Bro. Alexander G. Ruthven, M.M. Lodge St. Andrew Military No. 668 by Bro. Peter Ball. 

Last month's article from The U.S. News Magazine seems to have been well received by our readers. This month, Bro. Peter Ball, Secretary of Lodge St. Andrew Military No. 668 happened to mention to me that he was carrying out research into the Lodge history for the 150th. Anniversary Celebrations which are due to take place next year.

His researches surround a Brother who joined the Lodge while attached to his Regiment in Hamilton and from these beginnings in  Lanarkshire Middle Ward went on to win the V.C., became a prominent Statesman in Australia and eventually was Elected Grand Master. Bro. Alexander G. Ruthven, M.M. Lodge St. Andrew Military No. 668 by Bro. Peter Ball.

Alexander G. Ruthven was born in 1872 in Windsor, England, but spent most of his young years in North Devon where he enjoyed the outdoor life. In 1884 his father inherited a property in Scotland and the family moved north. He was later educated at Eaton and after three years there he returned home with an eyesight problem. This and diminished family fortunes prevented him from returning to Eaton and he started work with J. Finlay & Co. tea merchants as an office boy. After two years he was sent to India to learn tea planting. He returned home to Scotland after four months and at the age of 19 he joined the 3rd.  Battalion Highland Light Infantry. He trained with them on the Lanarkshire moors where his physical strength was developed and in 1898 he joined the Egyptian Army in the Sudan, commanding the Camel Corps of Gedaref. During this time he was awarded the Victoria Cross for extreme bravery in rescuing an Egyptian officer in exceptional circumstances. 

He served with  distinction in World War 1, was wounded in Gallipoli and awarded the DSO. Later in France he received a Bar to his DSO. There were five separate occasions when he was mentioned in despatches and in 1917 was promoted to Brigadier General and was later awarded the CMG and CB.

In 1928 he became Governor of South Australia and was Knighted in the same year, KCMG. He and his wife were extremely  popular and his wife was active in helping many charities. By 1935 they moved to New South Wales, he was awarded the GCMG and created 1st. Baron Gowrie of Canberra. He had only served as Governor for one year when he was   appointed Governor-General until 1944, when he became Vicount Gowrie and Knight of Grace of St. John in 1945. In 1945. On his return to England he became Lieutenant Governor of Windsor Castle.

Lord Gowrie had been Initiated into Freemasonry in March 1893 in Lodge St. Andrews Military No. 668 in Hamilton, while service with the Highland Light Infantry, and he joined Sir Reginal Wingate Lodge No. 2954 (E.C.) while in the Sudan. On his arrival in Adelaide. He did not accept the position as he was not a Past Master. He joined United  Service Lodge No. 275 becoming Senior Warden in 1929, the following year he became Master. By special leave he was Installed as Grand Master of South Australia on 15th. April 1930.  Lodges in Australia Lodges were named in his honour, Lord Gowrie Lodge No. 651 New South Wales and Hore-Ruthven Lodge No. 155 New South Wales. He was truly dedicated, upheld the dignity and standards of the Craft, he stated with passion that he found greater  satisfaction in Freemasonry than in anything else he knew. Lord Gowrie died on 24th. May 1954 aged 82. 

We look forward to the 125th. Anniversary of Lodge St. Andrews Military No. 668 next year and further  interesting stories of its   distinguished members.