Memorials and Travelling Deputations
On the 18th November 1984, a Lodge of Sorrow in memory of Bro William Chalmers Walker, Past Master, was held in the Lodge Rooms.
At the regular meeting on the 8th January 1985, Bro Sir James Wilson McKay, Right Worshipful Immediate Past Grand Master, was made an Honorary Member of the Lodge. Soon after, Bro Alexander Tulloch, PM, was presented with a jewel acknowledging his appointment as an Honorary Senior Provincial Grand Warden.
The Brethren continued their travels in February 1986 when RWM Bro Ken MacDougall led a deputation to Northern Ireland to visit the Provincial Grand Lodge of County Down, followed by a meeting with Lodge Trafalgar No. 826 (Irish Constitution).
In November 1986, Bro Alexander Tulloch, PM, was bestowed the Honorary Grand Rank of Bible-Bearer for his outstanding service to his Mother Lodge over many years.
On 31st October 1987, the Brethren hosted a visit from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, headed by Bro Sir James McKay, to pay tribute to Bro Alexander Fraser, PM, for his eight years of service as Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire. Bro Sir James McKay unveiled a portrait of Bro Fraser, painted by Bro David Paris Craig, which now hangs in the east of the Lodge.
Returning Rare Artefacts
On the 26th April 1988, an interesting part of history unfolded when Bro James McCormack, RWM of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) No. 1, presented a rare artefact: a ceremonial sash from St Margaret’s Lodge No. 288, which was the original lodge established in Queensferry in November 1820. This remains some of the only physical evidence of its existence.
In November 1991, Bro James McDonald, RWM, shared the sad news that Bro Alexander Fraser, PM, had passed to the Grand Lodge Above. His enduring legacy included a Master’s Chain of Office, which he placed around the neck of his brother James when installing him into the Chair in January 1888.
On the 10th March 1992, a curling rink from the Lodge comprising Bro Peter Allan, Bro Tom Chmylowskyj, Bro James Aitken, and Bro A Cooper travelled to Ayr and returned with the “Glen Caladh Curling Trophy” after winning the annual Scottish Masonic Curling Competition.
In October 1992, Bro James Thomson, Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master, accepted Honorary Membership. In April 1993, the Lodge presented Bro Robert Summers, PM, with the regalia and jewel of a Past Senior Provincial Grand Warden, originally belonging to Bro Archibald Mathieson, PM.
Transitions and the 125th Anniversary
On the occasion of the annual visit on the 12th April 1994, Bro Rev J Arnold Fletcher dedicated the new Past Masters Board, which was originally presented by the Queensferry Royal Arch Chapter No. 389 for its 75th Anniversary in 1989.
On May 5th 1994, Bro Tom Chmylowskyj, RWM, conducted a Lodge of Sorrow in memory of Bro James Milne, PM, and Bro Archibald Mathieson, PM.
Milestone memberships marked the late 90s:
- April 1995: Bro Henry Livingston was presented with his Jubilee Diploma for 50 years of membership.
- May 1997: Bro William James Hilditch, Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire, was made an Honorary Member.
- February 1998: Bro Sandy Tulloch, PM, and Bro James Orr, PM, received Jubilee Diplomas for 50 years of service from Bro Gavin MacDonald, Provincial Grand Master. Diplomas were hand-delivered to Bro Peter Anderson and Bro John Davidson at their homes due to ill health.
During the 1998 summer recess, the Lodge Rooms were further improved in preparation for the 125th celebrations in February 1999. Part of the improvements included a painted mural behind the Master’s chair, commissioned and donated by Bro T Scott Eadie, PM, and painted by Bro Michael Bower.
Tonight think not of 125 years in time, but of those Brethren known and unknown whose memorial is not in stone or mortar but is writ into the incomplete and continuing story of Lodge St Margaret No. 548.