Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West

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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,

As Christmas Day approaches, I read again Brother Rev Dr Angus Kerr’s Advent message which is truly a message of hope for the future. A message of hope that we can all reflect on and a message of hope that will undoubtedly mean different things to each of us. 

Having just returned from the Holy Land where I had meaningful meetings with Brethren of many faiths, my hope as we move forward into 2023 is that the world may take notice of Freemasonry. As Brother, HRH the Duke of Kent stated at the 250thanniversary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, our beloved Craft is one of very few places in the world where men of all creeds, colours, religions can meet in Brotherly Love, Peace and Harmony. How wonderful it would be if the world would follow our example and end man’s inhumanity to man which exists in so many places today.

I hope too, that all the good community work our Brethren and their families involved themselves in will continue as we face another difficult year in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. May I take this opportunity to thank you all, at home and overseas, for all you have done in the past year to keep the light of freemasonry burning brightly by your endeavour within your communities. 

Within our organisation there is also hope that the work being undertaken by our Grand Secretary to change the governance structure will come to fruition thereby ensuring a brighter and more efficient way ahead for the Craft in general.

I pray that all Brethren and their families will have a very happy, blessed and enjoyable Christmas and that 2023 will bring you all that you wish for.

May you all have the spirit of Christmas, which is Peace, the gladness of Christmas, which is Hope, and the heart of Christmas, which is Love and that 2023 will, through the values of Freemasonry, see that Peace, Hope and Love make the world a happier and healthier place. 


SCFS

 

Another significant milestone has been reached within the group and many congratulations are extended to our 7000th member … Brother Andrew (Andy) Mclean. Brother Mclean is Senior Warden in Lodge The Gael, No. 609 in the Province of Glasgow. 

This week saw Group membership rise to 7006 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.

The total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group has risen to 1476, submitted by 430 of its members.

These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 421 Lodges, from within 58 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 

This week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of East Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife & Kinross, Glasgow, Kincardineshire, Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Linlithgowshire, Orkney & Zetland and Ross & Cromarty.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,902,761.

SCFS Overseas Report

  • Brother George Rogers, PDGM, District Grand Lodge of Western Australia, posted news of the excellent support given by the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of Western Australia (SMCFWA) to the “Surf Life Saving WA - Youth Program” through its Personal Development Leadership Skills camp for 55 youth members. In addition, the SMCFWA was involved in supporting veterans in Western Australia with Christmas gift cards and Christmas puddings, this support totalling over £8000. 
  • Brother Tony Mansfield, Master, Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708, shared news of the sponsorship of over £2500 by the brethren in the District of North Island New Zealand of a young piper in order to progress her musical development. 
  • Brother Scott Bartlett, IPDGM, advised of a very generous donation by the District Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador to the Hurricane Fiona Relief Fund. 
  • The Overseas membership continues to increase, particularly helped by new members joining from Lodge Pythagoras, No. 1841, (Lebanon), and Lodge Jordan, No. 1339, (Jordan). Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS such as the GL of North Carolina, GL of Spain, and the Regular GL of Italy.

Our hearty congratulations are extended to our Immediate Past District Grand Master of the Bahamas, Brother Joseph Curry, who, last Thursday, presented his Letters of Credentials to Pope Francis, accrediting him as Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Holy See. This is a type of assignment where the State and the Church work together in the local and international community for the advancement of mankind; peace and security; and a better quality of life for all citizens of the world. We wish Brother Curry every success in his new Office.                                                          

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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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,

Have just returned from a very productive week with our friends in Jordan. Due to the sensitivity involved in that country at the moment, I can only report that all is going well and that I was looked after very well indeed. During the week I was taken first of all to Mount Nebo where Moses died and was buried. Later, I was introduced to Rustom Mkhjian the Director General of the Baptism Site Commission who gave me a very informative tour of the site and took me to the spot where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. 

I can also say that the weather was a bit warmer than you have been experiencing at home. On the way home from a meeting on Monday night it was nineteen degrees about 23.30 hours – which, for the Jordanians, was cold.

