CHAPTER 6
The 125th Anniversary - The new Millennium - The Present.
6th January 2000. Despite the prophets of doom, aeroplanes did not fall from the skies, computers did not crash, and the Lodge held a rather uneventful first meeting of the new Millennium.
10th February. A sub-committee met to prepare for the 125th Anniversary. Saturday 9th September 2000, was chosen, it being the nearest practical date available for the event.
17th February. An informal visitation by ten Brethren from English Constitution Lodges witnessed an excellent Entered Apprentice Degree by WSW Brother Douglas Learmonth. Brother William Ellis, who was instrumental in arranging the visit, and his twin brother Archie presented to the Lodge, a stone headed Gavel from King Solomon's Quarries, and three large antique volumes of Masonic History, in memory of their late father Brother Bill Ellis, a hard working, loyal servant to his Mother Lodge. Worshipful Brother David Morgan of Lodge Democratic No. 9451 EC, presented a magnificent wooden chest of working tools, suitably inscribed to mark the occasion. RWM Brother William B. Johnston and the Brethren of 573 were delighted with the gifts and gave hearty applause in appreciation. Anglo-Scottish relations were further cemented by a very enjoyable Burns harmony, which followed the Meeting.
March - June. The 125 sub-committee met frequently, and the Lodge Members busied themselves raising money for the coming celebration.
June- July - August. Although the Lodge was in Recess the committee continued to meet and finalise arrangements. As part of our celebrations, and as an attempt to redress recent tabloid press invective, an Open Day was planned for the 1st October 2000. Members of the general public would be invited to view our Temple, with guides on hand to answer questions. Soft drinks, tea and cakes would be served at the end of their tour. Public Relations consultant Brother David Bell of Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No. 1228, was gladly conscripted on to our committee and gave invaluable help and expertise.
New Dress Aprons and Sashes for the Master and Thirteen Office-Bearers, together with new Gauntlets for the Master and Wardens and refurbishment of their Chains of Office, were obtained from Victoria Regalia at a cost of £2,477.00.
One hundred and fifty Commemorative Jewels in the form of a gilded Lodge Mark Penny with Blue ribbon and date Bar , together with one hundred new Lodge Ties and Mark pennies, were obtained from Bruce Crystal at a cost of £2,372.00.
One hundred and fifty 125th Anniversary Brochures, and Re-dedication programmes, were produced by Brothers Walsh and Davis, the £200.00 materials cost being met by Sponsors "The Corner Shop/Scoffs ( Brother Willie and Liz Nelson)", "J. Noble Services Ltd ( Brother Archie Nelson)", " Muirs Travel ( Karen Muir, daughter of Brother Dougie Learmonth )", and "Easedale Guesthouse ( Brother Marday Vyapooree ) ".
£2000 was collected for non -Masonic charities with the generosity of the Brethren of the Lodge , their wives, families and friends, by way of donations, bingo nights, sponsored runs etc.
9th September. A Special Meeting for the purpose of Re-dedication was held on Saturday at 5.00pm, to celebrate our 125th Anniversary. The Ceremony was carried out by Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother George R Kelly, assisted by Senior Provincial Grand Chaplain Brother Peter O. Price. Junior Provincial Grand Chaplain Brother William Orr consecrated the new Regalia. Brother George R. Kelly graciously accepted Honorary Membership of the Lodge. £125 was donated from the collection to the Provincial Grand Lodge appeal on behalf of St. Andrews Hospice. The Brethren and their guests retired to enjoy an excellent Dinner followed by the customary Toasts and Harmony. The Toast to Lodge Livingstone St. Andrew No. 573 being given, as is our tradition, by the Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Woodhall St. John's No.305, on this occasion Brother Robert Allan.
1st October. The Lodge Open day was very successful. Over a hundred members of the general public viewed our Temple and asked a great many questions, most of which were answered frankly by the appointed guides, although there were some they could not answer 
. All enjoyed tea and cakes organised by the members wives, followed by the presentation of £2000.00 to local charities. (separate report) . Good coverage ensued in the local papers, but the National Press were not apparently interested, preferring it seems, to print only negative views on Freemasonry.
