Chapter 9
Disagreement between RWM and PM Turnbull.
September 21st 1891 -A disagreement between RWM and PM Turnbull occurred and they called upon each other to apologise. PM Turnbull took exception to money being taken from Lodge funds without notice of motion. The RWM refused to sign the minutes although they were approved by the Lodge. PM Turnbull requested the RWM to retire from the Lodge so that the business could proceed. The RWM refused and order PM Turnbull to retire. On his refusal the RWM ordered the wardens to eject PM Turnbull from the Lodge, the wardens refused, and the RWM then declared the Lodge closed by the action of the wardens refusing to obey an order from the chair.
A committee was appointed to arbitrate in the dispute headed by the PGM who presided over the meeting. The minutes of 21st September and 2nd October were ordered to be deleted and the following written over in red ink:- “In-as-much the whole business transacted and discussion entered into subsequent to the conferring of the third degree was wholly irregular and in violation of Masonic usage and law”. The remainder of the minute was ordered to be deleted.
The minute was signed by the chairman of the commission of Arbiters. In his opinion, the Wardens had “utterly failed in their duties as they were bound to obey the RWM”. The Commission said the RWM did not need the permission of the Lodge to expel a member, but considered the transgressions had arisen more from insufficient knowledge rather than insubordination. He asked the RWM if he would withdraw the complaints he had made. The RWM said he would, and the Provincial Grand Master said he considered the matter closed.
The Lodge secretary had written to Grand Lodge regarding the refusal of the Wardens to obey the RWM, wondering if they were right or wrong. Grand Secretary replied very pertly saying “Your Lodge is favourably suited in having a competent Grand Master to go to for advice.” Relations between Provincial Grand Lodge and 111 were extremely tenuous.
Provincial Grand Master’s letter states “You appear to have peculiar views as to the manner in which you best evince your desire for information”. Br. Elliot said he thought the letter was an insult to the Lodge.
At the nomination and election of office bearers Br. Thomas Scott proposed Br. Turnbull for the office of RWM, saying he did so in protest against a recent ruling which expelled that brother from the Lodge. There was another nomination, Br. J. Haig but Br. Turnbull was elected on majority.
Br. Frank Scott returned from holiday in America and gave an account of visits to various Lodges. He brought back a “Gramophone” the latest invention of Mr. Edison and entertained the brethren of the Lodge with it.
The RWM suggested the brethren should visit other Lodges to promote a better relationship.
Both Lodge 424 and 111 joined together in precession led by the Saxhorn Band, and the streets were lined with spectators along the Howegate, High Steer, Wilton Buccleuch Street and Beaconsfield.
A Copy of the Kirkwall Scroll was purchased for the Lodge and a letter was received from the Provincial Grand Lodge stating ” It is requisite that at least two weeks must elapse between degrees.”