First Scottish Regimental Lodge

The first lodge attached to a regiment chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland was not a Scottish regiment, but an English one—the 12th Regiment of Foot (East Sussex), previously the Duke of Norfolk’s in 1747. Whereas the oldest Scottish regiment (Royal Scots) had their lodge join the Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1732.

It was not uncommon for lodges to join the three Grand Lodges—usually because they would be chartered wherever they were based. It also showed the connection even in the 18th Century between the Grand Lodges and the brethren.

The Irish records are actually quite good for anyone seeking to do some research, but Scottish records are variable although information can be gathered from other sources. However, the 19th Century Bye-Laws of this lodge is available in full: pected to contribute—especially since candidates would be limited to members of the regiment only. The regiment was stationed in Holland in the 1740s when the laws were made, hence the use of the term light stivers which was an old Dutch currency.

It is strongly recommended, to every member when the Lodge is closed and the charges of the house defrayed that every Brother repair immediately to their Lodgings, as there are several bad consequences attend late hours beside the extravagant expenses have run ourselves into, and often causes great disturbances in our families; the extreme hurt we do our bodily healths and often renders us incapable of pursuing our daily occupations, beside gives the scandalous tongues of ill-disposed people or enemies to the Royal Craft , the greatest liberty of ridicule. This is a long winded way of saying do not drink—a common affliction among soldiers often leading to dismissal or death.

The Body to assemble at a house most convenient for their purpose, the first Tuesday in month if conveniency will permit. That Master, Warden or Member neglecting to appear at the place and hour appointed except lawful necessity calls him otherways shall be fined as the list of fines annexed. Few lodges met in barracks, but in houses or local pubs. Like most lodges of the time, fines were imposed for non-appearance (and as a military lodge, perhaps other punishments could be used).

A Lecture on Masonry to be given every Regular Lodge Night by the Master or Order, for the better edification of the Brethren, the secretary to be exempt the Lecture the better to observe any misbehaviour—cursing or swearing, coming drunk to the Lodge, interruptions in the Lecture or otherways, and likewise to take a particular acct. of the Charges, and Acquaint the Master when it amounts to ten Light Stivers each member. It is interesting to see that the education of brethren appears more important than conferring degrees and every brother was exAny member who shall Behave himself indecently out of the Lodge so as to be anyways a stain to the character of a mason shall be publicly excluded. The above law was consequence that this behaviour would not be tolerated.

Every Brother must always consider that whenever he enters the Lodge he is in a Place where masons are met in order to work and that Wisdom, Strength and Beauty are our chief supports. First, then, our Wisdom, in abstaining from all rude and frothy expressions. Let unanimity be our strength and then Beauty and order will be their natural consequences Let us stamp our seal of secrecy on whatever is said or done there, and never permit anything to be published out of those doors, for when Masons are met together they should unbosom themselves freely without reserve, well knowing and reason expecting that whatever unguarded expressions may be accidentally made use of they ought to go no further but are or ought to be locked safe in those breasts alone that know to whom and in what Place to re-

veal them, and let every Brother consider that masons are a society of men closely knit together and that true masonry - will certainly like the square will reduce all rude matter into form and rub of nil Rust of conversation which very often renders a man unfit for human society, good manners, the true character of a gentleman and good sense distinguishes us from the lower class of mankind—are to be attained and improved by Masonry. Although a military lodge, it was still a lodge with the same values as every other lodge. The last three laws are self-explanatory.

That our behaviour both in and out of the Lodge be agreeable for it is not sufficient that we show ourselves Masons in the Lodge only but that we let the kind influence of Masonry at all times, and in all places teach and direct us to govern and subdue our passions for that man will be a very little credit to our Society, who tho' he may behave with becoming decency in the Lodge , yet—if without—a malicious revengeful or perhaps a , common swearer what opinion must sober thinking people's have of Masons when their actions are so counter to their professions.

Every Bro. is desired to be very diligent in enquiring into the character of every person who shall Petition them to be admitted into our fraternity, and permit me here to observe that Masonry is universal and neither is or can be confined to any state or condition in life for honour, virtue and honesty are not always in the possession of those affluent fortunes only , but are often found amongst those of inferior rank, nor can we as Masons reject any one on account of his station in life , so that the want of riches and high Stations can be no reasonable objection against an honest and virtuous man that is as fin- as we can judge, who pays his Duty to the Grand Architect his neighbour and himself, for if they have not His fear , they can have no regard to the most solemn obligations , but will turn rebels and endeavour to into bring Disgrace that Royal Craft. Those Perfections they never can arrive at, and if by outward appearance we should be so much imposed upon as to admit such profligates as trifle with and pay no regard to that obligation in which they have so ' voluntarily bound themselves let us not in they, least be afraid to expel them immediately, but cut them of like rotten Branches. Such resolution will bring credit to ourselves and honour to the Royal Craft.

Whatever Brother shall be so rude as to hiss at another or at what he says or has said, shall be expelled till another time and publicly owns fault before the body, and his grace be granted by asking Pardon of the Party offended.

I wonder if that included ‘tut tut’ which can often appear from the East.

The Master and Wardens may alter or add to these By-laws as they shall think most convenient for the good of the lodge. No visitor to be allowed except by consent of the body.

These laws give an insight into not just an old lodge but a regiment in the 18th Century. It is very clear that the high standards of the Craft were upheld within the lodge despite the brethren having seen some horrors of battle (bearing in mind the type of sword injuries). Many soldiers were ‘rough diamonds’ but the common decency was absolutely expected.

An Irish Georgian (pre 1830) engraved silver pendant jewel, for the Grand Lodge of Ireland; arms and winged supporters within arch, skull below, HOLINESS TO THE LORD, eye above sun, moon, compasses resting on the arc, columns, officebearers jewels and various other emblems.

The Lodge was constituted in 1725 with the Earl of Rosse as Grand Master.

Occupation of Danish Freemasons

In 1940, Germany occupied Denmark (despite being neutral) and the Danish governmentandkingfunctioned as relatively normal in a de facto protectorate over the country until 29 August 1943, when Germany placed Denmark under direct military occupation, which lasted until theAlliedvictory on 5 May 1945.

The Headquarters (right) of the Schalburg Corps, a Danish SS unit, after 1943. The occupied building is the lodge of the Danish Order of Freemasons located in Copenhagen.

King Christian X (far right) remained in Denmark throughout the war, a symbol of courage much appreciated by his subjects.

Bro. Sandy was initiated into Lodge Houstoun St Johnstone 26th April 1962 following in the footsteps of his father Bro. Daniel Graham and grandfather, Bro Alex G Graham. Some years later, he affiliated to Lodge St Barchan 156 following in the footsteps of his 1X, 2X, 3X & 4X Great Grand Fathers all of whom were named James Buchannan, the first of whom joined Lodge St Barchan in 1793, served as secretary and was installed as Master 1813.

He was installed as Master in December 2005 at the age of 65, has been secretary for the last 12 years and has been made Hon. Grand Architect of Grand Lodge of Scotland 2021 for services to the Order.

Bro. Sandy has been through the chair of the Royal Arch (& its various bodies), the Knights Templar, the Red Cross of Constantine, the Order of the Secret Monitor, the Guild of Masons, the Eastern Star—achieving Honorary Grand Rank in some of these orders. He is also a 30o mason as well as being a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. There are some other masonic bodies in which Sandy is active.

In his ‘civvy’ life, he was a member of 1st Johnstone BB rising rank of Staff Sergeant Warrant Officer 1st Johnstone Life Boy Team (now called Junior Section); a member 1st Johnstone Rover Scout Crew (and assisted in building the Scout Hall Campbell Street in 1960). He became Group Scout Leader 1st Johnstone Scout Group 1979—2005 and received the Medal of Merit for services to the Scout Movement.

This month Bro. Sandy celebrates 60 years in the Craft and we congratulate him on everything he has achieved for his lodges and beyond.

Old School Jewels

Many lodges (especially under the UGLE) have a theme for which they recruit. For example, armed forces, police, fireman, poets, etc, but another popular theme was the old school connection as shown with some above. Although not so popular in Scotland, some do exist such as Edinburgh Academy Centenary No.1327 and Loretto Centenary No.1373 (Loretto School) whereas Watsonian Lodge No.1375 (George Watson’s School) had to amalgamate.