Lodge Drummond Kilwinning Drummond Kilwinning was a short lived lodge in Edinburgh formed for the brethren of Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No. XII who resided and worked in Edinburgh. On 7th February, 1739, a petition for separation and the formation of a new lodge in Edinburgh was presented to Grand Lodge. This was motioned by Bro. Archibald Govane (lawyer) on behalf of the brethren of No. XII. The OBs given were: Master: George Drummond DM: Archibald Govane SW: Lord Cardross (eldest son of Earl of Buchan, Henry David Erskine GMM 1745 –46; later 11th Earl & GMM 1782—84)
JW: John Campbell MP (Lord Provost Ed 1715, 1719—20, 1723—24, House of Commons 1721—34)
Accountant General of Excise. Lord Provost, 1725; Junior Grand Warden, 1738. In the Lodge of Edinburgh, where for example, he was 'admitted and received entered apprentice and fellow craft on the 28th of August, 1721.' One meeting due to being a non-operative. GMM 1752 Alexander Melville, 5th Earl of Leven GMM 1741 James Douglas, 14th Earl of Morton (1701-1768) GMM 1739
Another couple of important members of both lodges were John Erskine (lawyer) 1695— 1768 joined before 1739 and Charles Mackie (lawyer although professor of history at Edin University) 1688—1770 (probably joined about same time as Erskine). George Drummond’s son also joined the lodge and his brother, Alexander, better known as the first PGM of Glasgow affiliated in May 1739.
An excerpt of the minute from 3rd February, 1739 from No. XII gives details (bottom). The lodge only lasted 7 years which may be due to the difficult times of the Jacobite period as explained in The Annalist: Other distinguished brethren were Colin Drummond (unrelated), Professor of Greek, joined in December 1739 and the Rev. John Jardine, minister of Edinburgh High Church, joined in 1742. Some notable Drummond Kilwinning Members: David Stuart Erskine, 10th Earl of Buchan (1742-1829) Antiquary and Political Reformer (see CK April 2021) George Drummond (1687-1766, shown)
Cross Keys Aprilk 2022
“As I have mentioned the lodge of free masons, I cannot help congratulating myself upon the opportunity I had of making so many worthy brethren in this place, and of forming the only lodge that is in the Levant, but my joy is still the greater, when I reflect that all the members are gentlemen of amiable characters, and must reciprocally reflect and receive
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