Hopefully as things change, I will be able to give a full account of my visit in the new yearbook.

Today I will hopefully get down the A9 to join the staff at 96 George Street for their Christmas Lunch. I’m sure that you would wish me to convey our thanks to them for all that they have done during the year and pass on our Christmas greetings to them all.

SCFS

 
Bumper week for SCFS this week, 27 posts, 10 new contributors and another 6 Lodges having posted for the first time.
 
o The Group saw its membership rise to 6991 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.
o This week saw the total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rise to 1452, submitted by 426 of its members.
o These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 418 Lodges, from within 56 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 
o During the week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provincial Grand Lodges of Aberdeen City, Dumfriesshire, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife & Kinross, Kincardineshire, Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Linlithgowshire Renfrewshire West, and The Scottish Borders.
o The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,861,031.
 

SCFS Overseas Report

We were delighted to publish information from Brother Andre Wissler, who shared news of the very prompt donation by Lodge Turffontein, No. 1556, in the District of Central South Africa, of urgently required food provisions to Epworth Children’s Home and also cooked food to St. Mary’s Children’s Home.

• Brother Keith Thomas shared news of the Lodge Christmas Supper, hosted by Lodge Carbonear, No. 1043, in the District of Newfoundland and Labrador, for brethren, members of the local community and widows of former members, during which a financial donation to St. Vincent du Paul Foodbank was presented. 
• Brother Scott Bartlett, IPDGM, also advised of a further financial donation to the same local Foodbank in Carbonear by Lodge Heart’s Content, No. 1275.

• The Overseas membership of the SCFS group continues to increase and now stands at 1874 brethren.  

• In addition, this week, new members were approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS such as the GL of Pennsylvania, GL of Mississippi, GL of the Czech Republic, and the GL of Japan. This brings our ICM membership to 1672 brethren. 

** We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts/Superintendencies which have recently been very supportive in sharing news of their charitable activities and look forward to further publishing similar posts from them and others. **

I am well aware that many Lodges are having family activities over the next week or so. I hope and trust that you all have a very happy and enjoyable time at all events.                                                                                                   

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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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,

This has been a quieter week albeit we had Grand Committee yesterday. It was all pretty run of the mill agenda items but one item will no doubt be of interest to everyone. We will be calling a special meeting of the Administration Committee followed by a special meeting of Grand Committee in order that the motion on Governance will be available for tabling at the February meeting of Grand Lodge. This is one of the most important items to come before Grand Lodge in a very long time. Its successful passage through all the committees and Grand Lodge will secure the positive future of Scottish Freemasonry. 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6976 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 1425, submitted by 416 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 412 Lodges, from within 56 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Aberdeen City, East Lothian, Fife & Kinross, Forfarshire, Glasgow, Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Linlithgowshire and Stirlingshire.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,852,381.
 

SCFS Overseas Report

We were delighted to publish information from Brother Rinus Grau, District Grand Secretary of the District Grand Lodge of Zimbabwe, who shared news the annual Combined Constitutions Christmas Lunch and presentation of grocery hampers to all the 70 residents of the two Masonic Homes in Harare, which was driven by Brother Grau, members of Lodge Scotia, No. 1323, and other brethren from lodges under the Scottish Constitution.

  • The Overseas membership continues to increase, helped by new members joining from several Lodges. Of particular note this week were Lodge John James Mills, No. 1657 (Jamaica), and Lodge Angoni, No. 1404 (Malawi).
  • In addition, new members were approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS such as the Grand Lodge of Tennesseeand UGLE. 

** We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts/Superintendencies which have recently shared news of their support and look forward to further publishing similar posts from them and others. **

                                                                                                                        

CHRISTMAS CONCERT – THIS SUNDAY

The Glasgow Phoenix Choir Christmas Concert will be held in Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh this Sunday 11th December at 2.30 pm for 3.00 pm. Tickets can be reserved through Grand Lodge Reception – only £10 per ticket. This year, in commemoration of the ascension of King Charles III, the choir will perform “Zadok the Priest” as part of the concert.

Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the concert as I’ll be heading to Jordan to meet with our three Lodges there plus a somewhat special meeting which I’ll hopefully be able to tell you about next week.

These past few weeks have been good to me with what I could describe as “home games” as far as travelling is concerned. First, I had a memorable centenary meeting with the Brethren of Lodge St Columba, 1295 in Inverness then last weekend a wee trip from the Black Isle to Ullapool then across the Minch to the Installation meetings of Lodge Fortrose No 108 in Stornoway and Lodge St Clement No 1353 in Tarbert, Harris. A tremendous weekend – two excellent Installations and visitors from America, from Fife and beyond. 

We hope to return to Stornoway in the Spring with a Deputation from Grand Lodge to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the construction of the Lodge building in Kenneth Street.

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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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,

Over the past week I have been delighted to receive much positive feedback regarding the Conference. My thanks to all Brethren who have taken the time to be in touch.

Last Sunday, Grand Secretary and I hosted the second Zoom meeting for young Masons. We had over 150 Brethren registered to attend but only eighty on the day. I am a bit concerned that there was a technical issue somewhere along the line – I had difficulty getting connected to zoom and was successful on the third or fourth attempt after rebooting the computer. If you tried to connect but could not join the session, my sincere apologies. Hopefully, the next session will be easier to navigate. However, for those who did join, we had a very enlightening and positive session following a presentation from Brother Will Rowan from Ayrshire. The plan is to form a network of young Masons groups throughout the Provinces and Districts to promote education, retention of members, recruitment of new members, socialising, and the building of new skills. 

I was most impressed by the enthusiasm, the interest, and the eagerness to promote the network. We will take the project forward through the Information and Communications Committee and in consultation with Provincial and District Grand Masters. This will be an excellent platform for those Brethren who are the future of Scottish Freemasonry.

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6971 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 1412, submitted by 413 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 412 Lodges, from within 56 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Aberdeen City, Fife & Kinross, Glasgow & Linlithgowshire.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,843,881.
 

SCFS Overseas Report

We were delighted to publish information from Brother Danny Langcay, Lodge Ivanhoe, No. 879, Western Australia, who shared news of a sizeable donation of over £1700 to the charity “Cancer Teenager”. This was made on behalf of the Filipino Australian Masonic Club of Western Australia, comprising members of Lodge Ivanhoe and other lodges within the Districts of Western Australia, and Western Australia, Goldfields … the presentation being made at the Club’s early Christmas Party.

  • The Overseas membership continues to increase, helped by new members joining from several Lodges. Of note this week were Lodge Eleutheran Adventurers, No. 1816 (Bahamas) and Lodge Maritzburg County, No. 996 (KwaZulu Natal). 
  • In addition, new members were approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS such as: Symbolic GL of Hungary, United GL of Victoria, GL of Nigeria, GL of Colorado, GL of Greece, and UGLE. There are now 1664 such members. 

** We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts/Superintendencies which have recently shared news and look forward to further publishing similar posts from them and others.                                                                                                                 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Glasgow Phoenix Choir Christmas Concert will be held in Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh on Sunday 11th December at 2.30 pm for 3.00 pm. Tickets can be reserved through Grand Lodge Reception – only £10 per ticket. This year, in commemoration of the ascension of King Charles III, the choir will perform “Zadok the Priest” as part of the concert.

I am looking forward to attending two installation meetings this weekend. Tonight, I will be in Lodge Fortrose No 108 in Stornoway and tomorrow afternoon Lodge St Clement No 1353 in Tarbert, Harris.

I am aware that there are still several Lodges who have not celebrated milestone events such as Centenaries that should have taken place during the lockdown period. Grand Lodge is keen to celebrate those events with you albeit two years late. They are significant dates in your history. If your Lodge falls into that category and you are keen to have a Rededication Ceremony, please ask your Secretary to contact Assistant Grand Secretary, Brother Duncan MacFadyen, and we will make suitable arrangements. Likewise, I am happy to celebrate similar events in any of the Districts I will be in during the coming year – in the first instance contact your District Grand Secretary to have the celebration included in the itinerary and they in turn will contact Assistant Grand Secretary.

