Lodge Ben Cleuch 782

The under noted poem is donated by Brother Cook…. written in 1895, author unknown.

The following year leaves little to report, except for one item regarding the then WJW Brother Lothian ( Later to serve as Master ) who had initiated and passed two candidates on the same evening and was warmly thanked by the RWM.

At this time it was quite normal to have the Installation Meeting on Christmas Day.

It was reported at this time that Lodge Craiginnan Dollar, would shortly be opening.

Towards the turn of the Century a great awareness for Benevolence was realised, the proud record of Lodge Ben Cleuch to show Benevolence towards its needy Brethren was established and although the records show an amount of £19 during 1898, this was a considerable amount at that time.

A report from the Grand Lodge of Scotland showed that the roll of Annuitants were seventy one Members of the Lodges ( 53 Widows ) and ninety two orphans and that the Grand Lodge had spent over £14,000 in Annuities.

It will not be possible to mention every Brother who did Sterling work for our Lodge however, a small mention will not be amiss to say that our first Initiate Brother J. R. Hendry was presented with a M. M. M. Jewel in recognition of his services as Secretary and Auditor.

A Memorial Service was held in respect go the King Edward VII by the Rev. Joseph Conn in the Parish Church, he was assisted by the Ministers of the various Denominations in Tillicoultry.

Our first RWM Brother David Drysdale had been suffering from a protracted illness after moving to Edinburgh, to assist him in his trail and as a mark of thanks, the Brethren of the Lodge made a visit to his home and presented him with a purse of sovereigns.

This Testimonial was recorded to him….

‘Dear Sir and Brother.

It affords us much pleasure to be the medium of conveying to you, the high appreciation of services rendered by you to Freemasonry in Tillicoultry. As the first Master of Lodge Ben Cleuch No. 782 you have given impetus by your enthusiasm and your exhibition of high principals by which Freemasonry is distinguished, the force and effect of which have laid the foundations of prosperity to the Lodge and inspired the Brethren with similar zeal. Although not convenient on account of you residing some distance from us, to give that constant attendance which you would have wished, still, we can point to the success, which has attended your labours, being never weary in well doing. The Brethren accompany this expression of good will with a substantial token of their gratitude for your services, and their esteem for you as a Brother, with best wishes for continued and increased prosperity in all your concerns, may the Most High ever direct your steps, preserving you from all evil, and make you an instrument for much good.’

Brother Murtrie presented the Lodge with a Lambskin Apron after being Initiated, and Brother Hope presented a pair of Compasses to the Lodge.

It was at this time that many requests were made to Lodges regarding Charity. Lodge Ben Cleuch, responded to this with the first donation of 10/- to the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow. I will not list the amount of Donations to Charity such as these, but, they were dispensed in a very regular fashion, especially during the war years.

Since the beginning of Lodge Ben Cleuch in 1892 the Brethren of the Lodge were very mindful of obtaining a permanent building of our own. The first opportunity arose when the premises of the Ann Street Church became available, the Building was on offer at £175.

A committee was appointed to view the Church and report on its suitability. Brother Munro and the Brethren who had assisted in this task commentated favourably on the site, and how easily it could be converted to the needs and the requirements of the craft.

It was eventually agreed to offer the sum of £100, this offer of course subject to the approval of the Brethren and the Provincial Grand Lodge. Unfortunately the Church Managers were not inclined to sell the premises for less than £150 and the matter was allowed to drop.

Brother Reid ( 782 ) as the new town clerk of Tillicoultry intimated that an annual income of between £20 to £30 would be required to maintain such a Hall.

When we consider the economy at this time it is comforting to note that when a needy Brother approached the Benevolent Committee with a request that his 4 children could have new boots, the Benevolent Committee agreed with his request and granted £2 for this purpose.

Brethren of the Lodge attending a Masonic Funeral of one of our Brethren were issued each with a sprig of Acacia.

