Lodge Hamilton Kilwinning No.7 cannot, at present, produce documents relating to its precise beginnings. A number of documents, however, do exist, the earliest is partially complete minute of the St John's Day meeting of 27th December 1695 on which day the Brethren elected and installed the Office-bearers for the ensuing year and then continued the celebrations with a dinner. The records are sketchy until about 1700 when we have a number of gentlemen of influence and education introduced into the Lodge. It should also be noted that the earliest extant document in the Lodge muniments is a bond dated 1695 but a later document dated 1709, headed ‘List of Fellows of Craft, or Masters and Entered prentices masons of the Lodge of Hamilton’, gives a note of all the Lodge members at that date and in some cases quotes dates of their admission. Opposite the names of two master masons, John Robertoun, Sheriff Clerk and David Crawford, Secry, is a note which states ‘admitted 27 Dece. 1693’. It may be reasonably assumed that the Hamilton Lodge was actually instituted some time prior to 1688.

Meetings of the Lodge, in its early days, were held in houses of the Brethren, with special meetings and occasions in the inns of the town.It is indicated in the minute of the 7th March 1727 that a

'Communication from the Grand Lodge of the Kingdom of Scotland, requesting a list of members, an authentic copy of the constitution or charter of the Lodge (if any there be) and desiring the Lodge to send in proper documents for ascertaining the date of our books. Consideration was left over until Thursday, 10th March 1727. The letter of the previous minute being re-read and fully considered, the Lodge appointed a commission and power in favour of Chambers Lewis, Esq., to compear at all meetings of the Grand Lodge and to act as Master (proxie) of this Lodge. The Clerk instructed to furnish said commissioner with documents necessary to be shown to Grand Lodge so that antiquity may be insert Charter. At this meeting Captain William Crawford of Allantoun has given in the haill minutes of this Lodge.'

(which were in custody of Mr. David Crawford of Allantoun since the 27th day of December, 1695, to December, 1728).

The minute of the 27th December, 1732 states 'ane entered apprentice of this Lodge acknowledged he had been guilty of several faults contrar to engagements he gave at his entry’, and that he ‘promised in all time coming to walk orderly and conform to the lawes of the Lodge'

The Wardens and Masters considered his case and readmitted him into their society on his obligation not to be guilty of any transgression in time coming.

On the 2nd May, 1737 the Lodge received a letter from Chambers Lewis, Esq., acquainting them that he attended Grand Lodge as their commissioner on the 13th April last, he consented that a constitution should be taken out for said Lodge in which due regard was to be had to and particular mention made of the antiquity thereof.

December 27th, 1739 – The meeting being formed that their Charter of Constitution is now ready they therefore appoint their Boxmaster to pay the dues thereof.

As the 18th century progressed the need for a permanent meeting place became a topic of prime importance and at a general meeting of the Lodge of 3rd February 1742 a Committee was appointed ‘to purchase a convenient piece of Ground for them, in order to build a Lodge’. Action followed quickly and by May of the same year Robert Ralston, a writer in Hamilton, offered to sell his ‘tenement of houses and yard lying next to Thomas Dinnings house at a pryce of one hundred pound Ster’. On 2nd December 1742 negotiations were completed.

To raise funds towards the purchase of the Lodge building, a decree was obtained from the Justices of the Peace to enforce payment of arrears of moneys owing to the Lodge, while at the same time the Boxmaster (the Treasurer) was directed ‘forthwith to casue intimatt to the haill Lodges Debtors to make payment of their money against the new terme precisely and ordain him to doe Exact Diligence att that terme against all those who shall fault in their payment without Exception’.

Within the tenement lot acquired by the Lodge were a stable, a brewhouse and four houses. On an inspection of the property, however, it was revealed that major repairs were required. The Lodge finally decided to demolish part of the old tenement and to build new accommodation. Two members of the Lodge, William Miller and David Weir, were then deputed to draw a plan of a proper house with offices, the building to be two stories high with garrets and the cost to be six hundred merks.

By 1748 the Lodge building was just being built; its situation is described as ‘the house belonging to their Lodge in Hamilton fronting to the Fore Street (ie. High Street) of Hamilton and bounded on the South by the Closs (Close) belonging to the said tenement’. Thatched cellars and coalhouses were subsequently added at a further cost of twenty-nine pounds ten shillings Scots. By January 1749 consideration was being given to the completion of the Lodge that ‘the Large Hall in the Said house to be plaistered on the Rooff’ and the final cost was to be One hundred and three pounds, three shillings and eightpence. Thatched cellars and coalhouses were subsequently added at a further cost of twenty nine pounds ten shillings and eightpence. By 1750 the Lodge building was completed and in use. In later years land was required by the His Grace James the 6^th Duke of Hamilton for the extension of grounds for Hamilton Palace and, with the acquisition of that land, the old High Street, with its Masonic Lodge and the old Cross of Hamilton, were completely wiped out, (see below).

At this time a number of the Brethren were notable people in the town. John Robertoun of Earnock belonged to a notable family which had held Earnock Estate for many centuries and who were, in Covenanting times, supporters of the Covenant. John Cook, physician in Hamilton, was a widely-travelled man of his day: There also appear the names of Hamilton of Barncluith, Hamilton of Dallyel (Dalziel), Hamilton of Rapeloch, James Naesmith, Chirurgian (Surgeon) and the Laird of Woodside, who is entered in the minutes merely as 'Woodside'. On the 6th October 1749 Thomas Whiting (Quarter Master), John Kent (Sergeant in General Blund’s Regiment of Dragoons) were received as entered apprentices. In 1753-55 His Grace James the 6^th Duke of Hamilton (whose portrait is shown on the right, painted in 1752 by Dominic Duprat), was Master of the Lodge of Hamilton. On the other hand some, what would be considered certainly not in Masonic terms but in social terms of the time, quite lowly men, were also members of the Lodge of Hamilton: there appear in a number of old documents some forms of initials or marks and underneath a statement such as ‘The mark of James Forrest’.

The eighteenth century is certainly an interesting period in the Lodge History and indeed is closely related to the social history of the town. The members of that day were zealously careful of their standing and character and in their insistence on observance of the laws of the Lodge. Common occurrences are reprimands to Brethren acting in an un-masonic manner; resolutions for the guarded and careful scrutiny of applicants seeking admission to the Lodge are numerous. In 1768 the Lodge considers that many entries are made without proper inquiry into the character of the persons entered, ‘some members are admitted that are unworthy that the Lodge may be at a loss how to be quit of them’. Persons applying for entry, and who resided three miles furth of Hamilton, had to be examined with the greatest of care and diligence.

Absenteeism was a grave misdemeanour. A somewhat firm resolution is recorded in 1738, 'The meeting appoint the persons named in the List to be prosecuted before the Justices of the Peace with all speed and that there be no delay in doing thereof'.

On 27th December 1729, Wm. Millar, Mason in Hamilton, was ordered by the Lodge to pay Six Pounds Scots for 'imploying outen toun masons to work under you in the toun of Hamilton contrar to the laws of the sd (said) Lodge'. About the same period is a letter from the operative masons of the town of Hamilton pointing out that when apprentice operative masons had completed their apprenticeships they were obliged to become Freemasons. It having been also pointed out that the wages paid to apprentices were not particularly remunerative, the Lodge was petitioned to reduce the entrance, or 'freewill' charge from 21/- to 12/6d.

Dinners were frequent during the eighteenth century; lists of accounts from 1701-1710 show dinners varying in costs from £20 to £25 per dinner. Since the Lodge in those days was reasonably small in numbers, and since not all the Brethren would attend, then the amounts noted were rather high and reflect glorious dinners, or glorious binges. One detail for a dinner shows, '6 galls Rum, 40 bottles Porter', with the price of rum quoted at £1 per gallon. To compare the value of money at that time, a few years later the Town Council of Hamilton resolved to widen the footpath leading over the Muir to Burnbank and Blantyre to a width of one ell, i.e. 37 inches, and to pave part of it with causies, and resolved to grant for this purpose the sum of £10.

In its early days, the Lodge used its funds to finance loans to various people in the town. These investments brought in a rate of 7.5%, although quite often, when a loan was due for repayment, difficulty was frequently encountered in obtaining repayment on the date due. Some years later, the Lodge decided that the funds would be more securely invested in property, and transactions, at this stage, show a fair amount of property being acquired from which the rents provided a fair income.

Appeals for financial and material help from unfortunate Brethren, or their dependants, were regularly received and, just as regularly, met by the Lodge. The condition of Brethren and widows making appeals was tactfully and mercifully recorded as 'they were rather badly'. On 27th December 1711, a pathetic document was considered. The petitioner, a boy of fourteen years, stood in need of succour; his mother is 'ane old infirm woman, standing more in need of being supplied than to supply'. The Lodge is begged to 'bestow some charity upon him so as to supply his Lamentable and Starving condition by the provision of food and rayment'.

