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Lodge Mother Kilwinning
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lodge Mother Kilwinning is a Masonic Lodge in Kilwinning, Scotland under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, it is number 0 on the Roll following a series of changes in its status with respect to the Grand Lodge. It is reputed to be the oldest Lodge in Scotland, thus the oldest lodge in the world, and is styled The Mother Lodge of Scotland attributing its origins to the 12th Century.
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Legend has it that Kilwinning Abbey was built by stonemasons who had travelled from the continent and established a lodge there.
Tradition demanded that whoever held the Mastery of the Mother Lodge, would also have to hold the Grand Mastery of all Ayrshire. The Master of Kilwinning was also Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire.
This fact, led to many members transferring from other Lodges to Kilwinning, in order to progress to the Provincial Chair. In 1983[citation needed] this was changed with the result that Mother Kilwinning was removed from the Province of Ayrshire and became subordinate to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Kilwinning. In consequence, the Lodge sends a representative to Grand Lodge of Scotland to act as Grand Bible Bearer.
- See also: Masonic Lodge
The lodge awards the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry, namely:
- Entered Apprentice
- Fellowcraft
- Master Mason
In keeping with the Scottish tradition the lodge also awards the Mark Degree which, whilst a completion of the Fellowcraft, is awarded after the Master Mason degree.
The lodge meets fortnightly awarding one of the three initial degrees, meeting to award the Mark twice per year.
The Installation of a new Master takes place on the Saturday nearest to the Festival of St Thomas each December, the Master serving a term of two years.
Whilst the Lodge is a craft lodge only the name Kilwinning appears in a number of other orders of masonry including the Ancient and Accepted Rite and Royal Order of Scotland.