St.Peter's Operative Lodge No.284

( 1890 - 1900 )

At a meeting held on the 6th, January 1890, the RWM brought forward a motion in reference to a Masonic Hall for Wick. After a general discussion it was decided to form a committee to look for a suitable place and report back to the Lodge on the first Monday in April, however this was not the case as the committee reported back on the 10th, March that suitable accommodation had been found in the New Drill Hall at an annual rent of Six Guineas. This was accepted by the Lodge.

On the 17th, March 1890, the first reference of a Mark Lodge being held is recorded. On the 10th, September 1890, the Lodge gave up their old rooms and took up residence in their new rooms. This ended an era that had begun with the formation of the Lodge in 1867 and had been held in the same hall for that period. On the same day the Brethren along with the Provincial Grand Master, Sheriff Thoms, marched in procession to the new Drill Hall where the Provincial Grand Master laid the foundation stone, and afterwards officially opened the new Lodge Rooms in the same building.

At a meeting held on the 1st, Feb 1892 a request was made by the John O' Groat Royal Arch Chapter for the use of the hall. This was granted and the rent was to be one fourth of that paid by St.Fergus. On the 5th, March 1894 a committee was formed to look out for a site for a New Lodge Room. This committee reported back to the Lodge on the 2nd, April. But due to lack of definite information regarding some of the sites it was referred back to the committee. On the 5th, November 1894, the hall committee was instructed to secure the site in Breadalbane Crescent.

On the 4th, March 1895 the minutes of the committee meeting held on the 1st, March was read out, and that the committee had under consideration plans for a new hall. One from Mr.S.MacDonald, Architect from Thurso, and Mr.A.Munro from Wick. It was agreed after due consideration, it was recommended that Mr. MacDonalds plan be adopted with the following alterations:- The two front widows to be flush with the wall and to be double with a mullion. The hall to be 38x22 feet. The committee suggested that the front part be two stories instead of one, with three storm-bead windows in order that the Tyler may preside in the building and look after the hall.

At a meeting held on the 7th, May 1895 it was agreed that the building of the new Hall to go ahead immediately. The foundation stone for the new Hall was laid on the 12th, Sept 1895 by the R.W.P.G.Master Sheriff G.H.M.Thoms. The stone was laid in the N.E. corner of the building about ten feet from the ground in such a position that it will be visible in the Lodge Room at all times. In the cavity were deposited sealed jars containing current coins of the Realm, the latest  papers of the day, a plan of the building and a minute of the proceedings leading up to the erection of the hall with names of the Architect and Contractor.

At a meeting held on the 29th, Sept 1896 the secretary was instructed to give notice of the consecration of the new Lodge to all Freemasons in town. No date was given when this was to take place but on the 17th, November we find that the minute for that date was held in the Masonic Hall. The consecration of the hall is not in the minutes.

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