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,

I hope and trust that you have all enjoyed the Christmas festivities and are looking forward to the New Year.

As we approach the end of 2022, we can look back with much satisfaction. During the year, we have witnessed our Lodges at home and overseas returning to something approaching normal after two years of lockdown. Much hard work has taken place to ensure that our lodge rooms are safe to be in and I thank everyone for their efforts. It is so good to be back

We have all experienced a difficult two years and no doubt 2023 will continue to present challenges at all levels of our organisation but I am confident that with determination, commitment, and a widespread will to make our Craft fit for purpose for the 21st Century we will overcome the challenges.

May you all, along with your families, have a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2023. Lets’ start the year with words of wisdom from that legend of Scottish rugby, the late Doddie Weir – “Whatever your situation, make the most you can of each day; be nice to people and laugh as much as possible”.

A good New Year to you all.

SCFS

 
 
  • This week saw Group membership rise to 7007 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 1507, submitted by 439 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 424 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 Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife & Kinross, Galloway, Glasgow, Kincardineshire, Linlithgowshire, Perthshire East, Ross & Cromarty and Stirlingshire.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,912,311.

SCFS Overseas Report

We were delighted to publish the following posts this week:

  • Brother Scott Bartlett, IPDGM, advised of very generous donations by Lodge Humber, No. 1475, in the District of Newfoundland and Labrador, to the Deer Lake Regional Foodbank and also to the local Ecumenical Food Sharing Group, which provided hampers and hot Christmas dinners to those in need. 
  • Brother Nico Volckeryck, PM, Lodge Wellington, No. 1385 (Antwerp, Belgium), posted news of a wonderful donation of 4000 presents, delivered to the homeless on Christmas Eve, which the Lodge was greatly involved in. 
  • The Overseas membership continues to increase, particularly helped by new members joining from Lodge Midland Junction, No. 972(Western Australia), Lodge Darul Takzim, No. 1836 (Middle East - Malaysia), andLodge St. Andrew, No. 1756 (Bahamas). Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS such as from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. 

During January, I will be representing Grand Lodge at the following meetings –

7th January - New Year Festival organised by the Danish Order of Freemasons in Copenhagen. 

12th January – Heads of Orders Meeting in Edinburgh.

14th January – Lodge St Nicholas No 93 in Aberdeen.

15th January – Inverness Lodges Joint Divine Service

16th January – Overseas, External Affairs and Special Purposes Committee

19th January – Special meeting of Grand Committee

25th January – Burns & Hogg Evening – Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No 2

28th January – Lodge St Enoch No 1288 Centenary

28th January – Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow Masters Dinner.

30th and 31st January – Tercentenary of the 1723 Lodges - London

                                                         

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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Brethren, as we are fast approaching Christmas Day, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New year.

I would like to thank the Past PG Masters, Commissioned and Elective Office-bearers of PG Lodge together with the Daughter Lodges for all their support during 2022.

I was delighted that the Province was again able to support many local and national organizations and charities and would congratulate everyone for their generosity and their outstanding efforts.

As we approach the end of 2022 and the start of a new year, we have a number of important events to look forward to.

On Sunday 29th January 2023, a Provincial Grand Lodge Divine Service will be held in Lyle Kirk, Greenock at 2pm. The service, which will be conducted by the Revd Jonathan Fleming, assisted by Past PG Chaplain Revd Bro David Mitchell and PG Chaplain Bro George J Carson, is open to all brethren and their families.

This will be an In Memoriam service, serving as a tribute to, and a record of, every brother of the Province who passed to the Grand Lodge Above during the Covid 19 pandemic.

At the beginning of February our PG Master Designate Bro John W Black and his team of Commissioned Office -bearers, commence their 5 Year Commission . With the Annual Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge being held within Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68, in Port Glasgow on Friday 3rd February 2023.

The Installation of the new PG Master Bro John Black and his Commissioned Office-bearers will take place on Saturday 18th March 2023 in Greenock Town Hall, full details of the Installation will be issued shortly by PG Secretary .

Brethren, I hope that you all have a very enjoyable festive period and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Please stay safe and look after yourselves.

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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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