A Desk was purchased for use of the Master and the Chequered Carpert was also purchased at this time 30/- and £3 respectively, and prices are again mentioned purely for reference purposes.

A request had been received from the Grand Lodge of Scotland to assist in the proposed Building Scheme, the Brethren decided to donate a payment of £7.10/- to be spread over 3 years.

The Second Minute begins at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

A Church Service was held in the Parish Church, Tillicoultry, on the 17th May, and conducted by the Rev. Brother Scudamore Forbes.

Whist drives at this time were increasing in popularity, not only for fund raising but, an excellent social activity.

The following year the outbreak of war saw the Grand Lodge of Scotland requesting that all the Lodges prepare A Roll of Honour and to keep it up to date during the war period, listing all serving Brothers, and also those who had been wounded or fallen in the conflict.

Our first Reported Death of the War was that of Brother Lieut. Arthur Brown who had fallen in France while serving with the Orange River State South African Infantry. Brother John Allan was killed in France at Passchendale, Brother Hume, and Brother Capt. A. M. Williamson also died on Active Duty.

Brother Young ( 782 ) was elected Provost of Tillicoultry.

The Military had taken over the British Legion Hall in Hamilton Street for the period of the War since 1917 they did however allow the Lodge the use of the premises on the first Monday of the Month.

After reading of the passing of several of our Brethren it is pleasing to note that Brother I. Paterson returned home after being held as a Prisoner of War in Germany.

In the Summer of 1919 the next serious attempt to obtain a Temple of our own was launched. In July of that year the Committee appointed to find suitable premises reported that after careful consideration, they proposed the most suitable Hall inTillicoultry was the Salvation Army Hall in Upper Mill Street.

Brother Young ( 782 ) the Provost of Tillicoultry kindly undertook to make enquiries about the Building. The Committee were charged with the responsibility, that they come to terms and remit back to the Lodge with their findings, in connection with this decision a Building Fund was opened to assist with the purchase. In November of 1919, the Hall was purchased for the sum of £175 plus the cost of conveyance.

By January of the next year it was found that Repairs to the Hall would cost in the region of £700. Many fund raising suggestions were made, the Brethren were united in their efforts to establish the new Hall and make it worthy to carry on the name of Lodge Ben Cleuch there.

The Last recorded Meeting at the Hamilton Street Hall was on the 14th June 1920.

The Consecration of our new Premises at Upper Mill Street was arranged for the 4th September 1920. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother Dr Edmund E. Dyer and the Office Bearers of the Provincial Grand Lodge carried through the consecration ceremony in a manner which was much appreciated by the Brethren go the Lodge.

The RWM Brother Charles F. Fraser must have been proud to lead the Lodge through this special part of our History.

It should be noted that during the term of his Mastership Brother Fraser was instrumental in raising the sum of £1300 to purchase our new Hall and when he demoted Office he presented £600 to the Lodge Hall Fund. Brother Fraser was presented with a Gold Watch by the Brethren when his period as Master was completed, this was in recognition of his sterling work in bringing to fruition the opening of our new Hall.

Brother John Pollock donated a Dress Apron to the Lodge which was promptly raffled to raise the sum of £5.

In this year the RWPGM presented a Director of Ceremonies Baton to the Provincial Grand Lodge which is still in use to this day.

The Death of our First Initiate Brother J R Hendry was recorded.

During the year of 1924 both Lodge St. Servanus no. 771 and the Lodge of Alloa No. 69 opened their new Halls.

Annual summer outings had been held over the past few years, and had been well attended by the Brethren and their families.

The Brethren had queried the correct Ritual to use, and Grand Lodge recommended that the ‘standard’ ritual should be applied and obtained from Messers C C and A T Garner, Edinburgh.

A proposal had been put forward regarding the update of the Premises, A Porch in the North West Corner of the Lodge, slating and repairing the Roof, Ventilation, Decoration and the Installation of Electricity.

As these proposals were too costly at this time only the Interior Decoration of the Lodge was approved.

