A BRIEF HISTORY OF LODGE ZETLAND 391 - Towards the end of the year 1858, several Brethren met for the purpose of having a Lodge of Freesmasons consecrated at Grangemouth. The enthusiasm was sufficient to warrant a petition to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, to issue a charter. This request was granted and the Charter obtained dated, 7th February 1859. Initially the Lodge was placed on the Roll of Linlithgowshire Province and remained there until 1889. A request to the Earl of Zetland, at that time The Most Worshipful Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, was made to have his permission to name the new lodge "ZETLAND". A ready assent was given and the Brethren showed their respect by adopting the colours of the Earl's Racing Livery for their regalia, namely Scarlet and Buff. The family from whom the Lodge had taken it's name had an unbroken succession of Provincial Grand Masters of Yorkshire (North and East Ridings) from 1817 until recent times.

The first meeting of the Lodge was held on the 8th February 1859 when it was resolved that the Brethren of the Ancient Brazen Lodge No17, Linlithgow be invited to inaugurate the "Zetland" lodge on the 15th of February 1859. Following
is and extract from the minutes of the inaugural meeting:

Tuesday the 15th February 1859 the Officers of Lodge Zetland were duly installed by the R.W.M of the Ancient Brazen Lodge. In appreciation of the services rendered the Officers and Brethren comprising the Deputation from Lodge No17 were unanimously elected Honorary Members of Lodge Zetland No391.

The first Lodge Room situated in Grange Street (now demolished) was consecrated on the 18th of October 1859 by the R.W.M of Lodge Ancient Stirling No30. Deputations were present from the following Sister Lodges: Lodge Torphicen No13, Bathgate. Lodge Ancient Brazen No17, Linlithgow. Lodge St. Andrew No25, St. Andrews. Lodge Ancient Stirling No30, Stirling. Lodge Edinburgh St. Andrew No48, Edinburgh. Lodge of Alloa No69, Alloa. Lodge Caledonian No392, Edinburgh.

The first Ball in connection with the Lodge took place on the 21st March 1862. Deputations were received from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Linlithgow.

The Ball commenced with the Grand March and continued with some of the most fashionable dances of the day. The scene was most magnificent, the hall being beautifully decorated with flags and bunting of different nations. A very large number of the Fair Sex were present, comprising the elite of the town and neighbourhood. The rich dresses and the clothing of the Brethren added to the scene. The dancing was kept up with great spirit until nearly 4a.m.

On the 29th May 1865 the memorial stone of the Established Church, situated at the extreme end of Bo'ness Road, Grangemouth (now Union Road) was laid with full Masonic Honours by the R.W.M. The lodges assisting were Linlithgow, Denny and St. John No16 , Falkirk. Lodge St. John had just been resurrected from a dormancy of twenty five years. The petition to the Grand Lodge of Scotland to revive the Falkirk Lodge was endorsed by the Master and Wardens of Lodge Zetland.

Regards to Bro. J.Bekush. PM 391 for above.