The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren,
Another quietish week Masonically, but lots going on in other ways. We were delighted to welcome Brother Kevin Taggart to the Black Isle on Wednesday with a van full of foodstuffs for distribution to food banks and sharing sheds throughout the Black Isle and Inverness. I am well aware that many Provinces benefit from the initiative – what a great way to raise the profile of the Craft and, more importantly, help those who are struggling.
Next week Grand Lodge will be totally transformed for the duration of the Edinburgh Festival. The Grand Hall will be unrecognisable as it converts into a theatre and likewise the lesser hall and the Grand Committee Room. It is well worth coming to see one of the shows just to experience the change in the premises.
SCFS
The Group saw its membership rise to 7245 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 1758, submitted by 499 of its members.
These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 441 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 Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Linlithgowshire, Stirlingshire and The Scottish Borders.
The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,618,533.
I’m delighted to highlight a post from Brother George Buchan, Depute District Grand Master, Western Australia. He sent news of a wonderful joint donation of over £1500 by Lodge Menzies Doric, No. 890, and The Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of Western Australia to assist in the ongoing operating costs of The Rockingham Men's Shed. This wonderful organisation has become an incredibly powerful tool in addressing men's health and wellbeing by providing a safe environment for socialising with like-minded men.
- New members were welcomed from our Lodges overseas: Lodge Mount Lebanon, No. 1312 (Lebanon), The Lorne Lodge, No. 654(Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope), and Lodge United Brothers, 251 (Trinidad and Tobago & Grenada). Particular mention must be made to Lodge Union of Athole, No. 591 (Central South Africa) from which a significant number of Brethren joined the group.
- Brethren from other Masonic constitutions were similarly welcomed, such as Brethren from lodges under the GL of New York, GL of New Zealand, and the GL of the Philippines.
I am looking forward to being in Kilwinning this Saturday to reinstall Tom Wood as PGM of Kilwinning. There will be a sizeable Deputation from Grand Lodge which is good – and I expect that there will be many Brethren from all the airts and pairts. It promises to be a great day.
Many Brethren throughout the world know our past DGM of India, Brother Bomi Mehta. I am sad to report that he is seriously ill in the Intensive Care unit of Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. He is a legend in Scottish Freemasonry in India – our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Could I take the opportunity to stress the point I made last week? Please spread the word that Prostate Scotland has launched its new “Prostate Scotland App”. The App is available for both Apple and Android mobile phones.
The Prostate Scotland App” is free from Apple store or Google Play and contains excellent information and help for men and their families who are going through their journey with Prostate Cancer.
Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason