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,

Grand Secretary and I spent a busy week in Kalgoorlie where we were privileged to attend meetings of Lodge Golden Thistle No 840, Lodge Broonhill No 983 and a rehearsal meeting of Lodge Sir William Wallace No 868.

Grand Secretary is now back in Scotland and I’m taking a wee detour via Melbourne to meet up with my son and his family. Looking forward to spending the weekend with them before I head to Fiji to carry out the Rededication Ceremony to celebrate 150 years of Lodge Polynesia No 562.

 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6690 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 1276, submitted by 382 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 396 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, Linlithgowshire & Renfrewshire East.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,511,435.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

It was very heartening to receive a post from Brother Martin Weekes, Grand Superintendent, Bermuda, with reference to a donation to the value of over £1600 by the brethren of Lodge St. George, No. 200, to “Meals on Wheels”, a charity which supports those unable to cook for themselves, for a variety of reasons, by providing up to 220 meals a day. 

  • We continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges. In this respect, particular reference must be made to brethren from the following lodges for their support:  Lodge Ethiope, No. 1780 (Nigeria), Lodge St. Andrew, No. 701 (Kwa-Zulu Natal), and Lodge Al-Arz, No. 1853 (Lebanon), 
  • We also now have 1547 brethren from lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. 26 new members joined this week from 10 different Masonic constitutions: GL of South Carolina, GL of Japan, GL of Massachusetts, UGLE (England, Nigeria), GL of Brazil, GL of Arizona, GL of Ireland, GL of Nigeria, and the GL of India. 
  • In addition to the above, there was a wonderful response from brethren in Lodges under the GL of Bolivia, from which 14 new members joined.

** We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts who have shared news of their support of others and look forward to further publishing similar posts.**

A wee reminder that if you haven’t already done so, now is as good a time as any to apply for your tickets for the 4thInternational Scottish Masonic Conference which will run from 21st to 23rd November followed on Thursday 24thNovember with the Grand Lodge Installation and Festival of St Andrew.

On Friday 25th November, we will finish off a full week of Masonic activity with the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter Convocation.

Don’t miss out on this week of Masonic activity – get your tickets booked now.

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,

Last week I mentioned that I would be making an announcement regarding the “Make it a Million” project. As you will no doubt be aware, that announcement was to inform you all that we have now passed the £900,000 mark – in fact we are now just above £917,000.

What a tremendous effort Brethren – my sincere thanks to you all. I am confident that we will indeed Make it a Million.

Last Saturday, we had a busy day starting at 08.00 when I reinstalled the District Grand Master of Western Australia Goldfields, Brother Charles Dalton. 

After a short break, it was back to the Lodge to install Brother Clive Lynn and his Commission in the District Grand Lodge of Western Australia. The Lodge was packed with Brethren from every Lodge in the District and a large Deputation from the Grand Lodge of Western Australia. How good it is that the District and the Grand Lodge of WA have such a good working relationship.

This week has been spent in Kalgoorlie where we will remain until next Tuesday after which Grand Secretary will head back to Scotland. I will make for Fiji where I will have the privilege and honour of rededicating Lodge Polynesia 562 on the occasion of their 150th anniversary.

 

SCFS

 
  • Another significant milestone for the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook Group was reached during the course of the last week with the identifiable monetary value of contributions being recorded exceeding £2.5Million (£2,506,656).
  • This total has been achieved thanks to the generosity of the Brethren from within our Districts, Provinces, and Lodges, collectively and individually by making contributions, large and small. They continue to demonstrate the caring facet of our order, and make a real difference to each and every recipient.
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6663 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 1270, submitted by 381 members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 396 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 Fife & Kinross and Midlothian.
 
 
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

t was very heartening to receive a post from Brother George Rogers, PDGM of Western Australia, with reference to a donation to the value of over £13,000 being made to the “Make it a Million” target for Prostate Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of WA. 

  • We continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges. In this respect, particular reference must be made to brethren from the following Lodges for their support:  Lodge Robbie Burns, No. 860 (Western Australia), and Lodge Ethiope, No. 1780 (Nigeria). 
  • We also now have 1521 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. 32 New members joined this week from 19 Masonic constitutions: GL of Florida, GL of Georgia, GL of Nigeria, GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of Ireland, GL of Alberta, UGLE (South Wales, North Wales), GL of Manitoba, GL of South Africa, GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of Hungary, GL of New Hampshire, GL of India, GL of Newfoundland and Labrador, GL of the Philippines, GL of Texas, GL of Illinois, and the GL of Peru.
  • In addition to the above, there was a wonderful response from brethren in Lodges under the GL of Saskatchewan. Congratulations is extended to Brother Neil Castillo, PDDGM, Mystic Tie Lodge, No. 213, Saskatchewan, who is our 1500th ICM. 

** We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts who have shared news of their support for others and look forward to continue publishing similar posts.**

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,

First, my sincere thanks for all the messages received – I’m feeling much better and have now been able to travel to Western Australia to carry out two Installations.

Grand Secretary travelled out last Sunday and has been busy attending meetings during the week. At one meeting, the Past DGM, George Rogers, on behalf of the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation, District Grand Lodge of Western Australia, and the Daughter Lodges of the District, presented a cheque for 23,000 Australian Dollars as a contribution towards the “Make it a Million” target for Prostate Scotland. It was a tremendous gesture which will help towards the grand total. I hope to make an announcement about progress in the next day or so.

Tomorrow morning I will re-install Brother Charles Dalton as DGM of Western Australia Goldfields, while in the afternoon I will install Brother Clive Lynn as DGM of our District Grand Lodge of Western Australia. 

 

SCFS

 

The Group saw its membership rise to 6630 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 1266, submitted by 380 of its members.

These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 393 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 Ayrshire & Kincardineshire. Posts were also published on behalf of Widows Sons Scotland, who have shared many examples of their fundraising and charitable activities within the group, both at home and abroad, over the last two years.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,485,086.

 

SCFS Overseas Report  

We were delighted to receive the following posts this week:

  • Brother Ken Dorsett, Secretary, Lodge St. Michael, No. 1634, Nassau, The Bahamas, provided a copy of a press release with reference to a wonderful donation of over £8,000 to Bahamas Aids Foundation by the District Grand Lodge of The Bahamas.
  • A post was also published in which Brother George Rogers, PDGM, District of Western Australia, showed the continuous support of The Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of Western Australia of Surf Life Saving, WA, by presenting awards on behalf of the Foundation at the Annual Awards Ceremony. 

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges located outside Scotland continues to grow and this week we welcomed new members from the Districts of Central South Africa (RSA), Middle East (Malaysia), Lebanon and from Sri Lanka (under supervision). 

  • Lodge El-Mizab, No. 1130, in Tripoli, and Lodge Bonnie Doon, No. 611, in Colombo, equally had the most members joining from an individual Lodge. 
  • Our total of 1489 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren, was boosted by new Members joining from 8 geographically widely spread Masonic constitutions: the GL of South Australia and Northern Territory, UGLE(England, Bombay, Eastern Archipelago, Orange Free State in Central South Africa), GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of Washington, GL of Texas, GL of Indiana, GL of Manitoba and the GL of Japan. 

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

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,

 

After another great weekend in Fife to install the new PGM, Bro Bill Rocks, I am afraid I have succumbed to all the symptoms of a virus, albeit still testing negative for Covid. The bottom line is that I am in no fit state to head the Deputation to Perthshire East this Saturday at the risk of contaminating everyone I meet. Our Substitute Grand Master, Jim Peddie, will carry out the ceremony. My sincere apologies to Brother Ian Henry Cameron, the new PGM and his Commission. I will endeavour to visit the Province at the earliest opportunity.

Hopefully the course of antibiotics I am now on will kill off whatever it is, and we can get back on course for the Australian Installations early next month.

I have been informed today that several call offs have been received for Saturday. Covid is still very much with us as are other viruses that lay dormant last year. So please take care Brethren – don’t let your guard down – let’s get out and about and enjoy our Masonry but continue to take all sensible health and hygiene precautions. 

