P G L R P & S S :: latest news 005

	After over a year of planning the two Lodges in Kelso became one on Saturday 1 October 2011. The Lodge of Kelso No. 58 and The Tweed Lodge of Kelso No. 261 finally joined together to become Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58 and held their first installation in the Town Hall. The day started in the Town Hall where Brethren from near and far met and changed into full Masonic Regalia. Visitors included deputations from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Roxburgh, Peebles and Selkirk Shires and from the neighboring Province of East Lothian and Berwickshire. The Brethren made their way from the Town Hall and assembled in the car park of the Abbey Row Centre where they were then directed to the grounds of the ruins of the spectacular Kelso Abbey .
The Brethren gave their best attention to Bro. J. W. Blackie, Past Master of the Galashiels Lodge No. 262 and Provincial Grand Secretary of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Roxburgh, Peebles and Selkirk Shires, who delivered a well researched Oration.
	Under the Direction of the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, the a procession was lead by a piper from the Abbey, along Bridge Street, to the Town Hall.
Proud Bro. Graeme White (centre), the last ever master of the Lodge of Kelso No. 58 and the very first Master of the new Lodge Kelso and Tweed No. 58 is pictured being welcomed to the Town Hall by the visiting Brethren along with Bro. Tim Slater (left) and Bro. Marshall Muirhead, (right) both Past Masters of the Tweed Lodge of Kelso No. 261. The Inaugural Installation of the Office Bearers was professionally conducted by Bro. W. Heaney (PM of No. 58) and Bro. J. M. Muirhead (PM of No. 261). Afterwards, a dinner was held in the Tait Hall where a fine meal was served followed by after Dinner Toasts.
	Since the proposal to join the two Lodges in Kelso back in May 2010 the ambition has become reality and the two Lodges have became one with the purpose of creating one strong Lodge in the town to represent Freemasonry with a secure future. Doubtless it has been a sad occasion in some ways as both Lodges have a great history, No. 58 was founded in 1701 and No. 261 in 1816. Both Lodges have worked relentlessly to make it happen so quick. Well Done and Good Luck to you all!!

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