Lodge History

Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho has resided in the village of Ratho for over two hundred and fifty years during this period it has lived through some of the most momentous events in the history of our Nation. Stretching from the First Industrial Revolution; from the stage coach era to space travel; from a period when illustrious Brethren such as Robert Burns, the National Bard, and Sir Walter Scott (pictured to the left) were mere lads to the present day.
The history is as comprehensive as possible and compiled from incomplete records. Of necessity it must be concise, so we must restrict our references to the events, which we hope will be of interest to the visitors to this web site.
The history is as comprehensive as possible and compiled from incomplete records. Of necessity it must be concise, so we must restrict our references to the events, which we hope will be of interest to the visitors to this web site.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland, was formed in 1736 and although Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho received its Charter 25 years after its formation in 1761, it is reasonable to conclude that it functioned as a Lodge prior to the year the Charter was granted.
In 1761, our National Bard, Robert Burns, was one year old; ten years later Sir Walter Scott was born. Both became esteemed members of the Craft. They are commemorated in the Lodge by two busts which were presented to the Lodge in 1890 by Bro. D. W. Stevenson, R.S.A. Lodge Dramatic & Arts, Edinburgh, who received Honorary Membership of the Lodge in 1889 and was a native of Ratho.
In 1761, our National Bard, Robert Burns, was one year old; ten years later Sir Walter Scott was born. Both became esteemed members of the Craft. They are commemorated in the Lodge by two busts which were presented to the Lodge in 1890 by Bro. D. W. Stevenson, R.S.A. Lodge Dramatic & Arts, Edinburgh, who received Honorary Membership of the Lodge in 1889 and was a native of Ratho.

Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho No.85 lies at the heart of the Ratho village community, and has, since it was chartered on 3rd August 1761 by the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
The village itself the subject of a poem by Joseph Mitchell born around the year 1684, his family was of humble background, his Father was a Freemason although it cannot be established if he was a member of 85. Born in humble circumstances he died a poor man on 6 July 1738, the poem earned him the title “The Poet of Ratho” and petitioned the King to restore the village of Ratho to its splendour and dignity.
The following lines descriptive of Ratho during that period:
Of ancient Ratho reared with cost and pain,
How few the ancient monuments remain;
Sometimes the plough from fields adjacent tears
The limbs of men and armour, broke with years:
Sometimes a medal all effused is found,
And mouldering urns are gathered from the ground,
But who, ah who, can decent honours pay,
Or separate the vulgar from imperial clay?
Destroying time and the drowning grave
Alike confound the coward and the brave;
Distinctions lost, no marks of state adorn
And Ratho looks like Troy, a field of corn.
His approval of the changes that took place is reflected in the last two lines of a later poem: Bridges and boats now crown the scene, and here was Ratho known so sweet and clean.
The purpose of the Lodge are reflected in an early edition of the lodge bye-laws “The lodge shall be held exclusively for the purposes of Freemasonry and its practice confined to the Masonic Degrees recognised by the Grand Lodge of Scotland” Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho today remains one of the few lodges whose premises are used solely for masonic purposes, with exception of the social occasions held by the Brethren.
The village itself the subject of a poem by Joseph Mitchell born around the year 1684, his family was of humble background, his Father was a Freemason although it cannot be established if he was a member of 85. Born in humble circumstances he died a poor man on 6 July 1738, the poem earned him the title “The Poet of Ratho” and petitioned the King to restore the village of Ratho to its splendour and dignity.
The following lines descriptive of Ratho during that period:
Of ancient Ratho reared with cost and pain,
How few the ancient monuments remain;
Sometimes the plough from fields adjacent tears
The limbs of men and armour, broke with years:
Sometimes a medal all effused is found,
And mouldering urns are gathered from the ground,
But who, ah who, can decent honours pay,
Or separate the vulgar from imperial clay?
Destroying time and the drowning grave
Alike confound the coward and the brave;
Distinctions lost, no marks of state adorn
And Ratho looks like Troy, a field of corn.
