The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason

Brethren, 

The paperwork for the June Communication was sent out yesterday. Included in the papers are ten FAQs regarding the proposed changes to the Constitution and Laws. I am confident that they will clarify any questions that you may have. In fact, the first one, which I have reproduced herein, will very likely provide you with the main reason for the changes we are advocating. I cannot over emphasise the importance of this proposal which will be voted on in June – it is vital to the future success and sustainability of Scottish Freemasonry. However, to make life easier for all, Click here for all the FAQs to this edition of the Update.

Why are we changing?

This proposal is in response to the recommendations from Grand Committee on 9^th September 2021 on the five working group reports, which were subsequently ratified and agreed on the floor of The Grand Lodge of Scotland on 28^th October 2021. Specifically, that Grand Secretary, with the appropriate support of subject matter experts, was to “Design, develop and deliver a strategic governance structure for the Scottish Constitution.”

The new governance structure also addresses key findings from the recent membership survey. It is intended to improve the democratic structure of governance of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, while enhancing the effectiveness of the standing committees, and improving the delivery of strategic objectives.

By succinctly setting out what changes are proposed, why they are considered necessary and how they will operate within the overall governance structure of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, it provides a blueprint for improvement, ensuring the Craft is fit for the 21^st century.

Please do read through all the FAQs – I’m sure that they will answer most of your queries. Much work has gone into the preparation of the motion and much work will be needed to bring its content to fruition. However, I am certain that by adopting the proposals, we will ensure the future and sustainability of Scottish Freemasonry.

SCFS

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The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

CHANGE TO GOVERNANCE – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following frequently asked questions and answers are provided  to members to help explain the governance changes to the Scottish Constitution documented  in the draft 30th edition of the Constitution and Laws:

Why are we changing?

This proposal is in response to the recommendations from Grand Committee on 9th September 2021 on the five working group reports, which were subsequently ratified and agreed on the floor of The Grand Lodge of Scotland on 28th October 2021. Specifically, that Grand Secretary, with the appropriate support of subject matter experts, was to “Design, develop and deliver a strategic governance structure for the Scottish Constitution.”

The new governance structure also addresses key findings from the recent membership survey. It is intended to improve the democratic structure of governance of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, while enhancing the effectivenessof the standing committees, and improving the delivery of strategic objectives.

By succinctly setting out what changes are proposed, why they are considered necessary and how they will operatewithin the overall governance structure of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, it provides a blueprint for improvement,ensuring the Craft is fit for the 21st century.

What are the benefits to the craft in general and the Provinces/Districts and Lodges in particular?

At the core of the proposal is the recognition of the need to modernise the Craft while retaining its traditions. An important aspect in delivering such an improvement is for the Grand Lodge of Scotland to make better use of the skills, knowledge, and experiences of its membership. The benefits of improved governance include:

• Prudent executive actions to deliver long-termsuccess
• Significant risks are recognised, managed, andrecorded
• Appropriate decision-making processes andcontrols
• Transparency, openness, and accountability in allactivities
• Compliancewithlegal, financial, regulatory and policy requirements
• Measuredoutputsand outcomes used to improve future performance
• Human, financial, and other resources are managed efficiently and effectively
• Improvedreputationand relationships with members and other stakeholders

This proposed framework contributes to a common understanding of our vision, strategic direction, regulatory compliance, accountability, and decision-making processes. The object of the framework is to help providetransparency, clarity of purpose and encourage ownership amongst staff, stakeholders, and partners.

Sound governance will enable Grand Lodge to monitor its strategic objectives and consider whether they lead toimproved performance and provide value for money.

The effective and efficient use of resources focused on improved performance will ensure a coherent and coordinated approach across the Craft in Scotland. It will allow the Provinces, Districts and Lodges to combine their activities for the greater good of the organisation.

When and how will it happen?

The process is already underway and will be formally incorporated at Grand Lodge in October 2023.

The Design Stage and related tasks have been completed. The second stage of Implementing andBenchmarking is already underway with the expected

completion date of October 2023. Stage 3 Measuring and Monitoring and Stage 4 Learning and Reporting will follow consecutively. Thereafter, the process becomes one of continuous improvement.

The whole process will also be subject to critical review after three years to ensure it is fit for purpose or, alternatively, requires further refinement.

Who will be involved?

Development of the governance structure  will  include  opportunities  for individuals to learn or improve skills and abilities as members of committees. It   also provides opportunities for members to apply existing skills and experience to    a new situation. As well as being able  to  influence  the development  of the Craft in the Scottish Constitution. It is open to any suitably qualified brother to submit   an application.

