MacDowall Family Connections

Craft & RA Differences 1855

Trades House was built and the new Royal Hospital was laid with masonic honours. He joined Paisley Kilwinning in 1769 and affiliated to Paisley St. Mirren’s No.129 in the same year. James’ s son, Lawrence, joined in 1788.

William MacDowall, 22nd of Garthland and 4th of Castle Semple 1810-1814

On the death of William III in 1810 the wealth of the family had reached the point where his nephew, also William, had no choice but to put both family estates on the market. The Garthland Estate near Wigton was sold in 1811 and the Castle Semple Estate in 1814.

Another son of the first William above was Lt. (later Capt.) David McDowall RN who joined Paisley Kilwinning in 1781 and the following year lost his arm in a sea battle in the West Indies.

The last son of William to join was Day Hort in 1792 who served in the Bengal Civil Service (East India Company). He became master in 1794 and commanded the Renfrewshire Yeomanry Infantry. He became Day Hort of Walkinshaw when he purchased that land at the foot of the Back Carttoo. Unfortunately, he drowned himself in the fish ponds of Castle Semple in 1809.

Three of his sons became active in the Craft— William (PGM of Western Districts), and Day Hort & Henry becoming masters of Gartland St. Winnoch No.205.

A special meeting took place in 1855 in Glasgow Chapter No.50 where two English brethen and one Irish brother were admitted to the Mark, Excellent Master and then “obligated Royal Arch (Scotch) masons having taken that degree in England.”

The MEZ of Glasgow Chapter addressed the companions by explaining how the RA in Scotland is distinct from the Craft. “We have no annual subscriptions here and therefore we have no funds for charitable purposes as the English brethren have.” They have 400-500 members in their books and were looking to charge a small amount to use for charity alone.

At that time, Glasgow had 16 lodges and 4 chapters. He continued “while in Scotland the Grand Lodge recognizes no degree beyond that of a Master Mason, in England they recognize also the Royal Arch; but if yon step across the water to Ireland, the Grand Lodge there recognizes all the degrees, including Templarism, up to the 33rd degree. . . Our working in Scotland is a little different from the Mark Master Masonry which he may have seen in the Irish Mark Master Masons Lodge to which he belongs ; our working of the Royal Arch degree , also differs from that with which he may he familiar in England . But the landmarks are the same.” “About 1818, they got the Chapters to agree to submit to a head in the shape of the Supreme Grand Chapter as it now existed and since that time Royal Arch Masonry had made very great progress. There were many Chapters at first which would not yield obedience, till lately, when he (Dr . Arnott Depute Grand First Principal) came to Glasgow, and then , partly by the Companions leaving the irregular Chapters and applying to the Supreme Chapter for proper charters , and partly from other causes , the irregular Chapters gradually disappeared , and at this moment he believed there was not in Scotland, a Royal Arch Chapter at all in a working state which did not hold regularly under the Supreme Grand Chapter.” The irregular degrees were usually RA degrees conferred in lodges by brethren. It appears that many lodges objected to being told what degrees they should confer.

Another difference “in Scotland, which appeared novel and strange to the English Mason; they had also a custom of advancing candidates much more rapidly than was thought proper in England.” It was also mentioned about No.50 admitting only to collect fees and very often couldn’t open due to insufficient numbers. Some practices still famil-

iar with many companions today!

Unfortunately, the chapter amalgamated and went defunct in about 2008.

Prostate Scotland Update

Our GMM, Bro. Ramsay McGhee presented Prostate Scotland with £34,500. The cheque is being received by Mr. Brian Corr from NHS Highland and brings our total support of Prostate Scotland to £625,000. It’s great to see this level of support for the GL charity continue despite the pandemic.

Bro. Manny Pacquiao joined Mamamayang Pilipino Lodge UD. Who is he? Bro. Manny is a flyweight professional boxer . Regarded by many boxing historians as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time, he is the only boxer in history to win 12 major world titles in eight different weight divisions. He is seen with the master and wardens of his lodge. He could prove to be an interesting addition to any MM degree team!

A washing line from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines! Perhaps an idea for all lodges that provide aprons.