Whist Drives at this time had steadily increased in popularity and as a result a maximum of thirty-two tables were allowed to operate at any one time.

On the 14th January 1939, Lodge Clackmannan No. 1303 was consecrated , bringing the total of Lodges in the Province of Stirlingshire to Twenty.

This was the Year that the Army commandeered our Lodge Premises for Military purposes, in seeking the use of temporary accommodation the Brethren sought the use of the Co-op Halls which proved unsuitable.

The RWM Brother Oxley Masterman referring to the state the Country was in and the small chance of obtaining Candidates, posed the question should we carry on, the Brethren were Unanimous that the Lodge remain viable.

Twelve of our Brethren had enlisted in the Armed Forces, a parcel fund had been collected for these Brethren and as a result each had 10/- sent to them.

As our Hall was in full use by the Army, the Lodge once again approached the British Legion in Hamilton Street, our former home, they were willing to accommodate us, the only night they could offer was Monday, the Provincial Grand Lodge gave permission for the Meeting night to be changed back to a Monday and back Lodge Ben Cleuch went to Hamilton Street on the 5th February 1940.

The Lodge Regalias had to be removed from Upper Mill Street because of the condensation caused by the Army cooking facilities.

After quite a lengthy period without any Candidates five petitions were made in November.

Brother Robert Hunter died on Active Service in India. Thirteen Members of the Lodge were now serving with the Armed Forces.

During the period of the Second World War many charitable appeals were made, among those was one from the Grand Lodge Distress Fund which had been beneficial in assisting those who had suffered as a result of the Clydebank Blitz, another worthy appeal was for the beleaguered island of Malta.

The Golden Jubilee Celebrations were combined with the Installation Ceremony on the 19th December 1942, when a total of 142 Brethren were present. This Celebration was restricted to ticket holders only because of the space available in the Hamilton Street Hall. Brother Thomas Weir P M orated a very interesting historical survey of Lodge Ben Cleuch from its founding in 1892 until 1942.

Our Oldest surviving Past Master at that time Brother R McGee complimented Brother Weir on his excellent resume of the history of the Lodge and urged the RWM and the Office Bearers to continue and uphold the efficiency that is privileged to be carried out in Ben Cleuch.

A Horn Crook Stick was presented to the Lodge by Brother McKenzie Sir.

At the latter part of the War a move was made to find other temporary accommodation and the YMCA in Stirling Street was visited, but proved to be unsuitable, the Brethren of course were anxious that we return to our permanent home of Upper Mill Street, this of course could not be contemplated until the Army had withdrawn.

In those dark days of the Second World War it is encouraging to note that Brother Ettridge travelled from Kendal to receive his Mark Degree in May 1944.

A very successful entertainment evening had been staged by the Masonic Brethren of the Province for the Members of his Majesty’s Forces in Harvieston Castle.

A Church Service was held in St. Serfs Church, Tillicoultry, by Brother Rev. George Lyall M A ( 782 ) and Brother Rev. John Turnbull M A ( 782 ) the collection at this service was donated to the Hut and Canteen Work.

A Lecture on the Masonic Mission in the Modern World was attended by one hundred and sixty Brethren.

In order to build up funds for a ‘Welcome home fund’ a Dance was organised, the proceeds to be donated to this fund. Because of the Blackout and the restriction on Petrol allowance at the time. Permission was sought and granted from the Ministry of Transport for a bus to be used for this Dance.

In October it was reported that as there were thirty-nine Applications waiting to be processed, no further Applications be accepted at this time, unless the Applicants were prepared to wait until the Lodge was in a position to deal with them.

The first of our Brethren returning after being held as a Prisoner of War with the Japanese, Brother D A Bett received a very emotional welcome from the Brethren of the Lodge. He gave a very graphic description of his experiences while a Prisoner of War. Members of the Craft practiced various Degrees and even Installation Ceremonies and the methods they used to outwit their guards says much for their Ingenuity.

The last entry in Miinute Book Four reports the passing of our then Reigning Master, Brother John Miller, who passed away after suffering a serious illness.

