What is Freemasonry?
"A system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated with symbols". "A system of making good men better, but Freemasonry cannot make bad men good". You could ask 100 different people what Freemasonry is and it is possible that you would get 100 different answers. Freemasonry is a worldwide ancient fraternal society of good men from all walks of life who believe in friendship, honour, morality and sound ethics. Freemasonry and Masonic Lodges in Scotland are governed by The Grand Lodge of Scotland which is based in Edinburgh.
What Principles do Freemasons believe in?
Freemasons believe in three great principles, these are:
Why should I become a Freemason?
Our members each have their own reason for becoming a Freemason. Many join because they have family members that are members, some join because the fully understand our principles and want to promote these, some join because they have an interest in in our ceremonies, traditions and antient history, some join because of our charitable support we offer and our engagement with our communities. Others join for the social interaction with other from all ages and from all walks of life.
Is Freemasonry a Secret Society?
Freemasonry is often mistaken as a "Secret Society". If it were then we wouldn't have published this site on the World Wide Web for all to see, neither would you be able to identify the Masonic Lodge in your town, many Lodges have plaques at the door. Members are free to acknowledge their Masonic membership to others and some Lodges even publish the dates of their meetings in local newspapers. Masonic processions are a common sight in many towns; these are hardly the actions of a Secret Society. The secrets of Freemasonry are connected with the traditional modes of recognition and like many other societies, clubs and organisations it regards many of its internal affairs and actions to be of a private nature for its members.
Is Freemasonry a Religion?
It is not a religion, although an essential requirement to become a member is the belief in a "Supreme Being". Membership is open to men of any religion or race and they are encouraged to follow their own faith and do their duty to their own "God". Religious discussions are not permitted at Lodge meetings.
Is Freemasonry a Political Party?
No! Freemasonry is not a Political Party, it is true that leading Politicians are members of the fraternity, however, discussions of a Political nature are forbidden at Lodge meetings, Freemasonry is neither a Subversive Organisation nor an Action Group and members must be peaceful, law abiding members of the community who are of good repute.
Is Freemasonry a Charity?
It is not a charity either, although members contribute considerably to a number of worthwhile charitable organisations and causes.
Who are Freemasons?
Freemasons include members from all walks of life including members of the Royal Family, Business Leaders, Political Leaders, Government Agents, Writers, Entertainers, Actors, Artists, Sportsmen, Inventors, Designers, Pioneers, Founders, Patriots, Presidents, members of the Police Force, Judges, Justices, members of HM Forces, as well as Joiners, Janitors, Bin Men and other tradesmen, the ordinary man on the street and may be even your next door neighbour. You will most probably know of someone who is a Mason.
Who can become a member?
Men of the mature age of 18 who believe in a "Supreme Being" who are of sound character and judgment and are law abiding members of the community, free of any convictions and have never plead guilty to a crime, may apply to be considered to become a Mason.
Can Women Join?
Under the constitution we work under, only men can join.
Do I have to wear an Apron?
Yes, aprons form part of our formal regalia and are symbolic of the aprons that the operative stonemasons used to wear while executing their craft. When you first join you get a plain apron, however, as you progress and advance, aprons become for ornate and elaborate.
So, what happens at a Lodge Meeting?
Just like other formal meetings, there is a certain amount of business and administration to deal with which is followed by formal ceremonies, which includes our antient rituals, to progress members through their "degrees". There are three degrees, Entered Apprentice, teaching you that we are all equal and the importance of Charity. The Fellow Craft Degree teaches you about productivity and how to become a better person. Finally, the Master Mason Degree reminds us that you only get one chance at life and that we should use the opportunity wisely. After the ceremonies there is usually an opportunity to relax and mix with other members socially.
How many Masons are there?
The Grand Lodge of Scotland has about 30, 000 members, The United Grand Lodge of England has about 180, 000 members and the Grand Lodge of Ireland has about 20, 000 members. Globally, there are about 6 million Freemasons.
What does it cost to become a member?
There is a joining fee followed by annual dues to support your Masonic Lodge which you should be able to pay without the detriment to you or your dependents.
How can I learn more?
If you want to learn more ask a Freemason for information or have a look at the website that The Grand Lodge of Scotland has published.
Right, how do I join?
