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On 19th March 1834, the laying of the
foundation stone of Maybole Gas Works was a great
highlight in the town's affairs and once again the two
lodges were in the forefront of the proceedings although
at the rear of the procession. A procession started from
the Town Green and it is minuted that it. consisted of
"the Friendly Societies, the Town Council, Shoemakers,
Tailors and other Craftsmen in their robes of office,
with insignia displayed, banners flying and music
playing." A mounted horseman led off the procession,
followed by the Weavers, who were then the most
prominent craftsmen in the town, carrying the emblems of
their trade . After them came eight members of the
Maybole Carrick Band, the members of the Shoemakers
Guild in full robes, then Wrights with their insignia.,
followed by the contractors responsible for the building
of the new Gas Works. Next in the procession came the
Magistrates and members of the Town Council and
immediately behind them the remaining nine members of
the seventeen strong local band. The rear of the
procession consisted of the Masonic Lodges, in full
regalia with banners flying, in the order of two Girvan
Lodges, Ayr Lodge, Maybole Royal Lodge No. 198 and
finally Maybole St. John's No. 11. These private gas
works continued for over a hundred years until they were
Nationalized and in 1969 piped gas was introduced under
the gas grid scheme and gas is no longer made in the old
works. From Maybole, Carrick's Capital, by James
Grey. Photos contributed by Davie Law. Click on the
images below to view them full size. |