Unfortunately Minute Book Five can not be found so when we pick up the history in 1952, the Lodge of course is back in our permanent home at Upper Mill Street.

An invitation had been received for Lodge Ben Cleuch to be represented at the opening of the new Masonic Home in Dunblane.

Brother R Armit, assisted by many Brethren of the Lodge embarked on a programme of fund raising, using Whist Drives as their Vehicle, these proved to be successful and assisted the Lodge greatly. Brother Armit was presented with a Lodge Apron and Sash, he stated that he would only accept the gift if it could be shared with all the Brethren who were involved in the fund raising venture.

A food parcel had been received from Dunedin, New Zealand, and was distributed among the older Members of the Lodge, no mention is made of the sender, it may well have been Brother John Crawford who emigrated to New Zealand in 1892, or his relatives.

The intention to Celebrate our Diamond Jubilee was raised, but never brought into fruition.

The Brethren were ordered into mourning with the passing of King George VI.

As the Brethren were constantly aware of the need to upgrade the Hall, six gas heaters were installed in the Main Hall.

The 1000th Member of our Lodge was admitted , Brother Robert Blair,.

One newest Lodge in the Province of Stirlingshire was consecrated on the 6th September 1952, and is of course Lodge Ladywell 1474, Tullibody.

One of the most interesting points from our History was when a letter was received from Brother R M Sloan ( 782 ) , who was resident in the U.S.A. and intended visiting his sister, the wife of Brother Rennie PM to attend their Golden Wedding in July and was desirous of attending Lodge Ben Cleuch on his visit. A Third Degree was arranged for the 13th of July 1953, When Brother Sloan and his two nephews would be received as guests of Lodge Ben Cleuch.

During renovations of the famous White House in Washington, Brother Sloan had been fortunate in obtaining a piece of wood from the building which had been fashioned into a Gavel and which was presented to Lodge Ben Cleuch on his visit.

The Gavel is inscribed as follows ” Presented to Lodge Ben Cleuch 782 by Brother R M Sloan, Thatcher Lodge, Cleveland , Ohio July 13th 1953″.

The Gavel was made by Brother Thomas Adams PM , Euclid Lodge 599, and the wood was donated by Brother W R Pringle, Provincial Grand Master, Ohio. Brother Sloan also presented a Masonic Bible for the use of Lodge Ben Cleuch. Brother J P Evans PM presented Brother Sloan and his two nephews with a Pocket Wallet also to Brother Rennie PM with a standard lamp and a handbag for Mrs Rennie on the occasion of their Golden Wedding.

The above mentioned Gavel has been in almost constant use since that presentation in 1953.

The Death was reported of Brother Charles F Fraser PM who had been accorded the title “The Grand Old Man of Ben Cleuch”.

In keeping up with the changing times a Licence had been applied for and was granted to the Lodge on the 9th September 1957, with the bar being officially opened on that day.

Also at this time the Main Hall was re-roofed and the extension upstairs was completed. This upgraded the Kitchen and Lounge to a high standard.

Our collective thanks must go out to Brothers Joe Burt, George Cowie, Hugh Dow, David Gregg, Les McAuley, George McLelland, Norrie Spence, and to all of the Brethren who assisted in this extensive operation which extended over a three year period, and included new floor and re-glazing.

Many of the Brethren are now on the Roll of Honour as Pastmasters of the Lodge.

Brother J Malcolm PM presented the Extended Apron for the first time in Lodge Ben Cleuch.

The first of our transactions with the Union Bank ( Later to become the Clydesdale ) was made and that Bank has been used constantly since then.

At this time the first mention of the The Third Masonic Home at Randolph Hill was reported. Later a Dance would be organised to raise funds to assist. This Home was officially opened on the 8th September 1969.

The Death of Brother Sir Winston Churchill was recorded in January 1965.

An Organ had been donated by the Kirk Session of the West Church, a £5 donation was given as a mark of appreciation.

