Office Bearers 1992 – 1994

R.W.M. Derek Clark
I.P.M. Derek Stephen
D.M. Gordon Mackay
S.M. Jim Taylor
S.W. Jim Conner
J.W. Bill Murray
Sec. James Gardiner P.M.
Tres. Gordon Daniel P.M.
S.D. Barrie Harper
J.D. |NeilDaniel
I.G. Doug Sheal
Tyler. Jock Warrander
Almoner Kenny Davidson
Chaplain. Bill Stewart
Organist. Andy Dunn
Marshal. Graeme Sutherland
S. Steward. Hugh Cocozza
J.Steward. Mark Dunn
B.B. Russell Sime

Back Row Standing: Doug Sheal, Graeme Sutherland, Russell Sime, Andy Dunn, Gordon Daniel, Fred Warrander, Jimmy Stewart, Mark Dunn, Hugh Durrant, Kenny Davidson
Middle Row: Jim Taylor, Gordon Mackay, Derek Clark, Derek Stephen
Front Row: Jim Gardiner, Barrie Harper, Jim Conner, Bill Murray, Neil Daniel, Jock Warrander

Derek Clark was initiated into Lodge St. Olaf on 21 January 1980, becoming the Lodge’s first initiate of the new decade. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of his father, James Clark, who had himself been initiated into Lodge St. Olaf on 23 March 1961. To this day, Derek proudly wears the apron and sash inherited from his father, a visible reminder of the strong family connection to the Lodge.

The 1980s proved to be one of the most vibrant and transformative periods in the Lodge’s history. The rapid expansion of the North Sea oil industry brought an influx of men to the North East of Scotland, many of whom sought fellowship within the Lodge, leading to a significant growth in membership and activity throughout the decade.

Derek, however, was not among those drawn north by the oil boom. A lifelong resident of Cruden Bay, he continued a proud family tradition by running the local butcher’s shop, succeeding his father in the business just as he had followed him into Freemasonry. The shop stood prominently on the corner of Main Street and Bridge Street, beside the old bakehouse formerly owned by Simmers of Hatton. It was from this company that the Lodge had purchased the former stable building during the late 1960s, transforming it into the Lodge rooms that remain in use today.

Derek first entered junior office during P.M. Jim Towers’ second term as Right Worshipful Master and steadily progressed through the various offices of the Lodge. His dedication and commitment culminated in his installation as Right Worshipful Master of Lodge St. Olaf in November 1992.

While the 1980s were marked by exceptional recruitment, they were equally notable for the flourishing social life of the Lodge. As the average age of the membership fell, younger brethren became increasingly involved in a wide range of activities and fundraising events, including long-distance sponsored walks and the much-remembered Ythan Raft Race. Derek was an enthusiastic and active participant throughout this period.

He also played a significant role in the Lodge refurbishment project of the early 1990s, which saw the interior of the Lodge rooms modernised and redecorated, helping to create a more welcoming and contemporary atmosphere within the building.

The trip to Lochgelly in Fife for the 75th Anniversary Dinner Dance remains one of the most memorable occasions in the Lodge’s history. On Saturday 7th May 1994, members of the Lodge, accompanied by their wives and partners, gathered in Cruden Bay before setting off together by coach for what promised to be a special celebration. The journey itself was filled with good humour, laughter, and anticipation, as old friends renewed acquaintances and younger members enjoyed the company and stories of the senior brethren.

The celebrations were held in the impressive surroundings of Lochgelly Town Hall, where the atmosphere throughout the evening reflected both the pride and camaraderie shared amongst the four lodges who were all marking their 75th Anniversary in the same year. The delegation from Cruden Bay alone numbered 25, an excellent turnout which demonstrated the strong support and enthusiasm within the Lodge at that time. Together with the representatives from the other three lodges, attendance comfortably exceeded 100 people, creating a lively and memorable gathering.

One of the most remarkable features of the trip was the wide age range amongst the members who travelled together, highlighting the enduring strength and continuity of the Lodge across generations. The youngest member of the party was Bro. Mark Dunn, aged just 25, while the oldest was the ever-cheerful Bro. John Hastie, who at 81 years of age still possessed remarkable energy and enthusiasm. Also among the senior members attending were the well-known brothers Fred (72) and Jock Warander (76), both still regular attenders and respected elder statesmen of the Lodge. Their presence, alongside that of younger brethren, symbolised the unity and fellowship that had been built up over many decades.

On a couple of lighter notes that brightened the weekend no end, the two elderly brothers, Jock and Fred Warander, were sharing a room at the hotel — probably the first time they had shared a room in over 60 years. Towards the end of the evening, with everyone merry from the festivities, Jock, despite Fred’s attempts to stop him, concealed a bottle of whisky from the table inside his jacket pocket, much to the amusement of everyone around them.

Another fondly remembered story concerned the coach journey home, which was fitted with a video player. By the greatest coincidence, the film the driver had brought along for the return trip was The Blues Brothers. This went down a treat because, a couple of years earlier, the Lodge’s entry for the 1992 Ythan Raft Race had been “The Booze Brothers”. Their rousing rendition of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” became the stuff of legend and remains a memory cherished by everyone involved.

The evening itself was a tremendous success. The celebrations not only honoured seventy-five years of history and tradition, but also helped to strengthen friendships and renew ties between the four lodges. There was a genuine sense of optimism and vitality throughout the event, as all four lodges were enjoying a healthy period of active membership and strong support from their local communities.

For those who attended, the Dinner Dance was far more than simply a formal anniversary event. It was an occasion of friendship, pride, and shared memories — one that would be spoken about fondly for many years afterwards.

75th Anniversary Dance 7th May 1994

Lochgelly Town Hall

Derek Clark was installed as R.W.M. of Lodge St. Olaf in November 1992 and presided over the lodges 75th Annniversay Celebrations which culminated in a joint dinner dance with the other 3 still active lodges which were consituted on the same day, Lodge Ballingry No.1183 in Glencraig, Fife, Lodge St. Margaret’s Hope No.1184, Rosyth, Fife, Lodge St John Stoneyburn No1186.

Pictured below are the 4 reigning Masters taken during the celebrations.

Reigning Right Worshipful Masters

John Tolson 1183 | Robert Solway 1184 | Murray Brown 1186 | Derek Clark 1188

Office Bearers and Brethtrn of Lodge St Olaf who attended.

Left to Right

D.M. Bro. Gordon Mackay, Bro. David Goodwin, Bro. Mark Dunn, R.W.M. Bro. Derek Clark, Bro. Jim Conner, P.M. Bro. John Hastie, Bro. Tom Petrie, Bro. Jock Warrander, P.M. Bro. Fred Warrander, P.M. Bro. Jimmy Stewart, Bro. Doug Sheal, Bro. Kenny Melvine, Bro Ewan Robertson, P.M. Bro. Jim Gardiner