History of Lodge Elgin 1562 SC

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(As reproduced from the 50th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine published 2009)

In responding to the need to establish a Scottish Lodge in Western Jamaica, five keen brethren; four Scottish and one English made contact with the Distrcit Grand Master and following discussions a petition was sent to the Grand Lodge of Scotland. 

 

Some forty-two founding members (sixteen Past Masters and twenty six Master Masons) formed the nucleus of the new Lodge which with the permission of Lord Elgin was named Lodge Elgin. The Lodge's colors wopuld be: caribbean blue and gold for the sun. This was later changed to a more lusty thisle green and gold - a more Scottish personification of Lodge Elgin.

 

The founders sought the permission of Friendly Lodge 383 EC to hold meetings in their temple and permission was granted. The Lodge bearing the number 1562 on the Roll of The Grand Lodge of Scotland was chartered on August 6th, 1959. 

 

On the 2nd of September 1959 the consecration, erection and the installation of the first Master was carried out by the then District Grand Master Bro. A.A. Grant, assisted by a team of illustrious brethren.

 

The first Master was Bro B.C. Sylvester a Past Master of Lodge Seville and the Lodge elected the following Brethren in open Lodge as Honorary Member:

 

• Bro A.A. Grant, DGM

• Bro JJ Mills, PDGM

• Bro Sir Hick Brown, PDGM (EC) 

 

And so begun Lodge Elgin 1562 SC with forty two founding members, three honorary members and a vision for the future. 

 

The first regular meeting was held October 7th, 1959. All this took place in the temple owned by the Friendly Lodge 383 EC situated on Church Street in downtown Montego Bay opposite the St. James Parish Church. The premises when sold was occupied by the Town House Restaurant. 

 

In 1964 the Lodges met at  a  premises on St. James Street courtesy of the Delisser Brothers. During the months of January & February 1966 the Lodge was unable to meet for want of a meeting place and this was later ratified by the District Grand Lodge. 

 

In March of 1966 the Lodge met for the first time in the newly constructed temple at 2 Davis Avenue, Red Hills, Montego Bay which is owned by the Friendly Lodge 383 EC. Lodge meetings have been held at that location since that date. 

 

Noteable Acheivement of Brethren

Grand Lodge Honors have been conferred on:

• Bro York Brent Harris

• Bro A. Nathan Hall

• Bro Whilston Taylor

• Bro Ralph Smith

• Bro Ernest Sterling

• Bro Fredrick O'Meally

• Bro Canon Vivian Cohen 

 

Lodge Elgin Records

Longest Serving Officers:

• Bro. Nathan Hall served as Secretary for 22 years

• Bro York Brent Harris served as Director of Ceremonies for 16 years

 

Elgin Firsts:

• Bro Louis Goldson was the first initiate. Initiated February 3, 1960

• Bro Freddy Bragg was the first initiate to become Master, May 6, 1964

• Bro Whilston Taylor was the first affiliate to become Master in 1965

• Bro Donald Daley was the first Master to be elected from the floor in 2001

 

Lodge Elgin Standard