Lodge Buchanan No. 1499

GOLDEN JUBILEE 1955 - 2005.

Over 200 Brethren attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations on Friday 11th. February 2005. Bro. Kenneth D. Kennedy, P.G.M. headed a large deputation from Provincial Grand Lodge who were on duty to carry out the Ceremony of Re-dedication and the Dedication of new Lodge Regalia.     Provincial Grand Chaplains Bros. Peter O. Price and Tom    Davidson carried out a splendid Ceremonial and were warmly thanked by the Brethren present. The Temple at Cambuslang was packed as around 180 Brethren stayed for the Jubilee Dinner. The speeches were of the highest standard and an excellent evening was enjoyed by all. The Lodge has produced a number of Jubilee souvenirs, a Jewel and enamel token pictured below, and also an historical sketch. These are available from the Lodge Secretary.

The Early Years. The Hall of Newton Parish Church was the venue for the first meeting of a number of Brethren who felt that the formation of a Lodge to meet in the village would be worth considering. A farming and mining village with three collieries, which consisted of two coal mines and another that pumped water from them into the River Clyde. As well as steelworks at Hallside and an engineering factory at Westburn the collieries provided the community with secure employment. At the first meeting on 5th. March 1954, formal discussion took place regarding the necessary procedure that would have to be followed. The brethren were very confident and had anticipated that there would be a positive     outcome and had invited members from Provincial to attend. In order to progress the matter, a committee was formed to deal with any business. The brethren who formed the first committee were, Andrew O`Hara, Henry Mills, John Wagh, Peter Anderson and James Boyd. The building  adjacent to the church was  Newton Miners Welfare Hall and after inspection Jubilee  P.G.L. it was agreed that the Lodge could hold its meetings there. Although both buildings are still in existence they are no longer used for their original purposes. During the first few months the Lodge used the name Newton Masonic Club and met regularly to conduct the necessary business. It was suggested that Cambuslang Royal Arch No. 114 and Livingstonne Stonefield No. 599 be asked to act as sponsors and in April 1954 application was made to Grand Lodge for a Charter. The name chosen for the Lodge was Buchanan, in memory of Bro. George Buchanan P.M., who had been a leader of the community in Newton and was respectfully known as Abif Buchanan.

It was on Friday 10th. September 1954 in Newton Church Hall that the Election of the first Office Bearers took place. The Lodge received its Charter from Grand Lodge on 7th. February 1955 with the number 1499. The Installation of Office Bearers took place on 23rd. April 1955 in Newton Miners Welfare Hall and was conducted by Bro. Captain J. Christie Stewart of Murdostoun. Bro. Andrew O`Hara was Installed as first Master of the Lodge.