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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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,

What a week it has been. A truly successful 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference. My sincere thanks go to Brother Ken Kennedy, Chairman of the Conference Committee, and his Conference Committee, all of whom really pulled out the stops to make it a memorable week. The Conference Stewards did a marvellous job ensuring that everyone was in the right place at the right time. Many thanks to all the 300 plus delegates, especially all those from overseas, who attended along with wives and partners – I sincerely hope that you all enjoyed yourselves and found the week interesting, stimulating and a worthwhile experience. The 5th Conference will be held in Beirut in May 2025.

Yesterday, I was honoured to be once again installed as your Grand Master Mason at the hands of Past Grand Master Brother Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont who did an excellent job as always. 

Over the past year Brother Jim Bell and Brother Jim Peddie have carried out their duties as Depute and Substitute Grand Masters in an impeccable manner and I thank them both for their support and commitment.

I now very much look forward to working with our new Depute and Substitute – Brother Bud Gauld and Brother Alexander Moncrieff and would ask you all to give them your support as you have done in the past.

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6961 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 1407, submitted by 410 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 410 Lodges, from within 56 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanarkshire Upper Ward, Linlithgowshire, Moray & Nairn, Perthshire West and Renfrewshire West
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,827,946.
 

SCFS Overseas Report .

We were delighted to publish information from Brother Scott Bartlett, IPDGM, District Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador, who shared news of sizeable donations to both the “Kids Eat Smart” and the “School Lunch Program” which were realised as a result of the 2022 Masonic Charity Golf Tournament. In addition, information about a £500 donation to “Make it a Million” on behalf of the District was noted. 

A further post highlighted the support of Lodge Pelican, No. 1750, Barbados, for Prostate Cancer detection through the Barbados Cancer Centre. The Lodge made an excellent donation of £650.

  • The Overseas membership continues to increase. New members joining from the following Lodges this week helped reach the current total of 1870 members: Lodge St. George, No. 200 (Bermuda), Lodge Naval and Military, No. 848 (Far East), Lodge Alpha, No. 1594 (Guyana), Lodge Sir William Wallace, No. 868 (Western Australia, Goldfields), and Lodge Wellington, No. 1385 (Belgium). 
  • In addition, new members were approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS. It was a particular pleasure to welcome into the group Brother Mikel Stoops, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas.                                                                                                                               

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Glasgow Phoenix Choir Christmas Concert will be held in Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh on Sunday 11th December at 2.30 pm for 3.00 pm. Tickets can be reserved through Grand Lodge Reception – only £10 per ticket. This year, in commemoration of the ascension of King Charles III, the choir will perform “Zadok the Priest” as part of the concert.

We are now very much into our Installation season, and I would take this opportunity to wish all new Masters, Wardens, and Office-bearers at home and overseas a very happy, productive, and meaningful term in office.

We think today of all our Sikh Brethren who, yesterday, marked the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahador Ji

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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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,

Only two days to go until the start of the 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference. I am truly looking forward to welcoming the delegates and their wives and partners from home and abroad to what I’m sure will be a momentous week in Scottish Freemasonry.

Conferences such as this don’t just happen – it takes a lot of effort. I am indebted to Brother Ken Kennedy, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Brother Kalpesh Shah, Organising Secretary, and the entire Committee for the vast amount of work they have carried out in a relatively short timescale to ensure that all will go to plan over the next week.

The programme has been enhanced by Brother Christopher Wong, District Grand Master of the Far East, agreeing that he and two of his Commission will be installed at a special meeting of Grand Lodge on Monday 21st November. All duly qualified Brethren are given a very warm welcome to join us in Grand Lodge on Monday night.

On Thursday we will have the Grand Lodge Installation Meeting followed by the Festival of St Andrew in the Edinburgh Conference Centre. During the Festival, we will present the final cheque 

of £1.1 million to Mr Adam Gaines from Prostate Scotland. My heartfelt thanks to everyone at home and abroad who has contributed toward this magnificent sum.

