Mark Coleman Wallace PhD Thesis - University of St Andrews

Lodge of Scotland abjured compromise and pursued what Clark calls a
“centralist regime.” 10
Besides emphasising the significance of the Grand Lodge of Scotland on
the development of Scottish freemasonry, this thesis has demonstrated that its
actions throughout the eighteenth century were partially, if not largely,
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responsible for the various conflicts during the 1790s and early 1800s. Whereas
the English Grand Lodge was singularly successful in the circulation of
masonic publications and managing and monitoring all aspects of freemasonry,
Scotland’s overall lack of promotion, poor attempts to protect the interests of
operative masons, and the defiant nature of several Edinburgh lodges prevented
it from effectively gaining and retaining absolute authority over Scottish
masonic affairs. The issue of precedence, the Maybole Trial, and the Masonic
Secession are all connected by the creation of a main governing body and the
period of crisis ushered in by the divided loyalties and political agenda of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland. As such, those masons who opposed the
unconstitutional seizure of power were not influenced by a radical
consciousness. Rather, they were motivated by a desire to preserve certain
hierarchical, authoritative, and political boundaries within freemasonry.
The impact of the turmoil did not end in 1812. According to Lyon, “a
feeling of dissatisfaction and lukewarmness continued to prevail in Mary’s
Chapel.” 11 Several more unsuccessful attempts were made to regain its position
at the head of the Grand Roll, and in 1824 the lodge was suspended from all
10 Ibid, 339. This was achieved through the return of membership lists, collection of annual
dues, and the use of threats, suspensions, expulsions, and court proceedings.
11 Lyon, Mary’s Chapel, 309.