Lodge Montefiore No. 753, Glasgow was the first Lodge in Scotland to be Chartered by The Grand Lodge of Scotland "under Jewish auspices".

But what do we know of this Lodge and who was Montefiore ? 

A preliminary meeting of the Lodge was held at Garnethill Synagogue on 23rd. October 1887 with Bro. Michael Simons in the Chair. The twelve Brethren who met at this meeting resolved that "it was highly desirable to constitute" such a Lodge. Further meetings were held and the Founders

elected the first Right Worshipful Master, Bro. Baillie Michael Simons, and Office Bearers. Interestingly one of the Founders was Bro. Aaron Diamond a Draper who was a Member of Lodge St. Bryde No. 579, Uddingston.

Bro. Diamond joined our Lodge in 1886 he is number 155 on our Roll and he was also a Founder Member of Lodge St. Enoch No. 1288. 

The Lodge was duly Consecrated on 19th. March 1888 at a meeting conducted by The Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow in St. John`s Masonic Hall, Buchanan St., Glasgow, Bro. Sir William Pearce, Provincial Grand Master.

The Founder Members of   Lodge Montefiore were truly inspired when they decided to name the Lodge after one of British Jewry`s greatest ambassadors and benefactors - Sir Moses Montefiore.

Moses Montefiore was born in Leghorn in Italy in 1784 where his parents

were, at the time on a visit. His family had lived in Italy, at least since the early 17th. century and probably much longer. In those days Jews were excluded from Universities and he and his two brothers received an elementary education at a local school taught by their uncle.

He left school while still a boy, was articled to a grocery business in the City of London and from the world of business he became a member of the Stock Exchange. His success in his new career was almost continuous and he was able to retire, with a fortune, in 1824 at the early age of 40 to devote himself to the welfare of his co-religionists and to humanity generally.

In 1835 he was elected President of the Board of Deputies an office he held for 40 years, and on Queen Victoria`s accession to the throne he was the representative of the City of London delegated to present to her an address of congratulations. He was Knighted in 1837.  

The following year as Lieutenant for the City he was appointed High Sheriff of London. This appointment was associated with the historical movement to improve the civil and political rights of minorities. 

From 1840 Sir Moses undertook his vital journeys to many parts of the world to assist his co-religionists who were being persecuted. 

Despite his busy life, in so many spheres, he had a lifelong commitment

to Freemasonry. He was initiated in Lodge Moira No. 118 (E.C.) in 1812. He subsequently became an Honorary Member of the Montefiore Lodge No. 1017 (E.C.) named in his honour on his 80th. birthday. 

His 100th. birthday in 1884 was the occasion of world wide celebrations.

Sir Moses died in 1885 at the age of 101 and was buried in Ramsgate.