The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren,
Compared to the last eight or nine months, the past week has been quiet in terms of Masonic activity. On Tuesday, I attended a meeting of Lodge Allan Wilson No 851 – over fifty Brethren in attendance with forty-seven remaining for lunch – very encouraging.
Yesterday I attended a meeting of the Overseas Committee. There was a lengthy agenda which was handled well by the Chair, Brother Jim Jack. A full report from the Committee will go to Grand Committee on 8th September.
Next week will be a bit busier – I look forward to attending a meeting of Lodge Mother Kilwinning on Tuesday, receiving the Grand Master of Finland on Wednesday morning in Grand Lodge, attending the Quarterly meeting of the Province of Ross and Cromarty on Wednesday night, attending the Administration Committee in Grand Lodge on Thursday, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian on Friday and travelling down to Kelso on Saturday to join with the Scottish Borders Brethren for their 275th anniversary.
How good it is, after more than two years of inactivity to see such activity taking place. It is equally encouraging to receive reports from many of our Districts indicating that they too are coming back to life once again.
SCFS
- The Group saw its membership rise to 6742 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 1304, submitted by 391of 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 East Lothian, Fife & Kinross, Forfarshire, Glasgow, Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Midlothian and Perthshire West.
- The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,544,350.
SCFS Overseas Report
We are aware of the excellent support currently being undertaken by a number of our Overseas Lodges and Districts and look forward to publishing news of this in the near future.
- Encouragingly, we continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges. In this respect, special reference must be made to brethren from the following Lodges for their support this week: Lodge Caledonia, No. 796, (Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope), Lodge Menzies Doric, No. 890, (Western Australia), and Lodge Unity, No. 1611, Kenya (East Africa).
- We are delighted that more brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who help spread news of the wonderful support given to others by our brethren, have joined the group. Amongst others, new members have been approved, and welcomed, from Masonic constitutions such as: GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, United Grand Lodges of Germany, United GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of the Philippines, GL of Western Australia, United GL of Queensland, and the GL of Ireland.
- An additional welcome was extended to Brother Dennis Liao, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of China.
The Memorial Service in Glasgow Cathedral is taking shape. While we are limited in numbers physically attending the service, the entire service will be live streamed so that Brethren, relatives and friends throughout the world can participate. All Lodges will receive a complimentary copy of the Order of Service to keep in their archives.
Details of how to link into the service will be distributed by Grand Secretary.
Grand Almoner tells me that the names of participants in the Zip Slide are now coming in. Please support all those who are taking part. We have now reached £950,000 – a fantastic effort. By supporting the Zip Slide we will close the gap and home in on the £1 million target. My sincere thanks to all at home and abroad who have taken us to this milestone.
Finally, as always, please stay safe and look after each other.
Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason