasurer on 23rd February, 1954. True Masonic tradition prevailed among the Brethren and Grand Secretary graciously commended the members on their effort. In the result two wrongs (decisions) were put to right.
In April 1949 a small Reserve Fund was created which has steadily grown year by year, and it is hoped in the not too distant future that sufficient will have accumulated to repay the Bond on the premises.
In recalling the varied activities organised for raising Funds it does not appear to be out of place to note some of these hard working Brethren, such as Brothers Elder, McLeod, Brimson, Smith, Duncan and more recently Brothers Gilroy, Rennie and others too numerous to mention, but it cannot be too often repeated that none of their efforts would have succeeded but for the loyal support of many Brethren.
In all these activities sight was not lost of the constant duty to maintain the high standard of working Degrees and in furtherance of this, in 1950, it was decided to hold the Annual Election in April and .to install Office-bearers in May, thus allowing the newly elected Brethren to work for a complete Session without interruption.
Before closing this "historiette" it would not be invidious to mention the names of one or two other Brethren who have distinguished themselves in other aspects of Lodge activities. Many of the present day Brethren will remember that lovable character, the late Brother W. B. Horsburgh, P.M. Despite his advanced age and. failing eyesight, he never neglected to visit a sick or needy Brother, (or his dependents) during his many years as Lodge Almoner. His passing was a grievous loss to the Lodge. Another cheerful and willing member whose loss we mourn was Brother John Wallace, who served us so well as Lodge Tyler for many years. His sudden: passing was also a great loss to the Lodge.
It is not unfair to say that among Freemasons within and outwith the Metropolitan District the names of "The Rifle Lodge" and Brother George F. Machray, P.M., have been synonymous and for many years it has .been difficult to think of one without the other. He joined the Lodge on 7th November 1910, was. Master in 1925 and passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 8th January 1959. Apart from the war years he was a regular attender of the Lodge and up to the time of his passing was an active member of the General Committee indeed much of the research for this record was carried out by him. By Example and Precept he was a true Brother and the memory of him and his untiring work for the Lodge will long remain -with us.
One other Brother who should be recognised is happily still with us. Brother W. Bryce, P.M., is. known to all, both as a ritualist and as Poet Laureate of the Lodge. His service of over 50 years was recognised in 1958, when he was presented with a Jewel suitably engraved.
As a short history this narrative inevitably deals with the past and in the light of events and personalities gone before the Lodge will assuredly look to the future with confidence.
The aim of all must be steady and sure progress during the coming years that those who follow will be able to say in very truth "The Second Century built upon the First."