About the Provincial Grand Lodge

Key Events and Development

During the 1970s, R.W. Bro. C.G. Grand of the Scottish Constitution was honored as an Honorary Member. In October 1971, the lodge moved from its longtime English Temple location on Hanover Street to the Temple of the Scottish Constitution at 11 McGregor Square. The following year, W. Bro. Dr. Aubrey Jacobs, D.G.M. of Jamaica for the English Constitution, was also made an Honorary Member.

In 1973, membership dues were adjusted to $20 per annum for residents of the Corporate Area and $7 for non-residents. Grand Lodge bestowed the Honorary Rank of Past Grand Deacon upon W. Bros. R.C. Livingston, S.A. Murphy, and A.L. Lloyd in 1974.

The lodge achieved a notable first in July 1974 by organizing a family outing via private train to a beach near Port Antonio, marking a memorable occasion for all participants.

In June 1976, R.W. Bro. Lloyd Wong, D.G.M. of the District Lodge of Jamaica and the Bahamas (S.C.), became an Honorary Member. The lodge continued to receive honors from Grand Lodge, including the Honorary Rank of Past Grand Deacon for W. Bro. I.H. Gibbs in November 1976.

The lodge faced challenges in the 1970s due to socio-political instability in Jamaica, leading to a decline in membership, particularly among expatriates. However, appeals to sister constitutions helped stabilize membership numbers.

Expansion and Milestones

The 50th Anniversary in April 1977 saw several prominent Freemasons affiliating with the lodge, including R.W. Bro. Dr. Aubrey Shervington Jacobs and W. Bro. Brig. Rudolph George Edward Green. During this time, the lodge also confirmed the existence of an Irish Royal Arch and Mark Lodge in Jamaica, receiving certificates from 1916 belonging to Bro. James F. Drayton.

In March 1984, the lodge relocated again, this time to the New English Temple at Barbados Avenue, marking a significant move. The Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, R.W. Bro. Major George Malone, visited in May 1984 to commemorate the occasion and presided over the first lodge opening at the new location.

Throughout its history, South Carolina Lodge No. 390 bestowed numerous honors upon its members and received recognition from Grand Lodges. Notable accolades include the appointments of W. Bro. Capt. H. Worton as Honorary Membership in 1980 and the establishment of the position of Steward of Charities.

The lodge continued to thrive and innovate, with new initiatives such as the resuscitation of an Irish Royal Arch Chapter proposed in 1983 by R.W. Bro. Dr. Aubrey S. Jacobs.

Legacy and Milestones

The lodge’s legacy expanded into the formation of daughter lodges, including Western Shamrock Lodge No. 889 in 1985, followed by St. James Lodge No. 898 and Emerald Lodge No. 899 in 1989. The lodge’s influence extended to the constitution of the Irish Masters Lodge No. 907 in 1993 and the True Craftsman Lodge No. 921 in 1996, further solidifying its impact on Freemasonry in Jamaica.

In the early 2000s, South Carolina Lodge No. 390 made history by holding a Regular Communication in the Grand Lodge Temple in Dublin, Ireland, further strengthening its international ties. The lodge’s contributions were acknowledged through various promotions and honors for its members, underscoring its enduring commitment to Freemasonry and community service.

In 2005, the lodge initiated celebrations marking 100 years of continuous Irish Masonry in Jamaica, reflecting on its rich history and enduring contributions to Freemasonry globally.