Lodge Mother Kilwinning facts for kids
Lodge Mother Kilwinning is a special Masonic club in Kilwinning, Scotland. It's part of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. This lodge has a very old number: 0. Some people believe it's the oldest Masonic lodge in Scotland, or even the world! However, there's no clear proof for this claim. It's often called Mother Kilwinning and is known as The Mother Lodge of Scotland. Its story might go back to the 1100s.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Lodge
A long time ago, people say that skilled stonemasons came from Europe. They helped build Kilwinning Abbey in Scotland. These masons then started a lodge there. In 1599, a man named William Schaw made new rules for masons. These rules said that the leader of the Kilwinning lodge should test masons. They had to show their knowledge of memory and science.
Starting New Lodges
Even in the time of King James VII, the Kilwinning lodge was important. It began giving permission for new lodges to start in other parts of Scotland. For example, in 1677, it helped create Canongate Kilwinning. This was the first time a lodge officially allowed another lodge to form.
Joining the Grand Lodge
In 1736, the Grand Lodge of Scotland was created. Lodge Mother Kilwinning became one of its first members. That same year, the lodge asked to be recognized as the oldest in Scotland. But, like many old groups, their original records were lost. So, they couldn't prove their claim. Because of this, their request was turned down.
A Time Apart
After its request was rejected, Kilwinning decided to leave the Grand Lodge. It started acting like its own grand lodge. It helped set up new lodges in Scotland and even in other countries. These included places like Virginia and Ireland. Later, in 1807, Kilwinning rejoined the Grand Lodge of Scotland. It brought all the lodges it had started back with it.
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Kilwinning
For a long time, there was a special rule. The leader of Mother Lodge was also the main leader for all lodges in Ayrshire. This meant many members moved to Kilwinning Lodge. In 1983, this rule changed. Mother Kilwinning was no longer part of the Ayrshire group. Instead, it got its own special group called the Provincial Grand Lodge of Kilwinning. Now, the lodge sends a person to the Grand Lodge of Scotland. This person acts as the Grand Bible Bearer.
What Are Masonic Degrees?
The lodge teaches three main levels, or "degrees," of Craft Freemasonry. These are like steps in learning:
- Entered Apprentice
- Fellow Craft
- Master Mason
In Scotland, a Craft Lodge can also give another degree. This is called the Order of Mark Masons Degree. It helps complete the Fellow Craft level. But it is given after a person becomes a Master Mason.
Visiting the Mother Lodge Museum
The Mother Lodge Museum is a great place to visit. It shows many interesting Masonic items. You can see old medals, special seals, and decorative objects. There are also photographs and important documents. If you want to visit, you need to arrange it ahead of time. You can also take a tour of the historic Lodge building itself.