Brother N J Spence PM was presented with an Apron and a Sash to mark his faithful service to the social club as Secretary and Treasurer over a period of nine years.

Brother H Dow PM presented Kettles to the Lodge, and later presented two beautiful hand turned columns for the use of the Wardens, which he had made himself.

The first recorded award of Distinguished Service Membership was conferred on Brother J J Morrison PM also on Brother J P Evans PM for their loyal and unstinting service to the Lodge.

Brother Honeyman of Lodge No. 69 Alloa, presented the Lodge with a Stainless Steel Holder for the Charter.

In 1971 the Brethren started to give serious thought to the Centenary Celebrations in 1992, and although they were twenty-one years away at that time, the Brethren were very much aware of the amount of preparation required and also the monetary requirements would prove to be prohibitive.

A basic step was made in starting a Centenary Fund, with the Brethren agreeing that a Minimum of £20 a year should be paid into this fund.

The upstairs lounge had been upgraded with wall seating being installed upstairs and in the Lodge room, this work was undertaken by Brother William Bissett PM and the Brethren of the Lodge.

At the beginning of 1978 it was proposed that a Ladies Circle be formed, this was to prove very beneficial to the Lodge and from that time forward, the Ladies Circle through their various fund raising activities were able to assist Lodge Ben Cleuch tremendously .

Over the years the Ladies Circle have donated to the Lodge. The Lodge Organ, with subdued lighting in the Hall, with the cost of carpeting in the Lounge and Stairway, with the cost of new Regalia for the Master and Wardens, plus the fans recently installed in the Lodge Room.

Most of our Lodges nowadays owe a debt of gratitude to the sterling work of their Ladies Circles who work unstintingly to assist their Lodges, and this has most certainly proved to be the case with the Ladies of our Circle who have assisted the Lodge with their stalwart efforts.

Brother Alexander Galloway PM No. 850 and H M of No 782 presented a beautiful hand made case for the use of the RWM and also a Chair for the use of the Master.

The Brethren being ever mindful of upgrading our property had decided that some alterations to the Lodge could be made so that the facilities could be enhanced.

These alterations were estimated to cost in the region of £6000, as this cost was prohibitive it was decided to start with phase one. This would eliminate the building of the Entrance Hall and Stair on the North Side of the Building by making the entrance using part of the Kitchen area.

With the intended building plan being approved by the Building Control Officer, a report came from the Fire Officer that emergency Lighting would have to be installed in the Fire Alarm System.

This would require seven emergency points and three alarm points, a new door to the Kitchen and the staircase had to be made fire-resistant for a period of one hour.

An estimate obtained for this work was £420. However this work was completed with the aid of our colleagues in Freemasonary at a greatly reduced cost.

Brother Harrison handed over a cheque for £250 as a Donation to the Building Fund.

At this time the Lodge H~eating System was upgraded with the installation of two Morden Gas Heaters in the Main Hall.

The Lodge had been successful in obtaining a reduction in the Annual Rating valuation, this was thanks to the sterling work by Brother Robert Whitehead in his capacity as Lodge Secretary.

Grand Lodge intimated that the upgrading of the Masonic Homes in Dunblane and Edinburgh were to take place and that a new home would shortly be opened at Bridge of Weir .

Following a second brain at our premises a request was made by our Insurance Company that further security measures would have to be installed , in particular the barring of Windows. The cost of installing an alarm system would prove to be a heavy burden on the Lodge finances. Brother James Campbell PM undertook the responsibility of having all the windows barred at a very competitive cost which after inspection was accepted by our Insurers.

During the late 1980’s the financial position of the Lodge was low and to encourage the Brethren, the RWM Brother Whitehead asked that the Brethren “Should rekindle the flame to restore Lodge Ben Cleuch to its former glory”.

At the beginning of 1989 Scott Craig Construction expressed an interest in the plot of land to the rear of the Lodge, the situation of weather we should dispose of this land was much discussed, the eventual outcome being that the Lodge had no further plans for this piece of land and it was eventually sold to Scott Craig for £1250.