 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6611 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 1258, submitted by 378 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 393 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 Ayrshire, Fife & Kinross, Linlithgowshire & Midlothian.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,473,886.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

We were delighted to receive the following posts this week:

  • Brother Pédro Turnquest, JW, Lodge San Andreas, No. 1835, in the District of The Bahamas, shared details of the “Lodge San Andreas Scholarship” through which 3 students received financial awards during their graduation ceremony at Huntley Christie High School in Andros. 
  • A post was also published sharing the continued support by Lodge Northcliffe, No. 1086, in the District of Newfoundland and Labrador, of the Exploits Valley Food Bank.

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges located outside Scotland continues to grow and the new members whom we have recently welcomed demonstrate the wide reach of the SCFS group. 

  • In this respect, particular reference may be made to Lodge Unity, No. 1006, in the District of Central South Africa(RSA) and to Lodge Trafalgar, No. 1009, in the District of Kwa Zulu-Natal.
  • We also now have 1480 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. New members joined from Masonic constitutions such as: GL of Ohio, GL of Kansas, GL of New Jersey, UGLEand the GL of Texas. 
  • In addition to the above, we were delighted to welcome Brother Kleber Santos,who is the first Brother to join from the Grand Lodge of the State of Bahia, the most recent Grand Lodge with which amity with the Grand Lodge of Scotland has been established. 

** We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts who have shared news of their support of others and look forward to further publishing similar posts.**

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,

 

Last weekend I was greatly impressed and encouraged as a result of three meetings I was privileged to attend. On Friday night our Depute Grand Master, Jim Bell, and I attended the 75th anniversary of Lodge Dunlop Caledonia No 1408 carried out by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire. It was a tremendous night and I’m sure nobody enjoyed it more than the Master of the Lodge, Brother Jimmy Laing. It was a real delight to be there.

On Saturday, I had the honour to lead a Deputation from Grand Lodge to Lodge Tarbolton Kilwinning St James No 135 to celebrate their 250th anniversary albeit a year late. The organisation was second to none. We all thoroughly enjoyed being back in a lodge packed tight with Brethren and the ensuing Dinner and Harmony were nothing other than superb – especially getting played into the dining hall by Brother Liam Stewart to the new tune he composed – “McGhee’s March”. It’s a cracker and I’m indebted to Liam for such a gift.

On Sunday, I attended Garnethill Synagogue along with our Substitute Grand Master, Brother James Peddie and the PGM of Glasgow, Brother Andrew Mushet, to join with the Brethren of Lodge Montefiore in their annual Divine Service which was very ably led by Brother Rabbi Captain Ariel Abel. Prior to the service we were given a very interesting tour of the Jewish Archives Centre and the Scottish Holocaust-era Study Centre. We then witnessed Rabbi Abel dedicating a new Garden Seat to the memory of the late Brother Gerald Levin, Past Depute Grand Master. The hospitality extended by the Master and Brethren was first class – a very memorable day for all who were privileged to be in attendance.

 

SCFS

 
 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6593 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 1249, submitted by 376 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 389 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 Ayrshire, Glasgow, Inverness-shire, Linlithgowshire and Orkney & Zetland.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,466,092.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

It was heartening to receive a post from Brother Paul Carnell, Master, Lodge Lane Xang, No. 1632, in Bangkok, Middle East, referencing the combined support from the Lodge and Widows Sons Scotland Thailand Chapter, for a local teacher who had been injured in a road accident. 

  • We continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges. In this respect, special reference must be made to brethren from the following Lodges for their support: Lodge Kilwinning, No. 849 (Western Australia), Lodge Pelican, No. 1750 (Barbados), Lodge St. Andrew, No. 1437 (Middle East) and Coronation Lodge, No. 934 (Gibraltar). 
  • We also now have 1471 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. New members joined from 11geographically wide-spread Masonic constitutions: the Symbolic GL of Paraguay, GL of Texas, Most Serene GL of the Republic of San Marino, GL of New Brunswick, UGLE (England, Bombay, South America Southern Division), Grand East of the Netherlands, GL of South Africa, GL of California, MWGL of the Philippines, GL of China. 
  • In addition to the above, we were delighted to welcome Brother Les Hicks, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales and ACT. 

We are aware of a number of excellent charitable and support activities which have recently been undertaken by some of our Overseas Lodges and Districts and look forward to receiving and publishing posts about them.

