Denny Celebrates 225 Years 

A rededication service was held recently in Denny as part of the 225^th anniversary celebrations of Lodge St Andrew (Denny & Loanhead) No 176.

A fine deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire headed by Bro Alistair T Marshall, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, who was welcomed to 176 by Right Worshipful Master Bro Kevin McLean on Saturday 22^nd August.

The service of rededication was conducted by the Provincial Grand Chaplains, Bro Alex Montgomery and Bro Allan Leishman and the obligation was taken by RWM Bro Kevin McLean on behalf of all members of Lodge St Andrew (Denny and Loanhead) No 176.

During the ceremony there were a number of scripture readings and praise including Psalms 23 and 122 and Paraphrase 2 with the Brethren in fine voice and accompanied by Organist Bro Isaac Bateman.

It was also nice to see Bro Bobby Deuchars piping for the arrival of the RWM and Office Bearers and also Provincial Grand Lodge.

After the Benediction, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro Alistair T Marshall addressed the Brethren saying it had been his pleasure to lead the deputation and he congratulated the Provincial Grand Lodge Chaplains for their work.

Bro Marshall said he had spoken at the Gala dinner to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the Lodge but could never have imagined back then that he would not only be on the speakers list some 25 years later but would be there as the Provincial Grand Master of Stirlingshire. He thanked the Lodge for moving the date of the rededication ceremony to enable him to attend.

 collection was taken for the Benevolent Fund of Grand Lodge and it was unanimously agreed that the sum be topped-up by the Lodge to £350.

he remainder of the afternoon and early evening was spent at the 225^th celebration dinner which was held in the Lodge premises and featured excellent food and service from Alex Graham Catering.

he toast to The Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire was given by WSW Bro Gordon Turnbull and the reply from Provincial Grand Master Bro Alistair T Marshall. He mentioned the fine work done by the Right Worshipful Grand Master Mason Bro Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont. He recommended that all Brethren should attempt to visit Grand Lodge if not for a meeting then another occasion such as the annual Christmas concert by the Phoenix Choir which is a lovely climax to a day in Edinburgh with your wife and perhaps some shopping and a meal out.

he toast to Lodge St. Andrew No 176 was given by Bro Ross Hardie, RWM of Lodge Dolphin No 911 who was thanked by RWM Bro Kevin McLean and then invited to leave as his wife was at home with the suitcases packed awaiting his return to head for Glasgow Airport to catch a flight to Dubai around three hours later.

he Toast to the Visitors was given by WJW Bro Archie Young Mackay and an excellent reply given by Bro Alan Simpson, RWM of Lodge Pomont No 793.

PM Bro Denis Clair gave a superb vote of thanks with repeated mentions of a reprimand for the Provincial Grand Master for mentioning the ‘s’ word.

 225^th celebration brochure featuring mainly the past 25 years was produced for the day and is available for sale from the Lodge at £5 per copy and a special anniversary jewel was struck for the occasion also available priced £15.