The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren,
It is my pleasure to commence the weekly update by congratulating Bro Dr Joseph John Morrow on his appointment as our next Grand Master Mason. I will have the honour of Installing him at the Installation Meeting on 30th November. I am delighted that the opportunity has now arisen to allow Bro Morrow to complete his journey as our Grand Master Mason. I am sure that all readers will join with me in wishing him a very happy, successful and enjoyable term in Office.
Unfortunately, my trip to Dundee to join in the Centenary Celebrations of Lodge Roineach Mhor Downfield No 1308 last Saturday did not happen due to the effect of Storm Babet. Forfarshire and Angus suffered greatly as a result of the storm and our heartfelt sympathy goes to all who have lost loved ones and to those who have lost their homes. Grand Lodge has committed £10,000 to the recovery fund.
The Grand Lodge Communication took place yesterday. It was preceded by a meeting of the Governance and Strategy Board which is now beginning to take shape and the final members of the Board were all elected yesterday afternoon. It is therefore, all systems go. I’m looking forward to the December meeting when further progress will have been made regarding the Standing Committees and the rolling out of the Strategic Vision, which was also endorsed yesterday by Grand Lodge.
It was also announced yesterday that Brother Hugh Bryson will be stepping down as Proxy District Master of the Far East. Brother Bryson has been a very effective Proxy Master for over 20 years prior to which he served the District as their District Grand Master. He has been a tremendous example to us all and we wish him a very relaxed and enjoyable retirement.
I received a very pleasant surprise yesterday when I was made an Honorary Member of the Grand Lodge of Denmark through the good offices of Brother Christian Høy-Petersen, Grand Chancellor of the Grand Lodge of Denmark. My sincere thanks to the Grand Master, Brother Walter Schwartz.
SCFS
- The Group saw its membership rise to 7341 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 1851, submitted by 521 of its members.
- These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 451 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge.
- Thanks is extended to the following Lodges who had posts submitted on their behalf this week:
- The Lodge of Erskine, No. 1566 (Renfrewshire East), supporting Erskine Home Recreation Facility.
- Lodge Almoners (Linlithgowshire), supporting Sir James McKay House.
- PGL Edinburgh, supporting Dean & Cauvin Trust.
- Strathardle, No. 1505 (Perthshire East) & Widows Scotland Sons North Chapter, supporting BLISS.
- The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,821,309.
A very interesting post was published thanks to Brother Sasi Dharan who advised that every first Saturday of the month, the members of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 1437, in the district of the Middle East, help distribute food to over 1000 low-income families in Singapore. This month, food packages were distributed to 1175 families. This regular and ongoing example of support by the Lodge to those in need within the local community cannot be praised highly enough. So many families rely on it and eagerly await the distribution day.
- This week we welcomed a number of new members from Lodges overseas. Particular mention must be made to Brethren joining fromLodge Nan Yang , No. 1828 (Malaysia, Middle East) and Lodge Mount Lebanon (Lebanon). The support of the new members who have joined is greatly appreciated and I’m sure that these new members will follow the very many Brethren who support the page by “Liking” and commenting positively on the published posts.
- Brethren from other Masonic constitutions (ICMs) were similarly welcomed. These Brethren help spread news of the wonderful support featured in the posts on SCFS to a worldwide audience. This week, Brethren joined from Lodges such as Jasper Tudor Lodge (Monmouthshire) under UGLE.
Later today I will be heading to Oban to get the ferry over to Craignure on the Island of Mull where we will be celebrating the Centenary of Lodge Tobermory St Mary’s No 1310. Looking forward to a great weekend of Freemasonry and Fellowship. Hopefully the weather will be kinder than it was last weekend, allowing Cal Mac ferries to operate.
Finally, as always, please stay safe and look after each other.
Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason