Our Previous Meeting Tuesday 20th November Annual Installation

Thanks to Bro Iain White PM for the following article taken from Twelve Talk No 116.

Instituted on 27th December 1728, Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No XII is the oldest and longest surviving organisation in Inverclyde. Recently, No XII held its 291st Installation Ceremony. Bro. Robert (Bob) Crossan was installed into the Chair as Right Worshipful Master in front of a large number of brethren from within and out with the province of Renfrewshire West in a packed Town Hall Saloon. The RWM of Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68 led the deputation of visiting brethren, as always. In this case the man at the head was Bro Alexander Bloomfield Wilson. The Installing masters were Bro Iain White PM PPSGW, Bro Kenneth C. MacDougall PM and Bro Alan D. Beck PM PGS, all Past Masters of No XII. Originally from Lanarkshire, Bro Bob studied at Bell College of Technology and Glasgow College of Building and Printing where he qualified as a full Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (MCIAT). Since retiring from an international firm of architects, where he held the position of IT Systems Manager and Associate Director, he has designed and created the current Lodge website, which he continues to update, along with its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Bro Bob moved to the area after meeting his wife, Fiona, who is a native of Greenock. Together they have a daughter, Joanna, who is currently studying Musical Theatre. At the Harmony in the main Town Hall a large number of brethren enjoyed supper and the usual Loyal and Masonic Toasts were observed. Bro Bob Crossan RWM toasted Her Majesty the Queen. His Toasts to The Grand Lodge of Scotland and The Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West were replied to by Bro Robin McIntyre, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master. Past Master Bro Captain Allan I. MacFeate, himself a former Master Mariner in the Merchant Navy, delivered a heartfelt toast to Her Majesty’s Forces. The Right Worshipful Master, Bro Crossan toasted the Installing Masters and the Immediate Past Master. The replies to these came from Principal Installing Master Bro. Iain White PM PPSGW and Bro Allan T. Glen IPM, respectively.

Bro Brian McFadyen WSW toasted the Visiting Brethren and, as is traditional in No XII, the reply was given by Bro Alexander Bloomfield Wilson RWM of Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68. The artistes were toasted by Bro Robert J Bain PM PG Arch WJW. As is the custom in No XII, Inverclyde Council was represented at the Installation Dinner and Harmony. On this occasion, Depute Provost Bro David Wilson, a member of Lodge Sir Michael 989 and Honorary Member of No XII, represented the Provost. Depute Provost Bro Wilson addressed the assembled brethren and spoke of the long and close connection between No XII and the town of Greenock and the Lodge’s historic right to meet in the Saloon of the Town Hall. He highlighted that this room was specifically created for No XII with its design having a clearly identifiable masonic theme. The association between the town and No XII dates back to April 1765, when an agreement was made with the magistrates and council of the Burgh of Greenock that by contributing financial assistance to the project (equivalent to over £2 million today) the Lodge would hold a share in the property, and would thereafter secure the right in perpetuity to conduct its meetings and business in the new Town House and its replacement, the current Town Hall. The first meeting in the new venue was on 10th September 1766, and but for a short space between 1858 and 1865 while the current Town Hall was being built, all meetings were, and still are, held in the Municipal Buildings. Bro Wilson concluded as he extended his good wishes to the new RWM and Lodge for the forthcoming session and expressed thanks for all its charitable works and support for the community. Bro Bob Crossan RWM spoke of his pleasure at taking the chair and of the plans that he had for the Lodge in the year ahead. A major charity drive is again under way.

Musical contributions from Joanna Crossan and Reuben Beck, accompanied by Polly Beck on piano were much enjoyed by the company and gave a real family feel to the evening, Joanna being the daughter of the new Right Worshipful Master and Reuben and Polly being the son and the wife of Bro Alan D. Beck PM. The extremely happy evening finished with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and three hearty cheers!






Back Row: Bros. Paul Stevenson Depute Master James McGregor Jnr. Sword Bearer Alexander Gray Bible
Bearer A. Campbell Snoddy Senior Deacon Allan I. Jess Chaplain KK Morrison PM PGJ Fraser Cameron 1st
Assistant Steward Alexander R. Johnston Inner Guard Edward Molloy 3rd Assistant Steward Allan I. MacFeate
PM Director of Ceremonies David Stevenson Treasurer Anthony Buckley President of Stewards

Front Row: Bros. Robert J. Bain PM PG Arch Worshipful Junior Warden Alistair Glenny PGA Almoner Robin
McIntyre Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Alan D Beck PM PGS Substitute Master Iain White PM
PPSGW Librarian J. Robert Crossan Right Worshipful Master Kenneth C. MacDougall Secretary David Wilson
Depute Provost HM XII Allan T. Glen IPM Brian McFadyen WSW