Unfortunately it was a case of  “out of the frying pan, and into the fire”. The Comrades' Hall was not in much better state of repair than the premises vacated. The roof eventually began to “leak like a sieve”, when it was raining, and it became necessary during the work of a degree, not to perambulate in a straight line as was expected but to “detour” around the receptacles placed to collect the rainwater. This made for some interesting footwork, although it may not have met with the approval of a purist. Eventually the conditions became so bad, the office bearers and brethren had on occasion, found it necessary to work wearing overcoats and gloves, and perhaps we should spare a thought for the poor candidate, who not only was in “darkness” as to the workings, but his brain and body were chilled by the adverse condition of the elements We might well have been forgiven for thinking he had passed to the Grand Lodge Above (the cold winter of death etc. ........).

New premises were sought in Inverkip Village, but alas to no avail, even though the local Council wanted the Lodge to remain in the village, as our Church parades had become so popular. The premises they offered were not suitable and as a strange twist of fate, the premises offered is now a public house named The Kip Lodge! After lengthy consultation with our sponsor Lodges, Firth of Clyde Gourock 626, and Crawfurdsburn 1121, with whom the Lodge has always enjoyed a close relationship, it was decided to accept the generous offer of temporary accommodation at the temple in Gourock, and on the 8th February 1971 the first regular meeting of Lodge Ardgowan was held there.

The membership of the Lodge was by now scattered over a wide area, from Linwood, Lochwinnoch to Wemyss Bay and because of an alteration to the public transport system, members were experiencing difficulty in attending regular meetings and supporting functions organised by the Lodge. As a result, a sharp drop in attendance was experienced and it was considered necessary by the RWM and brethren, to seek a new location for regular meetings, or to disband altogether.

Accommodation was again sought in Inverkip, without success, and on 6th September 1990 the Lodge transferred its regular meetings to Lodge St John’s 175 temple, West Stewart Street Greenock, where attendance by the Brethren increased.

Due to an increase in rent necessary for the upkeep of this most beautiful Lodge - perhaps the finest on the west coast - Lodge Ardgowan returned to Gourock where our sponsor Lodge Firth of Clyde 626 very graciously received us again in 1993.

 

Many of the brethren of Lodge Ardgowan were 'railway' workers. This was reflected in the Lodge logo for many years as this Installation Programme displays.

Lodge Ardgowan 1425 has always played a full part and prominent part within the province of Renfrewshire West and the service of several talented brethren have greatly contributed to the smooth and successful running of its affairs, one remembers with grateful thanks, the tremendous contribution made by Past Master Brother Willie Muir who was honoured by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason, for his service to the craft, and upon his tragic death, was succeeded into office as Provincial Grand Secretary by Past Master Richard Stewart Bain who is now The Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master of The Province of Renfrewshire West.

Also currently serving as Provincial Grand Lodge Office Bearers is Past Master Brother David Fleming, and one remembers with grateful thanks services rendered by the late Past Master Brother Willie Telfer, and Past Master Brother Tom Plunkett, both of whom served in office as Provincial Grand Senior Warden.

Lodge Ardgowan 1425, although young in Masonic terms, and small numerically has been unstinting in it's support to the funds of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West, and the Masonic Homes Appeal fund. Nor have they been found wanting in the sympathetic support of their own widowed and less fortunate Brethren, and their dependants.

Recent years have seen the Lodge hold Charity Dances and the proceeds have welcomed by the Ardgowan Hospice.

We hope Lodge Ardgowan 1425 continues in success and prosperity for the future, and may we all enjoy the happy and harmonious relationship, experienced by all brethren, who work together to obtain peace, and improve social conditions in society.