How can I get involved?

Grand Secretary shall maintain a Register of Interests which will comprise a list of members (together with a note of their Lodge, rank, professional qualifications, experience and contact details) who have, and are willing to voluntarily provide to Grand Lodge, skills, expertise and experience in matters which will assist Grand Lodge in the proper and efficient conduct of its administration, business and activities. Appointments to and removals from the Register of Interests will be managed by Grand Secretary.

Why will it be better?

The ability for standing committees to co-opt members will be enhanced by a process of self- application frombrethren keen to share their skills and experiences with the standing committees.

The encouragement of self-application builds on the current register of members interests and sends a strong signalthat there is a genuine desire by Grand Lodge for the participation of the brethren in its drive for continuousimprovement.

This approach is more inclusive and clearly demonstrates that the Craft throughout the Scottish Constitution recognises the quality of its global membership and affords ALL an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the success of the organisation. It also ensures that fresh thinking and ideas are continuously brought into the committee environment which will drive innovation and inhibit complacency.

How will this affect me?

The existing schedule of communications and committee meetings of the Grand Lodge of Scotland is not conducive to swift and agile responses required in  today’s fast moving technologically driven businessenvironment.

Our current Grand Committee does not set the strategic direction of the organisation and there is a gap between the means of operational delivery expected from the various standing committees. Because the work of standing committees is fed back to the current Grand Committee, there is a structural time-lag. Consequently, actions and deliverables are not always optimised.

To address the structural issues and enhance coordination it is proposed that the Governance and Strategy Boardwill have delegated responsibility to deliver the strategic vision of the organisation. The Board would make decisionsand act without the need to continually refer to Grand Lodge. In other words, it would ‘make it happen’.

The precedence of delegated decision making, and its effectiveness, is evidenced by its use on the DisciplinaryCommittee.

With the Governance and Strategy Board observing and reviewing performance across all areas of delivery, GrandLodge can be assured that its ability to manage risks across the organisation is improved. Moreover, learning fromexperience by monitoring performance supports the ethos of a learning organisation focused on continuous improvement and ensures delivery of an efficient and effective strategy.

Who participates in the committees and how are they chosen?

Brethren are encouraged to apply if they consider that they can assist in the strategic governance of the Craft in the Scottish Constitution.

We are moving from a nomination process to an application process in order to be part of the governancestructure. The proposed arrangements focus on

delivery. What was intended and did it succeed. It will require suitably skilled and experienced brethren to drive progress.

The committees can also co-opt those who can help it in its activities.

What will happen if we don’t change?

Stagnation, regression more time being wasted on the wrong things. It will represent a huge, missed opportunity tobring the Craft up to date with modern business practices that it allows it to make decisions quickly and in real time.By refusing to change we will suffer a slow and painful demise as we get wrapped in more admin and committees for the sake of committees and we will disillusion those who could make a real difference to our organisation. To ignore those members with real assets and skill sets would be a massive, missed opportunity that will see people leave the organisation who could make a real difference to taking us forward.

What if it doesn’t work?

Part of the new structure includes a monitoring and evaluation process which

will be reported annually to the October Regular Communication of Grand Lodge. This will ensure annual objectives are being achieved and the strategic vision remains relevant. This proactive approach to continuous improvement ensures that any shortcomings are quickly identified and addressed. Further to this, the whole process will be the subject of criticalreview after three years in operation to ensure it remains fit for purpose.

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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 to the Brethren of St Thomas in Larkhall for a well-organised bicentenary. It was a most enjoyable day and the large Deputation from Grand Lodge thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

This week I’ll be heading a significantly smaller Deputation when we cross the Minch to celebrate the bicentenary of the building in which Lodge Fortrose 108 meet. The building has significant architectural and historical importancein Stornoway. The rededication Ceremony will take place immediately after the annual Provincial visitation. We look forward therefore to a full house. The Grand Lodge Deputation will not be retiring as they usually do at the conclusion of the rededication ceremony but will remain in the Lodge to witness the closing in Gaelic.

During the week, Brother Alex Galbraith drew my attention to an excellent article published in the Greenock Telegraph about Freemasonry in the Inverclyde area. This is the kind of positive publicity we need. With a view to achieving a better rapport with the media, we are inviting them to attend a briefing in Grand Lodge. During the visit we will give them a tour of the building, brief them on recent achievements, highlight the work that is being done in the communities and give them the opportunity of a Q & A session. In addition, I will have the opportunity to be interviewed on a local Asian radio station in Glasgow at the beginning of June. Good communication at all levels throughout the Scottish Craft is essential to our success in the future.

Talking of which, I am delighted to report that at the end of the month around 30 ladies from Crown Church Guild in Inverness have asked if they can visit Lodge Seaforth 854 as part of their annual outing. We look forward to welcoming them with a cup of tea and a wander round the Lodge and its environs. Another golden opportunity to dispel some of the myths.

SCFS

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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 year we celebrated the magnificent achievement of raising over £1 million for Prostate Scotland. As an ideal legacy project and to enable us to continue the excellent relationship we have with Prostate Scotland in a pragmatic and sensible way, we are looking to appoint “Prostate Champions” in every District and Province. I have discussed the project with our Provincial and District Grand Masters, and they are keen to promote the scheme. Prostate Scotland have the quality information and we, as Scottish Freemasons, have the ability to reach into every community at home and overseas, this is particularly true and important in the rural areas. It is a win, win situation for both organisations. There will be a slight difference in the way we administer the project in Provinces and Districts. But hopefully we will be able to make the training by Prostate Scotland available to all our Districts and Provinces. Thereafter we will look to link the Districts into their respective organisations. Ideally, every Province will have a volunteer prostate champion(s). The number of prostate champions will be determined by the Province/District taking into consideration the number of lodges and the local geographical spread. Champions will be given training remotely by Prostate Scotland (probably by Zoom) during the summer recess with a view to the introduction into Provinces in September 2023. The champion will be the “go to person” in the Province / District for information on prostate disease.

What will be expected of the Volunteer Prostate Champions? First and foremost, they will NOT be an alternative to a General Practitioner. We are looking for Brethren who are good listenersand able to deal with people confidentially, who are competent public speakers, be willing to assist in distributing appropriate information,not only to brethren,but to the general public through local clubs, public spaces etc. They will be willing to speak to lodges,to community groups in the locality, both male and female onthe subject of prostate disease. Provincial and District Grand Masters will receive a full specification for the role of Prostate Champion, but I’d simply like to take this opportunity to commend the initiative to you. If you are interested in becoming a Prostate Champion, please speak to your Provincial or District Grand Master. They will then contact Grand Almoner who will make all necessary arrangements.

Last Sunday, accompanied by DGM, Brother William Gauld, SGM Alexander Moncrieff and Assistant Grand Secretary, Duncan McFadyen, I attendedthe Service of Thanksgiving in commemoration of the Coronation, in Glasgow Cathedral. It was a truly memorable occasion – the Cathedral was packed to capacity, the music and choral arrangements were of the highest standard and a very pertinent and inspirational sermon was delivered by the Very Rev Lorna Hood OBE, Past Moderator of the General Assembly with the Rev Mark Johnstone pulling the entire service together in his own inimitable style.

SCFS

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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 was a particularly busy but enjoyable one.

On Friday night, accompanied by our Substitute Grand Master, Brother Alexander Moncrieff, I witnessed an excellent Entered Apprentice Degree carried out by the Reigning Masters in the Province of Stirlingshire. 130 brethren signed the attendance book. 

On Saturday, in the Province of Fife, I had the privilege of heading a Grand Lodge Deputation to Lodge St Clair of Dysart where 120 brethren gathered to witness the Lodge being rededicated on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.

It was more of a home game on Monday night when I drove up to Kyle for the annual Provincial visit to Lodge Kyle No 1117. There we witnessed an enjoyable MM Degree followed by the usual west coast Harmony, enjoyed by all. However, the journey home took almost two hours given the number of stags wandering around the lower slopes.

This morning, as you read the update, I will be in Inverness to officially start a joint Provincial fun-raising initiative on behalf of Poppy Scotland. The Provinces of Caithness, Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty and Inverness-shire are combining to cycle the NC500 route.

On Sunday, I travel down to Glasgowwhere, accompanied by DGM, Brother William Gauld, SGM Alexander Moncrieff and Assistant Grand Secretary, Duncan McFadyen, I will attend a Service of Thanksgiving in commemoration of the Coronation, in Glasgow Cathedral.

SCFS

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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 an enjoyable day we had in Beauly with the Brethren of Lodge Priory – all went well and the welcome and hospitality extended to the Grand Lodge Deputation was exceptional.

Likewise, the welcome received in Dublin was tremendous. On Thursday night we enjoyed a formal dinner in Grand Lodge along with the other visiting Grand Lodge representatives. On Friday, the Grand Lodge was packed to capacity to witness the Installation of Brother Rodney McCurley and his Depute. The entire ceremony was relayed by CCTV to another venue such was the demand for tickets. The Ceremony itself was different from our Grand Lodge Installation Ceremony which made the day all the more interesting and enjoyable.