6th October. Lack of support necessitated moving the 125th Anniversary Ball from the Motherwell Civic Centre to a smaller venue, the Motherwell Miners Welfare. Modern Motherwell Masons are obviously not dancers, unlike their forebears.
28th December. A Special Meeting was held at which Brother Drew Donaldson Walsh, a Fellow-craft of Lodge Royal Stuart No.893 (Western Australia), was raised to the Master Mason Degree. Brother Drew is the son of our Brother David, who emigrated to Australia some years ago and affiliated to Lodge 893, and the nephew of Brother Robert Walsh PM. The Walsh brothers took major parts in the Ceremonial which was witnessed by a large assembly including the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother Kenneth Kennedy, and a Deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (MW). Brother Drew was made an Honorary Member of 573, to mark this rather unique occasion. The Provincial Grand Master also presented a Distinguished Service Diploma to Brother William Hyslop, marking fifty years membership and thirty years as Lodge Organist.
17th May 2001. A Notice of Motion increased the Lodge joining Fee to £170.00 and the Annual Test Fee to £ 22.00. It was agreed to include an embroidered cloth apron and a set of new Rituals in the joining cost.
1st June. The speaker at the Annual Lodge Dinner was Brother Joe Lang PM, and an operative mason. He described his 30 years of restoration work at Rosslyn Chapel. A few years later the "Da Vinci Code" became a world best seller, and Rosslyn Chapel even more famous.
6th September. The supply of "Blue books" having been exhausted, a team of Past Masters (Roe, Walsh, and Davis) spent much time and effort agreeing an updated version. A set of four Rituals comprising separate booklets for the three Degrees and an Opening/Closing/Procedures was decided upon. Card, paper, and printer cartridges costing £100.00 were purchased and an initial production of 30 sets produced.
20th September. The Brethren observed a minutes silence, to remember those killed in the horrendous terrorist attack in New York on the 11th of September.
18th October. CD-ROMS compiling all the Lodges' stationery, the 125 Brochure, the Rituals etc. were produced. Copies were given to the Secretary, Treasurer, and PM's Walsh and Davis. A further copy was placed in the fire-safe, and one other, together with a 125 Brochure and Commemorative Jewel, sent to Grand Lodge for safe keeping.
17th January 2002. The Regular Meeting on the 3rd being cancelled due to proximity to New Year celebrations, this first Regular Meeting in 2002 was abandoned before the Lodge was opened. Organist Brother Bill Hyslop, returning after months of illness, suddenly collapsed whilst playing his beloved instrument. First aid was administered by Brothers Robert Walsh, Tom Johnston, and Archie Nelson and subsequently by para-medics and Wishaw General. Sadly Brother Bill died several days later in Hospital.
7th February. An Office-Bearers instruction class was started using the updated Rituals and Procedures, under the tutelage of Brother William H. Roe PM.
21st February. The Lodge was presented with a silver model sailing ship by Mr. Nikos Costopoulos, who whilst working in Motherwell had contacted us via the website. We enjoyed his company on many informal nights, and were most disappointed, as was he, when his contract ended and he returned to Greece. Our "Honorary Greek Brother" still keeps in touch.
14th March. A Master Mason Degree was conferred jointly by Lodges St. John Dalzell No. 406 and Motherwell Caledonian No. 1228.
26th October. The Centenary of the Motherwell Masonic Halls was celebrated with a Re-dedication ceremony by Provincial Grand Lodge. This Special meeting was hosted by 406 and attended by 573 and1228, and many visitors.
19th December. An updated shortened version of the Mark Master Mason Ritual was agreed after some deliberations by Past Masters Roe, Walsh, Davis, and Archie Nelson PM 551. An initial thirty Booklets were produced using materials purchased previously.
6th March 2003. The Annual Test Fee was increased to £25.00.
1st May. The Brethren were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of the Worshipful Junior Warden Brother Douglas Learmonth PM.
29th May. At a Special Meeting the Fellow-Craft Degree was conferred by the Right Worshipful Master Brother John Murray MBE, and the Office-Bearers of Lodge Livingstone, Stonefield No. 599. Brother John's Mother Lodge is 573, so it was quite an emotional occasion, witnessed by many including visitors from Lodges 215, 557 and 1630.
