Lodge Progress No. 967

The Early History of the Lodge

A History Written by the Late Brother Chales Donaldson
on the occasion of the Centenery of the Lodge in 2004

Dundee entered the new 20th Century in an optimistic mood with every mill and factory of the staple industries of linen and jute in full swing. This thriving state of trade was mainly a consequence of the heavy demand for such fabrics for the war in South Africa.

The building trade in Dundee was also exceptionally busy. The increase in population was causing the City to extend and spaces that were formerly gardens or fields were being laid out with new streets, new villas and new tenements.
The Corporation built a new Fire Station for the reorganised Fire Brigade and erected four district washhouses in congested districts of the town to supply a long felt want. They were also converting the Tramway System from horse or steam to that of electric traction that required the construction of a new power station. Tracks were now being laid for a system that was to consist of eight principal routes radiating from the High Street.
The delayed scheme for reclaiming ground from the River Tay was at last commenced. A vast tract of ground would be added to the west of the Esplanade and many years would elapse before completion. At the harbour a new fish dock and market had been opened. The shipbuilding industry was thriving and in March 1901 the Discovery built by the Dundee Shipbuilding Company for an Antarctic Exploration was launched. Eighty-five years later she was to return to Dundee to a custom built dock called "Discovery Quay" to become a symbol of Dundee's reincarnation and a principal marketing attraction especially in the celebration in 1988 of the City of Dundee's Octocentenary.
'In January 1901, King Edward VII succeeded his mother Queen Victoria. On his accession to the throne he resigned from being Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, a post he had held since 1874, some 27 years, and became Protector of the Craft. He was proclaimed King, in Dundee, to a vast assembly congregated on the High Street amid "fervid enthusiasm". After the festivities most of the citizens would return to the overcrowded unsanitary houses in the old congested areas of town, which had not yet been cleared by the Improvement Schemes. From the dreariness of such dwellings the low paid labour force of women, girls and lads would return to the long hours of monotonous work in the mills and factories. After work there were few opportunities for social gatherings, these mainly being restricted to music halls, religious and other specialist meetings at the public house. In consequence drink became a brief illusory comfort. Payday was Saturday and by the night there was much drunkenness, general disorder, breaches of the peace, street fights and brawls. In consequence Dundee gained the unenviable title of the most drunken city in the British Empire, a title later endorsed by Winston S. Churchill. However a later political rival, Edwin Scrimgeour, had founded, in November 1901, at a meeting of temperance societies in Dundee, The Scottish Prohibition Society, in order to achieve a complete ban on alcohol in Britain through parliamentary legislation. The Party continually criticised any temperance society which did not agree with prohibition.

Drink was entrenched in the culture of all the various classes of citizens in Dundee. In Masonic Lodges there was evidence of much hard drinking. The practice of supplying excisable liquor had existed from the remotest period without interference from Excise authorities or others and was an established custom and privilege in Lodges. This custom had the express sanction of Grand Lodge, which discouraged the practice of meeting in licensed premises. It was usual for the steward to provide for the supply of excisable liquor on payment of the value of the liquor provided. This refreshment was usually supplied after the Lodge was closed at what was termed "harmony".
There were many in the Craft who objected to the behaviour observed during the "harmonies" and they wished to disassociate themselves from such rowdy conduct and thought that something should be done to control "ardent conviviality". A number of Brethren from the various Lodges decided to do something about the drinking customs in their respective Lodges and held meetings. Licensing matters were in the public mind in Dundee during 1902 due to a Bill going through Parliament. A deputation of Dundee Magistrates visited Liverpool in order to enquire into the system of public house inspection in vogue there. They submitted a report embodying certain recommendations to the Chief Constable sparking off controversy especially when he requested two more policemen to carry out the recommendations.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland appointed a Special Committee in April 1903 to enquire into the requirements of the Licensing Bill that would affect Freemasonry. They supplied information and made representation to the Scottish Office in London in the interest of the Craft. The Bill required the registration of Clubs and the Committee was unsure whether this applied to Masonic Lodges. Under the corresponding English Licensing Act some Magistrates held that Masonic Lodges were clubs while other Magistrates felt that they were not clubs. The Committee sought advice from Counsel who was of the opinion that the term "club" was wide enough to cover Masonic Lodges and they must be registered if they were to supply excisable liquor in their premises.
The Grand Secretary circulated the Report before the Quarterly Communication on the 5th November and it was later sent to all Daughter Lodges, but by this time the Bill was enacted commencing 1st January 1904. The Act had no bearing whatever on Masonic Lodges that did not sell or supply excisable liquor in their premises.
This provision gave inspiration to many of the temperance Brethren in i.e. city and a number of them met on 19th November 1903 in Lodge Camperdown's hall in Barrack Street, Dundee. Opinion favoured the formation of a Lodge on temperance lines as had been erected in Glasgow in March 1898 under the title of Lodge Progress, No. 873. It was the first Scottish Daughter Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland founded on total abstinence principles although in England there existed several Lodges founded and constituted on temperance principles.

