Property Extensions and Charity

On 23rd September 1930, the RWM reported that the Lodge had bought from the South Queensferry Town Council property adjoining the Masonic Hall known as the Old Library, together with the piece of land between Lilybank and the Old Library, for £50. The Old Library for many years served the Lodge as a kitchen and bar and is now the East section of the main hall.

At a meeting held on 23rd December 1930, a letter was read from Mr Charters (Dalmeny) regarding the ceiling, including his estimate of £9 9 0d for putting Cel-O-Tex over the existing ceiling, which he guaranteed “would stay up.” This tender was accepted and the ceiling remains today.

In April 1931, the Lodge held a whist drive and dance which realised a net sum of £14 12 3d. This was rounded up to £15 0 0d and donated to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

In November 1934, the Lodge installed its first almoners, Bro T M G Haigh, PM and Bro R Dick.

On 25th June 1935, a hearty welcome was given to visiting brethren, especially the deputation from the USS Wyoming of the United States Navy, with several visitors replying.

On 28th July 1936, the Minutes show that Bro W Russell, PM (Lodge St Margaret’s oldest Past Master) was introduced. Bro Russell stated that he had been a Past Master 45 years and, after 40 years of absence, it was a great pleasure to return. He verified historical ties to the 1820 Lodge and presented inherited historical Square and Compasses jewels back to the Lodge.

Dedication and the Second World War

On the 26th January 1937, the first business was the dedication of a Master’s Memorial Table and Tablet. Bro T M G Haigh, PM, unveiled the Memorial Table funded by the Memorial Fund. An oration was given by Bro Dr Mason, who referred to the distressing years of 1914 to 1918 and the sacrifices made; six members had made the supreme sacrifice. Bro Rev Bower-Wilson offered a prayer of dedication and Bro Piper Sergeant James Sanderson played a lament.

For many years, the west end of the Lodge rooms comprised the Tyler’s house. In February 1937, it was agreed that part of the Tyler’s house be converted into anterooms for the Lodge. In April 1937, an estimate from the City of Edinburgh Gas Department was accepted for heating improvements:

“To supply and fix three six-loop radiators, 40 inches high at an annual rental of 13/- each. These are fitted free up to 60 feet of piping. Gas consumption would not exceed 2d per hour for the system.”

In October 1939, the West Lothian Education Committee advised that the Masonic Hall had been commandeered for wartime services, though allowing occasional use outside school hours. The lower hall was occupied by the Air Raids Precautions Committee. In November, the Hall was completely taken over by the Royal Air Force.

Displacements and Post-War Recovery

During the displacement, the Lodge organ was rented to the Chaplain at HMS Lochinvar at Butlaw for a nominal sum. On 12th December 1939, the first meeting of the Lodge at the Stag Head Hotel was held.

A special meeting was held on Thursday 31st October 1940, under special dispensation, in the Lodge Rooms of Lodge Buchan St John No. 636, Broxburn, for the purpose of working a Mark degree due to accommodation limits at the Stag Head Hotel. By March 1941, meetings moved to the Parish Church Hall in South Queensferry.

On 25th June 1943, the Management Committee met in the Masonic Hall following its vacation by the Royal Air Force. Arrangements were made to repair damages to the premises, estimated at £106 9/-. On 24th September 1946, a special meeting was held where the Fellow Craft degree was worked by ex-Service members.

In October 1946, it was agreed that a Tablet be placed on the Memorial Table in honour of the brothers who made the supreme sacrifice in the Second World War.

Anniversaries and Local Gifts

On Tuesday 18th October 1949, Lodge St Margaret held its 75th Anniversary celebrations. The War Memorial Tablet and the Past Masters Plaque were unveiled by the Right Worshipful Grand Master Mason. Bro William Marshall, PM, was presented with the Hon Grand Bible Bearer’s jewel.

In September 1953, Past Master Bro T M G Haigh was introduced and presented with the Honorary Grand Bible Bearer’s jewel by Bro Dr Alexander Buchan, Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

In November 1953, the Lodge purchased a photograph of the late King George VI, Past Grand Master Mason of Scotland.

On 11th October 1960, Bro Ralph C E Wright, CMBHI, presented a clock to the Lodge which still ticks in the Lodge hall today. In September 1962, an organ was gifted to the Lodge by Bro George MacKay of Lodge Roman Eagle No. 160.

In April 1965, Lodge St Margaret decided to omit the Ancient Penalties from the Obligations, replacing them with an explanation.

Structural Transformations

During the 1963 summer recess, major voluntary renovations were completed: the old staircase from the upper to the lower hall was reversed, a new Gentlemen’s toilet was constructed, and committee/anterooms were formed out of the old Tyler’s house. In February 1967, the brethren again voluntarily redecorated the premises and pointed the south face of the building.

On 22nd March 1970, several brethren attended the Parish Church on the occasion of the 900th Anniversary of the arrival of Queen Margaret in South Queensferry.

During the summer recess of 1970, a major structural transformation was completed. The partition dividing the East of the Lodge from the kitchen and bar was removed, extending the Hall to the outer East Wall. A new bar and storeroom were built on the south wall, a new kitchen was built at the west end, and a new floor was laid.

The following March, a sale of work realised £207, which was used to install oil-fired central heating.