On 1 April 2024, Thistle Lodge No.62 received a deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dumfriesshire on the occasion of their Annual Provincial Grand Lodge Visitation.

(L-R) Bro Michael Blain – Worshipful Senior Warden, Bro Robert Plunkett – Depute Provincial Grand Master, Bro Justin Squires-Cowan – Right Worshipful Master, Bro Robert Jess – Provincial Grand Master, Bro Allan Jardine – Worshipful Junior Warden.

About The Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland is the governing body of Scottish Freemasonry, founded in 1736, and headquartered in Edinburgh. It is led by a Grand Master Mason. The Grand Lodge of Scotland is structured as follows:

32 Provincial Grand Lodges in Scotland

26 District Grand Lodges overseas

4 Superintendents overseeing Lodges in smaller territories and individual Lodges that are under the direct supervision of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

The Grand Master Mason commissions Provincial Grand Masters to assist him in the overseeing of the Lodges in the 32 provinces that are spread across Scotland. Every Provincial Grand Master represents the Grand Master Mason and co-ordinates between the Lodges of his province.

By the late 1500s, there were at least 13 established lodges across Scotland, from Edinburgh to Perth. But it wasn’t until the turn of the 16th Century that those medieval guilds gained an institutional structure – the point which many consider to be the birth of ‘Modern Freemasonry’. The records of the earliest meetings are usually considered to be the best evidence of a lodge having any real organisation. The oldest Minutes in the world, which date to January 1599, are from Lodge Aitchison’s Haven in East Lothian, Scotland, which closed in 1852.

(L-R) Bro Robert Plunkett – Depute Provincial Grand Master, Bro Justin Squires-Cowan – Right Worshipful Master, Bro Robert Jess – Provincial Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Lodge Visit

Thistle Lodge No.62 received high praise for the manner in which they manage Masonic Lodge finances; the general running of their Masonic Lodge; the dedication to Masonic Lodge Benevolence and their degree work. This was well received by the hard-working and dedicated brethren of Thistle Lodge No.62.

During the visit, the Provincial Grand Master, Bro Robert Jess, was presented with a gift and a ‘Thank You’ card for his tremendous leadership of the Province during his tenure in office, on behalf of Thistle Lodge No.62. Innkeeping with tradition, Right Worshipful Master, Bro Justin Squires-Cowan presented with a commemorative photograph by the Provincial Grand Master on behalf of the town lodges. This will be added to the Masonic Library within our building.

(L-R) Bro Robert Jess – Provincial Grand Master, Bro Justin Squires-Cowan – Right Worshipful Master.

Depute Provincial Grand Master, Robert Plunkett, was awarded Honorary Membership of Thistle Lodge No.62 as an appreciation of his support and dedication to the Province of Dumfriesshire, throughout his time with the Provincial Grand Lodge.

(L-R) Bro Robert Plunkett – Depute Provincial Grand Master, Bro Justin Squires-Cowan – Right Worshipful Master.

Right Worshipful Master of Thistle Lodge No.62, Justin Squires-Cowan, had this to say about the Provincial Grand Lodge Visit:

“It was a privilege and an honour to show the appreciation of Thistle Lodge No.62 to the Provincial Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master who have both worked tirelessly in the Province over the last five years. I was proud that the hard work of my fellow brethren was recognised by the Provincial Grand Lodge during their visit.”

Thistle Lodge No.62 Upcoming Events

This is just one of many events that Thistle Lodge No.62 hold. If you would like to be a part of these events in future, please contact us to find out how to become a fellow Freemason.