Our History
Past District Grand Priors
| Year | Past District Grand Prior |
|---|---|
| 1910 – 1931 | Colonel Sir Robert King Stewart |
| 1931 – 1946 | Archibald A. Hagart Spiers |
| 1946 – 1951 | Robert W. Wilson |
| 1951 – 1956 | Reverend G. Kerr McKay |
| 1956 – 1963 | Ian Logan McKean |
| 1965 – 1971 | Robert C. M. Inglis |
| 1973 – 1977 | Robert McIntyre |
| 1977 – 1984 | George Stevenson |
| 1984 – 1989 | John Holmes Lawrie |
| 1989 – 1994 | William L. Phelan |
| 1994 – 1999 | Kenneth D. Kennedy |
| 1999 – 2004 | James Main |
| 2004 – 2009 | John McKee |
| 2009 – 2014 | James Pettigrew |
| 2014 – 2019 | Robert Stewart |
| 2019 – 2024 | Keir Brown |
| 2024 – | Nigel Spike |
Our History
A Deed of Amalgamation was signed at a General Meeting of former rivals, Great Priory and the Grand Encampment: the Masonic Knights Templar in Scotland was – on paper at least – united. At the Annual Meeting of 11th March, 1910, Great Priory decided to create three District Grand Priories; that of “Lanark and Renfrew” was in charge of eight Preceptories, listed thus:
Glasgow Preceptory; Monklands, Airdrie; Glasgow St Mungo; Rising Star, Forth; Glasgow St John; Henry Dyer, Motherwell; Cambuslang, St John; Paisley Abbey, Paisley.
The first meeting of the District Grand Priory of Lanark and Renfrew took place at 30, Berkeley Terrace in Glasgow on 26th November 1910. The Great Priory of Scotland, headed by the Grand Prior, V.E. Fr. Colonel James J Stewart, KCT, convened to install the first Office Bearers of the District Grand Priory under the command of the first District Grand Prior, Eminent Frater Colonel Robert King Stewart. Attending the meeting were representatives of the Preceptories of Glasgow, St Mungo, Glasgow St John, St John Cambuslang, Henry Dyer, Monklands and Paisley Abbey. Having been duly installed and proclaimed (accompanied by a flourish of trumpets), the District Grand Prior was addressed thus by the Grand Prior:
This, Eminent Sir, is the highest office which Great Priory could have appointed you to. Great responsibilities have been laid upon your shoulders. You will have aid, assistance and counsel from those who have tendered you their fealty and also the Laws of the Order to guide your deliberations. You may approach the Grand Master’s Council, the Great Priory and the Grand Master himself when in doubt or difficulty. I assure you the support of these will lend strength and wisdom to your counsel. No doubt you will feel the burden, this being the first District Grand Priory formed and you the first to take office. It is a great pleasure to me to perform the ceremony. I am sure all your Counsel will be dominated by the principle laid down in the golden rule “Do unto others as you would have others do to you”. Now, Eminent Sir, I congratulate you on this high degree which has fallen to you. The Council of the Great Priory wishes you well, and health and strength to carry out the duties entrusted to your care.
The address would not be out of place some hundred years later, one feels. The election and obligation of the District Grand Officers then took place; the Venerable Preceptor of the eight Preceptories within the District was ex officio a member of District.
The Grand Prior then intimated that he had been commanded by the Grand Master (Lord Kintore) to invest the newly-created District Grand Prior with the collar of a Knight Grand Cross of the Order, a mark of very high honour, only bestowed at great intervals. In expanding on how fitting it was that the order be awarded, the Grand Prior mentioned that,
Our District Grand Prior was up till recently Commander of the Queen’s own Glasgow Yeomanry … we have all seen and admired. He commanded that regiment with credit to himself and ability and I am certain from the discipline he learned before he took command – a discipline he inculcated – will enable him to use the discipline of the Religious and Military Order of the Temple, just and gentle and firm.
After the pomp and militaristic ceremony of its inauguration, the District Grand Priory got on with its duties in assessing the state of the Preceptories under its remit. The next meeting, in June 1912, saw the issue of the Byelaws of District Grand Priory, as well as “housekeeping” matters pertaining to the necessary costs of the organisation (including the sum of £7 for books, stationery, Seal, Printing, Copy Statutes and Rituals, as well as some ten shillings for hall rent and Hallkeeper). In reporting back, the District Grand Secretary found the Preceptories and Priories well equipped, the books well kept, and the Officers working in accordance with the Statutes except the “Rising Star” Preceptory where there is practically no equipment and where no work had been done since the amalgamation, due apparently to the raising of the Initiation fees and to the Preceptory being too far away from the centre of Masonic activity” (even the following year there is an unflattering reference to the visitation to Forth Preceptory: a very trying experience … was this year rendered very pleasant through the kindness of the District Grand Prior in placing his motor car at the disposal of the deputation). Officers of District conferred the Temple degrees at Forth and also installed the Office Bearers, in order to stimulate interest ; however, even as late as 1922 it was noted that it is perfectly obvious that this Preceptory is badly situated for Knight Templar purposes. It was also necessary the install the Office Bearers in Cambuslang St John; none the less, the next visit of inspection to Cambuslang St John Preceptory syncronised with its centenary celebration which was a most interesting event. The deputation was entertained to Dinner in the Priory Hall and Cambuslang St John Preceptory was proposed in eloquent terms by Em. Fr. Kirkwood KCT of the Preceptory of Glasgow. In terms of initiations, and thus income, some Preceptories were patently doing better than others. Thus St Mungo, the most flourishing Preceptory at this time, saw 31 Temple aspirants, with 30 to the Malta grade; Forth had none. In like manner, St Mungo posted income of nearly £130 from aspirants, whereas Forth gained nothing. A mark of the relative prosperity of the Preceptories at this stage can be gleaned from the Benevolent Funds of three named Preceptories:
Henry Dyer, Motherwell – £1 12s 11/2d
Glasgow St John – £7 19s 1d, and
St Mungo – £179 18s 4d.
In view of the long intervals between meetings of the District Grand Priory, it was unanimously agreed … to appoint a Committee forthwith, to deal with matters requiring attention between the meetings of District Grand Priory, subject always to the approval of the District Grand Prior. The District “Standing Committee” was thus born.
Observation of the Preceptories at work had thrown up one or two breaches of procedure; accordingly, District Grand Secretary received approval to communicate the following strictures (number 7 is particularly, painfully worthy of note) to Preceptors and Secretaries:
1) That a committee on Petitions is appointed, summoned to meetings, and that the proceedings at these meetings are duly minuted.
2) That the ballot is properly taken.
3) That each knight created signs the Vow of Profession at the time and that it is minuted that he did so.
4) That installation Ceremonies should not be performed by Knights who are not Past Preceptors nor Preceptors.
5) That while an Ordinary Knight may preside in absence of the Preceptor he should not be allowed to confer the degrees.
6) That the names of proposers and seconders should be given in minutes narrating nominations and elections in Preceptories.
7) That Grand Secretary advises that it is most undesirable to admit coloured men to the Order of the Temple.
