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At the Past Masters' Dinner in the year 1988-1989 it was proposed by Immediate Past Master Brother John Heron Junior that the Lodge history be researched and brought up to date for the provision of material for a history of the Lodge to be produced in booklet form to extend the first hundred years. This material to be kept in the Lodge Museum for future reference. It was agreed that Past Master Brother Joe Smith and Past Master Brother John Heron, Senior, be entrusted with that duty.
The origin of the Rifle Lodge No.405 and the history of the first hundred years -1860-1960 -has already been recorded in booklet form. It is now fitting that the next fifty years should be given their proper place in our history to make one hundred and fifty years to leave to the archives of our Lodge, 1860-2010.
THE RIFLE LODGE
No 405
1960-2005
A special meeting was held in the Rifle Masonic Halls, 32A Broughton Street on the 30th April 1960 when Bro. David T. Cameron was installed as Right Worshipful Master of the Rifle Lodge No.405. The Installing Ceremony was carried out by Past Masters Bro.George Cooper and Bro.Donald McLaren. On that occasion one hundred and sixty-one brethren attended the Festival of St.John. A special meeting was held on the 6th May 1960. The Right Worshipful Master welcomed a Deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, headed by The Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason, The Earl of Eglinton and Winton, who was accompanied by Bro.George Moodie, Bro.R. Smith and Bro.Jardine, acting as Grand Director of Ceremonies. The Grand Master addressed the brethren after which a service of re-dedication was conducted by Bro.J.A.Taylor, the Worshipful Junior Grand Chaplain. In conclusion the Deputation from Grant Lodge retired. The Right Worshipful Master, Bro.Cameron closed the Lodge in due and ancient form, informing the brethren that transport was available to convey them to Grand Lodge halls in George Street where dinner and harmony were enjoyed by all, presided over by Bro.Joe Smith, Past Master -Director of Ceremonies on that occasion. On Sunday, 7th May a church service was held in Abbeyhill Church where a very large number of brethren from various lodges in the City and provinces were present. The Grand Lodge of Scotland were represented by Bro.R. Smith, the Chairman of the Metropolitan District Committee -Bro.Andrew Morrison, the Rifle Lodge organist for over forty years presided at the organ during the service -During the close season it was reported to General Committee that the Master's Chair had been fixed in its proper place and a display case, the Lodge museum, erected in the Temple -At the first meeting of the season held on the 3rd October 1960 -The Right Worshipful Master Bro.David Cameron, conferred Honorary Membership on Bro.Alexander Buchan, the Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
The friendship between Lodge Union and Crown, No. 103 of Glasgow, Lodge Tyneside No. 714 of East Linton and The Edinburgh Services Lodge, No.1291, grew even stronger; the Right Worshipful Master conferring honorary membership on their respective masters, Bro.Henry Lodge, Bro.William Glass and Bro.Alex McLean. During his term of office Bro.Cameron on behalf of the Lodge thanked the Centenary Committee for all the work carried out by them to make the Centenary year the success it assuredly was. Bro.George Cooper, Past Master and Bro.Fred Merwood, the Lodge secretary were thanked by the Right Worshipful Master and were given a presentation gift for the work they had done leading up to, and during the Centenary Year. Past Master Bro.George Cooper requested that the gift he was to receive on this occasion be donated to the Lodge in the form of a new tessellated carpet for the floor of the Temple. This gesture was much appreciated by the brethren, and profuse thanks extended by the Right Worshipful Master.
In January 1961 at a Committee Meeting Bro.G. Cooper informed the Lodge that he was retiring to the south of England. On 20th February 1961 as a token of respect; the Right Worshipful Master requested Bro. Cooper to confer the First Degree on five candidates. On that occasion one hundred and fifty brethren were present.
