A History of Lodge Almondale 1658
Foreword.
In 1969 and 1970, as the new town of Livingston
expanded, it was noticeable that many Masons were attending Lodges around the area as visitors and some were considering
affiliation.
It was apparent to me that there may be roll for a new Lodge in the town, accordingly with the assistance of Bro. Bob Gibson ( my
then Substitute Provincial Grand Master ) a meeting was arranged in a room within Howden House, and an invitation given to
any and all interested Masons in the area.
The response was overwhelming, with about 100 brethren attending. There was an immediate agreement that a new Lodge should be formed and a steering committee under Bro. William Dodds was appointed to arrange for a Founder Members list and to seek a charter from Grand Lodge ( the founder members came from all parts of Scotland, and this has given the Lodge it's very individual character).
The Charter granted is unusual in that my name appears as a Founder Member and again as a signatory as Depute Grand Master Mason. Since the day of it's Consecration and Erection as a Lodge, 1658 has made it's mark within the Craft, by it's ritual working, visiting, support of Masonic and other charities, and above all for extending to others the hand of friendship.
The voluntary work given in the building and financing the Temple in Craigshill as a home of their own is a lasting tribute to the members and their friends.
The response was overwhelming, with about 100 brethren attending. There was an immediate agreement that a new Lodge should be formed and a steering committee under Bro. William Dodds was appointed to arrange for a Founder Members list and to seek a charter from Grand Lodge ( the founder members came from all parts of Scotland, and this has given the Lodge it's very individual character).
The Charter granted is unusual in that my name appears as a Founder Member and again as a signatory as Depute Grand Master Mason. Since the day of it's Consecration and Erection as a Lodge, 1658 has made it's mark within the Craft, by it's ritual working, visiting, support of Masonic and other charities, and above all for extending to others the hand of friendship.
The voluntary work given in the building and financing the Temple in Craigshill as a home of their own is a lasting tribute to the members and their friends.
Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous future.
Bro. Ian H. Thomson.
Founder Member,
Past Depute Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
Past Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire.
Many Thanks to Bro. S.J. Bowie P.M. Lodge Roman Eagle No. 160 for these
Three interesting pages from what I think is The Provincial Magazine.
CHARITY RUN.
Bro. Ian H. Thomson.
Founder Member,
Past Depute Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
Past Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire.
Many Thanks to Bro. S.J. Bowie P.M. Lodge Roman Eagle No. 160 for these
Three interesting pages from what I think is The Provincial Magazine.
CHARITY RUN.
Bro. Ernie Lamond ran the Glasgow Half Marathon to raise funds for Lodge and Local Charity.
Erine completed the run in two hour eighteen minutes raising the very fine sum of £1,420.00,
£400.00 was given to the Widows and Almoners Fund and the remaining £1,020.00 was donated to Elieburn Adult Learning Centre.
Bro. Ernie Lamond P.M., Bro. Jim Caven S.M. and Bro. Ben Holgate Sec. presenting the cheque for £1,020.00 to June Miller and Lesley McLellan of Elieburn Adult Learning Centre.
Erine completed the run in two hour eighteen minutes raising the very fine sum of £1,420.00,
£400.00 was given to the Widows and Almoners Fund and the remaining £1,020.00 was donated to Elieburn Adult Learning Centre.
Bro. Ernie Lamond P.M., Bro. Jim Caven S.M. and Bro. Ben Holgate Sec. presenting the cheque for £1,020.00 to June Miller and Lesley McLellan of Elieburn Adult Learning Centre.