THE GLENLYON LODGE NO. 346 S.C.

A HISTORY AND WORKING OF THE LODGE Presented by Bro. Robert Woodstock DepDGM at the regular meeting of Lodge Caribbean Light No. 1391 S.C. in Port of Spain, Trinidad, 2018 February 05.

I am indebted to our Past Master and current Senior Warden, Bro. Neville Wallace who prepared this paper which is taken from historical accounts and other papers on Masonry in Jamaica, particularly A History of the Glenlyon Lodge No. 346 S.C. by Wor. Bro. F. W. Seal Coon and Cecil Wint, a Glenlyon P.M.; A History of the First 200 Years of the District Grand Lodge of Jamaica and the Bahamas 1771/72 – 1971/72; Scottish Freemasonry in Jamaica; Experiences in Caribbean Masonry: The Jamaican Perspective by Wor. Bro. Afeef Lazarus, Past DGM (English Constitution); An Historical Account of Jamaican Freemasonry The Royal Lodge History; and the Lodge’s Anniversary Magazines. I apologise to him for any additions and “tweaking” that I may have done overnight.

If one interprets the West Indies as the ‘Islands of America’ referred to in the ‘History of Freemasonry’ by Robert Gould, then Freemasonry was formally established in Jamaica in the 1730s. In the period 1740 to 1813, the year that the skirmishing English “Antient” and “Modern” Grand Lodges finally joined together to form the United Grand Lodge of England, the “Antients” and “Moderns” established a number of competing lodges in Port Royal, Kingston, Montego Bay and the sugar growing parishes of St. Catherine, Hanover, St. Mary and Westmoreland. Also of note is that an Irish Lodge, the Royal Lodge No.699, was formed in 1789.

As Wor. Bro. Lazarus relates it, “while the Modern/Ancient/Irish game of ‘Musical Lodges’ was playing itself out, the Scots had quietly constituted a Lodge in the relative obscurity of Morant Bay, a town in the southeast of the island.” This lodge was noted in the records of Grand Lodge as Scotch Lodge Saint Andrews No. 102. It was granted its Charter on the 17th November 1760, By 1770, the Lodge had more than 65 members but, unfortunately, by 1816 it was erased, which was not unusual in those days. Meanwhile, the Irish lodge No. 699, referred to above, applied to the ‘Antients’ after only five years of existence, and became the Royal Lodge No. 207 that is currently strong and still meets, uninterrupted since 1794.

After the demise of the Scotch Lodge, there was not another Scottish Lodge formed in the island until 1844. The Glenlyon Lodge was chartered on the 1st of December 1845, as No. 417 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland but was later assigned the No. 346. It was chartered and named in honour of George Augustus Frederick John Murray, Lord Glenlyon, the 6th Duke of Atholl, who was Grand Master Mason. As a consequence, of this honour, the lodge has the distinctive name “The Glenlyon Lodge”. Lord Glenlyon occupied the Grand Lodge Chair in Scotland from 1843, when he was only twenty-nine (29) years old, to 1864, making him the longest reigning Grand Master Mason.
Most of the founders of the Glenlyon Lodge were members of the Royal Lodge, No. 207 E.C. and were among the first administration, including: o William James Rutherford, the Right Worshipful Master, o Alfred E. Robbins, the Senior Warden, o Arthur A. Chevolleau, the Junior Warden, o Peter J. Ferron, [Jasper Anderson], the Treasurer, o John A Cator, the Secretary, and o Isaac Iffa, the Tyler. Rutherford, Ferron and Iffa were also past masters of the Royal Lodge. So, with the Royal as its “Mother”, one can therefore claim that The Glenlyon Lodge has both Irish and English roots.

The Glenlyon Lodge was active for its first fifteen (15) years but, as some claim, became dormant between 1861 and 1868. The records however, list H. W. DaCosta (1860-1863) and P. J. Ferron (1864-1867) as Masters of the Lodge during this period. There may have been a previous dormancy, however, as a Past Master referred on a contemporary occasion to “decadence on two occasions”. This could have been referring to 1847 and 1848 and again between 1850 and 1852 where there are “no records” indicating a master. Nevertheless, on the 30th of November 1868, Samuel Constantine Burke (who became Provincial Grand Master three years later) was installed as Master. The meeting may have been held under dispensation, as the Charter was missing and did not return until March of the next year. For various reasons new Masters were not installed in 1880, 1891 and 1895, and previous Masters repeated, which is not uncommon even today.

As with its “Mother”, the Glenlyon Lodge operated in Kingston, using two successive Sussex Halls and the Friendly Hall, all owned by The English. From the book, ‘The History of the Royal Lodge’ one can glean that there were a number of masonic buildings located in downtown Kingston in the 18th and 19th centuries based on the notes of the dates and places that the Royal Lodge originally met. These included Halls on Port Royal Street [1794 – 1804], Church Street [1813 – 1830], Harbour Street [1831-1840], and several on Hanover Street.

It is interesting to note that several Spanish-speaking members were admitted into the Lodge during the second half of the 19th Century, requiring the “Ritual” to be translated for their benefit. A book documenting old minutes recorded that in 1870 three brethren, Brothers Jose de la Cruz, Ysidro Marley and Jose Perojo received their degrees in Spanish. Maynier de Ros (of The Friendly Lodge 239 E. C.) facilitated the process by translating the ritual. It is interesting to note that these brethren were elected and initiated during the same emergency meeting by dispensation. Bro. Maynier de Ros once again assisted during an emergency meeting in July 1870 when Bro. Angel del Castello of Lodge Canidad Fraternal of Cuba under the Grand Lodge of Scotland was passed to the second degree. The Mark degree was worked in the Lodge at this time, but not regularly before 1874.

In 1872, The Glenlyon Lodge commenced plans for a Temple to be known as The Glenlyon Hall. The Temple was completed in 1886 and was consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master at 56 Hanover Street. Unfortunately, the Brethren did not provide their promised support and despite the ingenuity and enthusiasm of the Right Worshipful Master, Bro. S. J. Streadwick, had to be put up for auction in August 1890. The Glenlyon Lodge returned to Sussex Hall until the 1907 earthquake when that building was destroyed, and then to the Temple further up the road at 80 Hanover Street in 1910.

It should be noted that all these meetings were held at the Sussex Hall. This tenancy appears to have existed before the Lodge went dormant. A consequence of a claim for outstanding rent was a resolution passed at a Family Lodge on the 16th of October 1871. This explained that Glenlyon ceased operation from 1861 to 1869, during which time they never met as a Lodge, occupied Lodge premises or collected subscriptions from members. The minutes of the last meeting recorded in this book, records the desire of the brethren to own their own lodge premises. The Lodge was advised to invest in shares to secure the necessary money, approximately 500 to 800 pounds required to make the purchase. Finally, the aforementioned minutes record a gift which would be of historical value if it were still in the possession of the Lodge. Bro. James Derbyshire presented the Lodge with a small dirk, which played a prominent role during the time of pirates, spoken of in Tom Crindle’s Log. No one knows what has become of that dirk and whether Bro. Derbyshire’s wish, that it may keep off all cowans is being fulfilled.

Eighty years after The Glenlyon’s individual attempt to secure a Scottish Temple, the District Grand Lodge of Jamaica made another attempt. This started as a joint venture with the English District Grand Lodge but subsequently each district decided to build its own Temple. Spearheading this new Scottish venture was Bro. Jackson McLaren Wint, a Past Master of The Glenlyon Lodge, and in 1968, during his term as District Grand Master, the building was consecrated at McGregor Square, between Cross Roads and Half-Way Tree on land donated by the Bro. R. E. McGregor, who was also a member of Glenlyon. The consecration on the 15th of February 1968 was performed by the Grand Master Mason, Bro. Major Sir Ronald Orr Ewing, Bt., B.L., J.P. This may have marked the first occasion in the history of Caribbean Freemasonry that a Temple was consecrated by the Grand Master Mason. This building is still the home of Scottish Lodges in Kingston and serves as the headquarters of the District Grand Lodge. It is currently under renovation to expand the facilities offered to masons and also to provide an additional source of income for the District through rentals.

