St.Peter's Operative Lodge No.284

( 1867-1886 )

D.A. MacDonald.
John  Brims.
Capt. Charleson.
Capt. Cormack.
Capt. Groundwater. 

The Charter from Grand Lodge was read and the Lodge duly constituted. The above is an extract from the first minute book of 466 and the only one for 1868. The next minute is dated 17th January 1870.

One point is clear, that in this Lodge the Entered Apprentice does not wait for one year before being raised to Fellowcraft or Master Mason. Changed times from Lodge 252 where this rule was rigidly adhered to. One other point to notice here is that no mention has been made as to the fee that is charged for each degree.

In March 1871 it was proposed that a social evening be held in the Lodge Room on the evening of the 21st, current to celebrate the Marriage of Princess Louise to the Marquis of Lorne.
It was agreed that the providing of the necessary viands on the occasion be offered to Bro. D.Thomson Senior Steward of the Lodge, at a fixed rate of 2/- ( two-Shillings ) per head.  It was also proposed that a fireworks display be given as well.

In November 1871 the Lodge were collecting money for a building fund to build a hall of their own. At a further meeting held on the 11th. March 1872 the Grand Lodge proposed to take the advantage of the assistance offered by Grand Lodge to go ahead with a building of their own.

On the 21st. March 1872, a further step was taken towards a new hall when the brethren proposed that a circular be sent out to all the Lodges in the Kingdom for a subscription towards the cost of the new hall.

In January 1873 it was proposed that a concert be given in aid of the poor of the place.  The concert was duly held and raised the sum of £32.5/6d.  The payment to the poor was given as between 2/- to 5/- according to their necessities. Once again we find the Lodge taking an interest in the poor of the town.

In November 1873 the Lodge co-operated with outside bodies to find a suitable Doctor presumably for the town; but this is not mentioned specifically.

On the 27th Feb, 1874 a concert was held in aid of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and which raised the sum of £60.14/3d. How much of this was passed on to the infirmary was not recorded.

On the 5th March 1875 the Lodge held a concert in aid of the National Lifeboat and Shipwrecked Mariners Societies. It is not recorded how much was raised at this concert.

At a meeting held on the 31st. January 1876, it was unanimously agreed to hold a concert in aid of widows and orphans left destitute by a bad accident at Clyth the previous week, although the concert took place, once again we have no record of what the takings were.

On the 11th Jan, 1886 the Lodge were informed that their tenancy of the hall would end on Whitsunday next (1886) which means that they have to search for other premises. The building fund for a new Lodge was given a sum of £5, from the proceeds of a concert held by the R.N.R. Instructors for that purpose.

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