Know all concerned that members of this Lodge, viz., “Clyde” No. 408 being formerly members and office-bearers of the Lodge St. Mary’s, Partick, Glasgow No. 117, which have been for some time holding their meetings in Glasgow was ordered by Provincial Grand Lodge of the said Province to confine themselves solely to Partick, and hold no more meeting in Glasgow, nor any other place, except in the Village of Partick. The after mentioned members finding it inconvenient to travel to Partick especially in the winter season, considered it necessary for supplying the wants of the Glasgow Brethren to form a new Lodge in Glasgow. Brothers Thomas McKell Campbell, Robert Wilson Morrison and Robert Dowie, resolved to lay the before mentioned Resolution before the Office Bearers (of the Lodge St. Mary’s 117) residing in Glasgow, and if agreeable to then proceed immediately with the scheme and take the necessary steps to obtain a charter, which after communication with brothers Thomas Gordon, Robert McKendrick, Robert Walker, Andrew Purdie, Donald Ross, David Campbell, James McLaren, William Purdie, William Gaston Hickson, Robert Hendry, John Glover Bodiley, William Paul Cunningham, Thomas Yuile, Andrew Clydesdale, John Cochrane, James Gilmour, Adrian James Gandois, George James Summers and several other brethren, they unanimously agreed to call a meeting and commence subscriptions to defray the expense of a Charter and three copies of Grand Lodge Laws.
A meeting in accordance with the above resolution was held in the house of Brother Thomas McKell Campbell, on the 14th June 1860 for the purpose of raising the necessary funds and electing office-bearers to be recommended in the petition to the Grand Lodge for the Charter.
A chairman having been appointed the brethren proposed Brother Thomas Gordon, and Robert McKendrick for the office of Right Worshipful Master, and a vote was taken and there were nine for Brother Gordon and eight for Brother McKendrick. Brother Gordon was therefore declared duly elected by a majority of one. The following office-bearers were unanimously elected viz., Broth-er Robert Walker, to act as Past Master, Robert Wilson Morrison, Depute Master, Donald Ross, Substitute master, Robert McKendrick, Senior Warden, Andrew Purdie, Junior Warden, James McLaren, Treasurer, Thomas McKell Campbell, Secretary, David Campbell, Chaplain, Robert Do-wie, Senior Deacon, William Purdie, Junior Deacon, John Glover Bodiley, Bible Bearer, John Cochrane, Architect, William Gaston Hickson, Senior Steward, Robert Henry, Junior Steward, James Gilmour, Jeweller, William Paul Cunningham, Standard Bearer, Thomas Yuile, Inner Guard, Andrew Clydesdale, Tyler. The brethren being requested from the Chair to see that all were satisfied no dissent being made the Election was declared to be just and lawful. Brother Thomas McKell Campbell proposed that the name and Title of the Lodge be:
“CLYDE” Glasgow.
Which was agreed. Brother T. Gordon, R. W. Morrison and R. McKell Campbell were appointed President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the committee for the purpose of raising the necessary funds when upwards of £11 was subscribed. It being understood that all members subscribing £1 would be repaid according to precedence and the petition was ordered to be drawn out and receive the necessary signatures and be dispatched to Grand Lodge without delay.
Petition for charter was presented to the Grand Lodge on the Sixth day of august, 1860, and was granted by the Duke of Athole, Grand Master Mason of Scotland.
Various meetings thereafter were held in the house of Brother Thomas McKell Campbell, at 7 Carrick Street, Anderston, to discuss place of meeting and the procuring of Regalia. It was agreed to purchase three dozen Lamb Skin Aprons with the name “Clyde” painted on the fall and the number 408 under and lined with cotton and bound with Thistle Green Ribbon and three Rosettes of the same, as we had determined on Thistle Green for our colour of clothing.
On the 30th November 1860, the consecration of Lodge “Clyde” Glasgow, No. 408 was held in the hall of Glasgow Kilwinning Lodge No. 4 at 87 Union Street. This continued to be the meeting place till changed to St. Mark’s Hall at 213Buchanan Street, on the 6th June 1876. From March 1894, till October 1896, meetings were held in the hall of Lodge Dramatic No. 571 at 30 Hope Street, and since then within the Freemasons Hall 100, West Regent Street.
The first Provincial Grand Lodge Visitation was held on the 6th December 1861, and not only was a clear minute given, but the books of the Lodge were taken round the visitors by the Provincial Grand Substitute Master requesting them to take pattern thereof.