On the 6th March 1961 it was reported that owing to ill health the Lodge secretary Bro.Merwood would not be in attendance for some time. Bro.Joe Smith, Past Master, took over as acting secretary -the Past Masters' Degree was conferred on the first meeting in February- P.M. Bro.Tom Balmain being in the chair. On the 20th of March 1961 the new carpet donated by Past Master Bro.Cooper was brought into the Lodge. Right Worshipful Master Bro.Cameron handed it over to Past Master Bro.Cooper with a few moving words. Bro.Cooper replied then they both unrolled the carpet into its appropriate place. It was intimated on 27th March 1961 that owing to sustained illness Bro.Merwood had to retire from the office of Lodge Secretary. The members of the General Committee recommended to the Lodge that Past Master Bro.Joe Smith take over as secretary. This was agreed and accepted. At the close of the Centenary Year the Master and his Office Bearers were congratulated for their support and assistance. During this special year 1829 brethren and visitors attended the Lodge. During the 60s it was agreed that billets would be sent out to the brethren only for the Annual General Meeting each year, in April, and that other meetings would be advertised in the Masonic Notices in the Edinburgh Evening News in an effort to cut down costs. The General Committee put to the Lodge and it was passed that bottles of whisky could be sold over the bar only at Installations and at Burns Suppers for the price of fifty-five shillings. This rule still applies but alas not the price.
The 21st April 1961 saw Bro.James McCallum installed into the Chair of King Solomon. The finances of the Lodge were in the hands of Past Master Bro.William Finnie and many brethren rallied round to give support in organising dances, cabarets, sales of work and jumble sales in an effort to payoff the bond held on the building. Past Master Bro.Tom Balmain on the 30th November 1961 presented a pipers jewel to the Lodge during Bro.Tom Askew's term of office as Master it was agreed that a mark token be designed and struck to replace the mark paper certificate then in existence. This was passed in open Lodge and on the 20th October 1963 five hundred duly ordered. At a meeting held on 25th April 1962 it was agreed to present to Bro.A. Richardson a fifty years' service jewel. As he was in poor health and confined to his house this honour was conferred in his home; nine brethren being present. On Monday, the 24th September 1962 Bro.Andrew Morrison, the Lodge organist for so many years, took up residence at Ault Wharrie, the Masonic home at Dunblane. Then on the 4th of February 1963 the Right Worshipful Master Bro.W.N. Stevenson on behalf of the Lodge presented to Bro.Andrew Morrison, forty-four years Lodge organist, as a small token of their gratitude, a masonic Bible, a pipe and a pouch replete with tobacco.
Bro.Peter Wallace was installed as Master for 1963-64 and like all Masters before him had a very successful year ably supported by his office bearers and brethren of the Lodge. The affinity between the Rifle and Tyneside-714 and Union and Crown, Glasgow-103 was continued, 103 conferring a degree at the Rifle Lodge and the Rifle doing likewise at 103. The Master of the, Services Lodge had Honorary membership conferred upon him as had all Masters of that Lodge before him.
1965 saw Bro.Bill Reid installed as Right Worshipful Master. He had a busy year and with the assistance of his office bearers a successful one. In the year 1966 a long serving and faithful Brother was taken from us in the person of Bro.Andrew Morrison. He will be remembered for a long time for his cheery disposition and for his long service as Lodge organist. 1966 was an eventful year for the Lodge. The highlight of Right Worship Master Bro.George Hay's year was when he received from Past Master Bro.Bill Finnie the Building Fund secretary, on the 27th February 1967, the Bond Certificate to certify that the Rifle Lodge halls were now the property of the brethren of 405, all debts being now paid up. The Master expressed his thanks to Bro.Finnie for his work during the past few years who, with the assistance of many brethren had made this possible, that the Rifle Lodge now owned their own property. During the past eighteen years many brethren had taken on the duties of running all kinds of moneymaking endeavours to payoff this bond. Bro.Hay intimated that every effort would be made to ensure that the halls are improved internally and outside as funds became available. During the next few years many improvements were carried out to the interior of the halls and to the exterior of the building, this being made possible by the devotion of many brethren to the interests of their Lodge -this now finished the years 1960- 1970.