2nd October. The Lodge decides to cease advertising meetings in the Motherwell Times, because it was simply not cost effective.
24th October. A Joint Annual Ball was held by the three Motherwell Lodges at Dalziel Park. The success of the venture was undoubtedly due to the enthusiasm and hard work of Right Worshipful Masters Hunter Maxwell and John Calderwood of Lodges 573 and 1228 respectively. A magnificent profit of £525.00 was donated to the Halls Committee.
5th February 2004. The Mark Master Degree was conferred on Brother Mark Walsh MM, Lodge Royal Stuart No. 893 (W. Australia.) as a favour whilst he was visiting his uncle Brother Robert Walsh PM. He was also made an Honorary Member of 573 to join his blood brother Drew.
19th February. In line with the recommendations of Grand Lodge the Joining Fee was raised to £200.00, and the Affiliation Fee to £50.00.
20th May. The last hand written minute was duly recorded. In the future minutes of meetings would be typed up on a Personal Computer and printed on A4 paper, which would be professionally bound into book form every three years or so. A digital record of the minutes would also be backed up onto CD-ROM.
7th October. An Inventory of the Lodge moveable assets was made using digital photographs, short written descriptions, and estimated replacement costs. The inventory was recorded to 4 CD-ROMS ( Secretary, Treasurer, Fire-safe, and Grand Lodge Archives). Two printed copies were made for the Secretary and the Halls Committee for production to our Insurers.. The Lodge Property was estimated at approximately £20,000.00. Photographs were taken by Brothers Michael Stevens and Archie Nelson PM 551, with the Treasurer writing descriptions, estimating, collating and producing the CD's, and hard copies.
26th November. Brother Kenneth Bogle PM was installed for his fourth term of Office, a magnificent contribution which helps to solve the lack of Brethren willing and able to take on the responsibility of being Master. Mrs. Elizabeth Bogle deserves Honorary Membership for her wifely forbearance.
31st December. A spontaneous collection at the very successful Hogmanay/New Year party raised £231.00 for the relief of victims of the S.E.-Asia Tsunami disaster.
7th April 2005. At the instigation of Brother Alan Bruce the Lodge began to raise money with a Lottery Bonus Ball. This entails much hard work by Brother Alan but the profit of over £20.00 pounds a week, is proving to be a major contributor to our funds.
6th October. The Right Worshipful Master Brother Kenneth Bogle PM, made this a very special meeting when he initiated his youngest son Richard into Freemasonry. The Lodge Ritual Booklets were revised, and a further twenty sets produced.
17th November. The Lodge was visited by Brother Hugh Burns MM Lodge Union No. 244, a Grand Nephew of our Founder Member Brother Henry Dyer PM. Brother Hugh was presented with a Lodge Mark Penny and expressed his thanks and delight at finally seeing the masonic home of his illustrious relation.
1st December. Brother Hunter Maxwell PM had witnessed a Masonic play whilst on holiday in Canada, and brought a copy back to our Lodge. With the permission of the author, Brother Sheldon Kofsky of Ontario, the play was adapted to fit our Scottish culture. Fifteen copies were made and a cast chosen, with the intention of holding a first read through early in the New Year.
16th March 2006. D.M. Brother Robert Walsh PM led congratulations to his and our Brother David Walsh PM Lodge Royal Stewart No. 893, on his appointment as Depute District Grand Master, Western Australia.
25th May. Rehearsal readings of the Masonic play continued.
24th November. At our Installation the Deputation from PG Lodge was accompanied by eleven Brethren from Central South Africa headed by Right Worshipful District Grand Master Brother Robert G. Law, son of our Brother James Law.
21st December. Brother David Walsh PM 893 was awarded the Honorary Grand Rank of Director of Ceremonies.
18th January 2007. The first performance of the Masonic play was planned for the 17th May 2007.
5th April. A chronological Index of Lodge 573 Members from 1875 to the present day, had been completed by the Secretary, and was available on CD-Rom, and searchable by Surname.
12 April. First indications that Lodge St. John Dalzell No. 406 were in serious difficulties.
10th May. The planned performance of the Masonic play was cancelled due to waning interest. The Lodge 406 situation was now becoming precarious.
27 September. PG Lodge advised Lodges 573 and 1228 to seek legal advice regarding the ownership of the Motherwell Masonic Halls.
