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The Story of Stepps

Community Organisations
Masonic Lodge

On 11th September 1919 a meeting of local Freemasons was held in the Union Public Hall, Cardowan Drive. Those present (30 in number) agreed to work towards the establishment of a Masonic Lodge in the village. A fortnight later it was decided to petition for a Charter. Subsequent gatherings gave consideration to pertinent questions, such as the name of the projected Lodge, colours of Regalia, and dates of meetings. It was decided to apply to be included under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow. The Charter was granted on 6th May 1920, and the Lodge Stepps No. 1213 Glasgow was consecrated and erected on 25th June. The furnishings of the Lodge were all gifted by founder members; also the steps to the platform in the Public Hall. A Warden's Dais was later made from timber salvaged from Hogganfield Church, Millerston. The first Master was James Raeside Auld of Garfield House. A Masonic Divine Service was held in the Parish Church on 9th November 1921, the members marching there from the Public Hall, preceded by the Chryston Brass Band.

The average attendance over the first eighteen months was 51, from a membership roll of 84. In 1930 a building fund was inaugurated, with an initial input of £50, but over the years no building was ever erected. An attempt in 1968 to purchase a site in Blenheim Avenue was unsuccessful. During World War II the Public Hall was required for ARP duties, so meetings of the Stepps Lodge were held in the Hall of the Riddrie Lodge No. 1340. This arrangement continued until December 1945, when meetings resumed at Stepps, continuing there for a number of years before being accommodated once again at Riddrie.
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