In the next few years District Grand Priory had their minds exercised by questions of procedure, as the Preceptories started to formulate their own Byelaws and apply for individual permissions: in December 1912, for instance, Monklands Preceptory applied to adopt a crest similar to that used by “St Mungo” Preceptory with the figure of a monk on top of a garter instead of the figure of “St Mungo”. Similarly, a request from Paisley Abbey Preceptory for an individual design prompted consideration of the whole matter of Past Preceptors’ jewels in the light of the strictures of Great Priory. The same Preceptory generated much angst in District Grand Priory in the same year when a Frater requested clarification of what he (and others) perceived to be irregularities in the process of nomination and election of Office Bearers. The wrangle generated some heat, with sworn statements before a Justice of the Peace challenged by the District Grand Secretary, the redoubtable Em. Fr. A Mennie, KCT. Here we witness the role of the District Grand Priory as arbiter of procedure within the Preceptories exemplified, a process not helped by dubiety in the existing rules laid down: hence we see in delivering a balanced judgement on the Paisley Abbey complaint a note that we think that in order to prevent confusion and misunderstanding, members of the Temple should not be qualified to vote until they have received the Malta degrees (sic) which would, of course, necessitate an alteration in the Statutes. District Grand Priory were to an extent “caught” between the two forces of an over-arching governing body with Statutes that in some cases proved rather imprecise, and the individual Preceptories encountering specific problems; their role as judge – and policeman – is one that is as familiar today as it was then. It was made clear that everything in connection with the Preceptories and Priories in the Province of Lanark and Renfrew which required to be submitted to a higher authority must come through D. G Prior and D. G. Priory – no trying to go over the heads of District direct to Great Priory!
By 1914 the District Grand Secretary had to report that all the Preceptories and Priories in the District of Lanark and Renfrew are in a sound and healthy condition, with an increase in aspirants for the year ranging from St Mungo’s 54 (and 2 affiliates) down to Forth with 2. He reported that most of the Preceptories and Priories have made important additions to their equipment, which is a decided improvement … and that several Preceptories are preparing or revising their Byelaws. The First World War had its effects on the Order (… due to inconvenience through the war it was found impossible for the D. G. Prior to visit all the Preceptories), but despite these problems, taking everything into account this year is better than last year which was considered exceptionally good. Indeed, the strength of “St Mungo” Preceptory is singled out in promoting the daughter Preceptory of “Tayside” the previous year; 1915 saw another such application to the Grand Master’s Council for a new Preceptory at Crieff to be designated “Strathearn”. As a result, “St Mungo” Preceptory deserves to be congratulated on the enthusiasm and activity of its members. None the less, as the war years took their toll, it is not long before we read that owing to the crisis through which the country is passing, three of the Preceptories in this Province have done little or no business. In 1916, the D.G. Secretary recorded that it is most satisfactory to find that fraters from nearly all the Preceptories in the Province are serving their King and Country on land and sea. The number from “St Mungo” and Monklands is considerable … I sincerely regret that quite a number of our Fratres have lost their lives while valiantly fighting a ruthless and relentless foe….
The following year saw some Preceptories thriving, whilst others (Paisley Abbey, Cambuslang St John and Rising Star) merely marked time. Indeed, irregularities in the workings of Rising Star Preceptory were noted: four Fratres had issued a “letter of Procuratory” to a Frater in Edinburgh as a proxy authority to vote in Great Priory. Following investigation of the shenanigans, the Grand Master had prevented the letter of Procuratory from being acted upon and in consequence of it had caused the statutes of the Order to be altered to prevent a reoccurrence. The D.G. Prior warned Forth Preceptory …that they must be exceedingly careful in future and conform to the Statutes and Regulations. Despite this, failure to produce the Minute Book for District inspection, and the subsequent disappearance of that document, led to the suspension of the Secretary of Forth Preceptory. The Preceptory itself continued in the doldrums for some years.
On a more positive note, on 17th June 1916 a new Preceptory was inaugurated at Bellshill with conspicuous success. It has been designated the Preceptory of Murdostoun in honour of the D.G. Prior, and is completely and handsomely furnished. Incidentally, to give an idea of the costs to affiliates, The Preceptory of Glasgow in that year was granted permission to raise their fees to six guineas for admission to the Temple, two guineas for the Priory.
The new Preceptory was soon followed in 1921 with the announcement that a new Preceptory, “Saint George”, had been added to the District.
The next few years saw sluggish progress in the Order, as Trade has been bad and Preceptories have felt the Depression. In 1926 it was pointed out to the Preceptories in the District the great necessity for each Preceptory taking a special Offertory once in each year for the newly formed D.G. Almoner’s Fund. Interestingly, the District resolved to adjust its own “look”, asking the Grand Master’s Council to authorize 2 poles and bannerettes to D.G. Priory … in lieu of spear and baculus discarded; moreover, the same body was asked whether they have under consideration the authorization of a design of distinctive badges for D.G. Priory officers.
In 1928 the District began to meet outwith the premises in Berkeley Terrace, responding to individual invitations from the various Preceptories to hold Musters at which District business was conducted, the affairs of the particular Preceptory reviewed and, perhaps, the ceremonial work witnessed before adjourning for refection. That same year, following a working visitation by District Officers to Forth, it was reported that every member of Rising Star Preceptory was present. And all were Past Preceptors … all agreed that every encouragement should be afforded the fraters in that District to maintain their standing – a lot more positive a reaction than that characterising the previous few years! However, in 1930 the District Grand Secretary received a letter from Forth stating that owing to the illness of the Preceptor they had not yet held their Annual Muster, and regretting that the quorum could not thus be formed, there being but seven members left now; the following year saw the rather odd noting of a letter from Forth Preceptory intimating that they were still carrying on, having secured a candidate who was being installed as Preceptor.
In terms of practice, this decade saw the rather more familiar visitation format, whereby each Preceptory has its ceremonial work witnessed (and commented upon) each year, albeit under the auspices of a Visitation Committee. It also marked the end of an era when, after twenty years as District Grand Prior, V.E. Fr. Col Sir Robert King Stewart decided to retire from that position, being succeeded by V.E. Fr. A. A. Haggart Speirs, GCT. The term of office was established as five years (although when that period elapsed in 1936, the V.E. Frater was persuaded to embark on another term – and yet another).
The new decade also saw the erection of a New Preceptory at Lanark, titled St Kentigern on 23rd May, 1931. Moreover, in the “business” meeting after the inaugural ceremony, a recommendation from Grand Master’s Council was considered – to absorb the Preceptory of Kilpatrick within the District, and to alter the name of District Grand Priory of Lanark and Renfrew to District Grand Priory of Strathclyde: both were agreed at the next Muster on 5th September 1931, ratified by Great Priory at their half-yearly Muster. The District of Strathclyde had been created.
The count of Preceptories now numbered twelve; in token of things to come, each Preceptory had been visited by the D. G. Prior in person, accompanied by a large Deputation of his Officers.
During the 1930’s the effects of economic depression continued to be felt, such that the Visiting Committee were still visiting the Preceptories but on account of the great dearth of Aspirants the full list of visits had not yet been completed. Several Preceptories, feeling the pinch, sought District permission to reduce Temple Reception fees from the present level of £5 5s to the new minimum of £3 3s. In order to avoid the situation where an aspirant could join a Preceptory purely on the basis of a cheaper rate, the recommendations were approved on condition that they draw their aspirants for the 3 Guinea Fee from Royal Arch Chapters in their own Districts or from a District the Preceptory of which is charging the same fee.
