A Proud History of Lodge Greenock St. John’s No. 175
Lodge Greenock St. John’s No. 175, on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, has a long and proud history dating back to its foundation on 1 February 1790.
For more than two centuries, the Lodge has operated continuously and has played an important part in the life of its members and the wider Greenock community. Its remarkable history is reflected not only in its traditions and records, but also in the fine building that has been its home for well over a century.
Our Masonic Temple
The Lodge building is one of the few remaining buildings of architectural character in Greenock town centre. Constructed from distinctive red sandstone quarried at the now-defunct Skelmorlie Quarry, the building remains a striking feature of the townscape.
The design was entrusted to Messrs. Boston, Menzies and Morton, who were among the foremost architects practising in Greenock during the late nineteenth century. Their work created a building that continues to reflect the ambition and confidence of the Lodge and the wider community at the time.
Laying of the Foundation Stone
On 6 November 1896, tenders for the construction of the new Masonic Temple were accepted, and building work commenced shortly afterwards.
A significant milestone was reached on Saturday, 6 February 1897, when the Foundation Stone was formally laid. The occasion was marked by a colourful and memorable procession, with members of Lodge Greenock St. John’s No. 175 joined by brethren from Lodges across Scotland. Together, they paraded from Cathcart Street to West Stewart Streetfor the ceremony.
The Foundation Stone was laid by the then Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge, Brother James Reid, of the well-known local manufacturing firm Fleming Reid & Co., Worsted Mills, Drumfrochar Road, Greenock.
The importance of that day is commemorated by a marble tablet fixed to the external wall at the north-east corner of the building, at the junction of Argyle Street and West Stewart Street.
The Consecration of the Temple
Just seventeen months after the Foundation Stone was laid, the new Masonic Temple was formally consecrated on Saturday, 23 July 1898.
The ceremony was conducted by the Provincial Grand Master, Brother Michael Hugh Shaw Stewart of Carnock, who was also the Member of Parliament for East Renfrewshire.
The consecration marked the completion of an important chapter in the history of Lodge Greenock St. John’s No. 175 and established the building as the Lodge’s enduring home.
A Living Heritage
Today, the Temple remains an important part of Greenock's heritage and a visible reminder of the Lodge's long association with the town.
From its foundation in 1790, through the construction and consecration of its present Temple in the 1890s, Lodge Greenock St. John’s No. 175 has continued to uphold its traditions while looking towards the future.
The building is more than a historic structure. It represents the generations of Freemasons who have passed through its doors, the friendships formed within its walls, and the Lodge's continuing commitment to its members and to the wider Greenock community.
More than 236 years of history — and a tradition that continues.