His approval of the changes that took place is reflected in the last two lines of a later poem: Bridges and boats now crown the scene, and here was Ratho known so sweet and clean.
The purpose of the Lodge are reflected in an early edition of the lodge bye-laws “The lodge shall be held exclusively for the purposes of Freemasonry and its practice confined to the Masonic Degrees recognised by the Grand Lodge of Scotland” Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho today remains one of the few lodges whose premises are used solely for masonic purposes, with exception of the social occasions held by the Brethren.

Fathers and Sons
On the 12 November 2010, the brethren elected Brother Robert James Potter Right Worshipful Master, for 2010 to 2011. Twenty one years after his first term in 1989, to lead us in our 250th Anniversary celebrations.
Brother Potter was duly installed as Master on 17th December 2010, on that occasion he was installed by Brother Robert W Scott, PM of our lodge and Brother Peter Ritchie PM of Lodge Kirkliston Maitland 482 and an Honorary Member of the lodge.
The new Masters son, Brother Robert John Alexander Potter was installed as his Depute Master, which mirrored a similar occasion in 1989 when the Master installed his father, Brother Alexander B Potter as his Depute Master.
Likewise a unique event in the history of the lodge was the Affiliation in 1950 of Bro Andrew Whitson from Lodge St Clair 121. On the same evening his three sons, Peter, Robert and Andrew were initiated. Brother Peter Whitson went on to serve as Master of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho in 1963 whilst his Sons held high offices in lodges in Canada and Australia respectively.
In April 1967 Brother James Smith Depute Master, initiated his son Robert William Smith into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry. Brother James Smith was subsequently installed as Right Worshipful Master on 15th December 1967.
On 21st December 1979 Brother James Smith PM would install his son Robert, into the chair of King Solomon as Master of the Lodge. The Brothers’ Smith went on to work an Entered Apprentice Degree in December 1980 when Peter Whitson PM remarked this was an historical moment in the history of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho.
The family ties as well as the strong bond of brotherhood still lie at the heart of the Lodge and form part of the many traditions which exist in the Lodge today. Brother Potter’s choice of Brother Peter Ritchie as one of his Installing Masters in 2010 together with Brother Ralph Walker, Right Worshipful Master, of Lodge St Margaret’s 548 replying on behalf of the visitors at the Festival of St John brings us to another landmark in the history Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho.
On the 12 November 2010, the brethren elected Brother Robert James Potter Right Worshipful Master, for 2010 to 2011. Twenty one years after his first term in 1989, to lead us in our 250th Anniversary celebrations.
Brother Potter was duly installed as Master on 17th December 2010, on that occasion he was installed by Brother Robert W Scott, PM of our lodge and Brother Peter Ritchie PM of Lodge Kirkliston Maitland 482 and an Honorary Member of the lodge.
The new Masters son, Brother Robert John Alexander Potter was installed as his Depute Master, which mirrored a similar occasion in 1989 when the Master installed his father, Brother Alexander B Potter as his Depute Master.
Likewise a unique event in the history of the lodge was the Affiliation in 1950 of Bro Andrew Whitson from Lodge St Clair 121. On the same evening his three sons, Peter, Robert and Andrew were initiated. Brother Peter Whitson went on to serve as Master of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho in 1963 whilst his Sons held high offices in lodges in Canada and Australia respectively.
In April 1967 Brother James Smith Depute Master, initiated his son Robert William Smith into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry. Brother James Smith was subsequently installed as Right Worshipful Master on 15th December 1967.
On 21st December 1979 Brother James Smith PM would install his son Robert, into the chair of King Solomon as Master of the Lodge. The Brothers’ Smith went on to work an Entered Apprentice Degree in December 1980 when Peter Whitson PM remarked this was an historical moment in the history of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho.
The family ties as well as the strong bond of brotherhood still lie at the heart of the Lodge and form part of the many traditions which exist in the Lodge today. Brother Potter’s choice of Brother Peter Ritchie as one of his Installing Masters in 2010 together with Brother Ralph Walker, Right Worshipful Master, of Lodge St Margaret’s 548 replying on behalf of the visitors at the Festival of St John brings us to another landmark in the history Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho.
The Three Lodges
Three lodges, in two provinces, enjoying one special bond of friendship. Which is as durable today as it was in the earliest recordable minute of 29th March 1890 when Brother Thomas Hislop RWM of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho welcomed several Deputations, amongst those from Lodge Kirkliston Maitland 482 and Lodge St Margaret 548. Indeed the bond of friendship will be further strengthened at our Re-dedication Dinner on 20th August 2011 when Brother Derek Milne PM will follow in the footsteps of his Father, Brother James Milne PM, Past Depute Provincial Grand Master in proposing the toast to Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho.
It should be noted our lodge was a sponsor lodge for St Margaret South Queensferry, but actually objected to the formation of Kirkliston Maitland, the brethren were concerned that the new lodge might reduce their pool of prospective members.
The occasion of the 250th Anniversary and re-dedication will record the pleasure of Brother Murrie Thomson Right Worshipful Master, Lodge Kirkliston Maitland replying on behalf of the visitors, as did one of his predecessors, Brother Robert Sutherland in 1961 at our 200th Anniversary celebrations.
Over the years it has been more than a bond of friendship between the brethren of 85, 482 and 548. In 1974 the brethren of 85 and 482 took to the bowling green on the field of competitive sport, competing first for the Smith Pollock Cup and latterly the Ritchie Potter Cup from 1980. The brethren of the three Lodge''s commitment to the friendship is shown by the Deputations to the respective lodges.
After many years of exchanging degrees, the culmination was the working of the Rath/Kirk/Ferry Degree, first muted in 1991. Sadly this degree was not supported by all brethren and the event never actually took place in Ratho. Until recently when it was resurrected by RWM Bro Mark Nevin, RWM Bro John Anderson 548 and RWM Bro Gordon Yeoman 482 in Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho no 85 on the 30th November 2018. Hopefully this bond will continue for many years.
When Brother Barry Nutley PM 482 and Worshipful Brother John Guest started a bi-annual visit with the brethren of Lodge Ostrea 8209 E.C over 20 year ago, our friends from Kirkliston Maitland brought the English brethren to Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho on the Friday evening. Now over 20 years later many nights of harmony have been enjoyed on either side of the Border, many friendships built and the cause of charity progressed with many generous donations given over the years.
Freemasonry’s reach transcends not only Provinces but borders. The brethren of Lodge St John Crofthead Fauldhouse 374 visited Ratho on 26 March 2010 bringing with them a large Deputation of brethren from various lodges across North Wales. Once again, a night of harmony and friendship was enjoyed by all.
Similarly on 11 April 1997 Brother Danny McNee, Right Worshipful Master welcomed a Deputation from Lodge Sint Andries No.285, Dutch Constitution. However at a regular meeting of the Lodge on 26th February 1966 one visitor thought discretion was the better part of valor when he made his entry during the degree. As the minutes of the meeting reflect the visitor noted the silence which such work commands and that a mouse being of a timid nature would not have ventured forth into the company of one hundred men, had there not been complete silence. It’s not recorded whether the said mouse stayed to partake of the harmony. A mouse, not the most distinguished of visitor ever to have graced the brethren of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho with its presence.
On 23rd March 1979, the regular meeting of the Lodge saw the arrival of a Deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire headed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Brother Alexander Fraser. On that occasion the minutes reflect “a distinguished visitor from the Grand Lodge of Scotland in the person of Brother Sir James Mackay, Depute Grand Master Mason then entered the lodge and was introduced to Brother William Greenock RWM and given a very warm welcome”.