In 1933 it was also agreed to recommend to Great Priory that the Preceptory of Rising Star be permitted to hold Musters for the reception of Aspirants at Shotts, Lanarkshire.
1934 saw the first recorded hints of a close relationship, so valued today, between the Districts of Strathclyde and Ayrshire. The early signs are, however, less than dramatic, with a note minuted of having received a telegram reading, D.G. Priory Ayrshire sends greetings to D.G. Priory Strathclyde, a message which prompted the equally fulsome response, D.G. Priory Strathclyde reciprocates greeting to D.G.P Ayrshire. From little acorns … (In 1950, a deputation from the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire was accorded a hearty welcome into a Muster of the District Grand Priory of Strathclyde).
1935 saw the granting, by Great Priory, of a Travelling Charter to Kilpatrick Preceptory to Muster at Helensburgh, Dumbarton, Milngavie and Kirkintilloch. To this was added permission to muster on whatever evening is appropriate at the place of Muster in travelling. In 1938 it was agreed that the Preceptory confine their operations to Dumbartonshire … (and) …change their Headquarters from Dalmuir to Clydebank. Despite this, the Preceptory was in a parlous state by the end of the decade, an entry by the District Grand Secretary in 1939 recording that he had received a letter from the Secretary of Kilpatrick Preceptory intimating the decision arrived at to close the Preceptory, but that he was delaying calling up the Charter meantime in the hopes of getting the Preceptory started again. With the advent of the Second World War, it was proposed to hold over any further steps until the state of emergency had passed.
It is also recorded that there had been a recent amendment to the Statutes which lays down that the cap of a District Officer, or Past District Grand Officer, shall have a silver braid round the foot of the Cap, not exceeding 3/16 of an inch (confusingly, there is a reference in 1980 to the difficulty of procuring the Gold Braid of different widths for edging round Hats).
Increasing correspondence had led to increased pressure on the Secretary, leading to a plea (unsuccessful!) that if possible a stenographer who was a Member of the Order be present to take notes at meetings. In addition, it was unanimously agreed that the Telephone be installed in the Secretary’s House, as a matter of great convenience in the performance of his duties, and that District Grand Priory be responsible for the Annual Charge.
At this time clarification was received from the Grand Master’s Council regarding the (somewhat erratic) giving of the “à Beauseant” salutations, to the effect that the custom of giving these in Preceptories at Ceremonials, must cease, and that in the Refectory, Nine should be given for Great Priory, Six for District Grand Priory, and Three for a Preceptor.
The war years led to some disruption of “normal service” (some of the biannual Musters were cancelled), with the District Grand Prior referring at one point to the unfortunate strife in the world at present and the difficulties the Officers and Members had in overtaking (sic) their duties. Some Preceptories were suffering badly: one letter was recorded from the Preceptory of Saint George, Parkhead regarding their difficulty on opening their Musters punctually owing to absence of Members; they explained that the difficulty was depleted membership and the War, difficulty in transport, black-out and war work.
In addition to putting funds into War Stock, the District Grand Priory in 1943 unanimously agreed that the sum of Fifty Pounds be donated from the District Grand Almoner’s Fund to the Malta Relief Fund. District, in Annual Musters, continued to work on behalf of the Order, revising Bye-Laws and adjusting Fees of Honour (at this stage, the District Grand Prior had an annual due of one guinea for the privilege of fulfilling his office). It was remarked that difficulty was experienced by Preceptories and members of the Order in obtaining new Uniform owing to Government coupons being required for such: a plea to Great Priory for flexibility on the wearing of regalia received the response that it was impossible to insist on Clothing in strict conformity to the Statutes but Preceptories would have to do the best they could under the circumstances. If no Clothing was available Fratres would have to be allowed to appear in mufti until the present shortage of Clothing material is over. It was noted, however, that the District Standing Committee desires to impress upon Preceptories the advisability of reserving funds for the purchase of additional Clothing when this can be purchased. It would, however, be to the advantage of Preceptories if more individual Members supplied their own clothing.
After the Second World War, consideration could be given to more mundane matters, it being, for instance, brought to notice that the Preceptory of Monklands had again made use of an Ensign Memorial which was not in accordance with Statutes … Having banned this unauthorized use, District Grand Priory reminded Preceptories that the design of the Ensigns Armorial to be used in future should be submitted for approval or otherwise. On a more positive note, 1946 saw a visit to Clydebank by the District Grand Secretary when it was unanimously agreed by the Fratres of the Dormant Preceptory of Kilpatrick and other Preceptories, interested in the Preceptory of Kilpatrick, to revive such … it was agreed to recommend that the Preceptory be revived, the necessary petition having been received from six members of Kilpatrick and fifteen members of other Preceptories. The Preceptory was duly revived by the Officers of District Grand Priory at a Special Muster on Saturday 4th May 1946. During this year, V.E. Fr. A. A. Haggart Speirs, GCT, informed the Muster that his commission as District Grand Prior would fall for renewal on 1st March but that he felt that, as he was beyond the age for hard work and owing to the many calls on his time which prevented him from visiting Preceptories as he would desire, he did not wish to accept office for a further period. He was succeeded by V. E. Fr. Robert W Wilson, KCT, in May of that year. 1947 saw an addition to District regalia, as it was unanimously agreed to purchase a Chain of Office for the use of the District Grand Prior at an estimated cost of fifty five guineas.
In order to tighten up practices within the various Preceptories, it was necessary to remind Secretaries of the language to be used during ceremonies, particularly that the Musters are held in a Chapel, that the terms “candidate”, “Brother”, “Petition”, “Office-bearer”, “collection”, “clothing” should not be used, that “Degrees” are not conferred, but Aspirants are “admitted”, “received” or “created”. Interestingly, it was also stressed that, regarding the Installation of individual Preceptors, it is the prerogative of the D.G. Prior to install or to appoint the Installing Officer, and that if any Preceptor desired a particular Installing Officer he must obtain the D. G. Prior’s permission.
As wartime austerity eased, Preceptories started to flourish, shown in the occasional request for permission to raise affiliation fees. Moreover, in 1950, The D. G. Prior intimated that a petition from 39 Knights had been received praying Great Priory to grant a charter to open a Preceptory in Gourock under the Title and designation of “Ardgowan”. The Preceptory was duly erected on 25th November 1950 in the Masonic Hall, John Street, Gourock.
In 1951, a special Muster of District Grand Priory was called to witness the Installation of V.E. Fr. Rev. Gavin Kerr McKay as District Grand Prior of Strathclyde. At about that time consideration started to be given to the creation of a jewel for the District Grand Prior, the design being finalized in 1952: it cost £27-10/-, and it was decided that the names of past District Grand Priors be inscribed on the jewel. That year saw an attempt to remove one of the “austerity” measures regarding fees, it being resolved that special dispensation permitting Preceptories to lower fees to £3-3-0 be rescinded, and that the minimum for the District be £5-5-0. Yet in 1953 the motion was overturned on an amendment that the Dispensation be not withdrawn, the amendment being carried by a large majority – what debate went on to overturn the “party line”, one wonders … In terms of (healthy) District finances, it is interesting to note that the sum of £500 was donated in 1953 to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow Temple Fund.
1954 sees the first mention in the Minute Book of an Annual Divine Service, this being sponsored by the Preceptory of St Mungo; from that point, Annual Divine Services are minuted every year (in 1966, 220 Fratres attended such an occasion), sponsored by individual Preceptories, sometimes to mark a significant moment in their history (the Preceptory of St Mungo … requested to be hosts for the 1965 Divine Service to coincide with their 150th Anniversary). Yet in 1968 we see a decision concerning the Annual Divine Service for the following year, to be again held in Queen’s Park High Parish Church. The District Grand Priory would be the sponsors of this service and for the years to come. In a further change of tack, in 1972 it was unanimously agreed that the venue on such occasions be spread and not confined to any one church or area … all Preceptories in the District be contacted to ascertain which were in a position to accept an invitation to arrange a venue and play host … and that the question of cost ought not to deter any Preceptory otherwise suitably placed … since the District would be prepared to share or bear the cost; three Preceptories volunteered, including Ardgowan (for 1975), to coincide with their special celebrations.
Back in the 1950s, two members of Ardgowan Preceptory had made a “Baculus” for the use of the District Grand Prior and on their behalf and in the name of “Ardgowan” … presented the same to the D. G. Prior who accepted custody of the “Baculus” and thanked the Fratres who had made it. Thereafter he dedicated it to the use of the Priory.
Following the announcement by V.E. Fr. Rev. Gavin Kerr McKay in February 1956 that he had been compelled for health reasons to refuse an extension of his period of service, V. E. Fr. Ian Logan McKean, P.D.G.M., K.C.T., was elected District Grand Prior in the September of that year. In terms of growth and financial stability, the end of the decade saw some hundred aspirants a year joining the Order; the total liquid assets of all the Preceptories combined hovered around the £4,000 mark. At this time, it was the custom for the “book inspection” of all Preceptories to take place on the one evening of a District Muster, Secretaries and Treasurers being told to be available so that the Annual Inspection of Preceptory and Priory books could be held.
District finances were themselves healthy, so much so that in 1962 the Treasurer intimated that the Almoner’s Fund had grown to a very large sum and as it was not being used some of it might be put to a better use. The V.E. D.G. Prior informed the (Standing) Committee that the Grand Almoner’s Fund was not so well off and moved that a sum from the D.G. (A.) fund might be given to the Grand Fund. The sum of £150 was suggested and this was unanimously agreed to. The sum was subsequently disbursed to aid children – a theme repeated in future years with reference to, for instance, a donation to the District Almoner’s Fund being made with the proviso that the money was not to lie idle in the bank but to be used to bring happiness to as many as possible, especially to underprivileged children – the start, perhaps, of the practice of District to disburse funds raised on a regular basis to deserving charitable causes outwith Masonry. We see, for instance, in 1974 a decision that at the Standing Committee meeting usually held early in December consideration be given to the dispensing of donations to local charities in an endeavour to identify… such deserving causes in the community.
It was also decided to invest in some new District regalia, it being agreed to purchase a Sultane (sic) for the D Grand Chaplain (sic) as there hadn’t been one before. Regrettably, the Grand Master’s Council declined to act on a District suggestion that some mark of Distinction be provided for Past Grand District Mareschal as a token of services rendered. Later (1970), more essential items were purchased or donated to the cause, ranging from 6 doz. glasses and 5 doz. tumblers, through banner, altar cloth, crucifix donated by the then District Grand Prior to the District on permanent loan, to individual donations of a Bible…candlesticks and an alms dish (another was gifted in 1974, together with a pair of candlesticks which had been specially made for this purpose; yet another pair of candlesticks followed the next year, although one spare set was, by request, donated to the Preceptory of Monklands, it having been arranged to have them suitably engraved before handing them over). The aim seems to have been a District self-sufficient in terms of being able to create its own Temple for Muster purposes; indeed, in 1970 it was noted that difficulty had been experienced in getting a hall for this Annual Muster but it was a pleasure to have the use of Hutcheson’s Hall and our own furniture. A beautiful lace cover from Malta was added to the inventory the following year. Despite the apparent plethora of paraphernalia, the “usual” thanks to a Preceptory (often St Mungo) for the use of their furnishings soon followed in the records of the Musters. Much later, in 1985, a box of District paraphernalia was found whilst “spring cleaning” the cupboard of the Preceptory of St Mungo; it was arranged to deliver the box to the then District Grand Prior.
A new decade saw a new Preceptory added to the District ranks: first mooted at a meeting in January 1961, it was reported that a number of Fratres intended to start a new Preceptory at “Stonehouse”. The new Preceptory, “Banks of Avon”, was duly erected in Stonehouse on Saturday 30th September 1961.
V. E. Fr. Ian Logan McKean resigned his office after eight years’ service, being succeeded as District Grand Prior by V.E. Fr. Robert C. M. Inglis on 12th September, 1964. The elaborate ceremony of Installation was marked by the Preceptor of St John, Glasgow, Ven. Fr. David Inglis, rendering the customary pledge of fealty and allegiance on behalf of the 14 Preceptories of the District to his father. The dinner which followed, at a cost of one guinea, including table wines, was enjoyed by all amid good cheer, witty speech and song. Incidentally, the retiral of the previous District Grand Prior marked the first occasion when a circular was sent out to all Preceptories inviting a contribution, not exceeding £5 (which) would obtain such a token as would be in keeping with the regard in which he is held.
The District workings did not only concern procedure: one suggestion in 1964 was that Commissioned Officers entertain the Elected Officers to dinner and harmony sometime early this year and that the following year the Elected Officers entertain the Commissioned Officers and thus introduce a more social and friendly spirit in the D.G. Priory. All concerned agreed to the proposal, which would be an annual affair; it was duly put into action in April 1965 in More’s Hotel, India Street, Glasgow, at a dinner where a gifted group of artistes provided excellent entertainment. The “return match” in October was a variation on the theme, when the Commissioned and elected Officers entertained their ladies. It was concluded that the first ladies’ night of the D.G. Priory of Strathclyde was an undoubted success.
In District work, it is increasingly apparent that Officers were attending individual Preceptories twice a year on a regular basis. In commenting on the very high attendance of Officers at the Annual Visitations in 1965, the District Grand Secretary also mentioned that such a degree of support was also apparent at the installation Musters. He added, however, that due to Installations occurring on the same evening … this meant doubling up of teams. One “glitch” in the running of the District was the discovery that of the 208 Past Preceptors in the District, quite a number was (sic) not Members of the D.G. Priory. Quite a few Ven. Fraters when they demit office, forget to send Test fees or life Membership Fee to the D.G. Treasurer. The District Officers, led by the District Grand Prior, were also getting “out and about”: a successful visit to Belfast in 1960 saw an occasion when 12 officers attended this muster in March and cemented the friendship of the two constitutions. Several years later a Special Muster on 23rd April saw 141 Fratres witness an Exposition of the Temple Grade, according to the Ritual used by the Order of the Temple in Northern Ireland. The ritual was conducted by the High and very Eminent Prior Sir Kt. Donald McCaughey, F.A.I., J.P., G.C.T., Officers and Fratres of the Provincial Grand Priory of East Ulster. After the ceremonial exposition the Fratres sat down to a most enjoyable dinner. Speeches were brief and witty and great harmony prevailed during the evening. The D.G. Prior and some of his officers escorted the guests to the quayside and bade farewell to the Irish contingent, wishing them “Bon voyage” as they boarded the steamer. The link was further strengthened on receipt, in 1968, of an invitation to attend the installation of the next High and V.E. Prior of the Provincial Priory of East Ulster, it being noted that this was the first time known that an invitation had been extended to Scotland and was regarded by the Committee as a great compliment to the D.G. Prior and an honour to the Priory of Strathclyde. The “overseas” visitation was not without cost, however, it being considered that in view of the expense to those taking part in the visit to Northern Ireland, it was agreed to forego the Annual Officers’ Dinner this year. It was also agreed to hold the “Ladies Night” … at a later date. Still later (1972), whilst it was agreed to hold a Ladies’ Night … the Committee were unanimous in deciding that arrangements for such a function be left entirely to our ladies. The buck was well and truly passed, in the hope that a few named wives would get together on this matter sometime in the future.
Other attempts to forge links proved more contentious. In 1967 “Banks of Avon” asked permission to take part in a proposed meeting of Ayrshire and Lanarkshire (sic) Preceptories to further interest. The idea being, that a meeting would take place in each District on alternate years, with a Preceptory being sponsor. Should no sponsor be available in Lanarkshire for next May we are taking the meeting and would be grateful for D.G.P approval, also for permission to work the Temple Grade. The Standing Committee felt that there was a question of “trespass” involved in the proposed working of “grades” by a Preceptory of one District in the Chapel of a Preceptory in another District. They concluded that granting the request would not be right, potentially undermining the control of the individual District Grand Prior concerned.
Elsewhere, not everything was sweetness and light: there is the occasional reference to a Preceptory asking for advice regarding the suspension of a member. There is also (in 1967) the terse record that the names of two Fratres have been removed from the records of the Great Priory of Scotland. Almost invariably, the details behind the sanctions are omitted from the written record (in 1974, for example, a letter was read from a Preceptory recommending that one of their members be suspended from the Order in accordance with Statute No. 30 since he had been found guilty of a serious offence against the State; having resolved to consult Grand Secretary, the District Committee recommended that this sentence be raised to one of expulsion from the Order).
One or two Preceptories presented particular problems: also in 1967, the Preceptory of St Kentigern requested the Officers of Strathclyde to work the Temple Grade; in response, the Secretary was instructed to write to St Kentigern pointing out to the Fratres of St Kentigern that it was in their own interests to do all work themselves and not to rely on others to work the Grades. Such a theme was set to continue in District records with individual Preceptories at different times feeling unable to work Grades “in house”.
V.E. Fr. Robert McIntyre (later awarded a KCT during his tenure in office) was elected as District Grand Prior in May 1972. Visitations proceeded on now-familiar lines, twice a year, with (in 1974) agreement that at the Annual Visitation to Preceptories, the report to be read by the Secretary, or in his absence by the Frater deputizing for him. Difficulty in preparing the District Balance sheet owing to the late arrival of accounts from one or two Preceptories led to pleas to stick to the deadlines and to agreement that the District Grand Treasurer should draft a Specimen Balance Sheet which could be used by all Preceptories, a suggestion that the District Grand Treasurer felt … would greatly assist him in coordinating the financial matters within the District. None the less, there is the occasional plaintive reference to tardy submission of accounts from Preceptories (for instance: only one Preceptory did not submit their books, nor had they sent any communication relative to the matter and the District Grand Prior invited the members of committee to join with him and the Secretary in visiting the Preceptory concerned to investigate their records and afford them any assistance possible…). In a departure from normal protocol, in 1974 the District Grand Prior decided that the Officers should share with him the task of leading the deputations to Preceptories.
More Annual Divine Services were hosted to coincide with anniversaries of Preceptories, it being mooted that the Preceptory of Ardgowan should sponsor the Service in the Spring of 1976 as this would be within a year of their 25th Anniversary… the Preceptory in the Monklands would sponsor the 1975 service and the date suitable to their Centenary Celebrations would be Sunday 9th March.
It was customary practice for the 14 Elected Officers to be drawn from each Preceptory in the District, one per Preceptory, ensuring each was represented at District level, hence the reference to the informal arrangement whereby each Preceptory in the District was allowed to nominate a Frater who would, subject to acceptance by the District Grand Priory, progress through the elective offices. Occasionally, a Preceptory indicated that they could find no one of their number to accept District Office: in 1985, for instance, it was felt that if the Standing Committee was unable to secure such nominations (one per Preceptory) as to give everyone their turn … then any vacancies should be filled through nominations from the floor. This viewpoint found considerable support and it was agreed that this revised procedure be adopted from 1986/7 onwards.
In 1976 the possibility of having a distinguishing badge … to be worn by … District Officers was discussed and it was agreed to further to pursue this matter. Another ground-breaking decision saw an honorary District membership being accorded for the first time, to Fr. John Hay, the District’s Honorary Organist, in 1977.
V.E. Fr. Robert McIntyre, KCT, duly retired in that year, being succeeded by V.E. Fr. George Stevenson. Following the Muster, the Fratres adjourned to a Refectory Banquet where … (they were) … joined by a number of their ladies …This unique occasion of having the ladies present at refectory was greatly commended and a very fine evening was enjoyed by all. A tentative proposal for the formation of a new Preceptory at Kirkintilloch was aired in 1978, but was held in abeyance meantime.
Fraternal inter-District visitation proceeded apace: in 1979, for instance, the District received invitations to attend the Annual Divine Services of both Forth Valley and Ayrshire; moreover, the District Grand Prior announced that he would be part of a small deputation attending the Installation of the District Grand Prior of the Caribbean! A party of Fratres from Canada was welcomed by District Officers in 1981.
More exciting innovations were to follow, when the Annual Muster decided to invest £280 in buying a film portraying the travels of the Knights of Malta, it being felt that probably this cost could be reduced by the film being loaned to other Districts who so desired. Whilst much debate ensued as to the timing and venue of the film’s first showing there is, sadly, no record of its premiere.
Benevolence was disbursed at a rate never seen before. In 1979, with an income form the Almoner’s Fund of £240, it was resolved to give out the entire sum to worthy causes; it was, moreover, suggested that Preceptories participate on a wider scale, it being felt that some Fratres (age or health) would benefit from this act of kindness. Later, the Committee decided that some form of benevolence to senior Fratres, or their dependents in worthy cases, should prevail throughout the District, and that contributions should be given by each Preceptory. If Preceptories made a donation up to the sum of £10, the District would consider making an equivalent sum available. Three years later, it was felt that those Preceptories with relatively large balances at credit to their benevolent funds should be urged to consider applying these monies for the charitable purposes for which they were intended.
1980 saw the 75th Anniversary and Re-Dedication Ceremony for the Henry Dyer Preceptory. As far as relative costs went, this was a time when the District Grand Prior was able to announce at the Annual Muster that he was in a position whereby he could have a supply of Mantles and Cloaks at a cost of £9-00. It was suggested (in vain) that the District Grand Priory of Strathclyde make representation to the Great Priory of Scotland, that the Treasurer of the District should have the status of a Commissioned Officer. Finances at this time seem to be very healthy; there is, however, the occasional plaintive remark that the Almoner’s Fund was in a good state, but six Preceptories had not contributed to this very charitable Fund … Balance Sheets, from some of the Preceptories, were unsatisfactory, and Committee agreed to refer them to the Specimen Balance Sheet.