In 1893 the offices of Junior Warden and Junior Deacon of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow were occupied by Brother John McNaught Campbell, I.P.M. and Brother Robert McCrone, R.W.M. the former being also W. Grand Marshal in the Grand Lodge. Seven years later Brother John McNaught Campbell was appointed Provincial Grand Secretary.
The minute of 15th April 1889, records the death of a member, Brother Robert Burns Thomson, grandson of the Poet.
At the 21st Anniversary Function, it was stated that there were 850 members on the roll, that property was worth between £300 and £400, that £450 had been given in benevolence and that £100 remained in the Benevolence Fund. On this occasion, the first R.W.M. Brother Thomas Gordon was presented with his portrait in oil. His death is recorded in the minute of 2/5/24.
A feature of the years at the end of the 19th Century and the start of the 20th Century was the picnics held in adjacent Provinces where various Lodges were visited and brethren from these Lodges were invited to a grand harmony at the end of the year.
We joined forces with Lodge “The Gael,” No.609 in support of the Provincial Grand Lodge Annuity Fund in 1903. A joint cruise was held and so great was the sale of tickets that members were asked to let their friends aboard and if need be, forgo the sail. Jointly we contributed from this and other ventures the sum of £651 3s. 5d.
In September 1917, the R.W.M. intimated that Brother J.H. Wilson had been the recipient at the hands of the King of the Order of Commander of the British Empire.
The minute from 1914 to 1918, speak continuously of service rendered by our members in H.M. Forces.
Sorrow mingled with regret must have been the feeling of the brethren as they continued to pay their respects to the memory of those brethren who lost their lives on active service, and proud they must have been of others honoured for bravery.
Our appreciation of services rendered was shown by our contributions to such funds as the Lady Anne Speirs Memorial Fund, The Red Cross, The Y.M.C.A., Jocks Box and entertainment to dinner, concert and dance of fifty wounded soldiers from Stobhill Hospital.
1918 was a most exceptionally prosperous year, the number of candidates Initiated, 92, being in any year the largest in the history of the Lodge. From the professions followed by the initiates the “Clyde” retains its seafaring connection both in the construction and sailing of ships and steamers.
In 1924 the Lodge suffered a sad loss in the passing to the Grand Lodge above of Brother John McNaught Campbell a P.M., of the Lodge and for many years the Provincial Grand Secretary.
In 1928 it was agreed that a chain of office be provided for the Master as formerly the Master wore a collaret. The first Master to wear it was Brother Samuel Bart. Brother Hugh McD. Thomson made the presentation. During the harmony, which followed a Treasurers Jewel, was presented to Brother James Cullen who had held the office of Treasurer of the Lodge for Twenty years.
On the 1st of March 1929 the Lodge met for the purpose of recognising the service of Brother John Wilson and presented him with the Secretary’s Jewel as a token of our esteem and appreciation of the thirty years service to the Lodge as an Office Bearer, twenty two of which he acted as Secretary.
On Sunday 30th June 1940, a large number of brethren gathered in New Eastwood Cem-etery at the unveiling of a Memorial Stone to the memory of the late Brother John Wilson, Secre-tary. The stone was dedicated by Brother Rev. A. Pender Crichton, B.D., Hon. Chaplain of the Lodge.
Intensive search has been made and shall continue to be made for the Minute Bookscovering the period 1929 to 1950. These years within the knowledge of many of us, spoke of
depression, plenty and the world war. In many ways, we have to thank our Social Committee for
their untiring efforts to keep the brethren together with social activities. We are indeed indebted to
Brother Charles McKinlay, P.M., and Brother Alexander Bannerman, P.M., for their zeal in this
sphere and their enhancement of Lodge Funds.
During the war years, the Lodge carried on under difficult circumstances, many of our
office-bearers are called to the Forces and others to work of national importance. Much praise must
be given to our Executive Office-bearers, Brother Duncan McFarlane P.M., Secretary, Brother Hugh
McD. Thomson P.M. Treasurer, and Brother Hugh Russell, Benevolent Fund Treasure, for
undertaking many extra duties.
From 1940 to 1946, all members serving with the Forces received a Jocks Box and admitted
to all social functions free. Happily, we entertained the wounded and disabled from Mearnskirk
Hospital. At the conclusion of the war, all members who had served in H.M. Forces were entertained
at a Grand Dinner held in Cranston’s Restaurant, Corn Exchange.
Our sore felt want for a meeting place worthy of our ideals was met by the purchase of
Masonic Chambers, 100 West Regent Street by the Provincial Grand lodge of Glasgow, and to see
the Temple Fund we have contributed over £1,000.
Brother Charles Colgan, Brother James Cullen, P.M., and brother Hendry B. Henderson
were, after Fifty years worthy service, presented with Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Diplomas
and presentations from the Lodge. The first two named having been called to the Grand Lodge
above but we are delighted to see Brother H.B. Henderson, as do many other ageing brethren,
regularly attending the Lodge.
At an in Memorial meeting to the memory of the late Brother Duncan McFarlane, P.M.,
Secretary, Past Senior Provincial Grand Deacon and Brother John Aird Rankin, Past Senior
Warden, the Alter Bible was dedicated to their memory. This service was most impressive and ever
will remain among our treasured memories.
No less impressive was the in memorial service held in 1956 and now in 1960 as we look
forward to our Second Century let us pause, feel thankful for those who are doing so much now, and
ever mindful and grateful to those whose earthly labour has ceased.
In 1962 the St Andrews Halls burned down and the Annual dance had to be cancelled the
Council allowed the Lodge to hold a Buffet dance in the City Chambers in 1963 at which there were
985 present for which we are pleased that the brethren of Glasgow supported us.
In 1964, the Annual dance moved to the Plaza Ballroom and continued there until 1986
when the numbers fell below the required number of 400. After this, the Annual Dance moved to a
number of venues finishing in the Grosvenor Hotel was the Last Dinner dance.
During the 1970’s a large number of the Past Masters emigrated to Canada and Australia
two names spring to mind Brother William Sinclair Young and Andrew C. Smith PM Brother Young
returned from Australia continued through the Offices to become Master in 1971/72 and Brother
Smith returned During the year to support the Master.
In May 1980, we moved from 100 West Regent Street to the SDTA Hall at 339 North
Woodside Street where we continued until April 1983. We moved to Woodside Lesser Hall at
Clareden Street. Where we celebrated our 125th with Brother William Love in the Chair we remained
here until 1988.
In the August of 1988, we returned to Partick St Mary’s No. 117 at 92 Dumbarton Road
where we started out from in 1860, it was like returning home after a long sojourn. During our ten
years there and with an ageing membership the steep stairs took the toll on our numbers and in
1999, we were on the move again.
A meeting in accordance with the above resolution was held in the house of Brother Thomas McKell Campbell, on the 14th June 1860 for the purpose of raising the necessary funds and electing office-bearers to be recommended in the petition to the Grand Lodge for the Charter.
A chairman having been appointed the brethren proposed Brother Thomas Gordon, and Robert McKendrick for the office of Right Worshipful Master, and a vote was taken and there were nine for Brother Gordon and eight for Brother McKendrick. Brother Gordon was therefore declared duly elected by a majority of one. The following office-bearers were unanimously elected viz., Broth-er Robert Walker, to act as Past Master, Robert Wilson Morrison, Depute Master, Donald Ross, Substitute master, Robert McKendrick, Senior Warden, Andrew Purdie, Junior Warden, James McLaren, Treasurer, Thomas McKell Campbell, Secretary, David Campbell, Chaplain, Robert Do-wie, Senior Deacon, William Purdie, Junior Deacon, John Glover Bodiley, Bible Bearer, John Cochrane, Architect, William Gaston Hickson, Senior Steward, Robert Henry, Junior Steward, James Gilmour, Jeweller, William Paul Cunningham, Standard Bearer, Thomas Yuile, Inner Guard, Andrew Clydesdale, Tyler. The brethren being requested from the Chair to see that all were satisfied no dissent being made the Election was declared to be just and lawful. Brother Thomas McKell Campbell proposed that the name and Title of the Lodge be:
“CLYDE” Glasgow.
Which was agreed. Brother T. Gordon, R. W. Morrison and R. McKell Campbell were appointed President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the committee for the purpose of raising the necessary funds when upwards of £11 was subscribed. It being understood that all members subscribing £1 would be repaid according to precedence and the petition was ordered to be drawn out and receive the necessary signatures and be dispatched to Grand Lodge without delay.
Petition for charter was presented to the Grand Lodge on the Sixth day of august, 1860, and was granted by the Duke of Athole, Grand Master Mason of Scotland.
