Scottish Freemasonry has been practised in Jamaica since 1717 and although  well established in Kingston, Clarendon, St. Mary and St. Ann, there was no Scottish Lodge in Western Jamaica in 1957 – the most westerly Lodge being Lodge Seville # 530 in St. Ann’s Bay.

This fact prompted a number of brethren to petition to the District Grand Master for the establishment of a Scottish Lodge in Montego Bay, St. James. The founder members number forty-two (42) had numerous consultations resulting in the Lodge names “ELGIN” being chartered on the 6^th August 1959 and consecrated on the 3^rd of September, 1959.

The Lodge was chartered to practice free masonry as indictated in the constitution and laws of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and in keeping with the bye-laws approved by the District Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge.

Over the years the lodge’s membership has grown considerably and in 1972 an outreach programme was established whereby the Lodge became co-sponsors of the St. Francis Basic School. The other co-sponsor was the St.James Parish Church. Funds to give Financial support to the school was by voluntary contributions from the brethren whenever or wherever they met, but in 1974 the decision was taken to organize fundraising events to garner more funds and thereby involving the general public in its laudable effort.

The main fundraiser was a tea party held in June of each year and was a “Calendar Event for the public. The Lodge then extended its financial support mainly to youngsters with ability but without the financial support to see themselves through school.

As time and circumstances changed the Tea Party was replaced by the sponsorship of two Bingo parties and currently and annual Soca Oldies Party and a Gold Tournament.

The Lodges out-reach, is a commitment to serve the public in a meaningful way through education and the public’s support for our efforts is always welcome.

Our outreach programme to date has facilitated financial support as follows:

1.                  X-Mas treat Children Ward St. James Hospital

2.                  St. James Infirmary

3.                  Paradise Day Care Centre

4.                  Melody Home for Girls

5.                  Students to Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College

6.                  Students to Cornwall College

7.                  Students to Montego Bay High School

8.                  Students to Mt. Alvernia High School

9.                  Students to Montego Bay Community College

10.              Students to University of Technology

11.              Students to U.W.I.

12.              Contributions to National Children’s Home

13.              Contributions to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal

14.              Contributions to the Farm Heights Basic School

15.              Flood Sufferers Fund

16.              International Year of the child

17.              Sight conservation fund through Lions Club