{"id":74,"date":"2024-02-04T08:45:29","date_gmt":"2024-02-04T08:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/st-columban.co.uk\/?page_id=74"},"modified":"2025-11-17T17:42:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T17:42:46","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/st-columban.co.uk\/index.php\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About us"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Lodge
(a.k.a Lodge X)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this Section you can find out specific information relating to Lodge St. Columban No.1858.
As a new lodge we are exited to see how it develops, the input and interaction from our widespread membership should make us interesting and unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We plan being a very sociable Masonic Lodge, encouraging family and community involvement. We shall be visible within our respective communities, promoting and supporting Freemasonry, our Lodge and the established lodges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s been a long road to get where we are now and we still have a long road ahead to get the Lodge firmly established and operational – You can make the difference by joining us and getting involved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Memento Vivere<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The motto adopted by the Lodge, Memento Vivere is Latin and means \u2018Remember to Live\u2019. In many masonic circles you will come across the opposite Latin phrase \u2018Memento Mori\u2019 which means \u201cremember that you must die\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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So Why St Columban ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you will read in our history below, when we set out to establish a new Lodge it had no name, we didn’t even know if it would come to fruition, it was simply a concept and was designated and referred to as Lodge X for the first couple of years. When things started gaining momentum and we officially reached out to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Aberdeenshire East to discuss the possibility opening a new lodge, we started exploring different names. The reigning Provincial Grand Master put forward a suggestion – St. Columban, As the initial group of founder members we’re all keen motorcyclists & members of Widows Sons Scotland<\/a> and this had been one of the main drivers for opening a new Lodge – The RWPGM felt the name had merit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So who was St. Columban ?<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Columban is the Patron Saint of Motorcyclists, a brief history can be read below<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St Columban (St. Columbanus – Latinised form meaning White Dove) was was born in Leinster, Ireland in 543. After his conception, his mother was said to have had a vision of her child’s “remarkable genius”. Columban had journeyed to  Ireland\u2019s north-eastern coast, where he entered Bangor Abbey,  there he remained for many years, He was well-educated in the areas of grammar, rhetoric, geometry, and the Holy Scriptures. Abbot Comgall taught him Greek and Latin. He stayed at Bangor until c. 590, when Comgall reluctantly gave him permission to travel to the continent.

Columban was not always drawn to the religious life. He came from a powerful, well-to-do family; he was well-educated and very good looking, which attracted the attention of the young women of Ireland. It was the kind of life most young men dream of, but when a holy woman told him that his freewheeling ways put the salvation of his soul at risk, Columban, perhaps for the first time in his life, examined his actions. Ultimately, he decided to give up all the pleasures he loved and become a monk. His decision caused an uproar in his family. They considered it wasteful that such a promising young man should withdraw from the world, but Columban would not be dissuaded. The day of his departure, Columban\u2019s mother made one final attempt to stop him by physically blocking the door. Somehow, he got around his mother and headed for Bangor Abbey in County Down. According to legend, about a century earlier St. Patrick and his companions had a vision of angels on the future site of the monastery. By the time Columban became a monk, Bangor was renowned for its music and scholarship.
Typically, a monk spent his entire life in the monastery where he had taken his vows, but Irish monks often overlooked that tradition. The barbarian invasions destroyed what was left of Greco-Roman civilization in Western Europe, so Irish monks set out for what is now Britain, France, Germany and the Low Countries, bringing both the Catholic faith and classical civilization to the barbarian tribes. At age 42, Columban asked his abbot to send him as a missionary to the pagan tribes in Gaul. The abbot selected 12 monks and sent them along with Columban.
The monks had great success in what is now the French province of Burgundy, where they converted thousands, including the king. They founded several monasteries, all of which wanted Columban to serve as abbot, but Columban realized he was not born for a sedentary life. Over the next 30 years he made missionary journeys through Germany and Switzerland, then crossed the Alps into northern Italy where he finally settled down at Bobbio. There he rebuilt a dilapidated church dedicated to St. Peter, and built a new monastery beside it. Even then he found it hard to stay put, so he retired to a cave near the abbey where he spent his old age living as a hermit. At his death, St. Columban was buried in his abbey church. His relics are there still, beneath the altar in the crypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of his love for the open road, Columban was suggested as a patron for bikers by John Oliver, an Anglican bishop and avid motorcyclist. The Vatican declared Columban a patron in 2002.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Meet our team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are the members who are responsible for the good management and organisation of the Lodge, within the Lodge they are termed office bearers and each office bearer has specific duties and responsibilities during Lodge meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once a member of the Lodge you can sponsor choose to stand for office, should you choose to get involved you will be coached and instructed in the intricacies and responsibilities of the office and in time you could be a future Master of the Lodge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Founding Office Bearers ~ Installed 23rd November 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Bro.<\/strong> Kevin G. Milne<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immediate Past Master<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Dr Douglas R.H Nicol<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depute Master<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. William MacDougall<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Substitute Master<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Norman J. Daniel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior Warden<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Brian Cooper<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almoner<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Stephen MacGregor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Deacon<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Dave Donaldson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Steward<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Ian Smith<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Warden<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Brian Smith<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Director of Ceremonies<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Malcolm McPherson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bible Bearer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. John Will<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyler<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Mitchell Smith<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secretary<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Ross Fraser<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chaplain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Mark Thomson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inner Guard<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Dirk McBain<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treasurer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Andrew Rankin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior Deacon<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro. Danny Bisset<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President of Stewards<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Roll of Honour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Bro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Past Master<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Past Master<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Past Master<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Past Master<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lodge St Columban No.1858 is unique in the province as it has no fixed premises, we are a peripatetic Lodge, meaning we move about. We have 4 regular meetings a year and can hold up to 4 special meetings a year, our four regular meetings are always at the same locations. This allows us to be visible throughout the province and support the other daughter lodges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our fixed meeting places<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Peterhead Masonic Temple
20 Broad Street
Peterhead
AB42 1BY<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Masonic Temple
School Street
New Pitsligo
AB43 6NE
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Fraserburgh Masonic Temple
80 Commerce Street
Fraserburgh
AB43 9LP<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Masonic Temple
Station Road
Ellon
AB41 9AE<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lodge St. Columban owes a debt of gratitude to both the Peterhead & Fraserburgh Masonic Temple Management Boards, Lodge St.Andrew No.518<\/a> & Lodge Ythan No.892 for allowing us to use their temples, without somewhere to meet we would have no Lodge to attend.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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History & Timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A very simplified timeline can be seen below & our website will be updated with a more accurate history and our journey to establishing Scotlands newest Masonic Lodge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lodge Founders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Detailed below is the List of Brethren who acted as founders of the Lodge, They are the brethren responsible for petitioning and driving this new and modern Lodge forward.
Starting a new Lodge in the current climate where membership has been declining is both challenging & bold, there has only been three new lodges opened in Scotland in the last 25 years and it is the first Masonic Lodge to be opened in the Province of Aberdeenshire East in over 100 years !!
Their vision, support and commitment to both The Grand Lodge of Scotland and Scottish Freemasonry in general shall always be remembered<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Name<\/th>Lodge<\/th>Name<\/th>Lodge<\/th>Name<\/th>Lodge<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Kevin Milne<\/td>56<\/td>Norman Daniel<\/td>56<\/td>Ian Smith<\/td>922<\/td><\/tr>
Andy Rankin<\/td>375<\/td>Dirk McBain<\/td>1278<\/td>Mitchell Smith<\/td>56<\/td><\/tr>
Stephen MacGregor<\/td>223<\/td>Douglas Nicol<\/td>1084<\/td>William MacDougall<\/td>1021<\/td><\/tr>
Brian Smith<\/td>56<\/td>Ross Fraser<\/td>1227<\/td>Brian Cooper<\/td>1021<\/td><\/tr>
Brian Wylie<\/td>256<\/td>Colin Ross<\/td>1424<\/td>Robin Dove<\/td>174<\/td><\/tr>
Alan Fakley<\/td>56<\/td>Andrew Reed<\/td>144<\/td>William Croll<\/td>157<\/td><\/tr>
Robert Harrison<\/td>1303<\/td>Alexander Parry<\/td>197<\/td>Kieran Parry<\/td>197<\/td><\/tr>
Mark Bruce<\/td>37<\/td>Christopher Rae<\/td>1227<\/td>Duncan MacKenzie<\/td>174<\/td><\/tr>
David Kerr<\/td>989<\/td>Callum MacRae<\/td>1217<\/td>Graeme McLean<\/td>56<\/td><\/tr>
Kenneth Bisset<\/td>854<\/td>Mark Thomson<\/td>911<\/td>John Will<\/td>92<\/td><\/tr>
Ian Shewan<\/td>89<\/td>Simon Whitmore<\/td>1227<\/td>Gary McKay<\/td>193<\/td><\/tr>
David Donaldson<\/td>1507<\/td>Michael Turner<\/td>1217<\/td>Kevin Mackie<\/td>56<\/td><\/tr>
Richard Rezin<\/td>319<\/td>Alistair Ewen<\/td>190<\/td>Duncan Russell<\/td>518<\/td><\/tr>
John Thornton<\/td>197<\/td>Steven Yensen<\/td>56<\/td>Lewis Smith<\/td>375<\/td><\/tr>
John McLachlin<\/td>56<\/td>Douglas McVeigh<\/td>327<\/td>William Masson<\/td>745<\/td><\/tr>
Donald MacDonald<\/td>1212<\/td>Younus Jan<\/td>224<\/td>Charles B. Kelman<\/td>256<\/td><\/tr>
Ian Rennie<\/td>1688<\/td>Arran MacDougall<\/td>1021<\/td>Eddie Moyr<\/td>518<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Our Regalia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our Regalia is completely unique to Lodge St Columban No.1858, It is not just unique to our Province, It is not only unique to Scottish Freemasonry – It is unique to Freemasonry on a Global Scale. No other Lodge worldwide has the colour & tartan combination that is used by our Lodge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So Why is it unique?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Aprons are Black with Silver adornments & fringe, this itself is a is unique colour scheme within the Province of Aberdeenshire-East but black & silver is used within other provinces within Scottish Freemasonry. What makes it unique is we are hugely privileged to be allowed to use the Widows Sons Scotland<\/a> Dress Tartan as registered on the Scottish Register of Tartan<\/a> as part of our Lodge Regalia. We are currently the only Lodge worldwide using this magnificent Tartan as part of official Lodge Regalia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I’m interested in Freemasonry but Lodge St. Columban isn’t suitable for me – What are my options ?<\/summary>\n

There are hundreds of Lodges in Scotland and fourteen lodges within the Province of Aberdeenshire East, St Columban is unique in the province being a new lodge and meeting only four times a year mainly in the summer. If you are interested in Freemasonry but would like to join a different Lodge then we are more than happy to assist you and put you in touch with a suitable Lodge.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

I am interested in motorcycling, what can Lodge St. Columban offer me ?<\/summary>\n

Lodge St. Columban probably has the highest membership of motorcyclists in any one Lodge anywhere in Scotland, it makes it unique in that respect. This is an extra-curricular activity of the Lodge, whether you ride a Motorcycle or a Scooter you will be welcome at any of our events and ride-outs. We have many skilled and Advanced riders willing to teach and help improve riding skills and road safety. We can also introduce you to the varying Masonic Rider Associations and Clubs like the Widows Sons Scotland<\/a> or the Square & Compass Scooter Club should you be interested.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Do I have to be a motorcyclist \/ biker to join Lodge St. Columban ?<\/summary>\n

Absolutely not – We welcome all Brothers interested in Freemasonry, we have a lot of members who are motorcyclists and a lot of members who are not, it is not a pre-requisite for membership and you will never be expected to become a motorcyclist. The motorcycling aspect of the Lodge is simply an extra-curricular activity because of the common interest between the members.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Do you have any other activities that I would be interested in ?<\/summary>\n

We organise varying social functions and any outings as a Lodge that the motorcyclists are heading to, all members are welcome to meet them at the destinations by car or public transport. There are also Provincial events throughout the year like fishing, golf & bowling competitions which you can attend.
We also welcome members to suggest or organise other activities for the benefit of the members.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What other advantages are there to Lodge St. Columban ?<\/summary>\n

As a new Lodge you have an opportunity to get involved and shape how the Lodge develops, being a lodge that primarily meets in the summer there is no conflict with the established Lodges in the province allowing you to visit and support them during the Winter months. St. Columban may also offer an opportunity to those who lead busy lifestyles, our meetings will occur on Saturday Afternoons and only 4 times a year which should remove any conflict with work schedules.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Interested Yet ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n