Glenlyon: A History

As part of The Glenlyon Lodge celebration of its 175th anniversary in 2020, we have produced this book that chronicles the history of the Lodge since its founding in 1845. It contains information from meeting minutes, biographical sketches of notable Lodge members, the early influence on the Lodge by the Royal Lodge No. 207 EC, and a roster of all known members who joined the Lodge since its formation. This book also takes an analytical look at the history, growth, and influence of Scottish Freemasonry in the post-Emancipation period 1845 to 1895, with focus on its role in the Jamaican society including membership of Black and other men of colour, dormancy, interregnums, socio-economic issues, and other challenges that our Lodge has faced.

On the formal ending of the enslavement system in 1838, a new era appeared to have dawned for Scottish Freemasonry in Jamaica between the years 1843 to 1845. Certain Brethren residing in St Thomas-in-the-Vale (which was merged into St Catherine) became desirous of practising once more the ancient mysteries, and thereupon applied to the Grand Lodge of Scotland for a warrant to constitute the Elgin Lodge No. 415 of that parish. Scarcely had the application been considered before certain Brethren in Kingston applied to the same authority for a warrant to establish The Glenlyon Lodge. Brethren in St Elizabeth sought for a warrant for the Union Lodge No. 359 at Black River, others at Falmouth for a warrant for the Athol Union No. 367 of that town, at Spanish Town for a warrant for the Victoria Lodge No. 402, and St Andrew for a warrant for its own Kilwinning Lodge No. 369. The Founders of these Lodges probably thought it necessary to offer some level of diversity, cultural change, and opportunities for the now free men to become members of the fraternity by reintroducing Scottish Freemasonry. The post-Emancipation period saw the previously enslaved moving from the plantations to their own lands, seeking economic independence. Men of African descent in pre-emancipated Jamaica were not allowed into Freemasonry.

The Glenlyon Lodge became the only Scottish Lodge to have survived its infancy, proudly attracted membership of the working class as well as influential nation builders. From humble beginnings, leasing space from the Sussex and Friendly Lodges to the first building of our own The Glenlyon Masonic Hall  that sadly went up for auction in 1890  to the Scottish Masonic Temple erected on lands donated and built by Brother Roy E. MacGregor of The Glenlyon Lodge in 1968. DGM Bro. Jackson McLaren Wint, an engineer, also a member of The Glenlyon Lodge, designed the building, which houses the Lodge to this day. The Freemasons of The Glenlyon Lodge played a key role, unknown to many, setting the early foundation stone of this proud and trailblazing Scottish Freemasonry found throughout Jamaica, from the legislators, mayors, attorneys, physicians and surgeons, farmers, magistrates, teachers, police officers, soldiers, engineers, civil servants.

We have been here since 1845 despite the challenges and, after 175 years, The Glenlyon Lodge Masons remain strong and steadfast and have no plans of going anywhere soon. In honour of the epic milestone and all the history that lays before it, we strive to keep our history alive by preserving what we have and recovering what has been lost. It is not a feat of our own, but a collective effort of every Freemason that has blessed our roster over the years, that has brought us to this point.

This historical reference of our Lodge is a testament to the generation of men that founded and maintained it. In honour of them, we present to you this history of The Glenlyon Lodge No. 346 on the roll of The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland.