User:ALR/Mother Kilwinning

Lodge Mother Kilwinning is a Masonic Lodge in Kilwinning, Scotland under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, it is number 0 on the Roll following a series of changes in its status with respect to the Grand Lodge. It is reputed to be the oldest Lodge in Scotland, styled The Mother Lodge of Scotland attributing its origins to the 12th Century..

Provincial Grand Lodge of Kilwinning
The Master of Kilwinning has hisotically also been the Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire, this led to many members joining from other Lodges in order to progress to the Provincial Chair. In 1983 this was changed with Mother Kilwinning being removed from the Province of Ayrshire and created the only subordinate to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Kilwinning. As part of this change the Lodge elects each year from the membership a representative to Grand Lodge of Scotland to act as Grand Bible Bearer.

Degrees
The lodge awards the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry, namely:


 * Entered Apprentice
 * Fellowcraft
 * Master Mason

In keeping with the Scottish tradition the lodge also awards the Mark Degree which, whilst a completion of the Fellowcraft, is awarded after the Master Mason degree.

The lodge meets fortnightly awarding one of the three initial degrees, meeting to award the Mark twice per year.

The Installation of a new Master takes place on the Saturday nearest to the Festival of St Thomas each December, the Master serving a term of two years.

Whilst the Lodge is a craft lodge only the name Kilwinning appears in a number of other orders of masonry including the Ancient and Accepted Rite and Royal Order of Scotland.