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6954 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 1391, submitted by 410 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 409 Lodges, from within 56 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire West, Dumfriesshire, East Lothian, Forfarshire, Galloway, Glasgow, Lanarkshire Upper Ward, Moray & Nairn, and Perthshire East.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,740,541.
 

SCFS Overseas Report .

We were delighted to publish information from Brother Scott Bartlett, IPDGM, District Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador, who shared news of a generous donation by Lodge Humber, No. 1475, to the Canadian Red Cross in the support of Hurricane Fiona Relief Fund, the hurricane being the costliest and most intense tropical cyclone to hit Canada on record.

  • The Overseas membership still continues to increase. New members joining from the following Lodges this week helped reach the current total of 1865 members: Lodge Golden Thistle, No. 840, Lodge Broonhill, No. 983, Lodge Sir William Wallace, No. 868 (all from Western Australia, Goldfields), Lodge Turffontein, No. 1556, and Lodge Thistle, No. 942 (Central South Africa), and Lodge St. Anne’s, No. 1751 (Bahamas). 
  • In addition, new members were approved from Lodges in amity with the GLoS, such as the GL of Newfoundland and Labrador, GL of Western Australia, GL of Alberta, GL of Cyprusand the GL of the Philippines. Particular reference must be made to an excellent response from brethren under the GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario. Thanks are extended to our 1655 such members for helping to share news, worldwide, of the wonderful charitable and community support featured in the group’s posts.

Last Friday night, Ann and I had a marvellous time with the Brethren of Lodge Galen and their wives and partners when we attended their Centenary Ball in the Glasgow Marriott. Next day I had another very enjoyable day with the Brethren of Celtic Lodge in Edinburgh. We celebrated their 200th Anniversary in fine style. On Monday night, it was back down the A9 to attend the Installation meeting of the Trades House Lodge in Glasgow. During the evening Honorary Membership of the Lodge was bestowed upon Brothers Charles IR Wolrige Gordon, James Peddie and Alexander Moncrieff. All richly deserved.                                                                                                                                                                      

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Glasgow Phoenix Choir Christmas Concert will be held in Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh on Sunday 11th December at 2.30 pm for 3.00 pm. Tickets can be reserved through Grand Lodge Reception – only £10 per ticket. This year, in commemoration of the ascension of King Charles III, the choir will perform “Zadok the Priest” as part of the concert.

I am looking forward to being in the Province of Glasgow tonight (Friday) to celebrate with Lodge Galen at their Civic Reception and to being in the Province of Edinburgh on Saturday to celebrate with them, their 200th Anniversary.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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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,

The Provincial Grand Masters meeting last Saturday was a very productive one. Only two Provinces were not represented but they both sent written updates.  I was heartened to hear the progress being made in the vast majority of the Provinces – all positive with new candidates in many of the Lodges but we also face challenges. Some Lodges are undoubtedly struggling, and a number of potential amalgamations were spoken of. While that is sad, especially where old Lodges are concerned, amalgamation means they will continue to exist. Many PGMs reported that Lodges were changing from two meetings a month to one, while others were considering changing the day of their meeting and likewise the time. A change of format in other Lodges was proving worthwhile. I am indebted to our Provincial and District Grand Masters and likewise our Grand Superintendents who are actively involved in facilitating necessary change. Given that we are still emerging from the Pandemic which has taken its toll in so many ways, we all need to accept the changing world we live in and embrace changes to the way we have operated in the past. By so doing, we will emerge stronger and more resilient.

One way that will undoubtedly help take us forward was the agreement of the PGMs that the setting up of a Young Masons network is essential and much can be gained from it. I think it is an exciting development which can easily be spread into our Districts. The young masons are our future. We therefore have to give them every support and encouragement to be creative and inventive in how and when we meet and how best to vary the content of the Lodge programme.

The basic tenets of our Craft and the lessons contained in our ritual will never change but how we deliver them affords us much scope to think outside the box and make our meetings more productive, interesting, exciting and enjoyable.

