Friday the 27th September 2013 was the 100th anniversary of the constitution of Lodge Crawfurdsburn, Greenock, 1121. To commemorate this august occasion a ceremony of Rededication of the Lodge was held at Lodge Greenock, St Johns’ 175’s Masonic Building in West Stewart Street, Greenock on Saturday the 28th September 2013.

The Lodge was opened in due Masonic form by the RWM George Johnstone Carson. He welcomed the Brethren who had come for this special day from various parts of Scotland as well as England and Ireland. He then welcomed a deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West headed for this auspicious event by the RWM of Renfrewshire West, Bro James Pearston Livingston who said a few words of welcome to the Brethren from out-with the Province of Renfrewshire West and congratulating Lodge Crawfurdsburn on their Centenary.

A deputation was then received from the Grand Lodge of Scotland headed by the RW Substitute Grand Master, Bro Alexander Galbraith. Bro Galbraith having said appropriate words of congratulation conducted a solemn and moving Ceremony of Rededication of Lodge Crawfurdsburn with his office bearers from the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

RWM George Carson and RW Sub Grand Master Alex Galbraith then had the pleasant task of surprising Bro Carson’s father, Bro George Johnstone Carson Senior, Past Master of Lodge Crawfurdsburn, with his 60 Years Jubilee Certificate and Bro Robert Steele with his 50 Years Jubilee Certificate.

Bro William McClarty, RWM of Lodge Inverkip Ardgowan then presented Lodge Crawfurdsburn with a beautifully crafted pointer to be used in their tracing board lectures.

After the ceremony many of the Brethren went on to the Tontine where Provost Robert Moran joined them for a superb meal. Provost Moran welcomed those brethren who were visiting from out-with the Inverclyde area. After the meal there were toasts to the Queen, the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland by RWM George Carson with fitting and fine replies from Bros Livingston and Galbraith. An excellent toast was then given by Bro Iain White, PM Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No XII to which Bro Andrew McKenzie PM of Lodge Crawfurdsburn gave a first class reply.

Fraternal Greetings were then exchanged between Lodges and RW Master Richard Harrison of Lodge Doric Kilwinning, one of Lodge Crawfurdsburn’s sponsoring Lodges, presented a cheque to mark this special occasion.

An appropriate toast to “The Next 100 Years” was then given by Bro Colin Bonar, Past Master of Lodge Crawfurdsburn.

PM Tommy Provan of Lodge Springburn 1198 presented RWM George Johnstone Carson with a beautiful gavel as a gift from his lodge to Lodge Crawfurdsburn.

Entertainment was provided by the wonderful singing voice of RWM, Bro Alan Beck of Greenock, Kilwinning XII accompanied by Bro Fraser Gray of Greenock, St Johns’ 175. The dinner was rounded off with the brethren singing “Auld Lang Syn”.

The more formal part of the day being over the ladies joined the brethren at the Tontine to continue the celebrations with a dance and buffet. A most excellent time was had by all on what was a memorable and happy day for Lodge Crawfurdsburn and the Freemasons of Renfrewshire West and beyond.