SPECIAl news feature

After 100 years it was the very last meeting of Lodge Whiteadder No. 1245 on 9 September 2021. 

Further to this sad farewell, on 2 October 2021, the Lodge Amalgamated with Lodge Dunse No. 23 and a Special Ceremony was held to mark the occasion.

With Past Master Bro. Andrew Mabon in the Chair, Lodge Whiteadder No. 1245 was opened and  received a deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders, headed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth. 

They were followed by a small, but distinguished deputation, from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, headed on this occasion by the Right Worshipful Depute Grand Master, Bro. Thomas C. Smith who presided for a short period and addressed the assembled Brethren, remarking on the sad passing of Bro. Tommy Grieve, The Master of Lodge Whiteadder No. 1245, who was laid to rest just a few days prior to the ceremony. The Depute Grand Master also made reference to the Lodge’s 100 year history and wished the members a successful future. The Lodge sadly had to cancel its planned 100th anniversary celebrations due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic crisis.

Past Master Bro. Andrew Mabon then presented the Lodge’s original Charter, which Lodge Whiteadder received on 7 November 1920, to the Depute Grand Master which will be returned and kept at Grand Lodge in Edinburgh for safe keeping.

Both the deputations retired after which, Past Master Andrew Mabon adjourned the Lodge for the very last time while the members reflected on their memories.

Shortly after, Lodge Dunse No. 23 was opened by the Master, Bro. Eric Hoare, after which, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, took the Chair. The Provincial Grand Chaplain, Bro. Michael Laidlaw, Consecrated the new regalia and the Provincial Grand Master invested Bro. Andrew Mabon with the same. The Provincial Grand Master congratulated the Brethren and wished them all the very best of luck for the future.

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master presented Bro. Eric Hoare with the Dunse Charter which had been altered at Grand Lodge to include reference to the amalgamation and signed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason.  Bro. Hoare thanked the Provincial Grand Master for his presentation and formally welcomed the Brethren from Whiteadder to Dunse No. 23

The members of Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge retired and the Lodge was closed by the Master.

Afterwards, the Brethren enjoyed a celebratory meal.   

(DUNS - OCT 21)

Photos kindly supplied by J Thom & D Hall