History
The 6th February 1826 saw the beginning of a
new Lodge in Dundee. Namely Lodge Camperdown. It is not known where
meetings were held during the early years of the Lodge's existence but
according to our first minute books premises were acquired on 1st
January 1829 at 22 Barrack Street, Dundee. This building was demolished
in 1963 to make way for the then Overgate Shopping Centre. Barrack
Street was the scene of many a happy occasion but Lodge Camperdown also
had some ups and downs in its time there. In 1879 due to a heavy burden
of debts, the Brethren had no choice but to leave Barrack Street and let
it on lease. For the next 17 years the Lodge met and carried on their
work in various meeting places, returning to their own Hall in 1896.
Progress continued to be made and a bazaar was held in the Kinnaird
Hall, Bank Street which was so successful that the Lodge was able to
clear off the remaining £500 debt still outstanding.
From this time on the Lodge entered into a time of new
prosperity and in May 1913 it was decided to begin classes of
instruction. The classes were to enable enthusiastic Brethren gain a
sound working knowledge of the various degrees and to this day they
still continue to go from strength to strength.
Camperdown's 100th Anniversary in 1826 was celebrated in grand style as
befitting the occasion.
Camperdown was a very sound and stable Lodge and these
were fruitful years up to 1960 when it became obvious that due to the
redevelopment of Dundee's city centre it would be necessary to procure
new premises. After a meeting held in Barrack Street Hall on 11th
January 1960 the Brethren were asked to be constantly alert as to any
vacant premises that would be suitable. Many months went by and then on
21st August 1961 a meeting was called to discuss the possible purchase
of a disused works canteen in Dura Street.
On the 19th September 1961 the Brethren then visited
Dura Street to find and almost derelict building. Needless to say there
was much discussion about the proposed purchase but eventually it was
unanimously agreed to go ahead with the purchase of the property. The
last Right Worshipful Master at Barrack Street was Past Master Brother
Thomas Cadenhead.
After months of hard work and countless hours given by
willing volunteers the new Lodge Rooms were ready for then to move in.
Brother Thomas Buick, Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master of
Forfarshire, then consecrated the Lodge on 9th June 1962. (There are no
minutes of this meeting.) The Lodge Rooms were further extended by the
addition of a new lounge in 1981; once again the Brethren of Lodge
Camperdown gave of their own time to refurbish the new lounge. Thus the
almost derelict woks canteen was transformed to the impressive Lodge
Rooms we all remember.
1976 saw Lodge Camperdown celebrating their 150th
Anniversary.
On Friday 14th September panels painted by Brother David Paris Craig
D.A. further adorned the Lodge Rooms. Brother Gregor MacGregor of
MacGregor Bart. Second Grand Standard Bearer performed the ceremony.
1994 saw Camperdown once again on the lookout for new
premises as a proposed new ring road was the be built right through
their Lodge Rooms in Dura Street. After much searching for suitable
premises it was with great regret that they moved out of the once
derelict canteen but now transformed Lodge Rooms into their new home in
Wellington Street. Strangely enough in the search for new premises all
those years ago in 1961 the Brethren had also considered the building we
now call home in Wellington Street.
The present Lodge Rooms was for many years the
Ukrainian Club and when Camperdown purchased the premises there were
many relics left behind as a reminder of those who used to own the
building.
Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire Right Worshipful
Past Grand Master Brother Peter B. Cram consecrated the First Meeting.
The last Right Worshipful Master at Dura Street and the first a
Wellington Street was Past Master Brother James Cathro.
There have been many changes in our time here. We have
continually tried to upgrade the surroundings for the benefit of the
Brethren. These include the purchase of a new pool table and the
decorating of the Pool Room; decorating the Ladies and Gents toilets and
just recently we have refurbished the Lounge. This has been met with
approval by all of those who have seen it. Last year we were able to
refurbish the small lounge just in time for the installation.
Since all those years ago when Camperdown were in
Barrack Street and had to leave their premises because of spiralling
debts we have gone from strength to strength, and with the help of the
Brethren of today hopefully we will continue to do so!