I’ve been researching the laying of ceremonial stone at the Parish Church Halls at High Blantyre at the corner of Main Street and Hunthill Road in 1891.
The newspaper in December 1891 said, “The halls are being erected on a prominent site at the old Kirkton of Blantyre, from designs by Mr John M’Kissock, 68 West Regent Street, Glasgow, who for the comparatively small cost of £1200 is providing a plain but substantial building in the Scotch Baronial style, with, on the ground floor, a small hall capable of accommodating 150, together with committee and ladies’ rooms and lavatories attached, and above a hall and retiring room, the former seated for nearly 450. “
“There is also a caretaker’s house, and the whole building is to be heated by means of hot water pipes. It is interesting to note that of the £1200 required to meet the cost of the structure, the sum of £750 has been secured by subscription locally, and it is intended to raise the balance at a bazaar which is to be held in Hamilton in March next.”
The following are the contractors:— Mason work, Messrs Robert Aitkenhead & Sons, Blantyre; joiner work, Mr Wm. Adam, Blantyre; plaster work, Mr C. Allan, Blantyre; slater work, Mr Robert Stewart, Blantyre; plumber work, Mr J. Hazel, Blantyre; painting work, Messrs Brown Brothers, Hamilton; heating, Messrs Murdoch & Cameron, heating engineers, Glasgow.
THE PROCESSION.
In addition to the Masons, the Shepherds gave a hearty response to the invitation to join in the ceremonial, and a few Foresters were also present. Besides Bro. Colonel J. C. Forrest, P.G.R.W.M., the following members of the Provincial Grand Lodge were present:—Bro. R. K. Stewart, Mauldslie Castle, G.D.M.; Bro. Major J. Cunninghame Kay, G.S.M.; Bro. Dr. William Grant, G.S.W.; Bro. Major Spence, G.J.W.; Bro. Rev. Charles Scrimgeour Turnbull, A.G.C.; Bro. Major Ness, G.D.C.; Bro. George Arthur, G.S.; Bro. A. King, G. Treasurer; and Bro. James South, Tyler.
Deputations were present from Lodges No. 7, 25, 30, 122, 148, 215, 250, 305, 356, 363, 406, 427, 447, 472, 524, 547, 557, 561, 573, 587, and 589. Between thirty and forty members of the Bellfield Lodge of Ancient Shepherds and several of the brethren of the Home of David Livingstone Lodge of Ancient Foresters marched from Stonefield to High Blantyre headed by a band of pipers from Glasgow, the former body carrying their fine banner.
AI helps picture the scene as it may have looked at the cross.
I think this picture is looking towards Hamilton, in 1959 when I was doing my two years national service my wife in her weekly letter that she had purchased a house for us. 374, Main st . At the other end of the church hall building. It cost us £200.00 pounds
Duncan Slater