The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren,
On the morning of Saturday 24th July, I organised a final rehearsal of the Rededication Ceremony for the main participants. As soon as we finished all Brethren assembled and the official photos were taken, Lodge Polynesia No 562 was opened by the Master, Brother Clement Patterson. He welcomed Deputations from the English Constitution and from our District Grand Lodge in New Zealand North.
The Grand Lodge Deputation carrying out the 150th Rededication excelled. Brother Howorth conducted the duties of Chaplain in a very dignified and capable manner. Brother Gibson called on his skill as an air traffic controller to expertly ensure the ceremony took place in a controlled, impressive and solemn way.
Prior to the close of the meeting I had the honour of unveiling the new Past Master Boards celebrating 150 years of Scottish Freemasonry in the beautiful Island of Fiji. I likewise had the pleasant duty of presenting Past Masters Diplomas and Master Mason Cerificates to a number of Brethren.
In the evening at the Paradiso Restaurant we were joined by the ladies for a Rededication Banquet. We started off with a drinks reception followed by a tremendous demonstration of local dances by the Vou Dance Troupe. It was a real joy to witness their energetic and meaningful routine.
On Sunday, we all met at the Defence Club where I was privileged and honoured to make two presentations on behalf of the Lodge. The first to two representatives of WOWS – “Walk On Walk Strong” – a charity dealing with the many issues that arise when a child is diagnosed with cancer. They received a cheque for $F10,000 from the Lodge.
The second was to a very bright 16-year old girl called Sylvia. The Lodge are assisting her through her schooling. I was also delighted to be informed that Lodge Polynesia will donate $F10,000 to the “Make it a Million” Campaign.
During my five days in Fiji I was treated like royalty. The welcome, the generosity and the friendliness of the Fijians was of the highest order. I’m delighted to say that the Brethren of Lodge Polynesia are flying the flag of Scottish Freemasonry in a very positive upbeat way – they deserve the full support that we can give from Edinburgh.
My sincere thanks to the Brethren, and their ladies, who are an integral part of the Lodge and spearhead much of the charity work on behalf of the Brethren. I will cherish my memories of Fiji.
SCFS
- The Group saw its membership rise to 6718 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 1292, submitted by 384 of its members.
- These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 397 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Ayrshire, Dumfriesshire, Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Stirlingshire and The Scottish Borders.
- The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,537,081.
SCFS Overseas Report
It was very heartening to receive the following posts this week:
- Brother Joseph Lum-on, JW, Lodge Polynesia of Fiji, No. 256, shared news of donations from the lodge, on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary, of approx. £8000, towards the Children’s Cancer Foundation, the GLoS “Make it a Million” Prostate Cancer appeal and in further supporting a local student in her education.
- A post was also published in which Brother Craig Jessop, DDGM, District of the Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, shared news of the community support of Lodge St. Andrews, No. 608 (assisted by brethren from Lodge Koodoo, No. 1317, Lodge Kirkwood Kilwinning, No. 1393 and Lodge Good Friendship, No. 1800) in running a soup kitchen for the residents of Buffelsfontein Old Age Home.
Notwithstanding the fact that over 1800 Overseas brethren are members of the SCFS group, it is encouraging to continually welcome new members every week.
- The largest increase in membership this week was from the District of Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, closely followed by the District of Western Australia. Brethren also joined from the Middle East (Singapore) and Jordan.
- Lodge Caledonia, No. 796, provided the largest number of Brethren joining from an individual Lodge.
- Brethren from lodges operating under Masonic constitutions which are in amity with the GLoS, identified as ICMs (International Constitution Members), continue to spread news of the wonderful support featured in posts on SCFS. This week, new members joined from the United GL of Queensland and UGLE (England, South Pacific).
Finally, as always, please stay safe and look after each other.
Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason