The Shriners

The jewel is dated mid to late 18th Century from France as shown by the cockerel. The six pointed star, commonly associated with the Royal Arch, is shown here before Royal Arch masonry had come into existence. Therefore, we can assume (?) that this symbol came into Royal Arch masonry from France and perhaps strengthens the claim that its origins are actually French rather than being part of the MM degree.

Paisley Railway 1888

The railway station in Paisley, better known as Gilmour Street, looked very different in 1888 than it does today, especially with horse drawn carriages where taxis fly about. That year, 242 held a Grand Ball & Conversazione in the Town Hall for funds, took a deputation to Lodge St. Barchan No.156 for the opening on the new public park in Kilbarchan and the master Bro. Henry Wylie and IPM James Reid instructed the brethren in the “opening ceremony of different offices” and they went “through a great number of questions and an-

swers likely to be put to younger members applying for admission to sister lodges. . .”

Our ‘walk through’ degrees have addresses some question, but perhaps an initiative that would work again especially regarding the roll of each office?

The lodge was consecrated in 1953 by brethren with a connection to Northern Ireland in 1953.

Today the lodge meets in the Masonic Hall in Wood Street, Dennistoun on 4th Friday September to May.

Bro. Walter Millard Fleming was born in 1837 in Portland, Maine, USA and obtained a degree in medicine in New York in 1862. He served as Surgeon in the National Guard during the Civil War. After the war he practiced Medicine in Rochester, New York. By 1868 he was a prominent NY City physician and surgeon. He practiced Medicine till 1909 and died in 1913.

In 1869 he joined the lodge and together with Bro. William Jermyn Conlin (whose stage name was William J Florence) founded the Masonic Order called the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in 1872. The organisation is known for its hospitals for children costing millions per month.

He was raised a Master Mason in Rochester Lodge No. 660 in 1869 and in 1870 affiliated with Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection; Received the degrees of the Consistory 4-32 on 31 May 1871 and was given his 33rd in 1872. In 1872, he affiliated with New York Lodge No. 330 having demitted from Rochester Lodge. He was exalted in Lafayette Chapter No. 207, Royal Arch Masons and became a member of Adelphic Council No. 7, Royal and Select Masters; was knighted in Columbia Commandery No. 1, Knights templar of NYC also in 1872 and was elected Eminent Commander in April 1872 which office he retained for 4 years. He founded and served as Illustrious Potentate of the Mecca Temple, which was originally named Gotham, the first Temple established by the Shrine.

Mecca Temple received its charter 26 Sep 1872 and Bro Flemming held his original office from 1872 to 1887. He was elected Grand Imperial Potentate at the 1st session of the Imperial Grand Council of the Order 6 Jun 1876 and retained this office until 14 Jun 1886.

The Shriners

From Thomas Harper No.9612(EC) Facebook page.