On Friday night, Past Grand Master, Brother Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont and Grand Secretary attended the Installation Banquet while I headed back to be in Beauly on Saturday morning. We all enjoyed the Irish experience and look forward to having the same working relationship with Brother Rodney McCurley as we have enjoyed with Brother Douglas Gray.

Yesterday, we had a meeting of Grand Committee which, depending on how the vote goes on 8^th June, could be the final meeting of Grand Committee as we know it. It was a short but very productive meeting with good positive reports coming from all the Committees. 

As we approach the Grand Lodge Meeting in June, several Brethren have rightly been asking questions as to how the proposed changes will work in practice. To give the Brethren the best possible understanding of the proposed changes, Grand Secretary is preparing a Frequently Asked Questions article which will appear on the Grand Lodge website. Details will be circulated soon.

On Sunday 7^th May, accompanied by Brothers William Gauld, Alexander Moncrieff and Duncan McFadyen, I will attend a Service of Thanksgiving in commemoration of the Coronation, in Glasgow Cathedral. I look forward to flying the flag of Scottish Freemasonry at the service.

SCFS

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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 we are heading for an exciting time for our PGM’s and DGM’s. After meeting with both the PGM’s and DGM’s last weekend, I was greatly heartened by their positive reports from the Provinces and Districts, by their support and enthusiasm for the Young Masons initiative and by the prospect of having a far greater voice in the governance of the organisation than they have ever had before. The attendance at both meetings was excellent with only four Provinces and half a dozen Districts not represented. In fairness to the Districts, we did experience quite a few technical issues which accounted for some of the absenteeism.

On Tuesday night, Grand Secretary and I along with Brother Andrew Mushet, PGM of Glasgow and Bro David Quinn, PG Secretary of Glasgow attended the Yom HaShoa programme in Giffnock Synagogue, organised by the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council. As previously experienced, this was a very poignant and moving evening during which young and old participated in the programme. The Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, KBE, summed up the essence of the event in his written message saying – “The Shoah challenges us to confront what it really means to be human and to grapple with our capacity for both good and evil. Yom HaShoa provides that essential moment for us when we stop to recall the unspeakable horrors of our past and remember those who perished. May the memory of the six million spur us on to work tirelessly for the common good and to eradicate evil wherever it can be found”. 

We should all remember too that Freemasons were also victims of the Nazi regime. Figures vary but it is believed that as many as 200,000 Freemasons were executed along with the six million Jews, one of the reasons that we receive an invitation to attend the Yom HaShoa every year.

I am writing the update this week in Dublin where Grand Secretary and I are attending the Installation of Brother Rodney Lees McCurley as the new Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. A total of 19 Grand Lodges are present in Dublin for the occasion. I am sure that you will all wish me to convey best wishes to Brother Douglas Gray for his retirement and thank him for his stewardship of the Grand Lodge and for promoting the close relationship that exists between the Grand Lodge of Ireland and the Grand Lodge of Scotland. We look forward to continuing the strong relationship we have with Ireland through Brother Rodney McCurley and his Commission, and we extend to them our very best wishes as they take over the helm of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.

SCFS

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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 past week has been a relatively quiet week Masonically with two zoom meetings and a busy day in Grand Lodge yesterday.

However, on Tuesday night I was invited to give a talk on the work that Scottish Freemasonry,and in particular the Province of Ross and Cromarty, has been doing in Malawi. On this occasion, the audience was not Masonic but consisted of ladies of the Scottish Women’s Institute from Ross-shire, Sutherland and Inverness-shire.

I always enjoy telling non-masonic audiences about the values of Scottish Freemasonry and what we do to try and make the world a better place. Without fail, and it happened again on Tuesday, the comment was made – “I didn’t realise what the Freemasons do”. 

There has to be a lesson there for us all, to take every opportunity to expel the myths that surround the Craft and make the public aware of our principles, values and standards. You never know, some of those women present on Tuesday night might just have gone home and suggested to their menfolk that they should consider joining the Craft!

This weekend will be a busy one. On Saturday I will be in Perth to host a meeting of Provincial Grand Masters and on Sunday I will repeat the exercise via zoom with our District Grand Masters. We have much to discuss and debate and Grand Secretary and I look forward to both meetings to consider especially, the way ahead for our PGMs and DGMs when they both establish new Standing Committees. It is an exciting time which will lead to our PGMs and DGMs having a far greater voice than ever before in the governance of the organisation.

SCFS

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