Attendance at the Annual Divine Service had slipped somewhat (90 Fratres attending in 1980), with the Secretary recording his disappointment to find that seven Preceptories did not have a signature on their sheet. We also see a “shot across the bows” of District Officers, with the note that attendance at the various Installations during October to November 1980 were quite well attended, although on several occasions the Elected Officers, should have been more conscious of their office and commitment to these occasions.
On a more positive note, April 4th 1981 saw the 175th Anniversary and re-consecration of the Glasgow Preceptory, who hosted the Annual Divine Service the following day. 1983 saw the Centenary Celebrations of Rising Star Preceptory. The matter of the District badge was again raised, and it was resolved that if a number of the Fratres desired same it would be probably at an approx cost £15-00. On a show of hands 30 Fratres showed an interest…
After six years’ service, V. E. Fr. George Stevenson decided to retire (being appointed Grand Constable at the same time that his own predecessor, Rt. Em. Fr. Robert McIntyre, was nominated as Grand Seneschal – quite an honour for the District, having produced the men who achieved both these high offices), being succeeded as District Grand Prior by Rt. E. Fr. John Holmes Lawrie K.C.T. at his Installation on 28th January, 1984. His tenure got off to a fine start with receipt that same year of a petition for the erection of a Preceptory at Kirkintilloch under the designation “Strathkelvin”; the formation had been on the cards for some time, but initially it had been submitted directly to Great Priory. Grand Master’s Council had, however, decided that it should be referred back to the District Grand Priory of Strathclyde, under whose jurisdiction any such Preceptory would come… The proposal to sanction the new Preceptory was agreed after an interview with the petitioners’ representatives, during which in a full and frank discussion the background to and reasons for the formation of such a Preceptory were explained. The meeting of the Standing Committee in February 1985 reflects deep dissatisfaction over the handling of the affair by Great Priory, with a report that the petitioners have been authorized to arrange the Consecration Muster … when the Grand Master has agreed to perform the Consecration Ceremony. This clearly indicates that a decision to grant a charter has already been taken by Great Priory … Whilst accepting the decision of Great Priory the Committee records its disappointment and dissatisfaction that this decision was made before District Grand Priory completed the constitutional procedure and endorsed its approval of the petition. The District Grand Prior is respectfully requested to convey to the members of the Grand Master’s Council our regret and sadness at the manner in which this petition has been processed. Nevertheless the Committee extends best wishes for the success of the new Preceptory of Strathkelvin and urges all fratres in the District to encourage and support the Founders. The new Preceptory was duly erected at a Special Muster in Lenzie Public Halls on 23rd February.
The addition of another Preceptory meant that it was decided to increase the number of Elected Officers to 15, to continue with the established custom whereby each Preceptory be allowed to have an elective officer; accordingly, the Standing Committee recommended the creation of the Office of District Grand Sword Bearer which would take precedence after the District Grand Bearer of the Vexillum Belli and before the District Grand 1st Aide-de-Camp.
Financially, 1984 saw mention of the fact that a considerable effort had been made to clear up arrears of fees due from Preceptories and that this had been completed successfully. Yet there is a thread of complaints from successive District Grand Treasurers (and Secretaries) regarding the backsliders that had to be chased in many years for dues and returns, mentioning for instance that these Preceptories appeared to be the ones who were always the last to make their payments every year. Rare is a comment such as praise for the mainly sterling work carried out by our Secretaries and Treasurers and this year I am delighted to record that all our statistical returns were received within two days of the due date; unfortunately, this is immediately followed by the observation that it was too good to be true as, on examination, one of the sets of accounts was found to be missing!
Intriguingly, there is mention of a safe deposit box held by the Trustee Savings Bank on behalf of the District Grand Priory; getting at it proved difficult, however, as the bank insisted on having the signatures of two (now not in good health) individuals before allowing access to the contents. Unfortunately, the high hopes of a hidden fortune were dashed when the box was finally opened by the District Grand Prior who examined the contents and advised the Muster that these were of no value.
The Visitations were all fairly well attended by the Commissioned and Elected Officers although it should be stressed again that some officers seem to take their responsibilities very lightly by their non-attendance. The following year’s Muster saw a “stalling” in the progression of Officers of the District up the list, as the Standing Committee had not recommended promotion of certain elective officers. The reason for this was that in the view of the Committee these officers had not given satisfactory service in their attendance at installations and Annual Visitations. The Committee did, however, recommend that these officers remain in their existing offices for a further year in order that they are given a chance to improve their performance. If by the end of 1985 there was no significant improvement in the performance of these Officers then the Committee would not recommend them further. No more automatic promotions up the ladder: hence a reference (in 2003) to special thanks to Em. Fr. Andrew Neil for taking a third year in the Office of Distr. Gd. Mareschal.
None the less, the Installations … were very successful with eleven of the fourteen Preceptories working the ceremonial themselves … In general the Preceptories are in good heart with the exception of two which will require some assistance if they are to survive the difficult times which they are experiencing.
It was noted that the 75th Anniversary of the formation of the District Grand Priory would fall in November 1985, but the Standing Committee did not consider any form of celebration appropriate, although the matter would be left open for discussion at the Annual Muster. The question of a badge for wear on their mantles by members of the District Grand Priory was raised (again!). It was agreed that no action would be taken, but if anyone cared to submit a design for a new badge which could be produced at a reasonable cost then the Committee would give further consideration to the matter. It was subsequently resolved to obtain costs for badges based on the pattern of the District banner.
For the first time, the Order of the Temple was advertised under the auspices of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dunbartonshire Calendar, it being felt that it was an excellent opportunity to let those freemasons who are not members of the order have information regarding it and perhaps enkindle their interest in it. Yet in 1988 a similar opportunity met with the decision not to take any action in connection with this matter, this following the District Grand Secretary’s warnings the previous year following a 20% decrease in the number of aspirants; he added that whilst the decrease corresponds with that being experienced by other Orders which provide our aspirants and we have never sought anyone to swell our numbers, it does mean that there is now an added responsibility on all of us to seek out suitable aspirants as falls like this cannot be sustained indefinitely.
Also at this time, an unrecorded change of emphasis is recorded in the pleasure evident in ten of the fifteen Preceptories arranging their own Installing Officers. Just when the District Grand Priory gave up its insistence on arranging the team is not clear, unfortunately. None the less, by 1988 it is recorded that it is pleasing to see so many Preceptories exercising their right to work the ceremony themselves without assistance from the District Grand Priory. The District can be proud of the fact that we have over the years grown so many able and experienced Installing Officers. 1991 saw the District Grand Secretary recording having been assured that this coming year should see a grand slam of the 15 Preceptories in the District doing their own Installations.
In terms of continuity of service, it is remarkable that in 1986 V. Fr. James Begley was installed as District Grand Mareschal, an office which had previously been occupied by V. Fr. Begley’s brother and also their late father.
In February 1989, William Livingstone Phelan was installed as District Grand Prior by a former holder of that office, the Most Eminent and Reverend Grand Master, Robert McIntyre. The final decade of the century started with difficulties in ensuring that each Preceptory was represented by an Elected Officer, leading to an Annual Muster in 1990 that saw a rather confusing scramble for the “lower” offices that had not been filled by nomination beforehand. As ever, “regular” plaintive pleas for timely Returns were the hallmark of Treasurers’ and Secretaries’ reports over the years. Wise words from 1991 are probably just as true today as they were then: when the administrative affairs are well-run, everything goes smoothly; if they slip, problems invariably arise.
Unfortunately, the trend for a decline in numbers of Fratres attending the Annual Divine Service (with some Preceptories not being represented at all) continued. Attendance at the Annual Muster also dipped somewhat; in 1991, for instance, the District Grand Secretary ruefully observed that the attendance of 60 was, by coincidence, identical to the number who attended in 1990, not really a large turnout when you consider there are 15 Preceptories in Strathclyde.
The District’s role as overseer of disciplinary matters was highlighted in 1992 when the Standing Committee had to suspend a Frater sine die following misappropriation of funds of a Preceptory; that same meeting saw consideration of how to deal with a Frater convicted of a serious criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment. What is perhaps more remarkable, however, is the number of times such matters are not raised over the years – Knights really do seem to be upright citizens …
1992 also, unfortunately, showed a marked drop in the number of Aspirants, a trend which if it continues must be a cause of some concern. In 1993 it is noted that the “dip” from the 100 plus levels of recent times … is an area which will probably continue to exercise our thoughts in future, as some Preceptories are perhaps not as strong as they have been although others continue to flourish. Certainly, we can expect a general trend of reduced numbers as the Chapters and Lodges on whom we depend suffer a decrease in entrants. Even now one or two Preceptories are working the Priory grades on a more frequent basis as an alternative to lack of Temple Aspirants. Equally worryingly, another area which gives a further indication that things are less than ideal is the fact that 4 of the 15 Preceptors installed over the last two months are occupying the Chair for a second time; of these 2 were carrying on for a second term and 2 coming back after some time since serving as Preceptor … we should obviously prefer to have others coming through the ranks able to the task.
Kenneth D. Kennedy was duly installed as District Grand Prior in 1994. The following year saw celebration of the 10th Anniversary of The Preceptory of Strathkelvin; later that year the highlight of the season was the Installation and 75th Anniversary of the Preceptory of Saint George when the Grand Master and Grand Prelate re-dedicated the Preceptory to the service of the Order. Smooth progress was the order of the day during these years, despite the odd vexed problem brought before District, such as the finding a Minute … in the records of St John Cambuslang to the effect that the Preceptory had been allocated No. 3 on the Roll of Great Priory, rather than No. 8; the matter was promptly “kicked upstairs” for Great Priory’s august consideration. 1996 got off to a bad start, with sparse attendance at the Annual Muster: only 39 Fratres could make it, due to extreme weather conditions which prevailed and which made travelling not advised. From a low point of Aspirant numbers hovering in the sixties, the end of the Commission showed healthy growth in numbers – and in overall finances, despite some Preceptories struggling with the low interest rates on offer at the time.
James Main was installed as District Grand Prior on Saturday, 23rd January, 1999, in the District’s new home, the Pollokshields Burgh Hall. Much of the initial focus concerned the forthcoming District Grand Priory of Strathclyde 2000 Event on 26th August at Pollokshields Burgh Hall, as our contribution as part of Great Priory’s Triennial Conference celebrations. A sub-committee was set up to co-ordinate the activities. They recommended that the guests attending the full day’s events would be received with a buffet lunch with wine. This would be followed by a Malta Muster for the Fratres and a bus tour and shopping trip for the ladies in the afternoon … In the evening there would be a dinner with entertainment … It was also recommended that there be no top table and the minimum of toasts … It was suggested that photographs of the District Officers be taken and sold to mark the occasion. The District Grand Prior asked that all reigning Preceptors attend and take part in the Grade work. The event itself drew visitors from Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, England, along with Fratres from other Districts within Scotland. The District Grand Prior welcomed in particular the Grand Master of France. Before the Ceremonial an explanation of the Grade work was given with particular reference to the fact that this was not a demonstration or mock Grade … Due to the circumstances surrounding this Grade the District Grand Prior emphasized that there would be some variations to the normal procedure … it would be necessary to have a host Preceptory and on this occasion the Preceptory of Strathkelvin … had been requested to perform this duty … (they) had in turn utilized the services of the other Preceptories and that all 15 would be taking part in the ceremony. It was, indeed, a special day in the calendar of Strathclyde. Moreover, as well as being an outstanding success … the event itself was self-sufficient in that taking into account the earmarked fund the event indicated a small surplus.
The theme of making contact outwith the District continued with Great Priory’s idea of twinning Scottish District Grand Priories with those overseas. The District Grand Priory of Strathclyde has been twinned with the District Grand Priory of Transvaal in the Republic of South Africa. Unfortunately, the idea never really took off, as although the Rt. Em. Distr. Gr. Prior has written to the Rt. Em. Distr. Gr. Prior of the Transvaal, no reply has yet been received. Later (2004) there is brief mention of District Grand Secretary having received a letter from our twinning District in South Africa and advised he had forwarded a list of Preceptories, Preceptors, Secretaries and venues to the District Grand Secretary. Thereafter: nothing …
Whilst that was in hand, District work continued with a variety of different matters requiring attention. The vexed matter of the District badge continued to occupy minds: the District Grand Prior stated that the District Grand Priory of Strathclyde was instrumental in having input in other Districts choosing their badges. It was also disclosed that a template was produced, for the District of Strathclyde, by a Frater. This was put before Grand Master’s Council and approved. The Rt. Em. District Grand Prior would like to explore avenues for designing a District badge. A previous design had been produced on the basis that the names of all the Preceptories in the District be added, but it was put aside after it was pointed out that if a Preceptory was closed or another appointed, the badge would be outdated. It was pointed out that the Preceptory of Banks of Avon had designed a badge. All very confusing! It was proposed that no fewer than three potential designs be put forward for the Standing Committee’s consideration, it having been noted that a District badge had been approved by Grand Master’s Council but that we have other options.
At the same meeting there arose a “difference of opinion” with Great Priory concerning the procedure for application for Grand Rank: the Standing Committee noted that at one time forms had been used but had been halted. This new form had not been passed by Grand Master’s Council but had been ordered to be circulated. After viewing the “new” forms, discussion took place and it was agreed that the Committee would not accept this form as it stood.
Dwindling funds led to consideration being given on the matter of charitable donations, it being suggested that the Almoner’s Fund of the individual Preceptories might be duplicating charitable efforts at District level; moreover, some stagnation in the list of District “causes” was observed. The main focus was, however, a dearth of District funds in this regard, it being stated that donations in previous years had now depleted the fund in that we had in the past used an amount of capital as opposed to the normal expenditure of earned residual increases. A decision was made that no recommendations of donations would be made for the period governed by this year – the situation would be reviewed following this period of suspension. “Normal service” was, happily, resumed in 2001.