Various meetings thereafter were held in the house of Brother Thomas McKell Campbell, at 7 Carrick Street, Anderston, to discuss place of meeting and the procuring of Regalia. It was agreed to purchase three dozen Lamb Skin Aprons with the name “Clyde” painted on the fall and the number 408 under and lined with cotton and bound with Thistle Green Ribbon and three Rosettes of the same, as we had determined on Thistle Green for our colour of clothing.
On the 30th November 1860, the consecration of Lodge “Clyde” Glasgow, No. 408 was held in the hall of Glasgow Kilwinning Lodge No. 4 at 87 Union Street. This continued to be the meeting place till changed to St. Mark’s Hall at 213Buchanan Street, on the 6th June 1876. From March 1894, till October 1896, meetings were held in the hall of Lodge Dramatic No. 571 at 30 Hope Street, and since then within the Freemasons Hall 100, West Regent Street.
The first Provincial Grand Lodge Visitation was held on the 6th December 1861, and not only was a clear minute given, but the books of the Lodge were taken round the visitors by the Provincial Grand Substitute Master requesting them to take pattern thereof.
In 1893 the offices of Junior Warden and Junior Deacon of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow were occupied by Brother John McNaught Campbell, I.P.M. and Brother Robert McCrone, R.W.M. the former being also W. Grand Marshal in the Grand Lodge. Seven years later Brother John McNaught Campbell was appointed Provincial Grand Secretary.
The minute of 15th April 1889, records the death of a member, Brother Robert Burns Thomson, grandson of the Poet.
At the 21st Anniversary Function, it was stated that there were 850 members on the roll, that property was worth between £300 and £400, that £450 had been given in benevolence and that £100 remained in the Benevolence Fund. On this occasion, the first R.W.M. Brother Thomas Gordon was presented with his portrait in oil. His death is recorded in the minute of 2/5/24.
A feature of the years at the end of the 19th Century and the start of the 20th Century was the picnics held in adjacent Provinces where various Lodges were visited and brethren from these Lodges were invited to a grand harmony at the end of the year.
We joined forces with Lodge “The Gael,” No.609 in support of the Provincial Grand Lodge Annuity Fund in 1903. A joint cruise was held and so great was the sale of tickets that members were asked to let their friends aboard and if need be, forgo the sail. Jointly we contributed from this and other ventures the sum of £651 3s. 5d.
In September 1917, the R.W.M. intimated that Brother J.H. Wilson had been the recipient at the hands of the King of the Order of Commander of the British Empire.
The minute from 1914 to 1918, speak continuously of service rendered by our members in H.M. Forces.
Sorrow mingled with regret must have been the feeling of the brethren as they continued to pay their respects to the memory of those brethren who lost their lives on active service, and proud they must have been of others honoured for bravery.
Our appreciation of services rendered was shown by our contributions to such funds as the Lady Anne Speirs Memorial Fund, The Red Cross, The Y.M.C.A., Jocks Box and entertainment to dinner, concert and dance of fifty wounded soldiers from Stobhill Hospital.
1918 was a most exceptionally prosperous year, the number of candidates Initiated, 92, being in any year the largest in the history of the Lodge. From the professions followed by the initiates the “Clyde” retains its seafaring connection both in the construction and sailing of ships and steamers.
In 1924 the Lodge suffered a sad loss in the passing to the Grand Lodge above of Brother John McNaught Campbell a P.M., of the Lodge and for many years the Provincial Grand Secretary.
In 1928 it was agreed that a chain of office be provided for the Master as formerly the Master wore a collaret. The first Master to wear it was Brother Samuel Bart. Brother Hugh McD. Thomson made the presentation. During the harmony, which followed a Treasurers Jewel, was presented to Brother James Cullen who had held the office of Treasurer of the Lodge for Twenty years.
On the 1st of March 1929 the Lodge met for the purpose of recognising the service of Brother John Wilson and presented him with the Secretary’s Jewel as a token of our esteem and appreciation of the thirty years service to the Lodge as an Office Bearer, twenty two of which he acted as Secretary.
On Sunday 30th June 1940, a large number of brethren gathered in New Eastwood Cem-etery at the unveiling of a Memorial Stone to the memory of the late Brother John Wilson, Secre-tary. The stone was dedicated by Brother Rev. A. Pender Crichton, B.D., Hon. Chaplain of the Lodge.
