SCOTTISH FREEMASONRY 1725-1810 ... - Lodge Prudentia

Consequently, Kilwinning resumed its independence from the Grand
Lodge of Scotland. In doing so, it continued the practice of granting charters to
new lodges irrespective of the Grand Lodge’s disapproval which was, according
to Gould, “inconsistent…with its profession of adhesion to the new regime.” 69
In 1806, the Grand Lodge of Scotland entered into negotiations with Kilwinning
Lodge in an effort to resolve the long-standing dispute over lodge precedence on
the Grand Roll of Scotland. Although Kilwinning renounced its right to grant
charters, it was re-styled No. 0 Mother Kilwinning Lodge and placed at the head
of the Grand Roll.
Mary’s Chapel, although still No. 1 on the Grand Roll, was second
behind No. 0 Mother Kilwinning and the Grand Lodge of Scotland now was the
only masonic body in Scotland with the power to create new lodges.
Dissatisfied with the outcome of the dispute, Mary’s Chapel agitated for the
reform of the system of precedence as well as the entire organizational structure
of the Grand Lodge. As will be shown in Chapter 6, the issue of seniority would
become an even more acrimonious and volatile subject in the early-nineteenth
century, ultimately contributing to the Masonic Secession of 1808. 70
The final incident during this period which clearly illustrates the
disorganization of the early Grand Lodge involved No. 14 St John Lodge in
Maybole. 71 A query sent from No. 14 to the Grand Lodge of Scotland on 12
January 1737, posed several questions regarding entrance fees, the regulation of
69 Gould, History of Freemasonry Vol. 2, 313. Kilwinning’s refusal to surrender its chartergranting
privileges and acknowledge the authority of the Grand Lodge occurred in 1744.
70 See below Chapter 6, pages 236-242.
71 St John Maybole is now No. 11 on the Grand Roll of Scotland.
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