On that occasion they were present to witness the raising to the High and Sublime Degree of a Master Mason of Brother Neil Somerville Gordon. It was undoubtedly a special occasion for both Neil and Neil’s boss (Brother Sir James Mackay). Since his appointment as Insurance Broker in October 1967 and presenting his first balance sheet as Treasurer of the Lodge in December 1981, Neil has served not only his Mother Lodge but the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire in his capacity as Treasurer. In December 2007 Neil received the rank of Honorary Grand Treasurer from the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Three lodges, in two provinces, enjoying one special bond of friendship. Which is as durable today as it was in the earliest recordable minute of 29th March 1890 when Brother Thomas Hislop RWM of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho welcomed several Deputations, amongst those from Lodge Kirkliston Maitland 482 and Lodge St Margaret 548. Indeed the bond of friendship will be further strengthened at our Re-dedication Dinner on 20th August 2011 when Brother Derek Milne PM will follow in the footsteps of his Father, Brother James Milne PM, Past Depute Provincial Grand Master in proposing the toast to Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho.
It should be noted our lodge was a sponsor lodge for St Margaret South Queensferry, but actually objected to the formation of Kirkliston Maitland, the brethren were concerned that the new lodge might reduce their pool of prospective members.
The occasion of the 250th Anniversary and re-dedication will record the pleasure of Brother Murrie Thomson Right Worshipful Master, Lodge Kirkliston Maitland replying on behalf of the visitors, as did one of his predecessors, Brother Robert Sutherland in 1961 at our 200th Anniversary celebrations.
Over the years it has been more than a bond of friendship between the brethren of 85, 482 and 548. In 1974 the brethren of 85 and 482 took to the bowling green on the field of competitive sport, competing first for the Smith Pollock Cup and latterly the Ritchie Potter Cup from 1980. The brethren of the three Lodge''s commitment to the friendship is shown by the Deputations to the respective lodges.
After many years of exchanging degrees, the culmination was the working of the Rath/Kirk/Ferry Degree, first muted in 1991. Sadly this degree was not supported by all brethren and the event never actually took place in Ratho. Until recently when it was resurrected by RWM Bro Mark Nevin, RWM Bro John Anderson 548 and RWM Bro Gordon Yeoman 482 in Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho no 85 on the 30th November 2018. Hopefully this bond will continue for many years.
When Brother Barry Nutley PM 482 and Worshipful Brother John Guest started a bi-annual visit with the brethren of Lodge Ostrea 8209 E.C over 20 year ago, our friends from Kirkliston Maitland brought the English brethren to Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho on the Friday evening. Now over 20 years later many nights of harmony have been enjoyed on either side of the Border, many friendships built and the cause of charity progressed with many generous donations given over the years.
Freemasonry’s reach transcends not only Provinces but borders. The brethren of Lodge St John Crofthead Fauldhouse 374 visited Ratho on 26 March 2010 bringing with them a large Deputation of brethren from various lodges across North Wales. Once again, a night of harmony and friendship was enjoyed by all.
Similarly on 11 April 1997 Brother Danny McNee, Right Worshipful Master welcomed a Deputation from Lodge Sint Andries No.285, Dutch Constitution. However at a regular meeting of the Lodge on 26th February 1966 one visitor thought discretion was the better part of valor when he made his entry during the degree. As the minutes of the meeting reflect the visitor noted the silence which such work commands and that a mouse being of a timid nature would not have ventured forth into the company of one hundred men, had there not been complete silence. It’s not recorded whether the said mouse stayed to partake of the harmony. A mouse, not the most distinguished of visitor ever to have graced the brethren of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho with its presence.
On 23rd March 1979, the regular meeting of the Lodge saw the arrival of a Deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire headed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Brother Alexander Fraser. On that occasion the minutes reflect “a distinguished visitor from the Grand Lodge of Scotland in the person of Brother Sir James Mackay, Depute Grand Master Mason then entered the lodge and was introduced to Brother William Greenock RWM and given a very warm welcome”.