Intensive search has been made and shall continue to be made for the Minute Bookscovering the period 1929 to 1950. These years within the knowledge of many of us, spoke of
depression, plenty and the world war. In many ways, we have to thank our Social Committee for
their untiring efforts to keep the brethren together with social activities. We are indeed indebted to
Brother Charles McKinlay, P.M., and Brother Alexander Bannerman, P.M., for their zeal in this
sphere and their enhancement of Lodge Funds.
During the war years, the Lodge carried on under difficult circumstances, many of our
office-bearers are called to the Forces and others to work of national importance. Much praise must
be given to our Executive Office-bearers, Brother Duncan McFarlane P.M., Secretary, Brother Hugh
McD. Thomson P.M. Treasurer, and Brother Hugh Russell, Benevolent Fund Treasure, for
undertaking many extra duties.
From 1940 to 1946, all members serving with the Forces received a Jocks Box and admitted
to all social functions free. Happily, we entertained the wounded and disabled from Mearnskirk
Hospital. At the conclusion of the war, all members who had served in H.M. Forces were entertained
at a Grand Dinner held in Cranston’s Restaurant, Corn Exchange.
Our sore felt want for a meeting place worthy of our ideals was met by the purchase of
Masonic Chambers, 100 West Regent Street by the Provincial Grand lodge of Glasgow, and to see
the Temple Fund we have contributed over £1,000.
Brother Charles Colgan, Brother James Cullen, P.M., and brother Hendry B. Henderson
were, after Fifty years worthy service, presented with Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Diplomas
and presentations from the Lodge. The first two named having been called to the Grand Lodge
above but we are delighted to see Brother H.B. Henderson, as do many other ageing brethren,
regularly attending the Lodge.
At an in Memorial meeting to the memory of the late Brother Duncan McFarlane, P.M.,
Secretary, Past Senior Provincial Grand Deacon and Brother John Aird Rankin, Past Senior
Warden, the Alter Bible was dedicated to their memory. This service was most impressive and ever
will remain among our treasured memories.
No less impressive was the in memorial service held in 1956 and now in 1960 as we look
forward to our Second Century let us pause, feel thankful for those who are doing so much now, and
ever mindful and grateful to those whose earthly labour has ceased.
In 1962 the St Andrews Halls burned down and the Annual dance had to be cancelled the
Council allowed the Lodge to hold a Buffet dance in the City Chambers in 1963 at which there were
985 present for which we are pleased that the brethren of Glasgow supported us.
In 1964, the Annual dance moved to the Plaza Ballroom and continued there until 1986
when the numbers fell below the required number of 400. After this, the Annual Dance moved to a
number of venues finishing in the Grosvenor Hotel was the Last Dinner dance.
During the 1970’s a large number of the Past Masters emigrated to Canada and Australia
two names spring to mind Brother William Sinclair Young and Andrew C. Smith PM Brother Young
returned from Australia continued through the Offices to become Master in 1971/72 and Brother
Smith returned During the year to support the Master.
In May 1980, we moved from 100 West Regent Street to the SDTA Hall at 339 North
Woodside Street where we continued until April 1983. We moved to Woodside Lesser Hall at
Clareden Street. Where we celebrated our 125th with Brother William Love in the Chair we remained
here until 1988.
In the August of 1988, we returned to Partick St Mary’s No. 117 at 92 Dumbarton Road
where we started out from in 1860, it was like returning home after a long sojourn. During our ten
years there and with an ageing membership the steep stairs took the toll on our numbers and in
1999, we were on the move again.
- We have moved south of the river to the Masonic Centre 101 Clifford Street and a number of the brethren have said it is too far to travel but it is all on one level and should assist our older members and perhaps attract new members and visitors. We celebrated the Millennium by having the same Master for 1999/2000 and during these two years, we run a number of social evenings, which drew a good number of visitors and brought back some absent members.
- In 2005, we had a memorial service for Brother Hepburn Gibb PM. A large number of his brethren returned for this service also his family and friends. This year we lost another two to the Grand Lodge above Brother Eric Wheatley PM and Brother Arthur Crawford and up and coming office-bearer all will be sadly missed.
Now we have arrived at our 150th Celebration. The celebration will commence with a Civic Dinner in the City Chambers on the 6th August 2010, the actual date on our Charter. Now we are looking forward to the next 50 years and hope that the Lodge will again continue from strength to strength.
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