Dumfriesshire Young and New Masons Association is a support network within the Province of Dumfriesshire for Brethren under the age of 45 years old, or whom have less than 7 years Masonic membership. 

2024 Office Bearers 

Chairman – Bro Taylor Edwards PM (St. Magdalene No.100, Lochmaben)

Secretary – Bro Andrew Gillespie (Thistle Lodge No.62, Dumfries)

Treasurer – Bro Gary Gillespie PM (Thistle Lodge No.62, Dumfries)

Committee Member – Bro Aymer Nelson (RWM Dumfries Kilwinning No.53, Dumfries)

Provincial Grand Lodge of Dumfriesshire Representative – Bro Alan Hope PM (RWM Lodge Lockerbie Quhytewoollen No.258, Lockerbie)

Their aim is simple:

‘To promote active participation by its members in the full scope of Freemasonry by organising events that encourage all young Freemasons in the Province of Dumfriesshire to meet, socialise and help build a positive future for our beloved Craft.’

The Association uses social media to connect with all qualifying brethren throughout the province; to arrange transport to meetings, to support members involved in degree work and to encourage visiting amongst lodges, to provide a few examples. Visiting another lodge for the first time can be a particularly daunting task, however, with the support of fellow Young and New Masons you will be accompanied by brothers who have experienced the same apprehension and over come it together.

The Association boasts membership of some of the youngest Right Worshipful Masters and Past Masters in Province history, all of whom are eager to offer support to their fellow brethren as they progress through their Masonic journeys. 

Dumfriesshire Young and New Masons, ensures that every new initiate receives the full support of the association and is instantly connected with brethren from every lodge within the Province of Dumfriesshire.

To contact Bro Secretary, email: [email protected]

Dumfriesshire Young and New Masons Events

On 10th April 2024, Dumfriesshire Young and New Masons carried out an excellent exemplification of the Entered Apprentice Degree. This was hosted by St Michaels Kilwinning No. 63, at the Assembly Rooms, Dumfries. For some, this was the first time they carried out any degree work and did themselves and their respective Mother Lodges proud. The brethren involved received high praise from all present. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro Robert Jess, said he was very proud of the Young and New Masons and described the evening as a “very special night” as he gave his thanks to those involved and paid particular tribute to those who took to the floor for their first time. 

History of Dumfriesshire Young and New Masons Association

In March 2021, The Grand Lodge of Scotland held a ‘Younger Masons – Under 40s’ Seminar. Some topics discussed focussed on attracting new members, modernising the organisation whilst preserving our traditions and a hope that a permanent Young Masons Group could be created.

In 2022, following the easing of Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions, Masonic meetings returned, and The Grand Lodge of Scotland established a new initiative, The Apprentice Pillars. 

“The Apprentice Pillars is a network of Young and New Masons groups within the Scottish Constitution. The aim of the Young and New Masons initiative is to create groups of Young and New Masons across the entire Scottish Constitution, at home and overseas, for the purpose of retaining members, providing them with a common social platform, Masonic education and potentially gaining new members. This network of established groups will span the globe and allow Brethren to interact worldwide.”

With the full support of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dumfriesshire, Brother Taylor Edwards, at that time, Right Worshipful Master of St. Magdalene No.100, Lochmaben, contacted all Lodge Secretaries within the Province and assembled all qualifying brethren to hold the first meeting of the Dumfriesshire Young Masons. Brother Andrew Gillespie of Thistle Lodge No.62 took on the role as Acting Secretary.

This was well received by the Brethren and their respective lodges which led to Bro Taylor Edwards PM and Bro Andrew Gillespie working together to create Dumfriesshire Young and New Masons Association. 

After gaining over 40 members and drafting up Byelaws, the first election of Officer Bearers took place:

• Brother Taylor Edwards PM (St Magdalene No.100) became Chairman,
• Brother Andrew Gillespie (Thistle Lodge No.62) became Secretary,
• Brother Gary Gillespie PM (Thistle Lodge No.62) became Treasurer,
• Brother Aymer Nelson RWM (Dumfries Kilwinning No.53) became a Committee Member,
• Brother Allan Hope PM, RWM (Lodge Lockerbie Quhytewoollen No258) was appointed as representative from the Grand Lodge of Dumfriesshire.