Lodge Ben Cleuch 782 A Brief History 1892 – 1992
Foreword
Having been associated with Lodge Ben Cleuch No 782 in many ways over a period of some 40 years. I consider it a very great honour to be called upon to write a short foreword in the historical booklet of this Lodge.
On behalf of the Office Bearers and the Brethren of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire. I would congratulate Lodge Ben Cleuch No 782 on obtaining its 100th anniversary , a mile stone in the history of this Lodge and we are privileged indeed to share in this joyful occasion.
The founding of Lodge Ben Cleuch co – incited with the peak of a bustling textile trade in the community a century ago. We give thanks for the excellent way in which the respective Office Bearers and Brethren have succeeded in maintaining the high profile of this Lodge despite the many transitional changes which have taken place during the past 100 years.
Despite some missing records , Brother Alex Lapsley P.M. has compiled a factual account of the recorded transactions of Lodge Ben Cleuch No. 782. and is to be commended on his assiduity and commitment . I trust the historical facts portrayed in this booklet will give great pleasure to all Brethren who hold their Mother Lodge in such high esteem.
COLIN T WYSE
Provincial Grand Master of Stirling.
The Naming of the Lodge.
Most Lodges are named with regard to a historical reference in which the Lodge is situated, or to a landmark that outshines all others by its magnificence. The latter is most certainly the case with Lodge Ben Cleuch taking it’s name from the peak of Ben Cleuch which rises to a height of 2356 feet, and overshadows its neighbours with Dumyat 1373 feet, Blairdevon Hill 2073 feet, and Kings Seat at 2109 feet.
Such a majestic product of nature lends itself as an ornament of perpetual beauty and is a constant reminder that as Ben Cleuch being the highest peak in the area it is an ever present encouragement to the Brethren to act and abide by the ancient precepts of our order.
A very worthy name chosen by the Founder Members of our Lodge, chosen because Ben Cleuch itself being a permanent landmark, would ever remind the Brethren that as surely as Ben Cleuch would endure through the years, that the same hope would be handed down from generation to generation of Brethren of Lodge Ben Cleuch to retain that same enduring permanence.
This of course is underlined by the fact that our present day Lodge nestles under the constant protection of that famous peak of Ben Cleuch.
Preamble
As in the writing and compiling of any article, there is always a dread on the writers part that some item of importance may have escaped his attention.
Due either to the lack of information or the way in which the information is interpreted, in studying the Minute Books available and the Letter Books used. I have extracted the following information contained within these pages.
I now present this Brief History to the Brethren as a true account of the first Hundred years of Lodge Ben Cleuch No 782, with the intent that if I have offended any Brother by my interpretation then I apologise in advance.
Compied by Brother A. B. Lapsley
© LODGE BEN CLEUCH. 2025