About Lodge St Thomas

The Following is an extract from the 150th Anniversary Program of 1973 which gives some of the history of the lodge and some of the memorable events in the first 150 years of lodge St Thomas

St. Thomas of Caesarea, Patron Saint of Architects and Builders, a man well skilled in the Science, traveller and preacher, friend and provider to the poor and needy, loved and respected by all.

Possessor of a charity that knew no bounds, went to prison and risked a horrible death to uphold his ideals, he set an example for all to emulate.

Let us look for a moment at the situation and general conditions prevailing in Larkhall at that time. Scarcely a generation has passed since the passing of Robert Burns, the country was just settling down after the Napoleonic Wars, and we were on the eve of the industrial revolution. In 1823 Larkhall was a thriving and expanding village with a population of approximately 1,500. Weaving was the principal occupation. Coal had been discovered and the mines were drawing more people to the area. The railway system was being extended, and everything seemed bright and set for a rosy future.

Situated in the centre of an area where Masonic Lodges were functioning very succesfully, a few brave pioneers decided the time was ripe for them to act, and so the seed was sown, that was soon to blossom into one of the most unique situations in Scottish Freemasonry, a Masonic Lodge and a Registered Friendly Society, working separately, but as one unit, and this situation lasted for 60 years.

Like all other organisations, the Lodge had many teething troubles but through wise counselling and judgements, they were soon left behind, and by September 23rd 1825, we find the Lodge functioning successfully at Millheugh, and meeting every week.

At this time, Lodges had R. W. Masters who sat for long periods as such, but St. Thomas had the remarkable distinction of having a new R.W.M. every year for 49 years. This is surely proof of wise and competent office bearers.

In a minute dated October 2nd 1824, the committee met and elected Robert Neilson as Tyler for 1 Quarter, but alas, his appointment lasted for one week only. Short and sweet!

Was it a sign of the times that in 1825 we find members being admitted on the instalment system? In a minute we find that a Brother paid the remainder of his fee, 13/6 after he had received his M.M. Degree.

At this time the Lodge received many invitations to confer Degrees in neighbouring Lodges, but only one was accepted, Stonehouse. The others were thanked for the compliment.

On December 20th 1828, the first P.M.'s Jewel was presented to the Lodge by the Dalserf Instrumental Band, who were members of the Lodge.

A momentous decision was agreed upon on Ist December, 1830 when the Secretary's salary was increased to 10/6 per annum or 2,1d. per week.

On April 26th 1834, the Master and Wardens were ordered to go to Grand Lodge and move an amendment against the raising of the Initiating Fee, and the reasons given in the petition makes interesting reading, and shows real concern that any increase may be ruinous to future interests.

No organization can operate without finance, and it shows great credit to the Lodge's officials that on December 21st 1838, after 15 years of working, the funds stood at Ł500 19/, Truly a remarkable achievement.

Ah enquiry was ordered, and as the result of which, the Treasurer agreed to pay it back in growing crops, although the Lodge had to pay for the cutting and marketing of same. A later minute states the debt was ultimately cleared. Obviously there was no CA. directive then!

By August 29th 1844 the finances were strong again. The Lodge purchased 25 Shares in the Gas Coy. and further loaned them Ł80, and on the same day they sent to Grand Lodge enough money to cover 7 years' annual Certificates. Was this backhanded or forehanded?

Catch them young seems to have been the motto, for on December 18th 1854, the minute records that Hugh Lambie, aged 16 years was entered as an apprentice.

Although the funds of the Lodge had been steadily increasing, in September, 1853, through paying out an increasing number of benefit money, there was a deficit on the year's working of Ł23:8:7.

The Lodge lost a stalwart in the resignation of the Secretary Bro. Robert Hamilton, who had served the Lodge faithfully for 32 years. This suggests he may have been the first Secretary of the Lodge.

In 1855 the Lodge moved into the property market, building two Dwelling Houses at Millheugh, costing Ł150 and rented them out at an annual rent of 0:15/?.

At the Installation meeting in 1861, a very meagre attendance witnessed the ceremony. This was the year of the short corn. Does this suggest that in 1861 the majority of the members were farmers or engaged on the land and had stayed at home praying for rain?

In 1866 sickness benefits were reduced to help to balance Lodge Funds. Between 1868 and 1879 the Lodge paid out in sickness and funeral benefits the sum of Ł1,630, and had to borrow Ł55 from the Bank.

An interesting minute reads, that James Anderson of the Customs House, Glasgow, was appointed Proxy Master, to represent the Lodge at Grand Lodge.

At the beginning of the present century, the position of the Lodge was more solid than ever. Now meeting every fortnight, candidates at every meeting, the Lodge was going from strength to strength.

Since its inception in 1823 the Lodge had numerous meeting places, and now the brethren were seriously thinking about finding a permanent home for themselves. Many meetings were held regarding the building of new halls, but nothing was decided because of the lack of funds. But success was just round the corner. On May 25th, 1926, they purchased St. Machan's Church for Ł400.

Plans were passed, alterations made amounting to Ł1,442:15:1 and on November 18th, 1927, the present halls were consecrated.

In 1923 the Centenary was celebrated with appropriate ceremonies. In 1948 the 125th Anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated. A plaque was erected to mark the occasion, and appropriate ceremonies were held.

The affairs of the Lodge have been smooth running and efficient, surely a compliment to the OfficeBearers and Management, and we wonder if anything of interest can be added to an already fascinating story.

In its donations to charity, the Lodge is second to none. The lesson of the N.E. Corner is exemplified to perfection. War Charities, Masonic Charities, Old Age Treats, Spastic and Mentally Handicapped Children and Hospitals, to mention but a few, must surely bring a resurge of joy and pride to the hearts of all it., members.

In popularity, the Lodge was riding the crest. Meetings almost every week, plenty of candidates, and the interesting thing here, is all of them at a very early age. Deputations going out, and Deputations coming in, what a busy time for all.

In December 1950, Bro. William Forrest, 306, was elected R.W.M. of Lodge Nithsdale St. Paul No. 1115 for the fourth year.

September 18th 1958. Bro. John Ferguson, Lodge St. Andrew No. 34 N.S. Wales, Australia, was welcomed. His father, a member of 306 had emigrated there, helped to found an R.A. Chapter which he had the honour to name St. Thomas, after his own Mother Lodge.

April 15th 1969. An interesting meeting was held with P.G.L. Officials, seeking advice and guidance re the building of a new Masonic Temple.

Many meetings were held, going into every detail of many aspects of such a celebration, the culmination being the wonderful anniversary dinner on December Ist 1973.

Long may Lodge St. Thomas bear worthy sons, worthy of the " MOTHER whose name they so proudly carry, and so help the Lodge to another half century of achievement, perhaps even greater than what has gone before.