You may have heard or seen the phrase "2B1ASK1" (to be one, ask one) meaning to be a Freemason, ask a Freemason, they will be more than pleased to tell you what they can about Freemasonry. If you don't know a Freemason you could find out who is the secretary of your local Lodge and give him a call or send a letter expressing your interest. If you have a specific interest in joining a Lodge within the Scottish Borders, discuss your interest with one of the Brethren at your local Lodge, or use our contact page to get in touch with our Provincial Grand Secretary for further information.
On the 15 of August 1747 the Province of Roxburgh & Peebles was formed. The title of our Province has changed several times over the years and it was only in 1991 that The Grand Lodge of Scotland relented and allowed the use the title, The Provincial Grand Lodge of Roxburgh, Peebles and Selkirk Shires . A title, however, does not improve or detract from the respect in which our Province is held throughout Scottish Freemasonry. This respect was earned by the tremendous efforts and hard work of our worthy predecessors.
In the heart of the Scottish Borders, with only 16 Lodges, ours is one of the smaller Provinces but we are proud to have some of the oldest Lodges in Scotland under our jurisdiction with a wealth of history.
From the foundation which has been laid we look forward to the future with confidence and optimism that our successors will continue to embrace the fundamental doctrine that has served our Province with distinction since it's creation.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland, at its Regular Communication on Thursday 1 February 2018 approved that the Province of Roxburgh, Peebles and Selkirk Shires be renamed to the Provincial Grand Lodge of The Scottish Borders and that Lodges Dunse No. 23 (Duns), St. Ebbe No. 70 (Eyemouth), St Luke No. 132 (Lauder), St. John No. 280 (Coldstream), Ercildoune No. 1119 (Earlston) and Whiteadder No. 1245 (Chirnside) within the Province of East Lothian and Berwickshire, be incorporated under the new Province of the Scottish Borders with effect from 31 March 2018.
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Province, a small book was written to give an insight as to how our Province germinated, grew and flourished. This can be read by clicking on the links below.
Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master
Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth
Worshipful Depute Provincial Grand Master
Bro. James Thom
After an interest in Freemasonry from a young age, James (AKA Jim) was Initiated in to the
Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1bis in October 2006 and was proudly installed as Master
in 2015 and again in 2016.
He has held a number of Offices within Provincial Grand Lodge
and gained his first Commission as Substitute Provincial Grand Master in 2017.
James, who works with Data for a large Europacific Soft Drinks Company,
lives in Kelso with his wife and has two daughters.
His other interests include Motor Sport and Shooting as well as having an active role within the
Kelso Laddies Association, the committee which organises Kelso Civic Week.
Worshipful Substitute Provincial Grand Master
Bro. J. Stewart Clark
Stewart was Initiated in to Lodge St. John Coldstream No. 280 in November 2004 and after overcoming his "shyness" and was humbled to become Right Worshipful Master 2015/2016 and again 2019/2020.
He has been married to his wife, Jill, for 40 amazing years and has been blessed with
three children, James ,Bryce and Isla.
Jill competes in Agility competitions with their two Cocker Spaniels, Treacle and Bramble.
In the summer months while Stewart amuses himself with golfing at Goswick and Hirsel golf courses.
After 14 years as Newsagents on Coldstream High Street, the couple have found paradise
living in sleepy hollow Lennel Mount . With two knee replacements (Titanium ) in 2013, Stewart has a permanent smile . Family first and with good health he is a "happy chappie" .
Worshipful Provincial Grand Secretary
Bro. Alistair W. Little
Alistair was Initiated in to The Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1bis on 18 October 1971
and became Master thereof in 1989, 1990 and again in 1991.
He was appointed as Provincial Grand Secretary of The PGL of The Scottish Borders
(formerly Roxburgh, Peebles and Selkirk Shires) in 2015
and was awarded Honorary Grand Rank of Assistant Secretary in 2018.
Alistair was a Chartered Surveyor/Local Government Officer but now being retired
enjoys walking, gardening and golf.
Worshipful Senior Provincial Grand Chaplain
Bro. Michael Laidlaw
Mick was initiated in to the Hawick Lodge No. 111 on 24 April 1985 and was Installed as Master
in December 1993 and again in 1994, he joins the commission with a wealth of
knowledge and experience.
Mick, who has retired from the Building Trade, enjoys SCUBA Diving, Salmon Fishing, Golf
as well walking his dogs in his spare time.
