There were prior to 1882 several abortive attempts at erecting a Masonic Lodge in Carnoustie, but due to the efforts and tenacity of sixteen Brethren whose names are recorded in the Lodge charter, these attempts at last proved successful.

Several of these Brethren had approached the Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire in September 1882, then meeting in Arbroath, for permission to erect a Lodge in Carnoustie, which prayer for the petition was duly granted.

On 5th. October 1882 a meeting was held in Simpson’s Golf Arms Inn, with Bro.D.A.McCorquodale presiding and Bro. David Ramsay acting as clerk, Bro. James C. McIntosh of Lodge Caledonian No.392, Edinburgh, reported on the favourable reception of their prayer for a Charter by the Provincial Grand Lodge. Whereupon Bro.David Ramsay of Lodge St.John No.50 then moved "That we do form a Lodge in Carnoustie, and that application be made for a Charter for same."

Bro.Simpson then proposed that it be called "The Lodge Dalhousie" which proposal met with the unanimous approval of the Brethren.

Grand Lodge on the 2nd. November 1882 "was pleased" to grant a Charter to Lodge Dalhousie No.679, with "all the rights and privileges appertaining to Freemasonry."

The Lodge met for the first time the following day, 3rd. November, which demonstrates the zeal of those Brethren "to get on with it" which has characterised the office bearers ever since.

The Lodge continued to meet in the Golf Arms Inn until February 1883 when the Brethren moved to the old premises of The Bank of Scotland, but perhaps indicative of the times the Brethren found the rent of this property too much for them, so they removed themselves to "Bruce’s Hotel" in Church Street, in May 1885, which soon after was renamed the "Dalhousie Hotel" There the Lodge continued to meet until 1898 when they found accommodation in the newly erected Carnoustie Burgh Chambers.

The Lodge in 1909 found itself once more on the move, this time to premises in Lochty Street, where they stayed until 1948. In January 1949 the Brethren took up residence at 11 Park Avenue, Carnoustie.

The Brethren continued to soldier bravely on despite the effects of social deprivation, poverty and war, and due to the dedication of its members and office bearers the Lodge was in 1982 able to celebrate in grand style its Centenary. The M.W.G.M. Bro. Sir James W. McKay at the head of a large deputation of Grand Lodge Offices carried out the ceremony of rededication in a Lodge room filled to capacity, many of the Brethren having travelled considerable distances to be present.

Among the congratulatory messages was one from Lodge Dalhousie No.720, which in turn celebrated its centenary on 5th. November 1985.

Perhaps indicative of the severe economic depression which has effected the country over the last few years the Brethren felt it advisable to sell their Park Avenue premises. Consequently in January 1985, Lodge Dalhousie returned once more to the Burgh Chambers, after an absence of 76 years.

In January 1999 the Lodge once more relocated premises and are now meeting in the Boys Brigade Hall, Maule Street, Carnoustie.

Please use this link to find more information concerning the Earls of Dalhousie and their associating with Freemasonry.

Click link to view an exact copy of "The Origins" of Lodge Dalhousie and the Minutes from the first minute book as they were written in 1882.