Chapter 6
1878 – 1882.
1st February 1878 difficulty was experienced in obtaining a Provincial Grand Master for Roxburgh and Berwickshire; Kelso gave notice that if a Provincial Master was not found in the near future they would attach themselves to the Haddington Province.
Concern was expressed regarding the letting of the hall for weddings etc., since this was causing annoyance to the neighbors. “Something ought to be done to lessen this evil”. It was agreed to let the hall on condition that no alcoholic drink was sold.
Br. Kidd had to go to the Infirmary with a broken leg but had no money, and was awarded 5 shillings.
In April 1882 the PGM drew attention to the irregularity of the working of the second and third degrees, and the RWM replied that “it was carried by the majority of the Lodge.” PGM insisted that it be adopted to take the same form as Provincial Grand Lodge, and the Senior and Junior Wardens resigned from their seats on that night in protest.
A letter was received from Lodge St James BURA 424 requesting the use of the upper hall as a meeting place, PM Br. Turnbull replied saying he didn’t think it was a good idea to have two Lodges meeting in the same premises.
A letter was received from Grand Lodge stating that the three degrees could not be conferred on a candidate in one night.
It is recorded that twenty-nine windowpanes were broken in the lodge, but Police had the names of 10 boys and it was agreed that the parents would be approached to pay for the damage.