Bro. John W. Blackie - Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master
Bro. George R. J. Donnelly - Past Provincial Grand Master
(Ex Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lothian & Berwickshire)
Bro. James Brown - Past Provincial Grand Master
Worshipful Provincial Grand Senior Warden
Bro. Kevin J. Ferguson PM - No. 424
Worshipful Provincial Grand Junior Warden
Bro. Dale W. Hall PM - No. 23
Provincial Grand Treasurer
Bro. Victor, Lord Denovan PM - No. 216
Provincial Grand Almoner
Bro. Elliott A. Lewis - No. 104
Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies
Bro. George G. Alexander PM - No. 32
Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies
Bro. Donald Drummond PM - No. 280
Provincial Grand Senior Deacon
Bro. J. Gareth Davies PM - No. 58
Provincial Grand Junior Deacon
Bro. W. Alistair Black PM - No. 216
Provincial Grand Librarian
Bro. Tony Lomer-Cross - No. 280
Provincial Grand Architect
Bro. Thomas. L. McAulay - No. 104
Provincial Grand Jeweller
-----
Provincial Grand Bible-bearer
Bro. Euan Heard - No. 262
Provincial Grand Bard
Bro. Thomas R. Combe PM - No. 32
Provincial Grand Sword-bearer
Bro. Mark Forsyth - No. 58
Provincial Grand Director of Music
-----
Provincial Grand Organist
Bro. Paul Capaldi - No. 262
Provincial Grand Marshal
Bro. Stewart Wilson - No. 856
Senior Provincial Grand Standard-bearer
-----
Junior Provincial Grand Standard-bearer
-----
Provincial Grand Inner Guard
Bro. Andrew McMenamin - No. 32
Provincial Grand Tyler
-----
Provincial Grand President of Stewards
Bro. David Jeffrey PM - No. 424
The Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1bis
Bro. B. W. Lawson
Lodge Dunse No. 23
Bro. M. Smyth
Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24
- - - - -
Lodge St. John Selkirk No. 32
Bro. C. R. Macintosh
Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58
Bro. J. M. Muirhead PM
Lodge St. Ebbe No. 70
Bro. A. Watson PM
Lodge St. John Jedburgh No. 104
Bro. J. A. Scott PM
The Hawick Lodge No. 111
Bro. N. H. Taylor PM
Lodge St. Luke Lauder No. 132
Bro. M. O' Neil
Lodge St. John Stow No. 216
- - - - -
The Galashiels Lodge No. 262
Bro. M. Robertson
Lodge St. John Coldstream No. 280
- - - - -
Lodge St. James BURA No. 424
Bro. K. Oliver
Lodge St. Ronan's No. 856
Bro. D. L. Jeffrey PM (President of Stewards)
Lodge Ercildoune No. 1119
- - - - -
The Haughfoot Lodge No. 1824
Bro. K. Stewart
1747 - 1756 :: John Murray, Cringletie, Peebles
1756 :: James Lidderdale, Kelso
1801 - 1815 :: George Douglas of Cavers, Hawick (Died in Office)
1815 - 1827 :: William, 6th Marquis of Lothian KT
1827 - 1838 :: Sir John Hay, Bart. of Haystoun, Peebles (Died in Office)
1839 - 1862 :: William Forbes Mackenzie of Portmore
1863 - 1878 :: Henry Inglis of Torsonce, Stow
1879 - 1885 :: James Wolfe Murray, Cringletie, Peebles
1886 - 1911 :: Dr James Middleton, Stow
1911 - 1921 :: H. Norman Ballantyne, Peebles
1921 - 1926 :: John H. F. K. Scott, Galashiels
1926 - 1927 :: John G. Winning, Branxholme, Hawick
1928 - 1933 :: Rev R. J. Thompson, MA, Melrose
1933 - 1935 :: William Rennie, Galashiels (Member of the Melrose Lodge)
1936 - 1941 :: George Barry, Hawick
1941 - 1946 :: Herbert D. Bell, Melrose
1946 - 1961 :: John Andrew McCormack, Peebles
1961 - 1971 :: James Woodburn Smith, Jedburgh
1971 - 1976 :: George Mitchell, Newtown St. Boswells
1976 - 1980 :: Robert Kay McNaught, Innerleithen (Died in Office)
1980 - 1985 :: James Anderson Craig, Selkirk
1985 - 1990 :: James Todd Dalgleish, Kelso
1990 - 1995 :: James Bastick Wilson, Haymount, Kelso
1995 - 2000 :: James Brown, Hawick
2000 - 2005 :: Edward George Keeper, Galashiels (Member of the Stow Lodge)
2005 - 2010 :: Allan John Marshall, Selkirk
2010 - 2015 :: John Ferguson Lamb, Jedburgh (Died in Office)
2015 - 2020 :: John Walter Blackie, Galashiels - PGL The Scottish Borders created 31 March 2018.
