Weekly Update 5th May 2023 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,

Last weekend was a particularly busy but enjoyable one.

On Friday night, accompanied by our Substitute Grand Master, Brother Alexander Moncrieff, I witnessed an excellent Entered Apprentice Degree carried out by the Reigning Masters in the Province of Stirlingshire. 130 brethren signed the attendance book. 

On Saturday, in the Province of Fife, I had the privilege of heading a Grand Lodge Deputation to Lodge St Clair of Dysart where 120 brethren gathered to witness the Lodge being rededicated on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.

It was more of a home game on Monday night when I drove up to Kyle for the annual Provincial visit to Lodge Kyle No 1117. There we witnessed an enjoyable MM Degree followed by the usual west coast Harmony, enjoyed by all. However, the journey home took almost two hours given the number of stags wandering around the lower slopes.

This morning, as you read the update, I will be in Inverness to officially start a joint Provincial fun-raising initiative on behalf of Poppy Scotland. The Provinces of Caithness, Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty and Inverness-shire are combining to cycle the NC500 route.

On Sunday, I travel down to Glasgowwhere, accompanied by DGM, Brother William GauldSGM Alexander Moncrieff and Assistant Grand Secretary, Duncan McFadyen, I will attend a Service of Thanksgiving in commemoration of the Coronation, in Glasgow Cathedral.

SCFS

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Scottish.Constitution.Freemasonry.Supports/ 
 
 
As the group now heads into its fourth year, it reminds us of those three great principles which we as Freemasons hold so dear, Faith, Hope and Charity. Faith in the belief that we may offer some solace to those who may be less fortunate than we are. Hope that in some measure the support being given brings some comfort to those in need around us. And charity, that greatest of all gifts which has been undertaken by our Brethren, their Lodges, Districts and Provinces and shared within the group over the last three years.
Support can take many forms both financial and practical and a shining example can be found this weekend as part of the celebrations surrounding the coronation of King Charles the Third. The Big Help Out, which was publicised last week on the Grand Lodge Social Media platform gives us the opportunity to assist those in our communities who may need a helping hand and we would be delighted to see any examples of this being shared within the group.
The Group saw its membership rise to 7147 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 1669, submitted by 475 of its members.
These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 437 Lodges, from within 59 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 Argyll & The Isles, Dumfriesshire, Linlithgowshire, Midlothian, Perthshire East, Perthshire West, and The Scottish Borders.
The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,288,875
 
SCFS Overseas Report 
 

There will be no Overseas Report this week.

Looking forward to a visit to Larkhall next Saturday to mark the 200th anniversary of Lodge St Thomas, No 306.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason