Lodge History
Birth of a masonic lodge
The Birth of Lodge Grange
By Bro. Harry Conway PM
Masonic Lodge for Monifieth
A meeting of those interested in the ancient and honourable craft was convened by Mr David M. Stirton in the Panmure Hotel Hall, on Wednesday evening 6th April 1910, for the purpose of having a Lodge formed in Monifieth. There was a good attendance, and ex Provost Stewart (Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire), was called on to preside. Other in attendance included, ex Bailie Wilson (PPGM), R.D. Lawson Keith (PPSGW), A.C. Anderson (PG Sec), David Dundas (PG Tres), W.B. Lawson (RWM Lodge Broughty Castle no.486), A. Simpson (RWM Lodge Dalhousie no.679), J.R. Watson , C.S. Morrison. In total, there were 35 Brethren - from various Lodges in the Province, and 25 Non Masons in attendance, who would petition to join the proposed New Lodge, thus assuring it's immediate success.
The proposal met with hearty approval, and an influential committee was appointed to carry out the movement and get a charter from the Grand Lodge. Masonic representatives from Carnoustie and Broughty Ferry expressed their pleasure at the prospect of Monifieth having a lodge of its own, which they were confident from the enthusiasm displayed would prove a success.
Masonic Service at Monifieth
A great gathering of the members of the ancient craft took place in Monifieth on Sunday 16th October 1910, to participate in the first church parade of the newly formed Lodge Grange no.1073.
There were representatives from all the Lodges in Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Carnoustie and other towns, several of the most notable officials of the Order were present.
The procession was formed at the Lodge room at the east end of the High Street, and marched through the Burgh to the Parish Church, where the centre part of the area was reserved for the brethern.
Brother the Rev. D.D. McLaren conducted the service, while ex Provost Stewart, Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire read the lesson. Brother McLaren in his concluding discourse, referred specially to the cause and purpose of Masonry as presented and understood in our time. It was, he said, founded on faith of God`s truth, and permeated through and through with the principles, virtues, and graces of religion. its influences, its power, and its purpose were all for the glory of God, for the fashioning of a pure and true character, for the up building of a strong and noble manhood, and for the realisation at last of the heavenly hope that when the earthly houses of this tabernacle was dissolved we should have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
The church was beautifully decorated with flowers, fruit, and corn. Brother W.J. Fraser presided at the organ.
Lodge Grange at war 1914-1918
By Bro. Kenneth S. Martin PM
When I started to research the part played by Lodge Grange in the Great War, I did not think it would take so long to complete or be so interesting. I would like to thank the Brethren of Lodge Grange for allowing me to take home the minute and petition books to carry out the work, also Bro. Ian McIntosh P.M. of Lodge Broughty Castle No. 486 for his help.
Lodge Grange has had a history of service men joining because of its close proximity to Barry Buddon camp. Even as early as 1911 there were a number of men joining the Lodge. During this time there were several from the Royal Field Artillery also the Royal Mounted Military Police. These brethren went on to serve in the Great War.
When war broke out many of the brethren joined up to serve in the defence of King and Country.
14th April 1914
The lodge received a letter from the WSW William McKechnie stating that he was resigning to answer the call to the colours.
22nd September 1914
Brother Reginald Atkins, who was serving on HMS Aboukir, was torpedoed by U-9 in the North Sea and sunk, Brother Atkins was among the survivors.
18th November 1914
Brother Walter Dowler, aged 29, was killed in action (a driver in the 46th Bty. 39th Bde. .Royal Field Artillery), commemorated at Ypres (Menin gate) memorial.
12th May 1915
A letter was received stating that Brother Lance Corporal John Don had been wounded at the front expected to make a full recovery. he was later killed in action on the 25thapril 1917 he is buried at Brown's copse cemetery, Roeux. (his name is listed on the Monifieth war memorial)
5th August 1915
Sergeant J C Ramsbottom was awarded the DCM for great bravery and consistent good work from the 9th to the 28th May 1915,near Ypres. He was employed both day and night in collecting stragglers, directing traffic and collecting war material.
1st September 1915
Brother John G Johnston (tyler) resigned to join the HM forces.
29th September 1915
During the meeting it was discussed that the annual church parade be cancelled. The RWM stated that he had been in touch with the PGM who recommended that no such services be held during the hostilities. It was also pointed out that the windows need to be painted black during the war.
30th December 1917
The Lodge received a letter informing the brethren that Brother William Leslie Burnett, aged 24, was killed in action on 30th December 1917. Sub- Lieutenant Burnett (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Drake Bn. R.N. Div.) was awarded the DCM for conspicuous gallantry in action. He rallied his men and led them forward with great gallantry, although he had been previously wounded, he remained out all night with a covering party under heavy fire, he had also been wounded at the Dardanelles early in the war.He is commemorated at the Thiepval memorial
19th June 1918
The Lodge gave a donation of £3 to the red cross.
17th August 1918
A letter was received from the Dundee prisoners of war help committee asking the Lodge for assistance in raising money for the fund. After a couple of meetings on the subject the Lodge decided to hold a concert on the 30th of October. The sum of £15 17s 6d was raised for the fund, this was regarded as highly satisfactory.
As far as I can ascertain, no other information on Lodge Grange members is available at this time. I hope that I have done justice to the memories of those who served their King and Country and Lodge Grange in the Great War 1914 - 1918.
LODGE GRANGE NO.1073 ROLL OF HONOUR
R. Coats Royal Field Artillery
M. W. Tomkyn Royal Field Artillery
F. E. Marks Royal Field Artillery
G. R. Ranson Royal Field Artillery
W. H. Roberts Royal Field Artillery
H. F. Kidd Royal Regiment Artillery
Capt. E. Harrison Black Watch
2nd Lt. J. S. Vair Black Watch
2nd Lt. J. Stuart Black Watch
A. Hay Black Watch
W. McKechnie Black Watch
Sgt Maj R. Scott Black Watch
Lt. A. Wall Black Watch
2nd Lt. W Harrison 64th Highland Division
J. G. Johnston Royal Army Medical Corps
Sgt J.C.Ramsbottom DCM Royal Mounted Military Police
2nd Lt. A. Husband Royal Engineers
Lt. William Murray DSC Royal Navy Reserves
Stkr. 1c. Reginald E. Atkins Royal Navy
KILLED IN ACTION
Walter Dowler Royal Field Artillery 18th. Nov. 1914 (remembered at Ypres, Menin Gate )
L/Cpl John Don Black Watch 25th. April 1917 (buried at Brown`s Copse Cemetery)
Sub Lt. William L. Burnett DCM R.N.V.R 30th. Dec. 1917 (remembered at Thiepval Memorial)
Thiepval Memoral, Authuille, France
Brown`s Copse Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France
Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium
Lodge Grange Past Masters
Due to covid restrictions
there were no installations in 2020 and 2021
