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A
Kilwinning Charter 1771 |
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Before the forming of Grand Lodge in 1736 Mother
Kilwinning was a Grand Lodge in her own right issuing
warrants and charters to Lodges wishing to enjoy the
privileges of Freemasonry, many Lodges still carry Kilwinning's
name today. Scotland being a small country it
was undesirable to have two Grand Lodges so
Mother Kilwinning gave up this right. |
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However in 1743 Grand Lodge decided to number
lodges by seniority and oldest records, unfortunately
Mother Kilwinning's minute books date back to 1642, previous records thought to have been smuggled by the
monks to France during the reformation or destroyed in the disastrous fire at nearby Eglinton Castle. Mother
Kilwinning was placed second on the roll of the Grand
Lodge a position she strongly disagreed with, so
withdrew and continued to issue charters as before. |
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This dispute lasted until 1807 when the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Grand Lodge of
Kilwinning met in Glasgow and settled their differences
and a new and binding agreement was reached,
that being that Mother Kilwinning was placed at the Head
of the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and now has
the famous and distinctive Number ' 0 '. The master of
the Lodge would by right of that office become
Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire. Mother Kilwinning also gave up
the right to issue warrants and charters. In 1860 during
a search in Eglinton Castle the now famous Schaw statutes of 1598 and
1599 were found. |
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The 100th Anniversary Dinner 1907 |
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