6th November. The Trustees of Lodges 406, 573, and 1228, signed a legal disposition to transfer the ownership of the Motherwell Masonic Halls to Lodges Livingstone St. Andrew No. 573. and Motherwell Caledonian No. 1228.
7th February 2008. Lodge St. John Dalzell No. 406 was declared Dormant by the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
27th March. The necessary changes to the Halls Committee Constitution were accepted.
3rd April. The Lodge conferred Distinguished Service Membership on Brother Steven R. Davis PM.
29th May. A large deputation from Lodge Leodiensis No. 4029 EC, headed by Worshipful Master Brother Stephen D. Longfellow JP. carried out a demonstration of the EA Degree, to the delight of the 573 members and many visitors from Lodges in our province.
30th October. The "Thursday Club" formed by Lodges 31, 305, 544, and 573, held a very successful inaugural meeting at Lodge Woodhall St. John's No. 305.
5th March 2009. Increased financial contributions required by Grand Lodge resulted in a unanimous decision to increase our Initiation Fee to £220.00 and Annual test Fee to £30.00.
19th March. Grand Lodge obtained a VAT refund from HMRC of £1813.00 per Lodge less GL costs of £429.00 per Lodge. However a most welcome boost of £1,384.00 to Lodge Funds.
15th October. Brother Gordon McLean presented the Lodge with a framed Masonic Degree Chart.
27th November. Brother Kenneth Bogle PM was installed as RWM for the sixth time.
18th February 2010. The glass case used to house our Lodge Charter had sadly been cracked but was still useable.
8th April. The widow of a Lodge PM was granted £50 benevolence to add to her holiday week arranged at the Provincial Grand Lodge caravan.
4th June. The first prize of the Standard Bearer's Draw held at the Lodge Dinner was a flat screen Television, donated by Brother David Grant. The first of many such generous donations made by Brother David, for this event.
2nd September. RWM Brother Kenneth Bogle PM had provided an unbreakable glass replacement for the Lodge Charter case.
17th February 2011. Brother A. Rankine Williams PM who joined the Lodge on the 7th January 1960, served as Master 1969-70 and 1997-8, as Secretary 1976-8 was presented with a well earned 50 year Membership Certificate.
1st September. The Master praised the remedial work done on the Halls during the recess largely by Brothers Gordon K. McAlpine and William Eadie with assistance by other volunteers.
25th November. Brother Kenneth Bogle PM was installed as RWM for the eighth time.
16th February 2012. Mrs. Elizabeth Bogle and her team from the Third Motherwell Girls Brigade donated £2,420.00 to Erskine Hospital from sales of their crotcheted poppies. - The Three Tracing Board Lectures were delivered by PMs John R.Murray (EA), G.S. Hunter Maxwell (FC), and James Y. Weir (MM), and well received by the Brethren.
3rd May. Following a Notice of Motion and an amendment, it was agreed to increase the Mark Fee to £35 and the Annual Test Fee to £35.
17th May. During the Recess the RWM's chain of Office would be re-furbished and re-gilded at a cost of approximately £350.
7th February 2013. The Commutation Fee Fund having been made redundant. A Notice of Motion was raised to remove this Fund from the Lodge Bye-laws which would be revised accordingly.
12th September. The Lodge purchased a simple Laptop computer to enable the Secretary to record Minutes and other Lodge business.
3rd October. It was suggested that "Texting" could be used to inform members of Lodge business and advertise Meetings. A list of members Mobile phone numbers would be compiled.
22nd November. The Lodge conferred Distinguished Service Membership on Brother William Henry Roe PM.
8th March 2014. Treasurer Brother William Nelson PM organised a Race Night which realised £713 for Lodge Funds.
15th October. A Deputation headed by Brother Hunter Maxwell PM visited Lodge Brighouse No. 1301 EC at Huddersfield. They demonstrated the Master Mason Degree to the delight of the English Brethren.
28th November. Brother Kenneth Bogle PM was installed as RWM for the ninth time.
15th January 2015. It was announced that Brother Thomas J. C. Johnston PM was elected Provincial Grand Senior Warden of the Province of Lanarkshire Middle Ward. He was installed as such at the Provincial Installation Meeting on the 6th March.
3rd September. WSW Brother Gordon K. McAlpine began texting some 30 plus members with Lodge Meeting and visitation details.
15th October. A Lodge Facebook page was set up by Brothers Garry Findlay and Gary Hughes thus providing another communication, and information channel for Lodge members.
16th April 2016. A special Meeting was held this Saturday at 1.00pm when our Lodge hosted the 16th Annual Gathering of the St. Andrew Lodges. RWM Brother Gordon K. McAlpine welcomed 101 visitors from 25 Lodges throughout Scotland. A total attendance of 122. An exemplification E.A. Degree was carried out by the RWMs of Lodges No 74,126,149,176,199,465,601,1220,1443,and 1587, in excellent style with an interesting and entertaining blend of Rituals and Accents. A very memorable day made possible by the splendid efforts behind the scenes of an army of of 573 members, their wives and partners, who ensured that our visitors were kept well fed and watered (alleged).
19th May. A Visitor from New Zealand WM Brother Roger Gregory gave a short description and information about his mother Lodge, Taranaki Daylight No. 455 NZ Constitution, which was most interesting. He then presented numerous items to the Lodge belonging to our late Brother James McAdam, who was initiated on 5 March 1891. RWM Brother Gordon K McAlpine expressed his and the Lodge's thanks for the gifts, and in turn presented Brother Roger with a Lodge Tie and Mark Penny, charging him to convey our fraternal greetings on his return to his mother Lodge.
1st September. A successful Notice of Motion tabled in April increased our Initiation Fee from £220 to £260.
25th November. The Lodge conferred Distinguished Service Membership on Brother Kenneth Bogle PM. The Certificate was presented by RWPGM Brother William A. Perry to rousing applause.
1st December. The increasing use of e-mail with attachments in communications from GL, PGL, and daughter Lodges necessitated the purchase of a Tablet to assist the Secretary, and save on printing costs.
20th April 2017. The Grand Lodge database was now operational and the Lodge quarterly returns can be done on-line.
2nd March. RWM Brother Hunter Maxwell PM paid deserving tribute to the Lodge members for the superb renovations to the Kitchen and Gents toilets.
9th November. Halls Committee Treasurer Brother Ian Horne announced that after his persistent and tenacious appeals to the Lanarkshire Valuation Board our rateable valuation had been reduced to below the minimum, and as such we are now exempt from paying rates, and would also be due a rebate of some £4,000. After a moment of stunned silence the Brethren responded with spontaneous applause and congratulations to Brother Ian.
8th March 2018. Following a Notice of Motion tabled in January, the Lodge Annual Test Fee was increased from £35 to £45 by a small majority vote.
1st June. At the Regular Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (MW) Brother Kenneth Bogle PM was awarded the rank of Honorary Provincial Grand Junior Deacon. He was presented with a Jewel and Certificate by Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother William A. Perry, to mark his many years service to Lodge 573.
10th October. RWM Brother James Gardner presented a cheque for £500 to the 3rd Motherwell Girls Brigade. They had raised over £17,500 for Erskine Hospital. Led by their captain Mrs. Elizabeth Bogle ( wife of Kenny ) they had crocheted and sold Remembrance Day poppies for many years and thoroughly deserved our recognition for their efforts. The RWM assisted by Almoner Brother Archie Nelson PM551 had donated prizes for a raffle which raised £290 with the Lodge adding the rest.
23rd November. Brother Kenneth Bogle PM was installed as RWM for the tenth time. A remarkable achievement.
6th December. In recognition of his long and dedicated service to our Lodge the Grand Master Mason had awarded Brother Steven R. Davis PM the rank of Honorary Assistant Grand Secretary. The presentation of a Jewel and Certificate to be made at the Regular Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (MW) on the 11th January 2019.
7th February 2019. The year did not start well with urgent expensive repairs needed to West Gable end, the heating and the leaking roof. The Royal Arch Chapter No. 264 donated a magnificent £5,000 to help with the cost of repairs.
21st March. A storm severely damaged the roof resulting extensive flooding in the Halls with ceilings collapsing and other damage to fittings and regalia. An emergency roofing contractor made temporary repairs. Our Insurers were contacted, who engaged a Chartered Surveyor to assess the damage.
18th April. The Lodge Website was relaunched, with the domain name now owned by the Lodge who would also pay the hosting charge. In previous years these charges were donated by Brothers Alan Cardwell and Robert Walsh PM. Brother Steven R. Davis PM undertook to maintain the site.
5th September. The Halls Committee received a settlement cheque for £30,805 from our Insurers.
13th November. A cheque for £1,150 was presented to the Beatson Cancer Centre Charity by IPM Brother Kenneth Bogle PM. He had raised this amount by challenging Lodge members, and friends to sponsor his growth of a ponytail. He was prepared to sacrifice his good looks(alleged), to raise money for this worthy cause as a thank you for the successful treatment given to his daughter-in law.
16th January 2020. The Halls Committee were busy organising structural repairs to the Halls, and trying to solve the eternal heating problems.
5th March. We welcomed a large deputation from Dundee, Lodge Hilton St. Andrew No. 1220. Their RWM Brother Chris Mulholland and his Office-bearers conferred an excellent E. A. Degree, thoroughly enjoyed by all including our newest Entered Apprentice.
This would prove to be the last Meeting of the Lodge this year. The Covid-19 pandemic, Government restrictions, Grand Lodge advice, and common sense prevailed.
During the enforced eighteen months lockdown the Brother Almoner had kept in contact initially by telephone with many of the Brethren. He later organised with the help of PM Davis, a free fortnightly video-conference meeting with twenty or so Brethren. This proved very popular as a way of keeping in contact with each other, lifting the morale of all and reducing the Almoner's telephone bill. The good weather in the evenings of late summer, inspired him to hold two small group meetings in his garden, on separate nights and strictly observing the Scottish Government guidelines, which worked wonders judging by the abundant craic and laughter.
2nd September 2021. At last Meetings were resumed under strict Government guidelines - Social distancing - Hand Sanitising - Wearing of Masks - and Track and Trace recording. This was a Business only Meeting with a very small attendance. The structural repairs to the Halls had cost £15,000. The Brethren observed a minutes silence to remember all those who had lost their lives during the enforced break.
16th September. North Lanarkshire Council had made an offer to purchase the Motherwell Masonic Halls. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (MW) announced the award of Honorary Provincial Grand Almoner to Brother Archibald B. Nelson PM 551 and Life Member of 573 in recognition of his outstanding service to both Lodges both prior to and during the pandemic. Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother William A. Perry would present him with a Jewel and Certificate on the 9th October 2021.
7th October. Some eighteen months after his Initiation our newest Entered Apprentice finally received his Fellowcraft Degree from IPM Brother Kenneth Bogle PM and the Lodge Office-bearers.
18th November. A Notice of Motion to accept the offer from North Lanarkshire Council tabled on 21st October 2021 was discussed at length. 92% of the resulting vote was in favour of accepting the offer. The Secretary would inform our Co-owners, Lawyers, and PGL.
26th November. Installation of Office-bearers. Just three days before the Installation our Secretary elect Brother William Eadie had suddenly collapsed and died whilst out shopping. The Brethren observed a minute’s silence, shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of a valued and well-respected Brother.
6th January 2022. This was one of several regular meetings to be cancelled at short notice, because of the risk of infection from Covid-19.
20th January. Talks with Lodge Robert King Stewart No. 919 were progressing very favourably towards a possible rent/lease of their Temple.
17th February. Arrangements were finalised with Lodge 919 to the mutual satisfaction of both parties. The Brethren of 573 were delighted and very appreciative of the generosity shown by Lodge Robert King Stewart No.919.
3rd March. This would be our last meeting in the Motherwell Masonic Halls. A sad but special occasion especially for our newest member. Brother John Robertson finally received his Master Mason Degree nearly two years after his first. The Brethren organised work parties over the next two weeks to collect and transfer our moveable assets to Lodge 919.
16th March. Our solicitors confirmed that the sale of the Motherwell Masonic Halls had been completed and the monies received.
17th March. The Lodge held it’s first meeting in the Temple of Lodge Robert King Stewart No. 919. The Brethren quickly adapted to the very different comfortable surroundings. The meeting was very successful and thoroughly enjoyed by all.