The Lodge directed the Boxmaster to 'bestow six pund Scots upon a new Coatt', and a similar amount to be given for other aid. In the month of February 1780 the Lodge appointed their Boxmaster (Treasurer) to purchase twelve carts of coals at one pound sterling and to distribute the same amongst the poor inhabitants of the town.

Hamilton Kilwinning, No.7, was not always so numbered or indeed named. It is acknowledged that Freemasonry was introduced into Scotland with the building of the famous abbeys in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Many of the oldest Lodges had lost their ancient records and manuscripts. When the Grand Lodge of Scotland was established in 1736 and when laws and customs were standardised, it became incumbent upon each Scottish Lodge to prove its antiquity. The method of numbering the Lodge under Grand Lodge was to acknowledge their relative precedence and to leave their antiquity an open question.

It will be appreciated that numbering on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland could only be based on the production of records to Grand Lodge. Application by Hamilton Kilwinning was made to Grand Lodge for a Charter of Constitution in January 1771 and the Charter was granted in March of the same year. Some records appear to be missing from the muniments chests and no reference to a Lodge number can be found at that period but in November 1789, eighteen years later, the Secretary produced a letter from Robert Meikle, Grand Clerk, informing the Brethren that Lodge Hamilton Kilwinning was No. 167 on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

In November 1804 it was agreed that application should be made to Grand Lodge to procure a change of number to 10, this being the number in the Kilwinning records. The application was unsuccessful. In December 1806 the Lodge presented a petition to Lord Archibald Hamilton requesting that he might use his influence in obtaining for the Lodge their ancient number. This approach having no effect, the Brethren decided upon open rebellion. The minute of 1st December 1808 states, 'By order of the Master a vote of the Lodge was regularly taken whether or not the word "Kilwinning" should be erased from the Diploma Plate of the Lodge, when it was agreed by a great majority that the title of the Lodge in future shall be Hamilton Lodge, No. 10.

On the 3rd July 1807 twenty members of the Lodge assembled at Strathaven for the purpose of consecrating the St. Andrew’s Lodge (No. 215). After examining the Vouchers from the Grand Lodge authorising them to hold meeting in that name, the Ceremony was proceeded to accordingly.

A letter from D. Vere, Esq., P.G.M. of the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire was read to the meeting of the 21st August 1819 requesting the assistance of this Lodge in laying the Foundation Stone of a new Bridge on the Carlisle Road, near to the village of Lesmahagow.

Similarly on the 27th May 1826 the Lodge agreed to a request from Larkhall St. Thomas Lodge (No. 306) to attend at Larkhall on June 4th to perform the ceremony of institution upon this Lodge.

The 5th February 1828 shows that the situation of Provincial Grand Master for the Middle Ward of Lanarkshire, having become vacant by the death of Lord A. Hamilton it is the earnest wish of this Lodge in conjunction with other Lodges in the Middle Ward that Walter F. Campbell, Esq., of Islay, M.P., should be appointed.

On the 1st August 1833 the Lodge decided to attend laying of Foundation Stone of Bridge over the river Clyde at Jamaica Street, Glasgow on 3rd September 1833, and it is recorded later that thirty-four members attended this ceremony.

A letter was read on the 3rd June 1834 from the Town Clerk to assist at laying of Foundation Stone of the County Buildings, and on the 11th September 1845 assisted in welcoming the Marquis of Douglas and Clydesdale with his bride the Princes Mary of Baden to Hamilton Palace. Thereafter the Lodge returned in procession to the Lodge room and partook of a substantial dinner.

26th June 1858 saw twenty-one members attended by Hamilton instrument Band proceed to Edinburgh as a deputation to assist the Grand Lodge of Scotland in Laying Foundation Stone of the Masonic Temple in George Street. Services were held in St. Giles Cathedral and thereafter procession to the site of the Temple where the ceremony was performed by His Grace the Duke of Athole.

On the 22nd April 1861 the Lodge assisted in laying the Foundation Stone at Motherwell of a Masonic Hall to be erected there for the Dalziel St. John’s Lodge (No. 406). This was carried out by Bro. John Henderson RWM No.7 acting as Depute Grand Master in the absence of His Grace the Duke of Hamilton. The Brethren afterwards walked home accompanied by the Hamilton Brass Band.

On the 10th April 1866 James Merry, Esq., of Belladrum, M.P., for the Falkirk District of Burghs (M.M. St. Mark’s,Glasgow, No.102, affiliate member Hamilton Kilwinning No.7) recommended for appointment as Provincial Grand Master of the Middle Ward of Lanarkshire in place of His Grace the Duke of Hamilton deceased.

The minute of the meeting of the 27th September, 1866 reads as follows:

The Lodge being opened in due form – the Brethren then prepared to proceed to the Barrack Square as formerly arranged when the Lodges from various places were assembling with their Bands of Music and Banners flying in great number. When after being put in due order the Procession moved off in full Masonic Costume through the principal streets to the New Town Hall, where Bro. Merry was duly installed Provincial Grand Master of the Middle Ward of Lanarkshire by Bro. Wyllie of Mother Kilwinning, P.G. Master of the Province of Ayr. After which Bro. Merry addressed the meeting in a harmonious style and then called the Lodge from work to refreshments when an abundant supply of Cake and Wine was served to all Brethren. Ample justice having been done to this the Brethren retired to meet again at 6 o’clock, being the hour for Dinner. The Brethren having reassembled and taken their seats the P.G. Master entered and took the chair supported on the right by Bro. Major Barbor, Dep. Master, Bro. John Campbell of Blythswood and others, and on the left by Bro. Wm. Merry Gilmour, Substitute Master, Bro. Wyllie P.G. Master for Ayr, Bro. Conn of Mother Kilwinning, and others. Grace having been said by the Chaplain Bro. Forrest, and ample justice done to the dinner, which was prepared by Bro. Arkle in excellent style, the evening was spent with the greatest hilarity.

(Minute Signed) John Dick, R.W.M.

With the close of the eighteenth century, the Hamilton Family was seeking land to provide suitable parkland for Hamilton Palace. Since the old town of Hamilton lay cheek by jowl with the Palace, land for the Palace could only come from the demolition of the Hietoun. In 1805 the Duke of Hamilton offered to the Lodge 'a spot of ground situated at Falconer's Hill at the head of the New Wynd and One Thousand Pounds Sterling' in exchange for the Lodge Buildings property and ground in the High Street. It was found, however, that the ‘spot of ground’ offered did not in fact legally belong to the Duke and the offer was declined. The Duke tried again, this time he offered properties and ground in the Castle Wynd, ground which the Inspecting Committee thought to be adequate. A greater area was offered but at a price which was rather high and on which, some doubts on the validity of the title deeds arose. Robert Aiton was called in to undertake research on the title deeds and to complete the negotiations should the title deeds prove to be valid. The title deeds having proved to be satisfactory, the excambion was completed, but only after much altercation between the Duke and the Lodge and the threat of a lawsuit in the Court of Session. The Lodge gained in the ultimate agreement; for in this, the Lodge gave up their properties in the High Street in exchange for the more extensive property in the Castle Wynd, plus the sum of Eight Hundred Pounds. A new Lodge building was planned. The dimensions were 52 feet by 25 feet, with walls 2 feet thick; the Temple was 40 feet by 23 feet and the Adjacent was 11 feet by 8 feet. The foundation stone was laid on the 12th July 1816 and the new building, named Freemasons' Hall, was opened on Friday, 11th July 1817. At the opening ceremony, 'the Staff of the Royal Lanarkshire Militia attended to keep off the crowd which was immense'. After the ceremony 'the procession returned to the Hamilton Arms Inn, where 253 Brethren sat down to an elegant and sumptuous repast in Mr. Currie's large rooms'. Contemporary with the national bard Robert Burns, there lived in Hamilton another Robert Burns, a poet of no mean ability and a poet held in some esteem by Sir Walter Scott. The Hamilton Robert Burns was a member of the Hamilton Lodge. At the dinner held in the Hamilton Arms Inn to celebrate the opening of the 1817 building, he recited 'an apposite piece of poetry composed for the occasion which was received with great applause'. The site of the second Lodge building was to the rear of the old Douglas and Clydesdale Hotel. With their well-established custom of seeking financial returns in the investment of Lodge funds, the members of the Hamilton Lodge included in their new Lodge building a number of stables on the bottom floor, stables which were rented to merchants in the town. Stables invariably were associated with a characteristic smell which permeated through any building with a strong pungency and one wonders if the odour from the stables reached up to the Temple on the second floor.

By 1816 Glasgow Kilwinning Lodges had assumed the numbers 4 and 7, even more senior numbers than 10 and the Hamilton Tyler's sword was drawn and sharpened. Brother Robert Aiton, Town Clerk of Hamilton at that time, agreed to undertake negotiations and interviews necessary to put the Glasgow usurpers in their proper numbers. The case ends with the minute:

At a meeting dated 8th August 1816 the R.W. Master produced a certificate from the Grand Lodge certifying that the Hamilton Kilwinning Lodge, No. 10 is now the Hamilton Lodge, No.7 on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The meeting was very happy at the promotion.

Before the year was out, however, the Hamilton Lodge was again fighting for a number more senior than No.7, that of No.4. Robert Aiton was again entrusted with negotiations, which, however, proved to be unsuccessful. Although the Hamilton Lodge was the more senior, nevertheless, Lodge Glasgow Kilwinning, No.4, were also 'bonnie fechters' and they tenaciously upheld their right to their number 4 at an Annual General Meeting of Grand Lodge when the new Roll had been approved.

Robert Aiton was accorded a resolution of thanks for his 'diligence and assiduity' in pursuing the tasks entrusted to him. The final shot in the dispute between the Glasgow and Hamilton Lodges is a viciously polite letter in the Hamilton muniments chest written by the Master of Glasgow Kilwinning, No.4. Looking back over the years, and considering the relative facts of the case, it would appear that if the Hamilton Lodge had acted more promptly and pressed their claim more forcibly, the Hamilton Lodge would today be No.4; for the point in dispute was not that the Glasgow Lodge was the more senior Lodge but rather that it was first in its claim to No. 4 on the Roll of Grand Lodge. Having seemed to be content not to press for 4, Grand Lodge appeared to be only too glad to let matters be resolved on that attitude. (It should be noted that No.7 enjoy very good relations with the brethren of Lodge Glasgow Kilwinning No.4 and indeed was recently delighted to receive a very fine deputation of brethren from No.4 which was headed by Bro. Stuart Swan RWM).

The twentieth century brought with its entry a new form of transport. Tramways were under construction all over the country and, for this purpose, a new street had to be constructed at the Cross by the Town Council of Hamilton, a street which would cut right through the Douglas and Clydesdale Hotel and the Temple Building of Lodge Hamilton Kilwinning, No.7. The Brethren had, therefore, once more to find a new Lodge building. Ground and property in the centre of the town and of close proximity to the old Lodge building was difficult to acquire, but Cadzow Street, now rapidly reaching the status of a principal thoroughfare, had some vacant lots just beyond Cadzow Bridge. A feu in Cadzow Street at the junction of Lower Auchingramont Road, known to older residents as Mary More's Brae, was acquired. As can be seen in the picture below, construction of the temple is underway with St. Mary's chapel in the background. Also, the vacant lot directly opposite the temple is now where Hamilton Town Hall is sited.

On this site was built the fine suite of building which now constitute the home of Lodge Hamilton Kilwinning, No.7. Planned by Alexander Cullen, architect in Hamilton, the building cost £8,000. The Foundation Stone was laid by Mitchell, Master of No.7, on 3rd September 1903. The Foundation Stone was the actual Foundation Stone of the old Lodge Building of 1816. The old stone had lain undisturbed since 1816 until 5th December 1902 when the Town Council took over the old Lodge building for the construction of Keith Street. At the ceremony of the Laying of the Foundation Stone, so dense was the crowd that two policemen were required to escort the choir to the ceremonial platform. The new Lodge Building was opened on St John's Day, 27th December 1904.

The Lodge lost many dearly beloved brethren in both the Great War and in the Second World War, remembrance boards being erected in the west of the temple to the fallen of both No.7 and our sister lodge, Hamilton No. 233.

A ceremony of Remembrance took place in the Temple on the 21st December 1922 when Bro. Sir Robert King Stewart, K.B.E., Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire. R.W.P.G.M. (No.7) and Bro. Revd. H.O. Wallace, Ladhope, Galashiels, (M.M. No.233) officiated in the unveiling and dedication of the war memorials. Bro. John Bennett, R.W.M.(No.7), assisted by Bro. John McGowan R.W.M.No.233, raised the lodge to the 3rd degree whereupon a ‘Solo’ was sung by Bro. Wm. Slack, (No.7), hymns sung and a Roll Call read with the brethren standing. The memorials were then unveiled by Bro. Sir Robert King Stewart and a Lament played by Bro. Piper Alex Stewart MacKenzie (No.7). ‘Prayer of Dedication and Oration’ were given by Bro. Rev. H. O. Wallace, No.233 and ‘The Last Post and Reveille’ was the played by Bro. Sgt. Frank Payne (Cameronians), of Lodge St. Andrews Military No.668.

