Covid -19 Update 4th February 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee

 

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The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason

Brethren,

Can I start by thanking those of you who have been so kind in sending messages as a result of me succumbing to the Covid virus! Have no idea how or when I got it – could have been a number of places. I have it and there is nothing I can do but sit it out until I get a clear lateral flow test. It was a massive disappointment missing the Communication yesterday but I am again indebted to Brother Charles Iain Wolrige Gordon who stepped in on my behalf. On the positive side, isolation has enabled me to catch up on a load of paperwork and a few other jobs that have been put aside time and again.

The Benevolence and Care Committee, on Wednesday, gave the Working Party the go ahead to publicise the “Make it a Million” campaign for Prostate Cancer Scotland. The new Facebook page will be launched, hopefully this week, and it can be used to publicise events that are about to happen in Lodges and Provinces and likewise to report back on successful fund-raising events. The more information we can get on the page, the more likely others will follow and try out new fund-raising approaches in their own areas. There will also be details of events being organised by the Working Party as they materialise such as - another Zip Slide – if you missed out first time round, here’s your chance – white water rafting – tandem skydiving to name but a few. In moving toward the £1million, let’s not concentrate on the money alone. Let all the events be enjoyable, let’s have fun in the process, while welcoming the public to as many of our events as possible. We can not only raise money but raise awareness of the good we do, and all that Scottish Freemasonry stands for.

Under Ken Kennedy’s chairmanship, the Conference Committee continue to make good progress. The Committee Secretary, Bro Kalpesh Shah is receiving lots of declarations of interest from home and abroad which is most encouraging. The various sub-committees are all working hard in their respective roles and will be meeting again on 10thFebruary to report on progress. 

SCFS

 
 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6208 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.
  • This week saw the total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rise to 1092, submitted by 349 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 358 Lodges, from within 56 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 
  • During the week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Ayrshire, Orkney & Zetland and Linlithgowshire.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £1,939,178.

SCFS Overseas Report  

  • Brother Horace Gock shared news of an excellent donation of £1035 from Lodge Polynesia, No. 562, in Fiji, to assist and support the unfortunate victims of the tsunami which affected so many people in Tonga, as they continue their efforts to rebuild their homes. 
  • Our Overseas Membership is growing steadily … now standing at 1687,with Brethren joining from the Districts of Bermuda, Bahamas, Lebanon and the Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope. The Lodge which had most new members coming from it was Lodge Protea, No. 1578, in the Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope
  • We now have 1217 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. Congratulations are extended to Brother Greg FellowsLodge Beaudesert, No. 379, United Grand Lodge of Queensland, who is our 1200th ICM (International Constitution Member).
  • New members joined from 13 different Masonic constitutions this week: GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of New Zealand, GL of Texas, GL of Louisiana, United GL of Victoria, United GL of Queensland, GL of the Philippines, GL of India, GL of Vermont, Symbolic GL of ParaguayUGLE(England, Bermuda), GL of Newfoundland and Labrador, GL of Queensland 
  • Special welcomes were extended to Brother Anthony BuccaDeputy Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoriaand toBrother Michael Smith, DGM of the DGL of Bermuda (UGLE)

Finally, as always, please stay safe and look after each other.

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason