St.Peter's Operative Lodge No.284

02.11.09...Information to follow 

01.09.09

St.Peter's held their first meeting after the summer recess, a 2nd degree was supposed to be worked but unfortunately the candidate had to cancel due to his work commitments. So instead the RWM took this opportunity to catch up with other business relating to the lodge. After the RWM opened his lodge he asked the secretary to read the minuets of the last general committee meeting dated 22nd April which also included an enquiry. After the minuets had been read and all correspondences taken care off the RWM then took each matter arising in turn and offered them to the body of the lodge for their approval. The RWM then went on to thank the brethren that helped with the various jobs that were done in and around the lodge during the recess, he also thanked the brethren that accompanied him during his visit to lodge Fingal for their support. There being no further business the lodge was closed in due and ancient form.

20.06.09

St Peter's visited Lodge Fingal No.318 to-day, a visit which was long over due, being almost 14 years since St.Peter's last visited this Lodge, and the Brethren from both Lodges were very much looking forward to this reunion.

The journey from Thurso to Dingwal only took about two hours by mini bus which was driven by Bro George Dunnet a member of Lodge St.Fergus No.466. We could not have picked a better day for traveling, glorious sunshine all the way, on our arrival at Lodge Fingal we were greeted with the warmest of welcomes and led into a side room just inside the Lodge, where the Ladies of the Lodge had prepared tea and sandwiches for our arrival.
After our break we had to have a look round this beautiful Lodge, and I can assure you that we were not in any way disappointed, the architecture of the building is first class, the stone work and wooden structures are finished to the highest standard and are a credit to the builders of this magnificent Lodge.

While standing outside the Lodge my focus was drawn to two great pillars which stood, one either side of the main entrance to the Lodge and I was told by one of the members that the pillars are made from granite and delivered from Aberdeen to Dingwal railway station and from there to the Lodge by horse and cart, now that must have been quite a spectacle for the locals to witness, way back in 1926.

The main reason for our visit to Lodge Fingal, as well as the long awaited reunion was to work a second degree, the original candidate for the evening had to pull out because of other commitments, a sub-candidate was chosen in his place and this was Bro John Hanson who kindly agreed to stand in.

It was now time to go up stairs and prepare ourselves for the working of the degree, our D.O.C was allowed to enter the Temple and request the entry of the RWM. Bro. Dave Warren.O.B.E his Office Bearers and Brethren from St.Peter's No.284, this was granted by RWM. H.S.Cameron of Lodge Fingal, who offered fraternal greetings to his visitors and requested that the RWM of St.Peter's take his rightful place in the east along with any Past Masters and the P.G.M. of Caithness, PM. Bro.D.J.Chambers this was accepted.

After the greetings and thank you's were exchanged the RWM of Lodge Fingal offered the gavel of authority to the RWM of St.Peter's, which he accepted with honor and took his place in the Masters Chair, the RWM of St.Peter's then said that he was delighted to have the opportunity to work a degree in such a fine Lodge.

The RWM of St.Peter's then requested that the Office Bearers of Lodge Fingal vacate their positions in favor of the Office Bearers from St.Peter's, this was done, the RWM then proceeded to lead his Office Bearers through the working of the second degree which was done in full accordance of the Ritual.
After the degree was finished the RWM of St.Peter's thanked his Office Bearers for there assistance in working the degree, he also thanked Bro. John Hanson for the way he conducted himself, and for the attention shown during the degree.
He also went on to thank various Brethren who took part in the degree,
DM. PM. Bro James Moodie.- Signs and Secrets.
Bro. Eric Schlicher.- South East Corner.
SPGM. PM. Bro.James Hawthorn.- Tracing Board
PM. Bro. Harry Rawson.- Charge
RWM of Lodge John O' Groat No.1333. Bro. Jim Beattie.- Organist

 The RWM of St.Peter's then reduced the Lodge to the first degree, after which he presented the RWM of Lodge Fingal with a framed photograph of St.Peter's Lodge to mark this memorable occasion, he also presented the RWM of Lodge Fingal with a bottle of Whisky for his own pleasure, which he accepted gladly, and He in return offered the RWM of St.Peter's with a bottle of Whisky, which he accepted without hesitation.