On that occasion they were present to witness the raising to the High and Sublime Degree of a Master Mason of Brother Neil Somerville Gordon. It was undoubtedly a special occasion for both Neil and Neil’s boss (Brother Sir James Mackay). Since his appointment as Insurance Broker in October 1967 and presenting his first balance sheet as Treasurer of the Lodge in December 1981, Neil has served not only his Mother Lodge but the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire in his capacity as Treasurer. In December 2007 Neil received the rank of Honorary Grand Treasurer from the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Visitors and Harmony
Visitors and Harmony, inextricably part of the traditions of Freemasonry in general and Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho in particular. However, harmony is an extension of the Degree work in our Lodge. We are one of the few lodges to hold an official harmony after every meeting. Many distinguished brethren have provided harmony on a Friday evening, encouraged and cajoled by many a Director of Music. The most recent being the late Brother Bill Smith and following him, by Brother Robert Scott.
However, official harmony in the Lodge isn't taken for granted and the standards set and maintained today bear testimony to the traditions of the lodge and our welcome to the many brethren who have visited us in the past, those who continue to visit us today and in the future.
Visitors and Harmony, inextricably part of the traditions of Freemasonry in general and Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho in particular. However, harmony is an extension of the Degree work in our Lodge. We are one of the few lodges to hold an official harmony after every meeting. Many distinguished brethren have provided harmony on a Friday evening, encouraged and cajoled by many a Director of Music. The most recent being the late Brother Bill Smith and following him, by Brother Robert Scott.
However, official harmony in the Lodge isn't taken for granted and the standards set and maintained today bear testimony to the traditions of the lodge and our welcome to the many brethren who have visited us in the past, those who continue to visit us today and in the future.
Treasured Possessions
One of the most treasured possessions of the Lodge is the Volume of the Scared Law, which has been in use since the year 1803, when it was donated by an esteemed citizen of Edinburgh, Brother Leonard Horner. The gift was in appreciation for the harmonious times he spent with the brethren of the Lodge. Brother Horner was an honorary member of the lodge. He sadly passed to the Grand Lodge above on the 5th March 1864 after a period of ill-health.
Brother Horner’s gift of the volume of the sacred law is one of the many ancient landmarks that have been donated to the lodge. In an extract from an emergency meeting of 29th March 1890 it is recorded that Brother D W Stevenson after being entertained to a cake and wine banquet presented the Lodge with a handsome bust of our national bard and deceased brother Robert Burns. The evening was enjoyed in a very happy manner in toast, song and sentiment.
In a further extract from a special meeting of 22nd November 1935, Brother William C.P Brown was then called upon by the RW Master, Ian M Scott to formally present to his mother lodge his gift of Masters desk, Senior and Junior Wardens Pedestals and Alter. Brother Brown’s contribution to the lodge continued when in 1936 he lavishly decorated the interior of the lodge with new tip-up seats. He was a native of Ratho, an Edinburgh businessman, had connections with the Ingliston Showground and a former chairman of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.
Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho currently meet within the house formerly known as “Lynwood” which was previously a Baptist hall or church. The purchase of this property was formally agreed in principle at lodge committee meeting on 9th December 1968 presided over by RW Master Brother James C J Smith.
Whilst the minutes of the Lodge do not reflect the final date when the purchase was completed, it is clear the brethren of the Lodge dealt with the purchase of the present Lodge and the sale of the old Lodge to Midlothian County Council with all due diligence.
At a Special Meeting of 25th March 1967, a letter dated 23rd March 1967 from Fairbairn, Lightboy and Cownie was read in open lodge from the Council offering to purchase the Lodge property at Sixty Two and Sixty Eight Main Street, Ratho, previously having intimated an interest in March 1962. This letter was discussed at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Lodge on 31st March 1967 when the brethren considered various options, as reflected in the minutes, including sharing a new build with our neighbours Lodge Colinton and Currie 1029, alter our existing premises to suit our purposes and that plans be drawn for the purposes of estimates or alternatively enquire if the Council are in fact building a village hall and if so rent same for our meetings.
A lengthy process of negotiation where various discussions took place with the Council about the purchase of the old Lodge and where the Lodge would move to ensued. However the process reached a conclusion when at the Regular Meeting of 9th May 1969 it was formally proposed by Brother Lawrie and seconded by another Brother Lawrie, remember the family traditions, that the Lodge pay Mrs Hogan £1000 to secure the premises at 6 Dalmahoy Road, Ratho, subsequently consecrated on 19th September 1970.