This Saturday a large Deputation from Grand Lodge will be heading to the Kingdom of Fife to witness the Installation of the new PGM, Brother William B Rocks and his Commissioned Office-bearers.

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 few months, I have tried to keep you all up to date with where I have been and with what I have been doing. However, it has been remiss of me not to mention those other Brethren heading Deputations. Past Grand Master, Brother Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont, Our Depute, Bro Jim Bell, Substitute, Bro Jim Peddie, and Past Depute Grand Master Tom Smith have all helped out when we have had three or four celebrations on the same day. May I thank everyone involved as Grand Lodge have celebrated with Lodge St James 125, Lodge Moorpark No 1263, Lodge Nethan St John No 1289, Celtic Lodge No 291, Lodge Earlshall No 1292, Lodge St George No 503, Lodge Shettleston No 128 and Lodge St Andrew No 126. I convey my best wishes to all Lodges who have celebrated in the hope that they will all go from strength to strength in the future.

This week I was delighted to see so many of you in Grand Lodge. It is so good to see some normality returning but, as I remarked yesterday, Covid is still with us, and we need to remain vigilant.

On Wednesday evening I had the privilege of giving the St Columba Lecture in Inverness.  This is an annual pilgrimage by the Brethren of Lodge St Columba 1295. They meet at Craig Phadrig where Saint Columba met with King Brude and each year, they invite someone to present the Columba lecture. I am honoured that I was given the privilege in this, Lodge St Columba’s centenary year.

Having enjoyed a tremendous weekend in Ayrshire last weekend with the Brethren of Lodge Thistle No 127, I am returning to Ayrshire this weekend to celebrate another 250th Anniversary, this time with the Brethren of Lodge Tarbolton.

Finally, on Sunday I will attend the annual Divine Service of Lodge Montefiore in the Garnethill Synagogue in Glasgow.

 
 

SCFS

 

The Group saw its membership rise to 6580 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 1241, submitted by 373 of its members.

These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 387 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 East Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife & Kinross, Forfarshire, Inverness-shire, Lanarkshire Upper Ward, Linlithgowshire and Midlothian.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,461,163.

 

SCFS Overseas Report  

We continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges.

  • In this respect, special reference must be made to Lodge Conception, No. 1679, in the District of Newfoundland and Labrador, and to Lodge Ailsa, No. 1172, Singapore, in the District of Middle East. 
  • We also now have 1455 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. 
  • In this category, new Members joined from 6geographically widely spread Masonic constitutions: the GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of the Philippines, UGLE(Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean), United GL of Queensland, GL of Canada in the Province of Quebec, and the GL of Japan.

** We are delighted that interest is building up from Overseas Brethren in purchasing the SCFS Commemorative Token which has the added benefit of supporting the “Make it a Million” target. Details of how to order are on the SCFS page. **

Last Sunday, accompanied by our Depute GM, Substitute GM, Grand Secretary, Assistant Grand Secretary, and the PGM’s of Glasgow and Dunbartonshire, I attended the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Service in Glasgow Cathedral. The Lord Lyon declared the proclamation, the service was led by Brother, Rev Mark Johnstone and the sermon preached by the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Right Rev Iain Greenshields. A memorable occasion indeed.

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,

 

On this Jubilee weekend we send our warmest congratulations to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Her commitment, dedication and devotion to duty should serve as an example to us all. I will head a small Deputation from Grand Lodge to Glasgow Cathedral on Sunday morning to mark the Queen’s Jubilee.

My thanks to the Master and Brethren of Lodge Earl Haig No 1260 who celebrated their Centenary last Saturday – a year late – but that didn’t really matter – it was a marvellous occasion.

This Saturday I’ll be in Ayrshire along with Depute Grand Master, Brother Jim Bell, when we visit Lodge Thistle No 127 to celebrate 250 years of Freemasonry in Stewarton. Once again, we will be exactly a year late, but the good news is that the Lodges are all opening up again and we are steadily getting through the backlog of Provincial and District Installations as well as the backlog of Lodge Rededication Ceremonies.

As I write this week’s update, Grand Secretary and I are in Dublin attending the June Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. Last night we attended the Grand Masters Lodge prior to a formal dinner. Today (Thursday) we will attend the annual Communication during which a new Province will be consecrated. 

