So what’s with the Motorcycles ?

Motorcycle :

a two-wheeled vehicle that is powered by a motor and has no pedals.

As detailed in the history section of the Lodge St. Columban page, many of the founders are keen motorcyclists and this will be a theme on some of the Lodges extra-curricular activities. We (The Lodge) are not and do not portray to be any sort of M.C / M.C.C / Club or association, we are simply a Lodge who have members who ride motorcycles as do numerous other Lodges worldwide.
Whilst many of our members are associated with both Masonic & Non Masonic motorcycling organisations, it is not a requisite for membership of the Lodge and neither is owning or riding a motorcycle.
Should members be interested in participating in some of the activities we organise; riders of all experience levels and on all types of motorcycles are welcomed whether they are learner friendly (125cc), Scooters, Cruisers, Sports bikes, Trikes etc etc, additionally all members of the Lodge are welcome to come along to our events and destinations by any other means of transport they choose.

The Motorcycling Inspired Lodge Token

An Explanation of the symbolism

The primary colours of the token and emblems contained within is a representation of the black and chrome commonly found adorning various motorcycles, scooters and trikes. We are taught speculatively in the lodge that the rude material receives its fine polish but from repeated efforts alone and that the study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education, which tends to effectually polish and adorn the mind is recommended for study. This chrome adornment requires frequent attention and polishing to maintain its appeal and lustre and should remind us of the importance of these teachings.

The St Andrews Cross within the centre represents the flag of the country under which our Grand Lodge has jurisdiction, The Grand Lodge of Scotland on the authority of whom we operate and must always pay fealty to. It also serves as a reminder to the origins of this Lodge, which was simply known as Lodge X before the current name St. Columban was adopted. Along with the outer portion of the crest it also serves as a crude representation of a wheel and spokes, without which we would never arrive safely at our destination.

The wings represent personal freedom and liberty which is an ideal Freemasons have embraced since the beginning of our ancient and noble fraternity. Wings are also a common symbol found in the various communities we affiliate and socialise with; they can be found in many brands and clubs around the world.

The skull and crossbones should not be interpreted as an intimidating image and their meaning is of a twofold nature, it serves to remind us of our own mortality, additionally and just as significantly a Skull denotes neither age, religion, nor social status. It is a symbol of non-discrimination and reminds us of that we are all equal regardless of our background or what we ride, we are united by the same passion and love of the open road.

The dove belongs to the bird family Columbidae and St. Columbanus – the Latinised form of Columban means ‘the white dove’. St. Columban is commonly depicted with a white dove perched on his shoulder, the dove is a symbol of purity, peace and innocence. The numbers 3, 5 & 7 below the dove are important and taught throughout our masonic teachings; 3 to rule a lodge, 5 to hold a lodge and 7 or more to make it perfect. The 7 likewise allude to the original 7 members of the Widows Sons Scotland who laid the foundation for this lodge to be built.

Memento Vivere

The motto adopted by the Lodge, Memento Vivere is Latin and means ‘Remember to Live’. In many masonic circles you will come across the opposite Latin phrase ‘Memento Mori’ which means “remember that you must die” and is a practice of reflection on mortality – Memento Vivere simply reminds us to live, and to live as well as we can. Beauty, vigour and physical strength will all fade & your wealth will pass to another. The key to living well, is not to live for these transient things. There is an omniscient balance between accepting mortality and embracing life.