2020 - to date :: Andrew Elliot Forsyth, Broadloan, Kelso
The Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1bis
1 Market Square, Melrose.
Roxburghshire, TD6 9PQ.
Meetings: 1st Monday October to March except January at 7.30pm and the Last Monday in June at 7pm
Lodge Dunse No. 23.
(Lodge founded circa 1726)
Masonic Hall, 41 Newtown Street, Duns.
Berwickshire. TD11 3AU.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday September to
April at 7.30pm
Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24
9 Northgate, Peebles.
Peeblesshire. EH45 8RX.
Meetings: 4th Wednesday in September to 2nd Wednesday in May 2nd Wednesday at 7pm and 4th Wednesday at 7.30pm
Lodge St. John Selkirk No. 32
29 Back Row, Selkirk,
Selkirkshire. TD7 4LP.
Meetings: 2nd Monday October to March (inclusive) except December at 7.30pm
Lodge Kelso & Tweed No, 58
11 Shedden Park Road, Kelso,
Roxburghshire TD5 7AJ.
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday September to April except January at 7.30pm
Lodge St. Ebbe No. 70.
(Founded 14th November 1757)
Masonic Hall, Masons Wynd, Eyemouth,
Berwickshire. TD14 5HG.
Meetings: 1st Thursday of each month
all year at 7pm.
Lodge St. John Jedburgh No. 104
Masonic Hall, Castlegate, Jedburgh,
Roxburghshire. TD8 6AR.
Meetings: 3rd Thursday September to May at 7.30pm (inclusive)
The Hawick Lodge No. 111
33 Commercial Road, Hawick,
Roxburghshire. TD9 7AD.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Thursday September to March (inclusive). 7pm for Business
& 7.30pm for Visitors.
Lodge St. Luke No. 132.
(Founded 11th December 1772)
Masonic Hall, 53, West High Street, Lauder,
Berwickshire. TD2 6TF.
Meetings: 1st Wednesday October to
April, except January, at 7.30pm.
Lodge St. John Stow No. 216
15 Chapel Street, Innerleithen
Peeblesshire. EH44 6HN.
Meetings: Last Monday September to April (inclusive) except November and
December at 7.30pm.
The Galashiels Lodge No. 262
8 Galapark, Galashiels,
Selkirkshire, TD1 1EU.
Meetings: 2nd Monday September to March (inclusive) and the Last Tuesday in June. 7pm for Business and 7.30pm for Visitors.
Lodge St. John No. 280.
(Founded 30th November 1819)
Masonic Hall, Duke Street, Coldstream,
Berwickshire. TD12 4BS.
Meetings: 3rd Tuesday September to
April at 7.30pm.
Hawick Lodge St James (BURA) No. 424
(Border Union Royal Arch)
8 Union Street, Hawick,
Roxburghshire. TD9 9LF.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday September to April (inclusive) at 7.30pm.
Lodge St. Ronan's No. 856
15 Chapel Street, Innerleithen
Peeblesshire. EH44 6HN.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday September to March (inclusive) at 7.30pm.
Lodge of Ercildoune No. 1119.
(Founded 1st May 1913)
Masonic Hall, The Square, Earlston,
Berwickshire. TD4 6BX.
Meetings: 3rd Monday October to
April at 7.30pm
Lodge Whiteadder No. 1245.
(Founded 4th November 1920 &
Last Meeting on 9 September 2021)
Masonic Hall, 41, Newtown Street, Duns,
Berwickshire. TD11 3AU.
Lodge now ceased operating
The Haughfoot Lodge No. 1824
Shared Venues
Meetings:
27 May 23 at Selkirk at 3pm. PGL Visit
22 July 23 at Galashiels at 3pm. Demonstration
23 September 23 at Selkirk at 3pm. Installation
Copyright © 2010 -2024 Provincial Grand Lodge of The Scottish Borders
All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.