On Thursday 9th June, we will be delighted to welcome Brethren to Grand Lodge for the June Communication. I unfortunately missed the February Communication due to Covid, so I’m really looking forward to the June meeting.

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6568 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 1228, submitted by 372 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 387 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 Provinces of Fife & Kinross, Glasgow, Kincardineshire, Linlithgowshire and Stirlingshire.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,330,621.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges located outwith Scotland continues to grow steadily and this week we welcomed another 28 Brethren to the SCFS group. 

Included in that number were Brethren from Overseas Lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of Scotland and also Brethren from Lodges in other Constitutions which are in amity with the GLoS. 

  • Brethren joined from the Districts of Bahamas, Barbados, Gibraltar, Middle East (Malaysia, Singapore), Namibia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, and from the Superintendency of Malawi. There was also an excellent response from Lodges in the District of Western Australia, with most new members from an individual Lodge coming from Lodge Ivanhoe, No. 879, in that District. 
  • We also now have 1447 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. New members joined from 12 different Masonic constitutions this week: GL of Washington, United GL of Queensland, United GL of Victoria, GL of the Philippines, UGLE, GL of Missouri, GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of Florida, GL of Newfoundland and Labrador, GL of Brazil, GL of New Zealand, and the GL of Western Australia.
  • A special welcome is extended to our 1800th Overseas Member who is Brother Kevin Combes, RWM, Lodge Ivanhoe, No. 879, in the District of Western Australia. 

We would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their excellent support of others and look forward to publishing posts from them.

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,

After a successful trip to Zimbabwe, we headed to Malawi. On our first morning in Blantyre, we visited the Mountain View School for Deaf Children, a charity that has been supported since 2008 by the Province of Ross and Cromarty. The Province has eight boxes of football strips, tools, sewing machines and other goods awaiting shipping from Scotland but are having great difficulty getting them into Malawi.

However, on this occasion we took with us loads of knitwear produced by the Scottish Women’s Institute, and hundreds of wristbands supplied by PM Charlie MacAulay of Lodge St Martin 1217.

That evening we attended a reception at the Casa Mia Hotel where we joined Brethren and their partners from the Superintendency and the other Constitutions. On Wednesday the 18th we met the Honorary British Consul in Blantyre, Krishna Savjani. a charming man with whom we spent over an hour talking about an entire range of issues. 

The outgoing Grand Superintendent, Brother Gordon Sheppard, has been a stalwart of Scottish Freemasonry in Malawi for many years and has served Grand Lodge as Grand Superintendent for 16 years. He has done an astounding job during that time and we are indebted to him for his commitment, enthusiasm and leadership during his extended term as Grand Superintendent. Brethren representing all four Lodges in Malawi, as well as the English Constitution, were present to witness Brother Peter Curtis being installed as our new Grand Superintendent. The Banquet to follow, prepared by Peter’s wife Veronica and the staff at Casa Mia, was outstanding. It was a memorable evening in great company.

Our final destination was Namibia. On Saturday 21st May Grand Secretary and I were transported to the magnificent Masonic Temple in Windhoek ready for a full day of Masonic activity.

First, we attended the Installation in Lodge Benguela which was conducted in fine style by the District Grand Lodge with the Immediate Past DGM, Brother Lionel de Haas in the Chair.

At the conclusion of the meeting, we enjoyed lunch before resuming work in the Temple. This time it was our turn to install the new DGM of Namibia, Brother Jaco van der Westhuizen. The Ceremony went well with over 40 in the Lodge – the largest number they have had since Covid struck. 

After handing the Lodge back to the District, the DGM installed his Elected Office-bearers. It was a long but very enjoyable day in the Temple. A light refreshment followed before we returned to Arrebbusch where the evening Banquet was held in the company of the ladies. Altogether a tremendous day.

Scottish Freemasonry continues to flourish in all four countries that we visited despite Covid and other serious difficulties faced by the Brethren. My sincere thanks to everyone involved in the Africa trip.

