Weekly Update 19th 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, 

First, my sincere thanks to the Brethren of St Thomas in Larkhall for a well-organised bicentenary. It was a most enjoyable day and the large Deputation from Grand Lodge thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

This week I’ll be heading a significantly smaller Deputation when we cross the Minch to celebrate the bicentenary of the building in which Lodge Fortrose 108 meet. The building has significant architectural and historical importancein Stornoway. The rededication Ceremony will take place immediately after the annual Provincial visitation. We look forward therefore to a full house. The Grand Lodge Deputation will not be retiring as they usually do at the conclusion of the rededication ceremony but will remain in the Lodge to witness the closing in Gaelic.

During the week, Brother Alex Galbraith drew my attention to an excellent article published in the Greenock Telegraph about Freemasonry in the Inverclyde area. This is the kind of positive publicity we need. With a view to achieving a better rapport with the media, we are inviting them to attend a briefing in Grand Lodge. During the visit we will give them a tour of the building, brief them on recent achievements, highlight the work that is being done in the communities and give them the opportunity of a Q & A session. In addition, I will have the opportunity to be interviewed on a local Asian radio station in Glasgow at the beginning of June. Good communication at all levels throughout the Scottish Craft is essential to our success in the future.

Talking of which, I am delighted to report that at the end of the month around 30 ladies from Crown Church Guild in Inverness have asked if they can visit Lodge Seaforth 854 as part of their annual outing. We look forward to welcoming them with a cup of tea and a wander round the Lodge and its environs. Another golden opportunity to dispel some of the myths.

SCFS

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Scottish.Constitution.Freemasonry.Supports/ 
  

The Group saw its membership rise to 7159 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 1688, submitted by 478 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 Forfarshire, Glasgow, Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Linlithgowshire and Renfrewshire East.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,423,274.

 
SCFS Overseas Report 
  

A number of excellent posts have been received.

• Brother George Rogers, Past District Grand Master, shared news of the continuing support by the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of Western Australia to Surf Life Saving SA through the sponsorship and presentation of recent awards.
• Brother Tony Osman advised the group of the ongoing support by Malawi Scottish Masons to those suffering the effects of the Cyclone in that area … this time, the youngsters in the camps through the provision of footballs to distract them from the trauma of what is going on around them.
• The excellent efforts of Lodge Turffontein, No. 1556, Johannesburg, in facilitating support of the Shammah Shelter for vulnerable children was shared by Brother Andre Wissler
 

Once again, it was a pleasure to welcome new members from our Lodges overseas. Particular reference is made to a wonderful response from Lodges in the District of Central South Africa, primarily from Lodge Turffontein, No. 1556. From that District, a warm welcome is also extended to new members from Lodge Gordon, No. 804, Lodge Sound Memory, No. 1655, and Lodge Braemar, No. 1469.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason