Lodge Old Monkland St James, No 177

Lodge Old Monkland St. James No.177, for over two hundred years has promoted Freemasonry within the area of its birth, known today as Lanarkshire. Early records show the Lodge meeting under a working letter issued by the Mother Lodge Airdry Kilwinning on the 17th February 1783. On 2nd December 1790, the granting of the Charter to the Lodge by the Grand Lodge of Scotland occurred. Today the Lodge is proud to be one of the oldest organisations in Lanarkshire.

The Lodge during its long history has had several meeting places, The Eagle Inn, The Royal Hotel (the present site of Airdrie Savings Bank) are the better known names of the distant past. The hall above the Sharks Mouth, a well known public house in Coatbridge is still affectionately remembered by the older brethren of the Lodge. Home to the younger brethren is the hall in Coltswood Road, formerly the Cullen Memorial Hall, which the Lodge purchased and moved to in 1948.

As the oldest of the three Masonic Lodges in Coatbridge, history reveals that the Lodge strongly opposed the granting of the Charter to Lodge St.Andrew (Coatbridge) No.544 in 1874. Thirty years later in 1904m the Lodge had a change of heart and was pleased to acts as sponsor for the granting of the Charter to Lodge Whifflet St.John 963.

Today, the Lodge is proud of the strong bond of friendship that exists between the three Lodges in the town, as indeed with all of the other Lodges with whom it enjoys a close association.

The Lodge has always been active through the years. A deputation from the Lodge were present at the laying of the foundation stone of the Coatbridge Technical College. The Lodge was influential in supporting Lodge Robert Burns No.440 in its difficult years and this is reflected in the similarity of the ritual worked by both Lodges. The Lodge was again pleased to act as sponsor for Lodge Fleur de Lys No.1722 who was granted their Charter in 1978.

At the present time the Lodge is proud that two of its members have Honorary Grand Rank. Bro. James R.Berwick, R.W.M of the Lodge in 1933, has the Honorary Grand Rank of Marshal, while the secretary, Bro. Robert C.Brown P.M has the Honorary Grand Rank of Asst. Treasurer. In addition to theses Honours, Bro. James Wood P.M. is a meber of the Board of Grand Stewards.

Lodge Old Monkland St.James No.177 is in good heart, and now we are in the 21st Century, we are confident and delighted in the progress of the many younger brethren of the Lodge, who are maintaining the ancient landmarks of the Order, in keeping with the best traditions of the Lodge to ensure that Lodge Old Monkland St.James No.177 will be here for many more years to come.