The Glenlyon Lodge has had many illustrious brethren from a variety for spheres, public and private sector, different races, politicians from both sides of the political fence, doctors, attorneys, jewelers, even architects, as well as an abundance of accountants and army officers etc. Revered Past Masters such as Bro. Robby Clarke and others from the 1940s and 50s, were renowned for their immaculate and very formal attire as well as their grumpiness. Stern looks and sharp criticism were adequately conveyed through the tutelage of those past masters such as Whitsun McDonald, Ripton McPherson, Rudolph Irvine, Dr. Livion Franklyn, Ken Lloyd, Earl Cooke, Lloyd Cundy, et al who groomed those of my generation. The Glenlyon is also associated with families/lewises such as the the Browns, the Ennises, the Khans, the McDonalds/Hamiltons, the Polacks, the Taylors and the Woodstocks. Bro. Whitsun McDonald should get special mention here as a Distinguished Service Member of the Lodge after which is named the annual “Whitsun McDonald Lecture” in July. While there were enough Woodstocks to form our own lodge, Whitty, as he was affectionately called, was a mentor to all. Despite equal doses of wisdom and fear emanating from the east, Whitty always “judged with candor, admonished with friendship and reprehended with mercy” and would not wrong a brother or stand to see him wronged.

The Lodge has also had five (5) District Grand Masters of Jamaica: Past District Grand Masters from The Glenlyon Lodge:
o S. Constantine Burke 1871
o Stephen J. Streadwick 1924
o John James Mills 1942 A renowned educator
o Jackson McLaren Wint 1964 A civil engineer
o Justice Rudyard O.C. White 1984 A supreme court judge and has had a number members who have served with distinction on the District.

Lodges sponsored by The Glenlyon Lodge

The Glenlyon Lodge has maintained the position of lodge in District No.1 for over 173 years, a true indication that the members have been doing the right things. The Lodge has previously sponsored and continues to support and give guidance to many lodges. These include:

Liguanea Lodge No.1479 The Glenlyon Lodge was the main sponsor of the Liguanea Lodge at its foundation in 1953. Until it began to produce “home grown” from new initiates, the first seven Masters of Liguanea Lodge were all members of The Glenlyon Lodge. We continue to cherish the memory of Bro. Allan March, PDDGM, founding member and the seventh Master. It is from these associations that our Lodge derives its strong sense of continuity and tradition, and the high standards that we strive to uphold.

Other lodges with Glenlyon as a sponsor include: Lodge St. John, No. 623, chartered 6th of May 1878. Dr. James Ogilvie, a Scot, was the prime mover in the establishment of the Lodge of St. John. He was affiliated with (joined) The Glenlyon Lodge No.346, and it was at that time that the idea of getting a foothold, to promote the founding of another Scottish Lodge came to him. The fact that he was successful is self-evident and the Lodge St. John was in the process of coming into existence. Dr. Ogilvie was also successful in getting it named after his Mother Lodge, St. John No.20 of Lanarkshire Upper Ward, Scotland. It is interesting to note that most of the Founding members were from The Glenlyon and Royal Lodge.

Lodge Imperial Services, No. 978 chartered on 3rd of November 1904. Several of the founder Members were from The Glenlyon Lodge. Lodge Wolmers, No. 1506 chartered on the 4th of August 1955. The indefatigable moving spirit was Bro. Jackson McLaren Wint and the two recommending Lodges were Glenlyon No. 346 and Imperial Service No. 978.
Lodge Mico, No.1583, chartered on the 3rd of August 1961. Here, the 23 Petitioners of the Lodge Mico were headed by Bro. John James Mills P.D.G.M and Past Master of The Glenlyon Lodge and included another great educator Bro. Glen Owen as well as ex RAF serviceman, barrister and politician, Bro. Dudley Thompson QC, and Lodge Jackson McLaren Wint, No.1818. Several of the founder Members were also from The Glenlyon Lodge including Bro. Howard Ennis who is with us tonight.

Outreach/Support The Glenlyon Lodge recognizes the importance of welcoming, supporting and properly guiding a new Mason’s development. Starting two years ago, the lodge began a deeper focus on membership development, mentorship and participation. Community The Glenlyon Lodge is very involved with the community with a number of projects, both past and present. Most notably are the Jamaica Christian Boys home, St Andrew Girls Home and the Lodge’s adoption of the Sandhurst Basic School. Annually, Lodge members volunteer their time in support of the school’s Labour Day projects, that are also supported by the parents and the community.

Family The inclusion of family is also extremely important to The Glenlyon Lodge. Every month, there is a fellowship after our General Committee meeting, usually hosted at a brother’s home which is open to possible candidates, spouses, friends and significant others. The involvement of the ladies, who have become friends amongst themselves, has been a welcomed result. Events include annual family fun day, church service, ladies night and installation. The Almoner in addition to a special Christmas visit with Christmas presents keeps in touch with the widows on a regular basis especially on their birthdays.
The intention is to create a strong family network that allows for inclusion and participation whenever possible.

Regional Brotherhood The Lodge, through the efforts of Bros. Ennis, Barrett, Look Kin and Wallace, has also fostered relationships with other lodges in the Caribbean, “twinning” firstly, with Lodge Fort Nassau No. 1819 SC from the Bahamas as well as with this Lodge Caribbean Light 1391 SC.

Priorities The lodge has five (5) key priorities designed to ensure its continued success: 1. Firstly, to implement a well-developed and ever-evolving Masonic Educational Program designed to make good men better by successfully guiding them through their degrees and encouraging new Masons to get involved early in their Masonic tenure. 2. Secondly, conducting ongoing lodge office-bearer development with a focus on mentorship, leadership and management through the various lodge sub-committees, with an aim to inspire all interested Brethren to seek to tap into the talent of active Past Masters. 3. Thirdly, executing effective communication to the members via social media to keep Brethren informed and connected. 4. Fourthly, advancing community involvement and creating greater visibility of the lodge as a positive, benevolent organization. 5. Fifthly, promoting strong fellowship that involves varied social activities and allowing for family inclusion.

The Glenlyon Lodge has the oldest Royal Arch Chapter outside of Scotland named after it, the Glenlyon Royal Arch Chapter No. 62 having been chartered in 1846, one year after the Lodge was chartered. Thirty seven (37) years ago on the 17th December 1971, the Glenlyon Lodge & Council and Cryptic Council attached to the Royal Arch Chapter were also chartered and were later consecrated on the 21st of June 1972.
Since the first Master, William J. Rutherford, there have been 136 Masters of the Lodge, with Bro. Robert Barnes currently serving as the Right Worshipful Master. Of those, 26 Masters of the lodge are still alive, 11 inactive who have laboured long and hard in the quarries and 15 who still attend meetings on a regular basis, some giving lectures and others serving as mentors. At 173 years old, The Glenlyon Lodge has seen many changes in history and continues to remain very active, meeting on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and September when the lodge is on holidays. In 2020 The Glenlyon Lodge will celebrating its 175th anniversary. Age itself does not call for veneration, antiquity alone does not merit adoration; the passage of time is not the test of fame, a million years does not give glory to a worthless cause, nor sanctify an unholy name. It is the use of time, the purpose of the origin, the beauty woven in the design, the service written in the plan that builds monuments and creates hallowed shrines. While we respect its age, we revere The Glenlyon Lodge not because of it, but for its progress, for its brotherhood, its tolerance and respect for others, for the service that it has rendered mankind, for its uplifting influence on our society, and for consistently maintaining high moral standards. In closing, therefore, we are pleased to report that the three (3) great principles of Freemasonry: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, continue to shine brightly like a beacon from the oldest surviving Scottish Lodge in Jamaica, The Glenlyon Lodge No. 346 S.C.

PREPARED BY: Bro Neville Wallace PM, Bro Howard Ennis PM & Bro Robert Woodstock PM

REFERENCES: 1. A Short History of the Glenlyon Lodge No. 346 S.C. by Wor. Bro. F. W. Seal Coon and Cecil Wint, a Glenlyon P.M.; 2. A History of the First 200 Years of the District Grand Lodge of Jamaica and the Bahamas 1771/72 – 1971/72 3. Experiences in Caribbean Masonry: The Jamaican Perspective by W. Bro. Afeef A. Lazarus, PDGM of Jamaica and the Cayman islands (EC) 4. An Historical Account of Jamaican Freemasonry (includes Royal Lodge) by Wor. Bro. F. W. Seal Coon; 5. 150th Anniversary Magazine 6. Scottish Masonry in Jamaica by Bob Cooper