At this point the RWM of St.Peter's offered the Gavel of authority back to Bro. H.S.Cameron RWM of Lodge Fingal which he duly accepted. He then congratulated Bro. Dave Warren. OBE. RWM of St.Peter's and his Office Bearers on an excellent working of a Fellow Craft Degree which was echoed by the Brethren in attendance.

The RWM of Lodge Fingal then requested that the Office Bearers of St.Peter's vacate their positions in favor of Lodge Fingal which was duly done. The RWM then asked his Deacons to uplift the collection, during this time various Brethren stood up to congratulate the RWM and Office Bearers of St.Peter's on a fine working of the degree.
Bro. D.J.Chambers. Provincial Grand Master of Caithness also stood up and put forward his praise to the RWM Office Bearers and the brethren that traveled to Lodge Fingal, he also mentioned that the last time St.Peter's visited Lodge Fingal 14 years ago He was the Master of St.Peter's Lodge, and hoped that the visits between the two Lodges will be on a more regular occasion, which was well applauded by every one in attendance.

Before closing his Lodge The RWM of Lodge Fingal requested that all visiting Brethren join him and the Brethren of Lodge Fingal downstairs in the Harmony Room for dinner, and there afterwards for refreshments and entertainment.
The RWM the asked everyone to be upstanding to assist him and his Office Bearers to close the Lodge, which was done in due and ancient form.

The meal that was served up was excellent, well prepared and the service first class. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the chef and the Ladies who served us. We would also like to thank the bar staff and the organizer of the entertainment for an excellent night........
And also a big thank you to the RWM. H.S.Cameron and his Office Bearers and Brethren of Lodge Fingal for your hospitality.....A special thank you to Maureen...

First Class...Thank You All At Lodge Fingal No.318

Thank you Lodge Fingal No.318 for your Hospitality..We all had a great evening..and a special Thank you to Maureen!

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18.04.09

Our visitors from St. Duthus arrived at 4.35pm and we were honored to welcome them into our Lodge, they were then shown into our harmony room which had already been set up for their arrival, the tables laid and a three coarse meal which was prepared by Bro.Sinky Wares, Bro.William Moodie and his wife Donna was then served up. "And I might add was excellent".

During the meal I was talking to Bro.Munro from St.Duthus who was dressed in his full highland gear, he explained to me that he had just returned from The Clan Chief gathering at Culloden which attracts members from all over the world, and included a march from Culloden to Nairn, which must have been tough going.
He also told me that he is a very keen falconer and has a number of birds in his collection, which included I think was his favorite an Eagle Owl. Once again this points out that Freemasonry has members from all walks of life and you never know who you could be talking to next.

Time to go upstairs to get ready for the work of the evening, the DOC of St.Peter's Bro.Erik Drummond asked the Brethren to be upstanding to receive the RWM and his Office-bearers, the RWM asked everyone to be seated and then thanked them for their attendance, the RWM then asked all to be upstanding to assist him in the opening of the Lodge, the Lodge was then tyled and the RWM then opened the Lodge assisted by his Office-bearers, after this was done and the opening Ode sung the RWM asked everyone to be seated.

The RWM explained to the Brethren that the work of the evening is to be a second degree for Bro.Grey and that he must first prove that he is prepared, by answering the following questions, the RWM then asked the Deacons to place Bro.Grey in the West of the Lodge facing East, the RWM then asked Bro.Grey the necessary questions which he answered in an excellent manor and was well applauded by the RWM and the rest of the Brethren. The RWM then asked the Deacons to take Bro.Grey back to his seat in the NE,part of the Lodge.

There was an alarm, after the enquiry of the cause of the alarm it was found to be the DOC of Lodge St. Duthus No.82 requesting the admission of his RWM Office-bearers and Brethren, his request was granted and the DOC then presented RWM:- Bro.Alan Waugh of Lodge St.Duthus No.82 to RWM Bro.Dave. M. Warren, O.B.E of St.Peter's Operative Lodge No.284, the RWM of St.Peter's then invited the RWM of St.Duthus to take his rightful  seat in the East this was excepted. The DOC of Lodge St.Duthus then presented IPM, Bro. Hugh Patience of Lodge St.Duthus No.82 to the RWM of St.Peter's Operative Lodge No.284, the RWM of St.Peter's then invited IPM, Bro. Hugh Patience to take his rightful place in the East this was also excepted.

The RWM of St.Peter's stood up and welcomed the RWM Office-bearers and his fine deputation from Lodge St.Duthus No.82 and for accepting the invitation from St.Peter's to work a second degree. 

The RWM of St.Duthus stood up and thanked the RWM Office-bearers and Brethren of St.Peter's Lodge for the very kind and fraternal welcome extended to him his Office-bearers, Brethren, and Ladies of Lodge St.Duthus on their arrival and entry into St.Peter's Lodge.

The RWM of St.Peter's then offered the Gavel of authority to the RWM of St.Duthus to continue the work of the evening which he accepted with pleasure, saying that on doing so he hoped that it would not lose any of its masonic luster, in reply the RWM of St.Peter's said that it was more likely to increase its masonic luster. The RWM of St.Duthus stood up and said that he was honored and privileged to have the opportunity to work a degree in St.Peter's Lodge, being that he originally came from Caithness and was born in Wick, and stayed in Bower before he moved to Tain.

The RWM of St.Duthus then requested that the Office-bearers of St.Peter's vacate their positions in favor of the Office-bearers of St.Duthus,which was duly done. The RWM of St.Duthus then asked his Deacons to take charge of Bro.Grey and prepare him to be passed to the second degree, Bro.Grey was then escorted from the lodge for preparation.
During his absence the RWM of St.Duthus asked Bro.Munro of Lodge St.Duthus if he would like to stand up and explain a bit about the gathering at Culloden in which he took part, on doing so he explained that it was a gathering of the Clan Chiefs and Clan members from around the world and is done so, to try and keep the history of the Clans alive, much the same as Freemasonry when you travel and meet other masons. He also explained that the highland outfit that he was wearing was passed down to him from his great,great,great-Grandfather and the buckle that he was wearing actually saved his Grandfathers life when he was hit with a musket ball..this raised a round of applause from the brethren who obviously found it very interesting.

There was an alarm, enquiring the cause, it was the Deacon seeking re-entry with Bro.Grey, after giving the necessary proof to the Inner Guard the Deacon was then aloud to enter back into the lodge with Bro.Grey and he was placed in the West facing East. After the RWM of St.Duthus was satisfied that Bro.Grey was properly prepared to be passed to the second degree the Deacons then took charge of Bro.Grey and led him round the Lodge and through the ritual in due an ancient form which was done in an excellent manor. From his Obligation given by the RWM of ST.Duthus, and through all the other parts of the degree which were explained and demonstrated to the highest standard by all the Office-bearers involved.

After the degree was finished the RWM of St.Duthus thanked his Office-bearers for their assistance and excellent work during the degree, he also thanked the brethren of St.Duthus for traveling to St.Peter's and showing their support, he also went on to thank Bro.Grey for being a very good and attentive candidate.

The RWM of St.Duthus then asked the RWM of St.Peter's and the RWPGM of Caithness to accompany him to the floor of the Lodge to offer Bro.Grey a cordial right hand of friendship which they both accepted.
The RWM of St.Duthus presented Bro.Grey with a Lodge St.Duthus tie as a gift to mark the occasion.

The RWM of St.Duthus then reduced the Lodge to the first degree and offered the gavel of authority back to the RWM of St.Peter's which he accepted with pleasure, and on doing so he congratulated the RWM of St.Duthus and his Office-bearers on an excellent working of a second degree which was echoed by all the brethren in attendance with a round of applause.

The RWM of St.Peter's then requested that the Office-bearers of Lodge St.Duthus vacate their positions in favor of the Office-bearers of St.Peter's Lodge which was duly done. The RWM then asked the Deacons to uplift the collection, after which he thanked the various Brethren for their help through out the day, to Bro.Sinky Wares and his helpers for the excellent meal provided earlier and to the Brethren that brought in sandwiches.
The RWPGM of Caithness stood up and gave his congratulations to the RWM and his Office-bearers of Lodge St.Duthus for an excellent working of a second degree, saying that it was a bit different from the way that the degree is worked in Caithness and was very interesting to watch. He then went on and congratulated Bro.Grey on taking his second step in freemasonry. 

Bro. Jim Beattie SM from Lodge John O' Groat No.1333 stood up and he also expressed the pleasure that he experienced while watching the RWM and his Office-bearers of lodge St.Duthus working of a second degree which he said was excellent, he also congratulated Bro.Grey on taking his second step in freemasonry and explained, to fully understand what he had gone through to-night he should visit any other Lodge in the Province working a second degree and he would then be able to understand more about what he had just experienced.
Bro. Jim Beattie also invited all the Brethren to his Installation as RWM of Lodge John O' Groat No.1333 on Friday 1st of May.

Bro Stewart Webster WJW. from Lodge John O' Groat No.1333 stood up saying that he had a booklet and ticket from the 150th anniversary celebration of St.Peter's Operative Lodge No.284. He also said that it was found in a cupboard by one of his relatives, and requested that he be permitted to approach the East and present it to the RWM of St.Peter's for its safe keeping, which was granted.

The RWM Bro.Dave.M.Warren.O.B.E stood up and invited all the Brethren in attendance to join him and his Office-bearers and Brethren of St.Peter's downstairs for harmony and a night of entertainment and disco.
The RWM of St.Peter's then asked all the Brethren to be upstanding to assist him in closing the Lodge.
Which was done in due and ancient form.

18.03.09

The RWM. Bro. Dave Warren.O.B.E. PM, Bro. James Moodie, Bro. Sandy MacDonald and myself, visited Lodge Latheron, 1424, to see the working of a 3rd Degree.
On entering the Lodge we were greeted with the customary welcome associated with the Brethren of Latheron, a cordial hand of friendship second to none.

While I was puting on my regalia I overheard two Past Masters talking about their candidate, saying that he was unable to attend because he had to take his daughter to Raigmore Hospital without thinking I said that I would be their Sub, candidate, which they thanked me for my kind offer. Nothing more was said, and while I was through in the Harmony Room talking to other members of the Lodge the PMs  approached me asking if I was serious earlier when I said I would be their candidate, well what could I say except yes.

So it was of with my regalia, and the two Deacons prepared me for the working of the degree, who were on this occasion: SD, Duncan Cumming.PM.  JD, DSM.Malcolm.PM. Once again demonstrating that the Past Masters are always ready and willing to step in when needed.

The deacons worked the degree in a fine light hearted mood with a bit of humor added for the benefit of the visiting Brethren, which was well appreciated.

After the working of the degree RWM, Angus Murray,PM, Lodge Latheron thanked his Office-bearers for their fine effort considering that they had been asked at the last minute to step in and cover for the Office-bearers that were absent, which was well applauded by the visiting Brethren.

The RWM then thanked me for being Sub-candidate, he then thanked the visiting Brethren for their kind support, which included: RW.I.P.P.GM of Caithness, D.M.Coghill.
D.P.G.M. of Caithness William MacLeod, and the Masters of the Sister Lodges of the Province.

Before closing his Lodge, the RWM invited every one to join him and the Brethren of Lodge Latheron in the harmony room.
The RWM then closed his Lodge in due and Ancient Form.

In the Harmony Room we were well catered for, plenty of good food for everyone, and if you wanted !!  a wee dram or two. Raffle tickets were sold, and who won first prize ??,  well it had to be me," one good turn deserves another "

17.03.09

The Lodge tyled at 7.45pm, the RWM and his Office-bearers then opened the Lodge.  After apologies were recorded, the minutes of the last meeting, correspondence, applications etc, were taken care of a ballot then took place for the next prospective candidate, which I am delighted to report was all clear.

The business of the evening a Mark Degree for our latest candidate.

The RWM then returned the Lodge to order, passed and then raised the Lodge, after which he explained to the candidate the reason for this, the RWM then reduced the Lodge, after which the candidate was then escorted from the Lodge by the deacons to the preparation room, the deacons then returned to their stations.

There was an alarm, after the enquiry of the cause, this was found to be the D.O.C. from Lodge John O' Groat requesting the entry of his RWM, Brian McKenzie, Office-bearers and deputation into the Lodge, his request was granted.

The RWM of Lodge John O' Groat entered the Lodge with which I must admit an excellent deputation, he was then taken to the east and exchanged fraternal greetings with the RWM of St.Peter's and also thanked him and the brethren of St.Peter's for the warm welcome extended to him and his deputation on entering the Lodge.

