The Registration Book has revealed some interesting information.
The total number of initiates from 1792 to 1992 is 1,932,
and that of joining members is 398, which includes the Founder
Members. This totals 2,330, which is more or less the number of
Brethren who have ever held allegiance to Ancient Union Lodge.
These figures can be split into half centuries as follows:
1792 to 1841 1842 to1891
1892 to 1941 1942 to 1991
Initiations
383
701
612
236
Joining
180
149
43
26
In 1818 there were no Initiates, just 5 joining members, 2 in September and 3 in October. There was only one initiate in 1849, and in this year there were no less than 17 joining members. There are many references to withdrawals, but on 17th January 1877, there is clearly shown that a man was 'Blackballed'.
The list of Honorary Members is as Follows:
Initiated
Elected Honorary Member
Joseph Coffey
15th December 1898
21st February 1924
Thomas Heggie
31st December 1902
John F N Chambers 17th March 1904
James Chamberlain 15th February 1912
Albert Walters Brock 20th May 1920
15th March 1955
James Edward Smith 21st October 1920
21st October 1975
William Ernest Holland 15th October 1931
21st October 1975
Robert Edward Lee
22nd March 1941
1st December 1981
It has already
been mentioned that our Lodge practiced the workings of the Holy
Royal Arch Chapter and other side degrees when under the
authority of The Athol Grand Lodge. In fact it is revealed in the
minutes dated 4th August 1804, that Bro J Broster was exalted to
the supreme degree of a Holy Royal Arch Mason. He was to become
the first Most Excellent Zerubbabel of the newly formed St John
of Jerusalem Chapter No 348, which was founded on 2nd November
1824. St John of Jerusalem has kept its allegiance with Ancient
Union Lodge to this day, they both share the number 203, and many
members of our Lodge are Companions or Excellent Companions in
the Chapter