The Formation

After a full discussion of all the circumstances, it was resolved to present a petition to the Grand Lodge of Scotland craving a Charter. When it became known that a Lodge was to be set up on temperance principles a sturdy opposition was offered by other Brethren and Lodges in the town. Many thought the object of the promoters was to change Freemasonry into a teatotal institution whilst other enthusiastic Brethren viewed it as a reflection upon the social life of existing Lodges.
The Masters of the Lodges in the city held a meeting in relation to the proposed new Lodge and intimated that they held the unanimous opinion that should Grand Lodge grant a Charter it would be detrimental to the interests of Freemasonry in Dundee. A petition against the granting of the Charter was drawn up and signed by all the Masters in Dundee and a copy sent to the Grand Master Mason and also to the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The representatives of the various Dundee Lodges at the Quarterly Communication held in Edinburgh on 4th February 1904 were instructed vote for an amendment against the granting of a Charter for the propos new Lodge.
Grand Lodge was satisfied that a Lodge of the type which flourished in Glasgow had reasonable hope of success in Tayside. The amendment was withdrawn and accordingly the necessary Charter was granted empowering Brethren to hold a Lodge under the name of "Progress, Dundee" with the number "967" on the Roll and dated 4th February 1904.

Members Listed in the Charter

Thirty-four Brethren from fourteen different Lodges became Founder Members of the new Lodge. Of this number almost one third of the founder: were members of Lodge Camperdown, No. 317.

The Office-bearers mentioned in the Charter include:-

Master, William Smith, Depute Master, J. G. McKelvie, Substitute Master, J. Simpson, Senior Warden, F. N. Gillies, Junior Warden, F. C. Bissell, Secretary, R. G. Forbes, Treasurer, S. N. Boyd, Senior Deacon, W. R. Salmond, Junior Deacon, G.McInnes, Inner Guard, J. S. Lawrie Tyler, William R. Jackson.
Lodge Progress, Dundee, introduced a new feature into Masonry in Province of Forfarshire. As this was something of an event in the Masonic life of Dundee, the Provincial Grand Lodge sent out communications intimating that the Consecration of Lodge Progress, No. 967 would take place in Lodge Camperdown's Hall on 15th April 1904.
A set of Bye-Laws was drawn up and the aim of the promoters was set out in the significant sentence, which they adopted as their third Bye-Law:-

"No intoxicating liquors shall be permitted at any meeting or communication of the Lodge, or at any meeting held under the auspices of the Lodge."

The membership of the Lodge was not confined to total abstinence, as such a conditional qualification would be precluded by Grand Lodge.

The Formative Years

It was fortunate that the first Master, William Smith, had a vigorous personality in order to inspire the Office-bearers with real enthusiasm. He not only had to forge an effective new team to perform the ceremonies, he also had to ensure the efficient working of the administration.

In the first year of operation under the leadership of Brother Smith there were 12 Intrants and he succeeded in proving to the Sister Lodges that Progress was worthily maintaining the high standards of the Craft and had a rightful place in the Masonic life of the community.
At the annual election of Office-bearers in 1905, Brother Rev. George Christie, m.a., b.d., was chosen as the second Master. In 1902, he had been appointed minister of the old established St John's Cross Church located at that time in South Tay Street, Dundee. On the night of his application to the Lodge from Lodge Leven St John, No. 170, he was elected Chaplain. Ministers as Masters of Masonic Lodges were not common in those days. His election was noted in Grand Lodge and a compliment was paid to Lodge Progress when Brother The Honourable Charles Maule Ramsay, Grand Master Mason, accompanied by several members of Grand Lodge, visited Dundee and, at a special meeting in Gray's Rooms, installed Brother Rev. George Christie and his Office-bearers.