The year 1970-1971 completed Minute Book number seven. On 22nd February 1971 Past Master Bro.Donald McLaren gave notice of his retirement from active service in the Lodge, but intimated he would come among his brethren as often as his health would permit. In July 1972 the secretary received a notification from the Historical Buildings Council of Scotland that the Rifle Lodge halls, 32A Broughton Street has been placed on the list of Buildings of Special Architecture and Historical Interest -the General Committee proposed that the one hundred and twenty-five years of the Lodge should be remembered by improving the interior of the Temple and recovering all the seating. This was passed and agreed to in open Lodge -the ladies of the Lodge in an effort to raise funds organised and held dances, jumble sales and sales of work to assist in this project. The ties between Lodge Union and Crown, number 103, Glasgow, and Lodge Tyneside, number 714, East Linton, remained as strong as ever.
In the year 1974 Right Worshipful Master Bro.John F. Heron (Senior) working a degree in Glasgow and receiving a return visit from Glasgow 103, who conferred a second degree. On that occasion Bro.John Heron conferred Honorary Membership on Past Master Peter McVean Cantley of Lodge Union and Crown. In the same year the Master had presented to him a Deputation from Lodge Tyneside 714, headed by Bro.Lord Balfour who then worked a second degree.
In January 1975 the Right Worshipful Master Bro.Joe Blacklock graciously gave permission for Immediate Past Master Bro.John Heron to obligate his son Bro.John Heron (Junior) into the Lodge as a Lewis. Bro.Alexander Stevenson as Master of the Lodge, on the 5th of January 1976 conferred Honorary Membership of 405 on Past Master Bro.Alfie Dale of Lodge Union and Crown 103, Glasgow. Bros.Hamish Shepherd and Sandy Stevenson being Honorary members of 103.
The 7th of March 1977 saw Bro.James McEwan of Tyneside 704 become an Honorary member of the Rifle Lodge. In this year for the first time in the history of the Lodge, an open Burns Supper was held in the month of January 1977. The demise of Past Master Bro.David Cameron was reported to the Lodge on the 4th of April 1977. David was our Centenary Master and a great character in the Lodge. On the 25th April 1977 Bro.Alex Walker, R.W.M., presented to Bro.Joe Smith, Past Master, the Distinguished Service Diploma in recognition of his long service to the Lodge. On the 5th of May 1977 Right Worshipful Master Bro.Alexander Walker received a Deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland headed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Bro.Captain Robert Woolridge Gordon of Esslemont, also being present Bro.Duncan Lowe, Chairman of the Metropolitan District Committee of Edinburgh; Bro.E.S.Falconer, Worshipful Grand Secretary; Bro.E.Down, Bro.R.Beveridge and Bro.D.Grafton. A Deputation was also presented from the District Grand Lodge of Newfoundland, headed by the District Grand Master, Bro.A.Knight, also presented were Bro.E.K.Taylor; substitute District Grant Master; Bro.M.B.Davis, Past Substitute District Grand Master; Bro.J. Campbell, District Grand Junior Warden; Bro.D.M.Taylor, District Grand Treasurer; Bro.L.C.Chaffey, District Grand Superintendent and Bro.H.Ryan, District Grand Senior Deacon. In the collection taken on that occasion there was one United States dollar and one Canadian dollar. On 21st November 1977 Bro.John Anderson of Lodge Tyneside 714, a well-known brother and visitor to the Rifle Lodge became an Honorary member. On the 6th of February 1978 a Deputation was well received from Lodge Wylie, number 3836 English Constitution in Warwickshire. The Rifle Lodge subsequently returning this visit.
