Chapter 14

The years between the wars No.1.

In 1919 there were 79 initiations in one month, and 123 Office bearers and members attended the Lodge on 30th May.

In December 1919 the committee reported that following the war the Lodge had greatly increased its membership, and there was need for larger premises. In 1920 the number on the roll was 522, including 5 Honorary members, 96 Life members, 406 being in full standing. Between 16th May 1919 and 18th May 1920 there were 138 initiations and four applications. The PGM observed that “the past year had been one of unexampled prosperity which has never been approached in the history of the Lodge”

The committee proposed to alter the existing premises at Myreslawgreen at a cost of £2075, Lodge funds available amounted to £500 and subscriptions from members £500. In February 1920 the reconstruction treasurer reported that the amount of money required was reached and the committee gave instructions for the reconstruction. However in December 1920, the resolution to rebuild Myreslawgreen was rescinded and it was proposed to purchase the property in Commercial Road previously owned by Messrs Innes Chambers & Co, Tweed Merchants, which had been destroyed by fire in 1919, with a view to converting the building into a Masonic Lodge room.

The premises were purchased for the sum of £400, and the foundation stone was laid with full Masonic honours in March 1922, by PGM Br. J.H.F.K. Scott of Galashiels. A procession was held by Oliver Crescent, and Bridge Street to Commercial Road, headed by the Saxhorn Band. A jar containing documents, coins etc was placed in the cavity of the stone, wine and oil being poured over it, and a dinner was held in the Town Hall following the ceremony was attended by a large number of brethren.

The building was consecrated on 16th December 1922, and the number present “strained the capacity of the Lodge room to its utmost”. 235 office bearers and brethren being present.

In order to raise funds for the building a bazaar was held on February 17th 1921. PM Br. Tumbull reported that the amount drawn at the bazaar was   £2455-5/-, and the balance on hand was £2929-9/10, Special mention was made of Br. John Bett Lodge 424 for his assistance in raising the money.

November 24th 1922 saw the closing of the Lodge room at Myreslawgreen, which had been used as a Masonic Temple for 48 years and 14 days. The premises were later sold for of £600. his interesting to note that at the time of writing there is one brother still alive today who was initiated in Myreslawgreen.