With the increasing number of applications for membership and the natural ambition of a young and vigorous Lodge it was decided that they should seek a home of their own. A dwelling house in a tenement was leased at No. 8 Crichton Street, just off the High Street, situated amid ungenial surroundings. It was converted into a Hall of very modest dimensions and this tiny Temple was dedicated to Masonic purposes with all the elaborate ceremony of the Craft on 23rd November 1906.
A happy three years were spent there and it became a centre of good fellowship but the demand for membership was placing great strain on the confined quarters and there was a threat of demolition of the building, being situated in an Improvement Area. As the lease was approaching termination a committee was appointed to look for more commodious premises. These were eventually found in a disused printing office on the south side of the Murraygate, in an area entered from No. 73. The Murraygate was one of the oldest thoroughfares in the city, the lower part having been recently developed. The whole interior was reconstructed to form a suite of halls suitable for Craft purposes and the building was duly dedicated on 23rd September 1910.
For the next ten years the Murraygate Temple was the meeting place of the Brethren. At the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 there was a decline in Masonic activities but soon there was a growing number applying for membership reaching a peak of 560 in 1919 dropping thereafter back to pre-war levels.

In common with all Masonic bodies, Lodge Progress was affected by the First World War. Of the members who enlisted 15 made the supreme sacrifice. Nor did the Lodge lack honour. One Brother was awarded the D.C.M., several were raised to commissioned rank in the field and one took part in the great naval exploit - the storming of Zeebrugge, which was a major submarine base in West Flanders. The base was put out of action in April 1918 by the sinking of blockships in the harbour preventing German vessels entering or leaving.
As a mark of appreciation to the service Brethren the Lodge decided to strike a commemorative medal. An exclusive die was procured and medals struck in bronze were presented to ex-service members. Medals in respect of fallen Brethren were presented to their relatives. The presentation took place in the Masonic Temple in Dock Street as Lodge Progress was temporarily using these halls while their new home was being transformed in the Hilltown. The Dock Street Temple was situated in the Old City Assembly Rooms and was the result of a scheme conceived by the Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire. A Masonic Temple Company had been set up with the various Lodges buying shares as an investment. The intention was for the Lodges to rent rooms for their meetings in the central Temple. At first things went well but post-war conditions were different and by the end of 1920 the Temple was sold to a printing company.
Early in 1920 notice had been served on the Lodge that, as the building in the Murraygate had been let for industrial purposes, the lease could not be renewed. Financially, the Lodge was in a very healthy state, and it resolved to acquire a place of its own, so that greater security of tenure might be enjoyed. Such a building was found in the Hilltown in extensive premises that had long been used as a Mission Station by Panmure Street Congregational Church. The cost was £2,500 and the Lodge entered into possession at Whitsunday 1920.
The structure had been erected in 1883 from plans by Messrs. C. & I. Ower, Architects, Dundee. As it stood it was quite unsuited for Masonic purposes, but a scheme of entire reconstruction was prepared by Brother Charles G. Souter and carried out at a further cost of over £2,500. The raising of that money is one of the romances of the Lodge. Brother George T. Murray, P.M., who was Treasurer at that time, undertook the task and within a few days was able to report that a number of enthusiastic Brethren had lent the necessary cash on no other security than the honour of the Lodge and an excerpt from the Minutes. It is good to be able to add that the entire sum was repaid in about four years. The whole transaction was a wonderful tribute to the energy of the Treasurer and the goodwill of the Brethren.
So much progress had been made in the reconstruction by November 1920 that it was possible for the Lodge to leave the temporary accommodation in the Masonic Temple in Dock Street and hold meetings in the new premises. Having received the necessary sanction from the Provincial Grand Master, the Lodge made its formal entry into its new home on 2nd December 1920, when the Office-bearers for the ensuing year were installed. The actual Consecration of the Temple was carried out with full ceremonial on 29th March 1921.

The Halcyon Years

To assist the Brethren in the working of the various degrees and to enhance Masonic knowledge, a library, a Class of Instruction and a Class of Research were established. Enthusiastic members also founded and successfully maintained a Royal Arch Chapter, a Lodge of Royal Ark Masons, a Council of Red Cross Knights and a Cryptic Council all under the parent name of Progress, Dundee.
The twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Lodge was celebrated at a special meeting held on Monday, 4th February 1929. The Master, John J. Thorns, presided over a meeting of more than 300 Brethren, including a large number of visitors. Nine of the original founders were present - Brothers J. D. Swan, Hugh Ruxton, William Harvey, P. G. Forbes, A. Allan, D. Whyte, W. T. Brown, F. C. Bissell and D. Millar.
The previous day the Lodge had attended a special service of commemoration and thanksgiving in Dundee Parish Church (St Mary's). The service took place in the evening, the Master reading the lesson and the sermon being delivered by Brother Rev. George Christie, d.d., Past Grand Chaplain, and a Past Master of the Lodge. The church service was attended by nearly a hundred members of the Lodge wearing regalia.
During the course of the Semi-Jubilee meeting Brother William Harvey, who was later to become Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire, gave an outline of the history and development of the Lodge, part of which is incorporated in this history. Brother Harvey also compiled "The Complete Manual of Freemasonry" which is widely used in Forfarshire (Angus). It is of interest to note that Brother A. S. MacBride of Lodge Progress, No. 873, was the author of another acclaimed ritual known for "its richness, beauty and unique eloquence of language". Both Brethren strongly believed in temperance and Masonry and made great contributions to the literature of Freemasonry.
The Semi-Jubilee was celebrated at a time when Dundee was in the midst of an industrial crisis. The city's staple jute industry was in terminal decline from foreign competition, particularly from India, tariff protected
Continental firms and the use of substitute materials. Profits were poor, wages low and unemployment high. The decline in the economic base was further exacerbated by the world-wide depression of the thirties, the effect of this was to linger until the middle of the war years. In those uncertain times the number of Intrants decreased but with fewer candidates a more personal approach was possible. With the outbreak of war in September 1939 a blackout was imposed restricting movement, as did a 50% cut in bus services. All the city's cinemas, dance halls, tennis courts and bowling greens faced closure. There was the possibility that Progress Halls might be requisitioned, possibly for air raid victims or for other Civil Defence use. This cast a shadow over the work of the Lodge during the first eighteen months of the war.
It did not, however, inhibit the dancing, which took place in the Hall every weekend. From 1924 onwards the Hall had been let for dancing to provide income for the Lodge. It was run by promoters and was considered to be one of the best controlled halls in Dundee. During the war years dancing became the most popular form of entertainment for locals and service personnel and every hall was full to capacity resulting in many other halls being opened for dancing on Saturdays. Unfortunately, there were many drunken fights and brawls between the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the various nationalities stationed in the area. The popular Progress Hall, or "proggie" as it came to be known, became infamous when a Dundee soldier was stabbed and killed there during a drunken brawl.
Unemployment in Dundee lingered on until 1942, the result being that many workers were drafted out of the city to factories in England. Many of the younger members of the Lodge had joined the armed forces and attendances at the meetings of the Lodge fell to very low figures. The older members came forward to keep the work of the Lodge going until there was an influx of new blood, which revived the life of the Lodge. This was largely due to a complete renewal of the employment situation in Dundee in 1943. The demands of the armed services and civilian industry vital to the war effort led to the introduction of many new products all leading to a shortage of labour. Hours of work in the warwork factories and shipyards were long and hard but Lodge attendances were still maintained and increased in the post-war period. In 1946 there were 51 Intrants, a number that reduced drastically thereafter.
In August 1947 the Lodge held a "Welcome Home to Ex-Service Brethren Celebration". Four of the 63 Brethren who were in the services were killed - Brothers Peter Duff, T. R. Leash, Joseph Miller and D. B. Westwood.
The post-war activities and social life of the Lodge was resumed but a different atmosphere prevailed in the rapidly changing circumstances. With an uncertain future the jute industry continued to decline and some jute firms began to diversify into related industries. As Dundee had received Development Status in 1945 an Industrial Estate was opened offering advanced factories for new industries. The financial incentives for su capital costs as machinery etc. combined with a pool of low cost labo attracted many light engineering firms, the most prominent being from t] U.S.A.
To overcome the great housing shortage and to relieve congestion, great number of emerging houses were built, particularly pre-fabricate houses. A halt to slum clearance was called as a slum house was better tha none at all. Emphasis was placed on the development of new housin estates planned before the war. There was an increasing pace of exodu from high-density areas of Hilltown and Dudhope where the Lodge wa situated.
In 1954 Lodge Progress celebrated its 50th Anniversary by purchasing ; full set of regalia proudly worn at a social function attended by Lord Bru« and other members of Grand Lodge.
However, after 35 years as a Masonic Temple, the property at No. 44 Hilltown was compulsorily purchased and demolished by Dundee Town Council to permit housing development in the area. The last meeting in the premises was held on 28th June 1956. There was a great sadness.

Nomads

Thereafter members of Lodge Progress met in the halls of the Caledonian Lodge at 179 Hawkhill, which was also located in an area due for reconstruction. The Lodge night was now changed from Thursday to Wednesday and a new set of Bye-Laws was produced. The work of the Lodge carried on as before with the normal intake of candidates. An ambitious Social Committee embarked on a series of social events, but due to the lack of support, some of them had to be cancelled.
In May 1960 Lodge Caledonian offered their premises to Provincial Grand Lodge for conversion into a Masonic Temple. At this time Dundee Corporation approved a phased redevelopment of the Overgate, in the heart of the city, and bulldozers moved in. This scheme affected two of the oldest Lodges in Dundee, The Operative Lodge, No. 47 and Lodge Camperdown, No. 317.
At a Provincial Quarterly Meeting at the end of 1960, a Sub-Committee was formed to look into the possibility of building a new central Masonic Temple for all Lodges. In December, the Provincial Grand Master called a meeting of all Lodges interested in this possibility in order to find out how much money each Lodge would be willing to invest and to nominate representatives to his Committee. Lodge Progress pledged the sum of £1,500. In September 1961 estimates were given for acquiring a site in the Meadows, but nothing more was heard of the scheme.
Lodge Camperdown, No. 317, in late 1961, purchased a derelict works' I canteen in Dura Street, and after months of hard work the Lodge rooms were ready for use. In June 1962, the rooms were Consecrated by the Immediate Past P.G.M. of Forfarshire, Brother Thomas Buick.

In March 1962 a letter was received from Lodge Caledonian, No. 254 informing Lodge Progress that they were trying to dispose of their premises. Enquiries were then made into the possibility of acquiring halls of their own and visitations were made to the various possibilities. It was finally agreed to accept the offer from the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds for the let of their Central Halls, known as the Old Palais Dance Hall, in the Seagate, one of the old streets in the city.
The last meeting in Lodge Caledonian Halls was held on 29th June 1962 and in September, the Lodge opened in the Floral Hall of Central Halls. Unfortunately, difficulties began to manifest themselves. Other bodies also let the premises and, occasionally, required the use of the main halls.
In June 1964 Lodge Operative, No. 47 had evacuated their hall in the Overgate, which had been compulsorily purchased by the Dundee Corporation, and they had bought premises at 161 Princes Street, for conversion into a Masonic Temple. The Master and others from Lodge Progress inspected the premises and found them most suitable for their requirements. In September a Notice of Motion was made, "That we vacate the premises at Central Halls, Seagate, and move to Lodge Operative Halls in Princes Street, and that meetings be held on the first and third Wednesdays". This was passed.
A dispensation was received from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire to hold meetings in the Masonic Hall at No. 161 Princes Street, Dundee. The Central Halls were vacated on 4th November and the first meeting in Lodge Operative was held on 18th November 1964. Lodge Ubique, No. 1192 also had the use of the premises.
In September 1965 it had been mentioned that the premises of Lodge Operative were likely to be affected by road widening in the Princes Street area. The Town Planning Department of the Council considered that the hall would have to be vacated by 1968. Again the question of new premises arose. Lodge Operative would pursue this quest until April 1978 when they were informed that there were no plans for demolition for the next 20 to 25 years.
Lodge Progress, however, decided to terminate their lease from 19th May 1971 and move to the rooms of Lodge St David, No. 78 at No. 86 Nethergate, Dundee on 1st September 1971.
In February 1973 Lodge Progress had three representatives on Provincial Grand Lodge and in December the Provincial Grand Master, Brother Douglas W. Gerrard, presented Brother Stephen G. Fisher, P.M., of Lodge Progress, his Certificate as Honorary Grand Architect of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, as a reward for the excellent services given to Masonry in the Province. As far as it was known this was the first time that such an honour had been bestowed on a Brother of Lodge Progress. Soon after the award Brother Gerrard died, in February 1974. Brother Stephen Gavin Fisher was then elected Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire and Installed on 15th November 1974.
Lodge Progress had now provided two Provincial Grand Masters.

Principles Forsaken

At the regular meeting on 3rd March 1976, in St David's rooms a Nod of Motion was given to debate Item 3 of Section 1 of the Special Bye-L^ of Lodge Progress, No. 967. Item 3 was the famous section which stated "i intoxicating liquors shall be permitted at any meeting or communication ( the Lodge. . .". A ballot was taken on the Motion and it was unanimous i favour of the deletion of Item 3. Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge were informed and by June both had approved the alteration.
"Item 3" had been enshrined in the hearts of the founder members which were staunch temperance workers. Now it was no more. A new era had begun for Lodge Progress, No. 967.
Ten years later, in 1986, the pioneer temperance Lodge in Scotland Lodge Progress, No. 873 altered its Bye-Laws to allow alcohol to be consumed in the Lodge. The main reason put forward was that it would bring new visitors to the Lodge.
No such reason was recorded for the volte face in the Dundee Lodge but it may have been entwined with the possibility of obtaining new premises. Negotiations were underway for the lease of the former industrial canteen in Park Street belonging to Messrs. Don Brothers Buist of Forfar.
A notice of increase in rent was received and the response was a notice to quit. Once the approval of Tayside Regional Council for change of use of the premises in Park Street to a Masonic Lodge was approved, the lease was signed and work commenced on the conversion. A new floor was laid in the main hall and a new ceiling fitted in the small hall. The new premises were Consecrated by the Provincial Grand Lodge with great dignity and in accordance with Grand Lodge Laws. Lodge Progress could now perform works of Masonry within the premises. This was the first occasion since 1904 that intoxicating liquor was available at the Harmony which followed the degree.

It was agreed that a bar be erected and a Club formed which would be under the control of Lodge Progress. An application was made to the Sheriff Court for a Club Licence in accordance with the terms of Grand Lodge Law No. 154A. A Certificate of Registration, in the name of Lodge Progress, was granted dated 1 st November 1976. It was agreed that the club bar would be open on Saturdays. In April 1978 a gaming machine was installed. By September permission was gained from the landlord for the use of a storage shed for conversion into a bar extension creating a bar lounge. A full time bar steward was employed and for a trial period the bar would be open on Friday evenings and possibly Thursday evenings as well.
For the celebration of the 75th Anniversary a special Lodge meeting was held on 7th February 1979. The guest of honour was a member of the Lodge, Brother Harry Vaughan, who was attending in his capacity as Lord Provost of the City of Dundee and he was accompanied by Council Officer, Brother Bruce Kelly, a Master Mason of Lodge Operative, No. 47. The Master, Brother Rev. Ifor Howell, then received the Provincial Grand
Master of Forfarshire, Brother Stephen Gavin Fisher, a P.M. of Lodge Progress, accompanied by a large Deputation of Provincial Grand Officebearers. A dinner followed and the oldest Brother on the Roll cut the anniversary cake. The celebration continued with a dinner-dance in the Tay Hotel followed by a special Sunday evening service in Gilfillan Memorial Church.
In October 1981 the Secretary of Messrs Don Brothers Buist wrote to the Lodge stating that they had been informed of a street widening proposal that would involve the removal of the Lodge premises. A Director of the Company agreed that the Lodge had been good tenants and had spent large sums of money converting the canteen into beautiful Lodge rooms and, in recognition of this, when they received compensation for the building it would be gifted to Lodge Progress. The Company agreed a price for all their buildings in the surrounding area with the Scottish Development Agency. There was no provision for compensation from the S.D.A. to Lodge Progress as they had the pleasure of sitting rent free for one year. The Lodge was informed of this in March 1982.
Once more a search was made for other premises either to purchase or rent and many properties were inspected. It soon became apparent that the Lodge could not afford to purchase property. During the months of June and July of that year two break-ins resulted in breakages and cash being stolen. The Insurance on the premises only covered the first break-in but not the second.
A letter informed the Lodge that they should be prepared to vacate the premises by 1st September 1982 but this was only received in mid August due to the intervening holidays. An approach was made to the Canon of St Salvador's Church for the use of the Church Halls. As there was no objection to having a bar it was agreed to rent the halls. All the fittings and furnishings in Park Street had to be dismantled in haste and transported, some to the new hall and the remainder to storage mainly in a Brother's garage.
A Ceremony of Consecration of the newly rented premises was carried out on the evening of 29th September 1982 by the Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire, Brother Rev. William G. Burns, and his Office-bearers. The first regular meeting took place on 6th October with a second degree.
The roadwork scheme was never carried out.