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6925 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 1375, submitted by 405 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 406 Lodges, from within 56 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Linlithgowshire, Midlothian and Perthshire East.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,735,140.
 

SCFS Overseas Report .

  • The Overseas membership still continues to increase. Special mention for support this week is given to Lodge Mount Lebanon, No. 1312 (District of Lebanon), Lodge Thistle, No. 1014 (District of Barbados),and Lodge Ntshe, No. 1746 (District of Botswana).  
  • In addition, new members were approved from Lodges in amity with the GLoS such as the GL of Nevada, UGLE, GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of Nova Scotia, GL of Illinois and the GL of New Zealand. 
  • We were delighted to publish a post from Brother Jim Kerr, DGM, of the District Grand Lodge of the Central South Africa, who shared news from  Peter Geyer, DG Almoner, about the District’s support of Epworth Children’s Home residential care facility, including a donation of household goods and furniture to the value of £1750 made possible by Bro. Paul Farinha. 

Day tickets for the Conference are now available and separately, tickets for the Installation and Festival of St Andrew are now available from Grand Lodge. This will be a unique week in Scottish Freemasonry – one that I commend to all of you. If you don’t have your tickets yet – don’t delay – they are selling fast.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Glasgow Phoenix Choir Christmas Concert will be held in Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh on Sunday 11th December at 2.30 pm for 3.00 pm. Tickets can be reserved through Grand Lodge Reception – only £10 per ticket. This year, in commemoration of the ascension of King Charles III, the choir will perform “Zadok the Priest” as part of the concert.

I am looking forward to being in the Province of Glasgow tonight to celebrate with Lodge Galen at their anniversary ball and to being in the Province of Edinburgh on Saturday to celebrate with them, their 200th Anniversary.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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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,

This Saturday sees the first face-to-face meeting with the Provincial Grand Masters since 2019. We will be meeting in Perth which is reasonably central for everyone. From the returns so far, it looks like we will almost have a full house which is great news. The PGM’s meetings and the DGM’s meetings provide a great platform to air issues, discuss problems, swap good ideas and just to socialise. Grand Secretary and I are both looking forward to a very productive meeting when, among other items, we will receive a Province-by-Province update on all that has been happening, is happening and is planned to happen.

I had a very productive meeting with Brother Will Rowan from Ayrshire on the subject of Young Masons Groups and the possibility of forming a network of such groups. There is much potential to be gained from such an activity world-wide. This will be a major topic for the zoom meeting of young masons which we hope to have before the end of the month.

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6907 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 1368, submitted by 403 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 406 Lodges, from within 56 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Glasgow and Linlithgowshire.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,730,708.

SCFS Overseas Report .

  • The Overseas membership has continued to increase and is now standing at 1854. Special mention for support this week is given to Lodge Ivanhoe, No. 879(Western Australia), Lodge Bi-Centennial, No. 1812(Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada), and Lodge Wellington, No. 1385, one of our two lodges in Belgium. 
  • In addition, new members were approved from Lodges in amity with the GLoS such as from the GL of Texas, GL of Ireland, and the GL of We now have 1632 members from other Masonic constitutions who spread news worldwide of the excellent support featured in posts on SCFS.
  • We were also delighted to publish a post from Brother Jim Kerr, DGM, of the District Grand Lodge of Central South Africa, who shared news about the District’s further support of CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) at a recent Breast Cancer Awareness bowls day.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Glasgow Phoenix Choir Christmas Concert will be held in Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh on Sunday 11th December at 2.30 pm for 3.00 pm. Tickets can be reserved through Grand Lodge Reception – only £10 per ticket. This year, in commemoration of the ascension of King Charles III, the choir will perform “Zadok the Priest” as part of the concert.

What a tremendous day the Grand Lodge Deputation who accompanied me to Lauder had. The welcome, the hospitality and the generosity were greatly appreciated by all. Situated in a beautiful part of the country Lodge St Luke No 132, has been promoting Freemasonry for over 250 years and I was greatly heartened by their enthusiasm and commitment to take the Lodge forward for the next 250 years. Thank you St Luke.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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