1919 – Lodge St Olaf Founded

The Founding of Lodge St Olaf No. 1188 – 1st May 1919

Lodge St Olaf No. 1188 was founded on the 1st of May 1919, at a time when communities across Scotland were beginning to rebuild after the profound upheaval of the First World War. The lodge’s origins are closely tied to the experiences of the men who returned home from the conflict, seeking renewed purpose, fellowship, and a sense of unity in the years that followed.

Among the founders were thirty-six local men, many of whom had served during the war. Alongside them were the lodge’s first twenty-one initiates, also drawn from the surrounding community. For these men, Freemasonry offered more than ritual and tradition; it provided a shared bond and a place of fraternity at a time when the scars of war were still fresh. Through the principles of brotherhood, charity, and mutual support, they laid the foundations of what would become a proud and enduring village lodge.

In its earliest years, Lodge St Olaf did not possess a building of its own. Meetings were held in Port Erroll Public Hall, where the lodge’s furniture was carefully stored between gatherings. On meeting nights, members would bring out the furnishings and set them in place, transforming the hall into their lodge room. This practice became a familiar and dedicated routine, reflecting both the commitment and determination of the brethren during the lodge’s formative decades.

For the next fifty years, the lodge continued to meet in this manner, sustained by the dedication of its members and the strength of the brotherhood they had formed. It was not until 1969 that Lodge St Olaf reached an important milestone with the acquisition and constitution of its own premises in Serald Lane. This new home provided a permanent base for the lodge and marked the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

Today, the story of Lodge St Olaf No. 1188’s founding remains an important reminder of its roots. Born from the fellowship of returning servicemen and the shared values of Freemasonry, the lodge continues to reflect the spirit of community, resilience, and brotherhood that inspired its founders more than a century ago.

Below are listed the names of the 36 Founder Members.

Alex Smith
Thhomas Ross
Andrew Milne
William Beagrie
Alexande Duncan McDonald
Robert Millar Mill
John Robertson
Samual Wilson
George Alexander
David D Noble
Robert Taylor
Joseph Robertson

In November and December 1919 the first 21 new members were innitiated into Lodge St Olaf.

Below are listed the names of the first 21 innitiates.

Peter Murphy
David D Brand
William A Davidson
Henry S Findlay
George Summers
James Walken Morgan
Alexander Hay