With Bro. John Smith R.W.M. in the chair the Lodge celebrated its 250th anniversary on St. John’s Day – 27th December 1945 at Low Waters Welfare Hall, Hamilton. The Grand Lodge of Scotland’s deputation was headed by Bro. Captain John Christie Stewart of Murdostoun, D.L., J.P., Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason (No.7), and included Bro. James S. M. Grieve, J.P., R.W.D.G.M. who later in the evening proposed the toast to No.7. On this occasion the toast to the ‘Town of Hamilton and Church’ was proposed by Bro. Lt.-Col. The Rev. L. L. Cameron, M.B.E., B.Sc., P.G.C., Linlithgow and was suitably replied to by Bro. Provost Donald C. Orr, M.M. (No.7) and Bro. Rev. Dr. Matthew Stewart, M.M. No. 133. The toast to His Majesty’s Forces was replied to by Bro. Major Robert Davidson, M.B.E., M.M.(No.7) and ‘Our Guests’ by Bro. Rev. J Langlands Seath, J.P., B.D., V.W. Junior Grand Chaplain.

On the 24th February 1996 the Lodge celebrated its Ter-Centenary in Hamilton Town Hall, when Bro. Stephen Park Brown RWM had the honour and pleasure of welcoming The Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason Bro. The Right Honourable, The Lord Burton and twenty four members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. These included Bro. Gabriel Jerdan P.D.G.M., Bro. Arthur O. Hazel O.StJ., S.G.M., Brother’s John R. Ferguson and William Blackwood, P.S.G.M’s, Bro. Sir Archibald D Orr Ewing, B.A., Senior Grand Warden, Bro. C. Martin McGibbon, A.S.C.A., Grand Secretary and Bro. Alexander Whitehead, Grand Treasurer. A deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire Middle Ward headed by Bro. Donald Mathieson, Depute Provincial Grand Master were also received and warmly welcomed. Present were representatives of many lodges from within and without the Province including some under the English Constitution. One member of No.7, Bro. W. O. Cook aged 88 years had travelled from his home in Welyn Garden City, London to be present.

The Grand Master in the course of the afternoon together with the Senior Grand Chaplain, Bro. The Rev. Peter O. Price C.B.E., Q.H.C., B.A., F.Ph.S. carried out the Ceremony of Rededication in a most impressive and solemn manner. A dinner followed thereafter and it was the Lodges pleasure to have joining the Grand Master Mason and other Masonic guests our Civic Head, Provost Robert Newberry and the former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, The Very Reverend. Dr. Hugh Wyllie, Minister of Hamilton Old Parish Church. Toasts to the ‘Town of Hamilton’ and ‘The Church’ proposed by Bro’s. Robert Wilson PM and David Gilbert PM and were suitably replied to. The toast to the Grand Lodge of Scotland was proposed by Bro. David Kerr PM and responded to by The Grand Master Mason, Lord Burton.

As part of the celebration’s a 300th Anniversary Divine Service was held the following day in Hamilton Old Parish Church and was conducted by The Very Rev., Dr. Hugh Wyllie assisted by Bro. The Rev. J. Stanley Cook (No.7). During the service readings were given by Bro. Stephen P. Brown RWM and his father Bro. Robert M. P. Brown IPM, who had installed his son, as Master of the Lodge, in the November of the previous year.

On the 12th January 2005 the Lodge celebrated the Centenary of its Temple Building’s at 104 Cadzow Street, Hamilton when a Ceremony of Re-Dedication took place. A large and distinguished deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (Middle Ward), headed by the Provincial Grand Master Bro. Kenneth D. Kennedy, S.B.St.J., K.L.J., M.A., F.S.A.Scot was received and welcomed into the lodge by Bro. Douglas S. Cook RWM. Thereafter the Ceremony of Re-Dedication of the temple was conducted by Senior Provincial Grand Chaplain Rev. Bro. Peter O. Price, C.B.E., Q.H.C., B.A., F.Ph.S. who was ably assisted by the Junior Provincial Grand Chaplain Bro. Thomas Davidson, F.R.I.C.S., PM (No.7).

In recognition of a distinguished contribution to Freemasonry Bro. David M. Kerr PM was appointed Most Illustrious Grand Sword Bearer of the Supreme Council for Scotland of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite on the 15th October 2008.In January 2011 Bro. David was appointed Provincial Grand Master of Glasgow and Scotland for the Royal Order of Scotland, a successful commission which concluded in March 2017.

Bro. David retired from Supreme Council in 2021 when he held the office of Most Illustrious Grand Master of Ceremonies.