Going forward many alterations to the Lodge were carried out by the brethren and bears testament to their hard work in the development of the Lodge. None more than the brethren involved in moving the bar to where its currently situated. A sub-committee having been formed and the plans were presented at a meeting of general committee on 4th April 1990. The work to re-site the bar having finally been passed at the Regular Meeting of the Lodge on 28th April 1995 the work was subsequently carried out by Brothers David Watt, George Paul and Danny McNee, Past Masters, during the summer recess.
At a Special Meeting of 25th March 1967, a letter dated 23rd March 1967 from Fairbairn, Lightboy and Cownie was read in open lodge from the Council offering to purchase the Lodge property at Sixty Two and Sixty Eight Main Street, Ratho, previously having intimated an interest in March 1962. This letter was discussed at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Lodge on 31st March 1967 when the brethren considered various options, as reflected in the minutes, including sharing a new build with our neighbours Lodge Colinton and Currie 1029, alter our existing premises to suit our purposes and that plans be drawn for the purposes of estimates or alternatively enquire if the Council are in fact building a village hall and if so rent same for our meetings.
A lengthy process of negotiation where various discussions took place with the Council about the purchase of the old Lodge and where the Lodge would move to ensued. However the process reached a conclusion when at the Regular Meeting of 9th May 1969 it was formally proposed by Brother Lawrie and seconded by another Brother Lawrie, remember the family traditions, that the Lodge pay Mrs Hogan £1000 to secure the premises at 6 Dalmahoy Road, Ratho, subsequently consecrated on 19th September 1970.
Going forward many alterations to the Lodge were carried out by the brethren and bears testament to their hard work in the development of the Lodge. None more than the brethren involved in moving the bar to where its currently situated. A sub-committee having been formed and the plans were presented at a meeting of general committee on 4th April 1990. The work to re-site the bar having finally been passed at the Regular Meeting of the Lodge on 28th April 1995 the work was subsequently carried out by Brothers David Watt, George Paul and Danny McNee, Past Masters, during the summer recess.
The progress of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho and where its meetings have been held can be traced back as far as the 17th century when Sir Alexander Lauder married Mary Maitland. The Lauderdale family had a close connection with the Lodge, of that there can be no doubt. In 1792 the Earl of Lauderdale donated the upper part of the old lodge to the Office-bearers and their successors for the payment of a small Feu Duty.
In 1959, while demolition of old property behind the Lodge Room was taking place, rain water seeped through and completely destroyed a picture of James Lauderdale in Full Masonic Dress. This was one of the greatest disasters the Lodge ever suffered. Like most present day Lodges the financial pressures of the upkeep of the Lodge whilst tending to the needs of its Widows and Brethren necessitate fund raising.
The brethren of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho have over the years shown their enthusiasm by organising such events as Bingo Nights, Curry Nights, Race Nights, Valentine’s Dance’s, Barge Trips and Sportsman Dinners.
It would also be remiss not to mention the contribution Lodge members make to ensure the financial viability of the Lodge, as well as their donations to Grand Lodge Benevolence, the Masonic Homes fund and various local causes such as the local Gala day and The Seagulls Trust.
In 1959, while demolition of old property behind the Lodge Room was taking place, rain water seeped through and completely destroyed a picture of James Lauderdale in Full Masonic Dress. This was one of the greatest disasters the Lodge ever suffered. Like most present day Lodges the financial pressures of the upkeep of the Lodge whilst tending to the needs of its Widows and Brethren necessitate fund raising.
The brethren of Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho have over the years shown their enthusiasm by organising such events as Bingo Nights, Curry Nights, Race Nights, Valentine’s Dance’s, Barge Trips and Sportsman Dinners.
It would also be remiss not to mention the contribution Lodge members make to ensure the financial viability of the Lodge, as well as their donations to Grand Lodge Benevolence, the Masonic Homes fund and various local causes such as the local Gala day and The Seagulls Trust.