A Deputation was presented from Lodge Union and Crown, Glasgow number 103 on the 6th of March 1978 and a Second Degree worked by them on that occasion. It was stated at a General Committee Meeting that a Special Meeting of the Lodge be held in August 1979 to discuss the Lodge finances. All brethren to be present. This was agreed and a discussion took place:
The Right Worshipful Master intimating that the financial situation of the Lodge was at a very low ebb indeed. Several suggestions were put forward, one being a proposal to sell the Halls. An amendment was made to keep the halls and an appeal made to the brethren to rally round and extricate the Lodge from this difficult situation. A vote was taken and the amendment was carried. Past Master Bro.Alexander Stevenson assisted by Past Master Bro.Bill Finnie declared that they would organise and hold a Xmas Raffle and draw to take place on the 19th December 1978. At a meeting of the Lodge on the 7th of January 1979 Bro.Stevenson declared that the profit from the draw after all expenses had been defrayed realised the sum of five hundred and twenty pounds and twenty four pence. A very worthy effort which was applauded by the Lodge and gratefully received by Bro.Treasurer and the finance committee. From then on the Lodge has gone on from strength to strength.
During the 1980s the Lodge continued to prosper and brethren continued to give up time and effort for the benefit of their Lodge. On the 17th of March 1980 Right Worshipful Master Bro.Joe Martin, conferred Past Master Bro.George Hay with his 50 years service in freemasonry Diploma. Bro.Hay received the same with a few well chosen words, took the mallet from the Master and proceeded to work the Third Degree. Right Worshipful Master Bro.Jackie Campbell on the 6th of October 1980 presented to Past Master Bro.Bill Finnie a Distinguished Service Diploma in recognition of his long and outstanding work for the Lodge.
In the year 1982 Right Worshipful Master Bro.Hamish Shepherd conferred Honorary membership of the Rifle Lodge on Past Master Bro.John Paterson of Lodge Union and Crown, 103 Glasgow. On 26th April 1982 the death was intimated of Bro.Danny Campbell, Lodge Steward for many years and a stalwart worker for the Lodge. The Bar in the Refectory bears his name to this day -Danny's Bar. 21st April 1983 was the day when Bro.John Aitken, senior, was presented to the Lodge and to the Right Worshipful Master Bro.Jackie Orr on the occasion of his 60 years in Freemasonry and invited to the East. Bro.John was Assistant Steward for many years. The 5th of November 1984 was a sad day for the Rifle Lodge -on that day it was intimated to the brethren that Past Master Bro.Donald McLaren had passed to the Grand Lodge above. Bro.Donald gave great support to his Lodge before, during and after the purchasing of the halls. Being a joiner to trade he has left his mark in the halls by the work of his hands.
Bro.Robert Smith, Past Depute Grand Master, at a meeting on the 28th April 1986 presented to the Lodge a well-turned and beautifully finished Mallet, given by Lady Saltoun, originally presented to her husband, Lord Saltoun, Past Grand Master during the years 1897-1902 by Bro.J.Thompson, Past Grand Sword Bearer and a Past Master of the Rifle Lodge, on the 25th December 1902. A gesture much appreciated by the 405 brethren. The General Committee recommended at this time that all completed Minute Books be placed in the offices of Grand Lodge of Scotland, 96 George Street, Edinburgh, for safekeeping. Tuesday, 7th May 1985 was the rededication ceremony of the Centenary of Lodge Tyneside 714, East Linton. The Rifle Lodge Master Bro. Comrie Stott was invited and several brethren represented 405 on that occasion and at the Church on Sunday. The 3rd of May 1986 was the Installation Day of Bro.William Thomson into the Chair of the Rifle Lodge. On the 5th of May, two days later, he received a Deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland headed by Bro.G.Brown, the Substitute Grand Master and Bro.Richard Beveridge, the Chairman of the Metropolitan District Committee of Grand Lodge. A Deputation was also presented from the Grand Lodge of Michigan headed by Bro.R.Sands, the Grand Master and accompanied by many other distinguished brethren. Bro.R.Renwick was the candidate for a Third Degree worked by our brethren from the United States of America. The Degree was in the form of an Allegorical Play. Grand Master Bro.Sands presented to the Rifle Lodge momentos of the visit. On the 19th November 1986 the Right Worshipful Master and his office bearers conferred a Master Masons Degree in the presence of the Grand Master of Japan and distinguished brethren from Nigeria. This Degree was worked in conjunction with the commemoration of the 250 years celebration of the founding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
The 19th of January 1987 was another sad day for the Rifle. The brethren paid a silent token of respect on the demise of Past Master Bro.William Finnie. Bill was convener of the building fund and a tireless worker in all aspect of his Lodge and a great loss.
