Lodge Montrose Kilwinning No.15

The Early History of the Lodge

There is speculation as to whether M.K.L. 15 held a charter from Mother Kilwinning prior to the founding of Grand Lodge, but it was often the case that such charters were issued without a regular account being kept. In any case, records are extant proving the existence of the "Lodge of Montrose" in 1713. This lodge later became known as the "Honourable Fraternity and Incorporation of Freemasons at Montrose", and took part in the organi¬sation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736. A charter was not requested until March 1745 in the name of "The Masonic Lodge entitled Montrose Kilwinning". While the Lodge works under the charter so granted, it can claim that its corporate life goes back to the origin of the Lodge of Montrose.

Our oldest record consists of a collection of papers, minute books and parts of minute books of the Lodge of Montrose with cash accounts, records of admissions and scroll minutes. These record that most monies collected went in support of the poor, with whom, as minuted in 1734 "we are concerned and willing to the utmost of our power to supply". According to the minute of January 18th, 1716, the Brethren agreed to pay "four shillings Scots or four pence Sterling, per quarter" towards this cause. The first recorded meeting of the Lodge was held in "the Meason Loge Court", the next one in "Mrs Moir's". In 1741 they met in "Daniel Stewart, his house". After this they met in various houses, all thought to be licensed. In 1745, 18 glasses were purchased for the newly chartered Lodge, and one bye-law provided that "for the more effectual relief of the poor of the Lodge, the profits arising from the sale of liquors should be applied".

Over the years various proposals were made and agreed upon to build a permanent meeting place. In 1744, the committee agreed to spend £200.00 Sterling to "build and finish" a Lodge room. Apparently this proposal was never carried out, for the Lodge continued to meet in various places including a property which was ultimately bought for £211. 00 Sterling. It is not certain what happened to this property, for in 1790 the Lodge met at Mrs Bean's. The first recorded visitation was on August 5th, 1745, when "our neighbouring Lodge at Arbroath" attended. In these days a tradesman being a member of one of the bodies forming the Incorporation of Trades became a freeman or burgess of the Burgh on being admitted into Freemasonry. Included in the Roll of this Lodge are such notables as Sir James Carnegie of Pitarrow; Lieut. Robert Gordon; Alexander Gordon, Ensign; Francis Gardyne, Esq., Sheriff of Kincardine; and Thomas Lyon, Esq., of Hallgreen, brother of the Earl of Strathmore. Adverts for an alteration to a Region Meeting night were placed as far afield as the Edinburgh Advertiser, the Dundee Mercury, and the Aberdeen Journal.

The Lodge Room in New Wynd was built in 1882 and was acquired for the sum of £550.00. In 1913, 150 Brethren paid Test Fees, 38 new members enrolled, and five honorary members admitted, a Lodge record.The move to Bridge Street was made in 1964, the main hall being let out or a variety of functions. As expenses built up, proposals were made for Brethren to give voluntary donations and to open a bar to allow the Lodge to remain independent. In 1969, however, application was made to the Royal Arch Chapter, Enoch No.3 to allow the Lodge to meet at Upper Hall Street, where it has met ever since, changing its long-established meeting nights from Tuesday to Thursday.