Nadir

The occupation of St Salvador's Halls was considered a temporary measure and the search for more permanent new premises continued. The various items from Park Street, such as furniture, toilet, flooring, bar stock and other paraphernalia had to be sold off quickly due to lack of storage space. Inadequate records were kept due to the piecemeal distribution and some items were held on credit causing confusion in the account books.
Various offers of let were being received and considered and it was decided to accept the offer of Lodge Ubique, No. 1192, with B membership of their club. Canon Duff was informed of the relinquishment of the tenancy, paid up to date, and was thanked kindly for the use of the hall.
Again there was the task of removal of the equipment to 29/32 Dudhope Street for the opening of the Lodge on 2nd March 1983. The other items in storage were to be offered for sale and anything unsold to be taken to a saleroom.
The annual visitation of Provincial Grand Lodge took place on 1st February 1984. The Provincial Grand Master, Brother Rev. William Gray Burns, congratulated the Lodge on their workings but he complained about the bar being open before the meeting as it broke one of the traditions in the Province. He also pointed out that Freemasons should be careful in their actions as they were being carefully watched by the media.
At the following regular meeting on 15th February it was reported to the Lodge that the premises of the "1314 Club" in Commercial Street were available for rent. The brewers had promised a gratis payment and would install a bar. The Brethren decided to accept the offer and to apply to the Sheriff Court for a social club licence. It was agreed that the rules of the social club would be similar to those of Lodge Camperdown, No. 317. A strenuous effort was made to refurbish the new premises at great expense. The first meeting at 34 Commercial Street took place on 2nd May 1984 with the Consecration of the Lodge rooms by the Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire, Brother Rev. William G. Burns, and a number of Provincial Office-bearers.
A Social Committee was formed, consisting of Office-bearers and other interested Brethren, and it opened in May of that year. Great interest was shown and by September the club was able to purchase the Bingo machine, a cooker and a deep freezer. However the bar steward reported to the solicitor who had assisted the Lodge in obtaining their licence that a problem had arisen with the Bank which was reluctant to extend an overdraft facility without a guarantee for £3,000. Two Brethren agreed to stand as guarantors.
In October 1985 the Lodge was asked by the social club committee for a loan to tide them over for a short period and £500 was granted. An accountant and stock-taker were also employed by the social club. Meanwhile the social activities were successful and expanded with professional entertainers being hired. The over-ambitious club soon found that the increased expenditure could barely be covered by the income. At the annual Provincial Grand Lodge visit in April 1986 the Provincial Grand Treasurer reported that he had received the Lodge accounts but was still awaiting the club accounts. The Lodge accounts showed a loss of £725 over the previous year. At a meeting in July the whole question of the social club was discussed, various proposals were made including the sale of the club. It was decided to seek legal advice and that an independent Chartered Accountant be contacted to construct the missing club account books. The solicitor prepared a report on the club structure and a proposed amended constitution.
The Provincial Grand Master, on his annual visit in April 1987, thanked the new Treasurer for his efforts in bringing the finances and books of the Lodge back into line after all the troubles that the Lodge had gone through in the past years.
In May 1987 the social club received a cheque for £1,081 from the Insurance Company being the amount due from the robbery.
It now seemed that the way forward was bright. Not so, for later that year there were a series of misfortunes.