Bro.William Jackson took his place as Right Worshipful Master on 7th May 1987 and proved himself a worthy leader to his office bearers and brethren.
At a general Committee Meeting on the 22nd September 1987 a letter from Grand Lodge was read out intimating that the Rifle Lodge would be the sponsors of a Third Degree to be worked in Grand Lodge by the Grand Lodge of Michigan on September the 5th, 1988.
A gift of eight decanters for the use at Lodge harmonies was presented to the Lodge by Bro.John Harold on 7th December 1987.
This gesture was much appreciated by the brethren. An event took place on May the lst, 1988 which proved to a historical occasion for the Lodge. Bro.John F. Heron, Junior, who was initiated into the Lodge as a Lewis, was installed into the Chair of King Solomon by his father, Bro.John F. Heron, Senior, Past Master. The first time in the lodge's existence of a father installing his son. Past Master Bro.Jackie Orr assisting as Installing Master.
On the 5th September 1988 at a special meeting of the Rifle Lodge, held in Freemasons Hall in George Street, the Right Worshipful Master Bro.John F. Heron, Junior, received a Deputation from the Grand Lodge of Michigan headed by Bro.Ken Bolton, the Grand Master, also from the Grand Lodge of Scotland headed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Bro.J.M.Marcus Humphry of Dinnet. The Third Degree was then worked by the Grand Lodge of Michigan. This was in costume and in the form of an allegorical play and was much enjoyed by the large number of brethren present. A collection taken on this auspicious occasion realised the sum of eight hundred pounds. A great deal of credit must be given to Bro.J. Heron, Junior, The Right Worshipful Master, for the time and energy he devoted in organising this event. Also to Past Masters Bros. Bill Thomson, Bill Jackson and John Heron, senior. A special vote of thanks was given to the Master's mother, Patricia Heron, who came up to Grand Lodge the day before to prepare and layout tables and the day after to clear away and wash up. The following day the Right Worshipful Master welcomed into the Rifle a Deputation from the Grand Lodge of Michigan again headed by Grand Master Bro.Ken Bolton. The American brethren then witnessed a Master Mason's Degree according to the Rifle Lodge tradition. At a harmony after the degree, held in the refectory downstairs our American brothers were entertained. Bro.Ken Bolton presented to 405 two beautiful crystal chalices engraved with Masonic Insignia. One to be kept in the Lodge Museum and the other to be raffled to all Lodges and Chapters within the Metropolitan District, the proceeds to go to the Grand Master Mason of Scotland's Appeal for the New Masonic Home in Edinburgh. The winner of this raffle was Lodge Heart of Midlothian No.832. The sum of £1,320 was donated by the Rifle Lodge to the Most Worshipful Grand Master’s Appeal. During his term of office Bro.John Heron, Junior, firmly cemented the old ties between our sister Lodges. A Deputation was taken to Union and Crown 103 Glasgow and Tyneside 714. A mark degree was worked at 103 by 405. During this time Past Master Alfie Dale of Union and Crown conferred Honorary membership on the Master's father, Past Master Bro.J. Heron, senior. At a General Committee Meeting on 27th February 1989 it was decided that Honorary Membership Jewels be purchased.
It is not the material wealth of a Lodge, nor the fineness of the furnishings which make it rich, it is the Spirit and the Dedication in the Heart if it’s Brethren which raise it to Greatness.
Late in 2004 a request was made by the Lodge to Bro. W. Thomson PM for him to carry out an update of the Lodge history. He hopes his efforts are satisfactory.
In the early 1990s the Lodge continued to be at the forefront of Freemasonry in Edinburgh, although funds were increasingly having to be spent on the upkeep of the Lodge premises. It should be stated that the expenditure would have been greater had it not been for the efforts of the tradesmen and volunteers within the Lodge.
On 3 Feb. 1992 a Distinguished Service Diploma was presented to Bro. A. Sivewright for his outstanding service to the Lodge as Almoner. Bro. Andrew was surprised and delighted to receive this honour for what he considered as his duty to his Mother Lodge. Later that month a report was submitted to the General Committee on behalf of P. Cox Ltd. indicating that due to dampness, major repair work was required to the internal staircase and the guttering to the rear of the building. The raising of funds for this was to be a major priority for the Lodge over the coming year.
On 2 March 1992 Bro. J. Orr PM intimated that the Lodge bowlers had won the 3 rd. Division Championship. On 7 March a special meeting was held where Lodge Dundonnie worked a Fellowcraft Degree, the degree team being led by Bro. N. Murray RWM.
On 2 May 1992 Bro. John Dadds was installed as RWM and Bro. W. Jackson PM became Lodge Secretary.
The death of Bro. A. Stevenson PM was intimated to the Lodge on 5 Oct. 1992.
In November 1992 the General Committee, with a view to raising funds for the stair repair, discussed the sale of the car park. This was deemed a last case scenario, as the car park rental had proved invaluable over the years. Also considered were a mortgage and the setting up of a consortium. These options were to be investigated.
On 1 Feb. 1993 the Brethren were sad to hear of the death of Bro. E. Elder PM after a long illness.
At the AGM in April 1993 the Secretary’s report intimated that major building maintenance was urgently required, but the financing of this was causing concern. Later that month Bro. S Wheeler PM donated £100 towards the building fund. At the April General Committee meeting it was decided that a bank loan be taken out for the building repairs. All future fundraising was to be directed towards the repayment of this loan.
On 1 May 1993 Bro. Jim Melvin was installed into the Chair of King Solomon.
During the summer recess work started on the roof and stairwell repairs. This work proved to be more extensive than first thought and dispensation was sought from the Metropolitan District Committee to cancel the first Regular meeting in October. Dispensation was also granted to have the meeting on 18 Oct. held within Lodge Scotia Regia, St.Clair Place.
On 17 Jan. 1994 the deaths of Bros. J. McCallum PM and W. Russell were intimated to the Lodge.
On 7 March 1994 Bro. James Wilson MM of 405 and an Affiliate Member of Lodge Brotherly Love 1428 were presented with a Jubilee Diploma marking fifty years service to Freemasonry.
At the AGM in April Bro. W. Jackson PM reported that the final cost of the recent building repairs came to £12300. A special meeting on 16 April was attended by Bro. A. Murphy PM No.8, Assistant Chairman of the Metropolitan District Committee, where Lodge Dundonnie 1087 worked a Master Mason Degree. Bro. D.J. Paton was the candidate.
On 7 May 1994 Bro. Clark Grieve was installed as RWM.
At the General Committee meeting in October it was noted that the redecoration of the entrance hall, stairway and Refectory was nearing completion thanks to funding provided by Bros. J. Melvin PM and W. Thomson PM.
On 6 May 1995 Bro. R. Kelly was installed as RWM. It was decided that an updated Lodge Ritual be adopted without change.
On 15 January 1996 a proposal was presented to the Lodge by the Finance Committee that the Lodge premises be sold. This was passed unanimously.
On 18 March 1996 an exemplification of the Master Mason Degree was carried out by Lodge Union and Crown, Glasgow 103. On the same evening Honorary Membership was conferred on Bro. George McGhee PM Union and Crown, by W. Jackson PM.
On 1 April 1996 the Brethren were sad to hear of the death of Bro. John Anderson PM Lodge Tyneside 714 HM 405. An invitation was received from Bro. Bob Tait PM, chairman of The Metropolitan District Committee, to attend a meeting of property owning Lodges in the north side of the city, to discuss future property requirements. Bros. J.Dadds PM, J.Melvin PM, C. Grieve PM and W. Thomson PM were appointed to attend this meeting. Also discussed were offers from Lodge Abbotsford 937 and Lodge Waverley 597 for The Rifle Lodge to take up tenancy in their premises. After a vote it was decided to have a further meeting with Lodge Waverley.
On 4 May 1996 Bro. David Robertson was installed into the Chair of King Solomon.
A special meeting of the Lodge was held on 13 May 1996 to discuss two offers which had been submitted regarding purchase of the Lodge premises. After thorough discussion and the consideration of advice given by D.M. Hall (Chartered Surveyors) and Mr. B. Abrams (Lawyer), the offer made by Mr. L. Millar was accepted unanimously.
At the General Committee Meeting on 15 August 1996 suspicions that had recently arisen about the validity of the offer made by Mr. L. Millar were confirmed by the fact that he had withdrawn his offer. He stated that he wanted to renegotiate the deal but this was rejected and the premises put back on the market with an entry date no earlier than June 1997.
On 21 October 1996 Bro. David Fairbairn was presented with an engraved decanter as a mark of appreciation by the Brethren for his many years of service as Treasurer.
20 January 1997 the death of Bro. S. Wheeler PM was intimated to the Lodge.
On 4 February a meeting of the Finance Special Sub-Committee was held to discuss three offers tendered for the purchase of the Lodge premises. Two of the offers had conditions attached but the third made by Silvermills Estates and Land Ltd. was unconditional and was accepted by the Committee.
A further meeting of the Sub-Committee was held to consider a fourth offer, but following advice given by the selling agent and the Lodge lawyer it was decided to adhere to the previous decision. At the General Committee Meeting on 24 February Bro. Secretary intimated that missives of sale had been concluded.
At the AGM on 7 April 1997 in his annual report Bro. W. Jackson PM Secretary informed the Lodge that the sale of the building was concluded and that the premises would be vacated on 1 June. He thanked the members of the Finance Committee for their support throughout the past year.
On 3 May 1997 Bro. George Rogers was installed as RWM.
During the month of May a great deal of work was carried out by the Brethren with regard to the storage of Lodge furniture, the sale and disposal of excess fixtures and fittings and the movement of regalia etc. to Lodge Waverley. At the General Committee meeting on 7 July the RWM thanked all those involved for their efforts. Bro. J. Dadds PM was appointed as the Lodge representative on the Steering Committee for the proposed Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh.
On 7 October 1997 the Lodge held a Special Business Meeting as tenants within Elgin House, 6 Easter Road. It was proposed that the monies from the bar account, which was now redundant, be transferred to a new account set up for financing the Lodge 150 celebrations in 2010.
At the AGM 6 April 1998 Bro. J. Dadds was elected as Lodge Representative to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh.
The sad loss of Bro. G. Anderson PM 937 HM 405 was intimated to the Lodge. His companionship and humour would be missed.
On 2 May 1998 Bro. George Rogers was re-installed as RWM.
On 17 October 1998 at the erection and consecration of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh Bro. J. Dadds was installed as Provincial Grand Assistant Director of Ceremonies.
At the AGM 5 April 1999 a lengthy discussion took place whether the Lodge should move tenancy to Scotia Regia Halls or remain at Elgin House. After a close vote it was decided to move to Scotia Regia.