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6540 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 1220, submitted by 371 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 384 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 Provinces of Dumfriesshire, Edinburgh, Lanarkshire Upper Ward, Linlithgowshire, Midlothian and Ross & Cromarty.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,303,603.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

We were delighted to receive the following posts this week:

  • Lodge Northcliffe, No. 1086, in the District of Newfoundland and Labrador, shared news of another generous donation made by the Lodge to the Community Soup Kitchen. 
  • Brother Willie Innes, SPGM of the PGL of Edinburgh,posted news about the presentation of a cheque, to the value of £500, to Brother Bob Mitchell, Proxy Master of Lodge St. Thomas, No. 576, in the District of Gibraltar, by the Lodge as a donation towards the “Make it a Million” target for Prostate Scotland. 

We continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges. 

  • In this respect, there was a wonderful response from the District of Bahamas this week, with Brethren joining from 5 different Lodges. In addition, Brethren also joined from the Districts of Lebanon and Jamaica which helped increase our Overseas Membership to 1399. We look forward to welcoming our 1400th Overseas Member this coming week. 
  • We also now have 1432 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. 
  • In this category, new Members joined from 8 geographically widely spread Masonic constitutions: the GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of Virginia, GL of Netherlands, United GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of North Carolina, GL of Texas, GL Alpina of Switzerland, and the GL of China. 

** We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts who shared news of their support of others and look forward to publishing further future posts.**

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,

On Friday the 13th, having returned to Harare from the Lodge of Sorrow in Chinhoyi, we were collected by Brother Fisher, our new DGM, and taken to the “Derby & Joan Masonic Homes” in Harare where we joined the residents for a delightful afternoon tea.

The following morning, after a rehearsal for the Installation, we walked to the Burton Road Masonic Home complex at the rear of the Masonic Hall. There we met with staff and residents and enjoyed morning coffee with them. 

We returned to the hotel to get ready for the installation of Brother Robert MacDougall Fisher as DGM of the District Grand Lodge of Zimbabwe.

At the Lodge, it was heartening to see that all Lodges in the District were present. The Ceremony went well with Grand Secretary doubling up as Grand D of C. Having installed Brother Fisher as DGM, I thereafter installed Brother George McGhie as Depute DGM, Brothers Harry Moan and Peter Leondios as Substitute DGM’s, Brother Marinus Grau as District Secretary and Brother Bryan Hofmann as Chaplain.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, we had the opportunity to gather for a drink and a light buffet.

In the evening, we were joined by the ladies at Sabre Lodge for the Installation Banquet. Guests were piped into the reception by a few members of St John’s College – a truly memorable experience.

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6527 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 1212, submitted by 369 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 383 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 Provinces of East Lothian, Edinburgh, Forfarshire, Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Linlithgowshire and Midlothian.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,299,553.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

We were delighted to receive the following posts this week:

  • Brother Rinus Grau, DG Secretary, shared news of an excellent donation made on behalf of the District Grand Lodge of Zimbabwe, and presentedto Brother Ramsay McGhee, GMM, as a contribution towards the “Make it a Million” target.
  • Brother Craig Jessop, DDGM, provided information of a Geisha Valentine’s Tea resulting in a donation to Buffelsfontein Old Age Home by Lodge Good Friendship, No. 1800, in the District of Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope. 
  • Brother Scott Bartlett, IPDGM, provided information about the sponsorship, and this year’s recipient, of the Patrick Tasker Scholarship Award by the District Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador.

We continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges. 

  • In this respect, reference may be made toLodge Dunedin Star, No. 1454, Lodge Lusaka, No. 1368, and Lodge Fisk Hoek, No. 1390, in the Districts of Namibia, Zambia, and Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope  Brethren joining from those Lodges helped increase our Overseas Membership to 1391. We look forward to welcoming our 1400th Overseas Memberin the near future. 
  • We also now have 1424Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. 
  • In this category, new Members joined from 10 geographically widely spread Masonic constitutions: the GL of Alberta, United GL of Queensland, GL of British Columbia and Yukon, GL of Louisiana, GL of Spain, GL of Sweden, GL of Ohio, UGLE, and the GL of Quebec. 
  • In addition, a further warm welcome was extended to Brother John May, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Alaska. 

** We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts who shared news of their support of others and look forward to publishing further similar posts.**

As I write the report this week, I’m in the airport at Johannesburg waiting for our flight to Namibia where I will be installing Brother Jaco van der Westhuizen as DGM.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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