Much discussion was also generated on the subject of promotion of Elected Officers, as questions were being raised as to the rapid progress of reigning Preceptors through the ranks of the District. After consultation of the Statutes, the District Grand Prior intimated that reigning Preceptors … had a duty and a position within the District procession; accordingly it could be taken that a reigning Preceptor was distinct and different from a District Officer. Following Installation as a Preceptor that Preceptor becomes the newest member of the District and it would appear inappropriate that any new member should be immediately considered for office. It was agreed that they should not have a right to seek District office. The Committee then unanimously agreed that a Frater had to be a serving Past Preceptor in order to qualify for office. This in turn would ensure that at least two members of each Preceptory could take up their station within the procession while conforming in all respects to the Statutes of the Order. Any Preceptor being elected for a second concurrent term of office would remain ineligible. A Preceptor being re-elected following service would be eligible, or be able to retain any District rank throughout his second term as a reigning Preceptor. The District Grand Prior intimated that it was still his wish where possible that all Preceptories within the District should be represented by a serving Officer. The complexity – yet clarity – of the ruling perhaps indicates the extent of the perceived problem.
In 2001 the first stirrings of cross-Channel interest were recorded, with mention of a letter from Great Priory to the Glasgow Preceptory regarding French Fraters joining the Preceptory. A letter was to be sent to all Preceptories regarding procedures for receiving foreign visitors.
At long last, the District Grand Prior was able to inform the Fratres that approval had been given by Grand Master’s Council for the (District) badge, to be worn only by District Grand Officers, Past District Grand Officers and Honorary District Grand Officers; the design itself had been based on the District banner minus the District Grand Prior’s chain of office. It was later decided that recipients of Honorary District Grand Rank be permitted to wear braid and cross on their cap. Incidentally, the aforementioned banner itself had been presented by the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire.
Notwithstanding a “hiccup” in the production of District accounts, the District Grand Prior reported a steady increase in the number of Aspirants; equally healthy was the support for the District Divine Service, which had seen the highest attendance in many years. Over a hundred Fratres, friends and family attended and all the Preceptories were represented. Perhaps most importantly, yet surprisingly understated, was the note that the Preceptory of Bute was now the sixteenth Preceptory in the District Grand Priory of Strathclyde. The Consecration took place on Saturday 15 December, 2001 in the Lodge premises at Chapelhill Road, Rothesay by the Grand Master, Roy Scott.
One or two rumblings of a disciplinary nature in two Preceptories being resolved, it was none the less reinforced that no Frater is allowed to take any matter direct to Great Priory unless it is a complaint against the District. In the case of one Frater, a decision was taken that he be expelled from the Order after extensive enquiry and debate.
On a more positive note, the term in office of James Main ended with consideration in July 2003 of a communication from Great Priory regarding a Charter for a French Preceptory in Strathclyde … after discussion it was decided … that there was no objection to this going ahead. Again, however, the erection of the new Preceptory seems to have been recorded with little fanfare, it merely being noted at the Installation of John McKee as District Grand Prior in January 2004 that there was a special tribute paid to the newly-created Preceptory of MacGriffin, which was just two weeks old. Following a period of tribulation, the Charter of this ill-fated Preceptory was taken back on 12th March 2005 – only three Musters were ever held.
The “new broom” Commission saw consideration of how the management of Preceptories could be improved regarding billets, ballots etc. There was also discussion on what structure should be taken regarding reports on gradework at District visits. Moreover, it was agreed, with effect from 2005, to see the timetable for District visits reduced to 2 months, from the previous three.
The next two years saw attention being drawn to the forthcoming District Centenary, with plans being drawn up for fundraising, memorabilia (a tie, lapel badge and commemorative jewel), as well as for the ceremonial and celebratory events themselves; the Standing Committee was charged with the overview and management of the process. Fundraising events were many and varied, ranging from Casino Nights to the issue of a Centenary Bond; all proved popular and raised considerable sums for the cause.
The Preceptory of Henry Dyer celebrated their Centenary on Saturday 30th April 2005 with the Ceremony being performed by the Grand Master, Kenneth Kennedy, Past District Grand Prior of Strathclyde and a Past Preceptor of Henry Dyer, in the Masonic Halls, Hope Street, Motherwell.
This was followed on Saturday 8th October by the Bicentenary of St John, Glasgow, held within the Parish Halls, George Street, Glasgow. The ceremony of Rededication was conducted by the Grand Master, Kenneth Kennedy, followed by a Civic Reception across the road in the City Chambers later in the evening.
To mark their Centenary, a Ceremony of Rededication was held on Saturday 22nd October 2005 by Paisley Abbey Preceptory at which the Grand Master, Kenneth Kennedy, conducted the Ceremony with the assistance of the Officers of Great Priory.
In terms of getting “out and about”, the visit to East Ulster in 2006 by several members of District was deemed a great success and there will be a return visit in 2007, which duly took place with a weekend visit to Rothesay, hosted by the Preceptory of Bute; as part of the proceedings, a Temple Grade was carried out by the Officers of District Grand Priory. There is also mention of embracing modernity, in the shape of putting activities of District in website form, linking to that of Great Priory.
Closer to home, 2006 saw a Special Muster of the Preceptory of Glasgow … to mark their bicentenary, on Saturday 29 April, in Stevenson Street, Glasgow. A ceremony of Rededication was carried out by the Grand Master, Kenneth Kennedy, after which an exemplification of the Templar Ritual of 1810 was carried out in a commendable manner. This was followed, in 2007, by the Bicentenary of the Preceptory of St John, Cambuslang, on Saturday 23rd June in the Hall of the Old Parish Church, Montgomery Street, East Kilbride with the Rededication ceremony carried out by the Grand Master, Kenneth Kennedy, and Officers of Great Priory.
With the Commission of John McKee drawing to a close, the Standing Committee found it necessary to write to Great Priory for clarification on the procedure to nominate and elect the next District Grand Prior. After due process, including a Special Muster vote, James Pettigrew was duly elected and installed in January 2009 at Sir John Wilson Town Hall, Airdrie, an event attended by some 260 Fratres. The Installation was remarkable for the fact that it was truly a Strathclyde affair, with the Installation team comprising the Most Eminent and Reverend Grand Master, Kenneth Donald Kennedy GCT, a Past District Grand Prior of Strathclyde; Grand Seneschal, John Holmes Lawrie GCT, a Past District Grand Prior of Strathclyde; Grand Prior, J. Stewart Wood GCT, a Past District Grand Secretary of Strathclyde; Grand Prelate, Rev. John Clark MBE, KCT, member of Kilpatrick Preceptory; Grand Organist, John Hay KCT, PP of the Preceptory of Monklands; Assistant Grand Secretary, Pringle Johnstone, PP of the Preceptory of Monklands. In fact, the only two officers involved not from Strathclyde were acting Grand Herald, Joseph Devlin, and Grand Mareshal, James Rae. The new Commission set to work with a will, planning for the Centenary celebrations and settling down, rather more prosaically, to consideration of amendments to District and Preceptory Byelaws.
The District Grand Priory of Strathclyde is regarded as a hard-working, valuable and much-appreciated “band of brothers” that exists to promote “the friendly Order” within and outside a large area of responsibility. As the largest District in Scotland, covering an area ranging from Strathkelvin to Douglas Water, from Forth to Bute, it relies on a dedicated number of volunteers who selflessly give up a deal of time and effort to promote the workings of an organisation they truly believe in. The Minute books only hint at the personalities involved, and can give but a “selected” view of the year-to-year trials and tribulations of District; none the less, the District Grand Priory of Strathclyde has survived wars, economic crises, disputes with individuals and falling numbers. It is as strong today as it was a hundred years ago, still evincing the same enthusiasm and commitment. Here’s to the next hundred years!