On 1 May 1999 Bro. Andrew Nish was installed as RWM. During the summer of 1999 the Lodge moved to the premises of Lodge Scotia Regia.
On 17 January 2000 the death of Bro. Ollie Stewart PM 1291 HM was intimated to the Lodge.
On 7 February 2000 Bros. J Briggs and D Crombie PM’s 223 where made Honorary Members.
On 6 May 2000 Bro. K Stott was installed into the chair of King Solomon.
On 20 November Bro. Ian Baillie RWM 1291 was made an Honorary Member of the Lodge.
On 18 December 2000 the death of Lt. Commander Richard Beveridge PM 1291 Past Chairman of the Metropolitan District Committee HM 405 was intimated to the Lodge.
On 19 March 2001 a Deputation was received from Lodge Dundonnie 1087 headed by Bro. J Skinner PM. A Deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh headed by RW PGM R Tait accompanied by the DP GM of Aberdeenshire East, Bro. A Davidson was also received. Bro. R Skinner was presented with a 50 year diploma on behalf of Lodge St James 256. Thereafter, Bro. J Briggs PM HM took the chair of King Solomon to confer the Master Mason’s Degree.
On 23 March 2001 the General Committee decided that the Lodge carpet from Broughton Street should be donated to Lodge Dundonnie 1087.
On 5 May 2001 Bro. J Small was installed as RWM.
On 3 December 2001 Honorary Membership was conferred on Bro. Jack Wallis IPM Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85.
On 17 December 2001 on behalf of the Lodge Bro. J Orr PM congratulated Bro. W Jackson PM on his efforts in raising £3814 for the Wishbone Trust.
On 1 April 2002 at the Annual General Meeting a sub committee was formed to arrange the 150 Anniversary Celebrations. The committee to comprise of Bros. J Dadds PM, W Jackson PM, W Thomson PM plus the RWM and IPM of the year.
On 4 May 2002 Bro. J Graham was installed into the chair of King Solomon.
On 7 October 2002 Bro. R Laidlaw PM Scotia Regia 1345 was made an Honorary Member.
On 2 December 2002 a Deputation was received from Lodge Union and Crown Glasgow 103 headed by Bro. P Cantley RWM. The Office Bearers of The Rifle Lodge vacated their offices in favour of the Office Bearers of Lodge Union and Crown, whereupon Bro. Cantley conferred Honorary Membership of Lodge Union and Crown on Bros. W Thomson PM and J Small PM.
On 21 April 2003 Honorary Membership was conferred on Bro. J Brash RWM 757.
On 3 May 2003 Bro. D Skedd was installed as RWM.
On 6 October 2003 the deaths of Bros. W Brimson PM, I Murray PM and J Elvin where intimated to the Lodge.
On 1 December 2003 the death of Bro.J Briggs PM 223 HM was intimated to the Lodge.
15 December 2003 a lecture on Masonic Aprons was presented by Bro. I Glennie WSW Lodge Union and Crown 103.
16 February 2004 Bro. W Jackson PM proposed that formal congratulations be recorded on Bro. J Dadds PM becoming Worshipful Substitute Provincial Grand Master.
On 15 March 2004 Honorary Membership was conferred on Bros. A McRae RWM 885 and D Morton PM 103.
On 1 May 2004 Bro. T Ratcliffe was installed as RWM.
On 21 March 2005 Honorary Membership was conferred on Bro. I Mulholland RWM 48.
On 28 March 2005 the General Committee agreed to produce paper Mark Tokens. These to be given to Mark Candidates of The Rifle Lodge along with the present Mark Token.
On 19 April 2005 the death Bro. D Stenhouse PM 1291 HM was intimated to the Lodge.
On 7 May 2005 Bro. R Doig PM was installed into the chair of King Solomon. Bros. I Urquhart PM and R Ennes PM Lodge No. 9612 (English Constitution) presented Perfect and Rough Ashlers to the RWM.