Home to The Douglas Lodge No.409, the Stewart Avenue building was designed by brother and local architect Matthew Steele, whose talents later resulted in the Hippodrome.

The Lodge itself had formed in 1860 – making next year, 2010, its 150th anniversary – and before taking up residence in the Temple several homes were used as a meeting place.

There was a desire among many members to have their own premises and in 1908 several sites were considered before brother Kilpatrick's at Stewart Avenue was picked.

At the ceremonial opening in 1909 the brethren met at the old Lodge room before marching in procession, after the Kinneil Reed Band, along North and South Streets, up Church Wynd and to the new building.

There Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire, Bro. Dr Robert Kirk, laid the foundation stone complete with all the honours before a large
crowd.

As well as the Lodges of the Province and neighbouring districts, representatives had travelled from as far away as Islay, Oban and Glasgow.

Past Master William Johnston said: "The town of Bo'ness in 1909 did not look as it does today.

"Time passes and modernisation changes many things but the building on Stewart Avenue remains much as it did 100 years ago, a tribute to the brethren who were responsible for its erection all those years ago."

Next Friday's re-dedication service will be conducted by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire.

The celebrations will be a forerunner for The Douglas Lodge marking its 150th anniversary in November 2010.

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