In an effort to boast the funds of the Lodge a Grand Cabaret was organised for April 1989, the planning of this event and its ultimate success, was largely due to the assistance given by the Sister Organisations which share our Lodge Room. During the Cabaret a special collection was taken in aid of the Hillsborrough Disaster Fund which realised £66.20 which was later raised to £70.

The Congregational church in Tillicoultry very kindly donated a Volume of the Sacred Law to Lodge Ben Cleuch, this Bible was put into service immediately, and was consecrated into Lodge use on 13th March 1989.

Two donations were received at this time, one from Brother Andrew Lapsley for £100 to mark the occasion of £1 for every year the Lodge had been open, and £50 from Brother Maxwell Forster.

T wo urns had been donated to the Lodge by Brother Judge ( 782 ) and Brother Liddle ( 531 ).

In the year of 1990 saw the retiral of the RWPGM Brother Robert Hutchison in his last year in that Office he conferred Honorary Provincial Grand Rank upon four Postmasters of the Province .

The Brethren were delighted that Brother Hutchison conferred the Honorary Provincial Grand Rank of Chaplain upon Brother Robert Whitehead PM of Lodge Ben Cleuch.

His Diploma was presented to him at the Quarterly Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge on the 25th April 1990.

As this Brief History reaches the time when it will shortly go to press, it is perhaps fitting to report that only two of our Members having obtained the rank of Distinguished Service Membership, this number will be added to by the addition of three or more of our Longer Serving Office Bearers in the names of….

Brother James Cleminson MM who is currently Almoner of the Lodge.

Brother John Todd MM who is currently Director of Music.

Brother Robert Whitehead PM who is currently Treasurer.

Their diplomas will be presented to them on Monday the 10th February 1992, at the first Regular Meeting after the Lodge has held its Charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland for a 100 years.

So to the arrangements for 1992, the Thanksgiving Church Service is arranged for Sunday the 9th of February 1992, at the Congregational church in Tillicoultry.

The original Consecration Ceremony being held on the 27th February 1892, the Brethren of the Lodge were unanimous in their decision that the nearest date to this should be selected for our Centenary Celebrations.

This date being the 29th February 1992, was duly selected by the Lodge, and the Grand Lodge confirmed that this date was acceptable to them.

Our final selection of the Tillicoultry Primary School has now been made and arrangements are now in hand to Celebrate this outstanding event in the History of Lodge Ben Cleuch, to be held on Saturday the 29th February 1992, at 2:30 pm for Rededication Ceremony and thereafter at the Cochrane Hall, Alva for the Centenary Dinner.

When we study the Initiates of Lodge Ben Cleuch a very interesting pattern emerges. During the Year of Formation of the Lodge in 1892 a total of forty new Members were admitted. Twenty of these being Initiated on the first Meeting of the Lodge on the 27th February 1892.

It is understandable that there must have been a steady interest among the local population with the opening of a new Lodge in Tillicoultry.

This figure of forty was not exceeded until the years of the First World War when thirty-three Members were admitted in 1918, fifty-four in 1919, fifty-six in 1920 and thirty-eight in 1921, after that the Applications dropped to an average of 10 per year.

It was not until the latter part of the Second World War that the same pattern emerged, when we look at 1944 the amount of new Members was forty-nine, and in 1945 forty-seven, 1946 showed a total of sixty and 1947 forty-five, from then and up until 1952 the average Applications were thirty per year.

From the Statistics it would indicate when the Country was at a low ebb, a great interest was kindled in Freemasonry, many of the Initiates were Solders and Airmen who were stationed in Tillicoultry and availed themselves of the privileges of Freemasonry while attending to their duties to King and Country .

However , the bulk of the Initiates came from Tillicoultry and the surrounding districts, and were encouraged to live up to the high Principles of which our Ancient Order is founded.

© LODGE BEN CLEUCH. 2025