On Friday, 19th December 1969, brethren from across Aberdeenshire East and beyond gathered in Cruden Bay for a landmark occasion in the history of Lodge St. Olaf — the Consecration of its new Lodge rooms.
The ceremony marked the culmination of fifty years of progress for the Lodge. Since its founding in 1919, Lodge St. Olaf had conducted its meetings in Port Erroll Public Hall. While the arrangement had served the brethren well for half a century, the acquisition of dedicated Lodge premises represented a significant step forward and was viewed with great pride and enthusiasm by the members.
The occasion attracted a large attendance, reflecting both the importance of the event and the esteem in which Lodge St. Olaf was held throughout the Province. The Right Worshipful Master, Bro. James Love, welcomed a distinguished deputation from The Provincial Grand Lodge of Aberdeenshire East, led by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. C. S. Henderson.
The Lodge was tyled at 7:30 p.m., with the new Lodge room filled to capacity for the proceedings.
Given the time of year — the final weekend before Christmas — many of those attending would have travelled considerable distances through the winter darkness to be present in Cruden Bay. In December 1969, journeys across the north-east of Scotland were far less straightforward than they are today, with brethren making their way along narrow country roads from all parts of the Province to support Lodge St. Olaf on this historic evening. Despite the season and the demands of travel at that time of year, the attendance demonstrated the strong fraternal bonds that existed throughout Aberdeenshire East and beyond.
The Consecration Ceremony itself was carried out under the direction of Bro. C. S. Henderson, who opened the Lodge and presided over the proceedings with dignity and precision. The ceremonial work was conducted impeccably, befitting the significance of the occasion and the years of effort that had gone into securing a permanent home for the Lodge.
For the brethren of Lodge St. Olaf, the evening represented far more than the opening of a new building. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Lodge’s history — one in which future generations of members would meet within premises they could truly call their own.
Following the formal proceedings, fraternal greetings and best wishes were exchanged among those in attendance, bringing to a close a memorable and historic evening in the life of Lodge St. Olaf, Cruden Bay.