Recovery

In January 1988 the Master announced that the Lodge would have to move to new premises in the near future and enquiries were being made. In the end it was decided to move to Lodge Roineach Mhor, No. 1308 in Duncan Street, Downfield, and the move was made in March after having cleared the premises in Commercial Street. Many items were abandoned.
The Lodge struggled to keep financially solvent earning just enough to pay the rent. The position was aggravated by a drop in the number of candidates and the absence of many members after the many problems which the Lodge and its Social Club had endured. March 1988 saw the last of the Lodge's annual Church parades and in February 1989 the last annual Burns' Supper was held, although successful, it was not well attended. This was a further break with the past.
In April 1991 two Troopers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards were returning from the Gulf War and their respective fathers enquired into the possibility of them receiving their Mark Degree. This was agreed and Brethren from six different Lodges in their honour performed the ceremony.
Resulting from the Grand Lodge's Ad Hoc Committee Report on the Financing of the Scottish Craft held on 30th November 1999, various fees were drastically increased. The Treasurer produced a projected draft Revenue Account for the forthcoming years and expressed his fears for the Lodge Revenue Fund. The Lodge was then informed of an increase in rent.
Lodge Camperdown, No. 317 had been a victim of a road-widening scheme and their premises were compulsory purchased. They bought the former Ukrainian Club in Wellington Street, renovated it and their new Lodge premises were Consecrated in April 1994. In the end, the road widening did not come to fruition and their former property became a Muslim learning centre.
Lodge Progress entered into negotiations with Lodge Camperdown to rent accommodation in the upper room. All members automatically would become B members of Camperdown social club with no personal liability for debts. Accordingly the tenancy of Lodge Roineach Mhor was terminated, the move made, and the Lodge opened in September 1994.

Lodge Progress had been used to operating in large premises and wer feeling the room at Lodge Camperdown rather small for their needs. Afte some discussion the Brethren agreed that a working party should proceed tc find accommodation more suitable for their requirements. A report wa: made on the Lodges visited, the matter fully discussed, and it was decidec to take up the offer of Lodge Ubique, No 1192 and the first meeting tooi place in September 1995. This was the third time the Lodge had shared premises with Lodge Ubique, the first had been in Princes Street Lodge rooms of Lodge Operative, No. 47; and the second time in their own halls in Dudhope Street. It also happened to be the former premises of the defunct Boilermaker's club, which Lodge Progress had considered purchasing in early 1982. Lodge Ubique had obtained these premises as they had been forced to move from their old ones due to the construction of an ambitious inner ring road scheme.
This time the Chapter did not move with the Lodge and the tie between them was severed. Instead they moved into the Masonic Club rooms in Tay Street, rent free. Unfortunately the Masonic Club itself was in financial difficulties and sold their premises. Again homeless the Chapter returned to Roineach Mhor in Duncan Street.
In January 1997 it was decided to renew contact with Lodge Progress, No. 873 and invite them to Dundee to work a degree. A special meeting was held on Friday, llth April to work a second degree according to the MacBride ritual and this was witnessed by the Depute Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire, Brother George G. Robertson. The Master of Lodge Progress Glasgow, Brother Joseph Miller, said they had checked their Minute Books to find that the last contact between the two Lodges was over 40 years ago and it was his earnest hope that the contact would continue for many years to come. This hope has been fulfilled. The Master of the Dundee Lodge and eight Brethren were honoured to attend the Centenary Celebrations of Lodge Progress, No. 873 in Glasgow on 12th September 1998.
In common with other Lodges, Lodge Progress has experienced a decline in the number of applicants for membership but unlike some other Lodges has been able to attract a sufficient number to maintain a high standard of working by the younger members. While the number attending meetings has also fallen, the columns are still sufficiently occupied to encourage those working the degrees. Many of these are Brethren visiting from other Lodges to witness the Progress way.

The Future

It is difficult to predict the future in a world of rapidly changing social, cultural and economic forces. The next century of Lodge Progress, No. 967 begins with a solid base of younger members keenly interested in Masonry.

Transcribed from Charlie Donaldson's Documents