The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren,
This is the 190th weekly update – I never thought for a moment that three and a half years after the first one we would still be sending them out. From feedback received, it would appear that they still fulfil a purpose.
Last Saturday, I headed a Deputation to one of our oldest Lodges, The Lodge of Journeymen Masons No 8 to celebrate 150 years in the Blackfriars Street Lodge room. What a great day we had – a joy to work in such an old and interesting building followed by a splendid meal and excellent speeches. My sincere thanks to all involved in organising the day – it was highly memorable.
Tonight, I will be in Glasgow to attend the annual Past Master’s and Office-bearers Dinner in the Trades House Lodge. Grand Secretary and I both look forward to a very convivial evening in the splendid setting of Trades House.
SCFS
- The Group saw its membership rise to 7295 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 1806, submitted by 511 of its members.
- These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 446 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge.
- Thanks are extended to the following Lodges who had posts submitted on their behalf this week:
- Eaglesham, No. 1265 (Renfrewshire East) supporting The Kilbride Hospice.
- Ben Ledi, No. 614 (Perthshire West) supporting Ripple Retreat.
- Buchan St. John, No. 636 (Linlithgowshire) supporting various Sister Provinces with provisions.
- Firth of Clyde, No. 626 (Renfrewshire West) supporting Gourock Boys Brigade.
- Widows Sons East Chapter supporting The Lily Foundation.
- The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,672,511.
This week, a post was published from Brother Danny Langcay with information about Brethren from Lodge Ivanhoe, No. 879, in Western Australia, who very kindly gave of their time to assist the Philippine Embassy during the passport processing in Perth, July 2023. A fine example of involvement in the community.
This week we welcomed Brethren from Lodge Sir William Wallace, No. 868 (Western Australia Goldfields District), Lodge Golden Thistle, No. 744 (Johannesburg, Central South Africa), and Lodge Pinelands Kilwinning, No. 960 (Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope).
Brethren from other Masonic constitutions (ICMs) were similarly welcomed, such as Brethren from Lodges under the GL of Ireland.
Congratulations are extended to Brother Fernando Mariano, Arcadio R. Evangelista Memorial Lodge, No. 254, under the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, who has become our 1800th ICM. These Brethren help spread news of the wonderful support featured in the posts on SCFS to a worldwide audience.
I received information this week from our DGM in the Bahamas, Brother Tony Bostwick, along with some photographs, showing that the foundation of the new Scottish Masonic Centre in Nassau has been laid. This is good news for our Brethren in the Bahamas. The project started before Covid, but the pandemic brought it to a close. However, DGM Bostwick has re-established the venture and is spearheading a drive to raise funds and to make progress with the build. We wish them well in their endeavour.
Past Grand Master, Brother Joe Morrow, Chair of the Benevolence and Care Committee and I are both looking forward to an event on Friday 6th October in Grand Lodge when I will officially sign the Armed Forces Covenant. Dawn Oliff is busy working on the programme for the day. I’ll give more information in due course.
Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason