Foreword
It is certain that, for
many centuries, Camelon
has been listed among the place names of Scotland. Situated in a direct
line between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde, Camelon
marked the site of a part of Antonine’s
wall which was built between these firths in or about the year 150.
Foundation stones bear witness till this day. Some may doubt that
Camelon has such an ancient history but there is no doubt that Camelon
has always been and still is a place apart. Even when, about 50 years
ago, it was incorporated into the present Burgh of Falkirk, to form one
of its municipal wards, Camelon retained its separate identity as a
place with its own history, traditions, and communal activities. During
the latter part of last century and since the beginning of the present
one, Camelon grew rapidly apace. To-day, it forms the largest ward,
probably in area, and certainly in population. Camelon has its own
parish church, town hall, welfare hall, railway station, public parks,
industries, bowling greens, and many other symbols of a separate
community.
According to those who can remember it, it is stated that, about 40
years ago, a proposal was mooted to form a Masonic Lodge in Camelon.
Nothing definite arose from the proposal at that time but, in the
intervening years, the idea was kept alive, and it was therefore not
surprising that eventually certain Mariners decided to launch the ship
at Camelon. It is not known who suggested the idea originally and none
of those who were in at the beginning take any credit. These Masonic
Brethren got together for the first time on 23rd
January, 1950. It seemed fitting that their first meeting should be held
in Camelon Town Hall, a building which dates far back into the history
of Camelon. Those brethren were Bro. John Christie (a Past Master of
Lodge Callendar No. 588, Falkirk), Bro. Alexander Paterson, Bro. John M.
Harrison, Bro. Peter G. Harrison, Bro. William MacRae (superintendent of
parks), Bro. Ronald Gilchrist (son of a former Provost of Falkirk) and
Bro. John A. Bell (formerly secretary of the oldest lodge in the
county), and Bro. George A. Strang. They formed the provisional
committee. A later meeting of those brethren was held at Camelon on 27th
January, 1950. At this meeting, Bro. MacRae was elected chairman of the
committee.
It is fitting at this point to record the appreciation of the members of
the provisional committee for the help given by both Bro. Thomas
Pitcairn, Provincial Grand Master of Stirlingshire, and Bro. John
Campbell, Provincial Grand Secretary. Both Bro. Pitcairn and Bro.
Campbell were ever ready to give and did give the benefit of their
expert knowledge of matters Masonic.
It was decided to call a meeting to which all Master Masons who were
interested would be invited. This meeting was held on 2nd
March, 1950, in Camelon Town Hall, which was packed to capacity, and
several brethren could not gain admission. It was gratifying to the
provisional committee to see that their belief in enthusiastic support
was well founded. The meeting was favoured by the presence of a number
of past masters.
Bro. Bell gave an account of the procedure which required to be followed
in seeking a charter for a new Lodge. Thereafter, the meeting was
declared open for questions, Several questions were asked all of which
were helpful and constructive. At this meeting, the provisional
committee was authorised to continue their work until office-bearers
could be elected. The committee held further meetings of its own to
discuss and adjust the several problems that required to be solved.
Encouraged by the enthusiasm shown, they decided to call a meeting of
founder members as soon as possible. This meeting was held at Camelon on
23rd
March, 1950, within Camelon Town Hall. Once again there was a large
attendance and, at this meeting, the petition was submitted for
signature. This was the petition which craved Grand Lodge to constitute
the new Lodge and grant a charter. Other items included the name of the
Lodge, dates of regular meetings, erection and consecration dates.
The next meeting of founder members was held within Camelon Town Hall on
6th
April, 1950. The petition was submitted again, and the list of founder
members substantially increased.
The time was now approaching when the petition required completion for
presentation to Grand Lodge so as to be in time for the opening of the
Lodge in the autumn of 1950. The provisional committee accordingly lost
no time in getting together again and, on 13th
April, they met to formulate the meeting of founder members at which the
first office-bearers of the new lodge would be nominated and elected. A
great amount of detailed work was completed at this meeting. In the case
of nominations for the office of first Master of the lodge, it was
decided to settle his election by ballot.
Bros. John Christie, P.M., and George A. Strang were appointed tellers.
The ballot resulted in favour of Bro. Peter McMain, a Past Master of
Lodge Carron, No. 139. Very close behind him in votes was Bro. William
MacRae. The Brethren unanimously agreed that Bro. McMain receive the
privilege of nominating his Depute. He called upon Bro. MacRae to accept
nomination as his Depute, a gesture which was loudly applauded. Bro.
MacRae thanked Bro. McMain and said that it gave him great pleasure to
accept the important office of Depute Master.
The other brethren elected were: David Kennedy, Substitute Master;
William Marshall, Senior Warden; William Bryce, Junior Warden; Alexander
Paterson, Secretary; Ronald Gilchrist, Treasurer; George A. Strang,
Almoner; William Russell, Chaplain; John Myles, Senior Deacon; George
Ritchie, Junior Deacon; George Christie, Director of Ceremonies; Ian
McIntosh, Architect; Robert Simpson, Jeweller; Peter Harrison, Bible
Bearer; John S. Wright, Bard; Robert Hoggan, Sword Bearer; David Cox,
Director of Music; John Christie (Jr.), Organist; Peter Symon, Marshal;
James Tierney, (Jr.), Senior Steward; Robert Bell, Junior Steward;
George Mailer, Inner Guard; James Falconer, Tyler.
The business of the meeting was carried through with great harmony and,
at the close, a very cordial vote of thanks was given to the members of
the provisional committee for their many and valued services.
With Bro. McMain Master of the Lodge, the office-bearers have since held
several meetings to prepare them for the onerous work of the Lodge which
lies ahead, and now we are within sight of that very important event in
its history, namely, the erection and consecration of the Lodge. This
will take place at a meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire
to be held at Falkirk on Saturday, 7th
October, 1950. At that meeting, the installation of the office-bearers
will also be carried through.
From that date onwards, the history of the Lodge will be recorded in its
books. The provisional committee have accordingly prepared this short
summary of the events which preceded. They are confident that, with the
same enthusiasm as already shown, Lodge Camelon No. 1456 is bound to
prosper and that, as in the case of Camelon itself, it will keep abreast
of the times.