The gavel of authority was then offered to RWM of Lodge John O' Groat which he accepted with pleasure, he then proceeded with the business of the evening which was the working of a mark degree for our latest candidate, this was decided at an earlier date.

The RWM then requested that the office bearers of St.Peter's vacate their stations which they did, and the office bearers of Lodge John O' Groat then took up these positions. He then asked his deacons to retire and prepare the candidate for his mark degree which they did.
The RWM then asked his office bearers to take up their positions, he then opened his Mark Lodge in preparation for the return of the candidate.

After the deacons returned to the Lodge with the candidate the RWM then set his office bearers to work, the candidate was then taken on his journey through the various parts of the degree under the guidance of the RWM and his office bearers, which they did in a firm but humble manner, and sometimes with a bit of added humor for the benefit of the candidate, and by the reactions of the brethren in attendance this was enjoyed by all.

After the candidate completed his journey and the Mark Degree conferred he was then  placed in the west of the Lodge facing east, the RWM of Lodge John O' Groat then invited the RWM of St.Peter's to accompany him to the floor of the Lodge to extend the cordial right hand of friendship to the candidate which he agreed to with pleasure.

After the RWM of St.Peter's congratulated his new Mark Master Mason he returned to his seat.
The RWM of Lodge John O' Groat then thanked the new Mark Master Mason for the attention he had shown throughout the working of the degree and offered him a Lodge John O' Groat tie to mark the occasion which he accepted with pleasure.

The RWM of Lodge John O' Groat then thanked his office bearers for their assistance in the working of the degree, and he also thanked his deputation for their support on this visit to St. Peter's. He then offered the gavel of authority back to the RWM of St.Peter's which he accepted with pleasure knowing that it had not lost any of it's masonic luster.

The RWM of St.Peter's then congratulated the RWM and his office bearers for an excellent working of the Mark Master Mason Degree which was echoed by all the brethren in attendance.

The RWM then requested that the office bearers of Lodge John O' Groat to vacate their stations, this was done and the office bearers of St.Peter's resumed positions.

The RWM of St.Peter's then invited the RWM of Lodge John O' Groat and his office bearers along with his large deputation to join him and the brethren of St.Peter's to a harmony downstairs which he accepted.

The D.O.C. of Lodge John O' Groat then indicated that his RWM wished to retire, this was granted and the RWM of Lodge John O' Groat along with his office bearers and deputation retired to the harmony room.

The Lodge was then closed by the RWM and office bearers and they then joined the brethren of Lodge John O' Groat downstairs for harmony.

15.03.09

The Lodge Divine Service was held at the usual time, 7.00pm and was attended by a reasonable  number, considering that some of the members were attending a special Memorial Service in Dunnet.

The service opened with the RWM, Bro. Dave.M.Warren, O.B.E thanking everyone for their attendance, and a special thank you was given to local Minister Rev. Ronnie Johnstone for agreeing to take the service. The RWM. also thanked Mrs Jessie Webster for her kind offer to play the organ during the service.

The service was conducted in a first class manner, which is only to be expected from a Minister of the character and learned vocation such as Ronnie Johnstone, who's sermons are always well projected and sometimes animated which is a pleasure for the listener, which I must say helps to make his sermons more understandable.

After the singing of the selected hymns and readings, the RWM, himself gave a reading which he delivered with the reverence that could have associated him as being a man off the cloth, " maybe he should have been a Minister ". After the collection, hymn and prayer, the Rev closed the service and thanked everyone for their attendance.
The RWM also once again thank everyone and invited them downstairs to the harmony room for tea, coffee and biscuits.

13.03.09

The Lodge Annual Ball was held in the Pentland Hotel this year, a change of venue was decided by the Social Committee, this proved to be a big success, everybody that I spoke to said that it was a great night.
A special mention must go to PM. Donald Chambers, as dance organiser, I think that he has done the Lodge proud for his hard work arranging this event.
Also it must be noted for the night to be a success, we must thank the staff and management for the first class service provided while serving up a fantastic meal, served hot and on time, even the owner himself was seen doing his bit overseeing the proceedings, during and after the dance.
After everybody was well fed, and the drinks began to flow they were entertained by the fabulous band Slangeava which I was told were excellent, playing a good mixture of music that suited everyone.
( A great night was had by all. )

If anyone managed to take pictures and would like to see them on the web site please contact:-

Robert Thompson