Chapter 7
Union between Grand Lodge and Melrose.
On January 20th 1888 Melrose Lodge appointed a committee with the object of reconciling the long-standing difference between the Melrose Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and on 25th February 1891 the ancient Lodge of Melrose was received into the bosom of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
A commission with Dr Middleton as convenor had been appointed by Grand Lodge to consummate the Union between Grand Lodge and the Lodge at Melrose. A very large meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held to receive commissions, and was largely attended by Masons from the South of Scotland, 17 from 111 and 9 from 424 numbered amongst them.
After the Lodge was opened the commission entered. Dr Middleton as convenor took the chair and called upon Grand Secretary to read the minute and authority under which the meeting was held. The Grand Secretary also read a summary of the ancient charges after which the oath of allegiance to Grand Lodge was administered to the RWM of Melrose, an oath of fidelity being taken by the office bearers.
The ratification of the union was then signed and the Lodge closed, and the brethren afterwards dined together.
It is interesting to note that Br. William Graham was initiated into Lodge 111 on 16th February 1870. Br Graham was at that time, or had been shortly before, the RWM of St Johns Lodge Melrose, a circumstance which is doubtless unique in the history of Freemasonry.