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,

 

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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The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

Last Friday night, accompanied by the Depute Grand Master, Brother Jim Bell, and Grand Secretary, Brother Willie Semple, I attended the District Grand Chapter of East Africa Annual Convocation in Nairobi. It was an excellent meeting during which I was able to convey greetings and best wishes from the 1st Grand Principle, MEC Dr Joseph Morrow. At the conclusion of the meeting, we enjoyed a most convivial harmony organised by the Companions of Orient Royal Arch Chapter No 437.

The following morning, we three returned to Freemasons’ Hall in Nairobi to attend a District Grand Lodge Committee Meeting. Thereafter we had a rehearsal for the Installation Meeting. 

That afternoon, I had the immense pleasure of installing Brother Kalpesh Prabhulal Shah into the Office of District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of East Africa along with his Commissioned Office-bearers. I was assisted in the ceremony by our Depute Grand Master Brother Jim Bell who took on the role of Grand Director of Ceremonies. What a tremendous job he did and coped with some names that were, to say the least, a challenge to us all! Grand Secretary was likewise tremendous carrying out not only his own duties but those of Grand Chaplain. At the conclusion of the Installation of the DGM and his Commission, we thoroughly enjoyed sitting back to witness the Installation of the Elected Office-bearers carried out by the DGM and Brother Michael Craig.

At the close of the meeting over 120 Brethren assembled in the refectory where we enjoyed a superb meal followed by good speeches and the opportunity to catch up with friends – old and new.

SCFS

 
o The Group saw its membership rise to 6518 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 1203, submitted by 368 of its members.
o These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 382 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 Provinces of Edinburgh, Fife & Kinross, Glasgow, Linlithgowshire, Renfrewshire West and Stirlingshire.
o The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,209,319.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

We were delighted to continue welcoming new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges. 

• In this respect, reference may be made to Lodge Tullibardine-in-the-East, No. 1118, Lodge Lusaka, No. 1368, and Lodge Northern Province, No. 1576, in the Districts of Middle East (Malaysia), Zambia, and Central South Africa (RSA) respectively. Brethren joining from those Lodges helped increase our Overseas Membership to 1388. We look forward to welcoming our 1400th Overseas Memberin the near future. 
• We also now have 1409 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 6 geographically widely spread Masonic constitutions: the GL of Texas, UGLE, GL of India, GL of Cuba, GL of Arizona, and the GL of Japan. 

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.

As I finish off this week’s report, Grand Secretary and I have arrived in Zimbabwe where, last   night we attended a Lodge of Sorrow at Lodge Lomagundi No 1075. It was a very moving ceremony to which the ladies and relations of the deceased, Brother Battiss, were included in the proceedings. Tomorrow we will be installing the new District Grand Master, Brother Robert MacDougall Fisher in Harare

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 Thursday evening, accompanied by our Substitute Grand Master, Brother Jim Peddie, and the Provincial Grand Master of Glasgow, Brother Andrew Mushet, Ann and I attended the Yom Hashoah event in Giffnock Synagogue, Glasgow. Also called Holocaust Remembrance Day, it commemorates the lives of the six million Jewish people who died in the Holocaust of World War 2. It is a very moving ceremony which acts as a history lesson, too, reminding us all of man’s inhumanity to man. Over 200,000 Freemasons were killed during the Holocaust, leading to the evolution of Freemasons wearing the forget-me-not badge as a secret sign of membership. The badge is now worn by Freemasons around the world to remember all who suffered in the name of Freemasonry, especially those during the Nazi era.
 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6494 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 1196, submitted by 368 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 382 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, Galloway, Glasgow, Lanarkshire Upper Ward, Linlithgowshire, Midlothian and Orkney & Zetland.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,196,404.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

Now that we’ve begun our 3rd year, it is heartening to note that membership of Brethren from Lodges outside Scotland is still growing steadily and the new members whom we have recently welcomed demonstrate the wide reach of the SCFS group.

  • In this respect, reference may be made to Lodge of the Highlands, No. 1439; Lodge Royal Albert, No. 420; Lodge St. John, No. 1072; Lodge Perla del Oriente, No. 1034 and Lodge Allegiance, No. 1465 in the Districts of East Africa, Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope, Middle East, Far East and Belgium (under supervision)  Brethren joining from those Lodges helped increase our Overseas Membership to 1385. 
  • We were delighted to welcome our first Overseas Member of our 3rd year who is Brother Steven Chan, MM, Lodge Perla del Oriente, No. 1034, located in the Philippines in the District of Far East.
  • We also now have 1402 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. Our 1400th ICM joined this week – Brother Jimmy Maneckshaw, WM, Lodge Ashok, No. 122, Grand Lodge of India.
  • In this category, new Members joined from 12 different Masonic constitutions: the GL of India, as mentioned above, plus the GL of South Africa, GL of Ireland (Natal), GL of China, GL of California, UGLE, GL of Croatia, GL of Montana, GL of the Philippines, GL of Victoria, GL of Mississippi, GL of Japan.

We would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their excellent support of others and look forward to publishing the first post of our 3rd year from them.

Last Saturday, I had the honour and privilege of installing Brother Andrew McIlwraith as the new Provincial Grand Master of Galloway along with his Commissioned Office-bearers. The Installation also coincided with the 275thanniversary of the Province of Galloway. It was a most enjoyable day and the welcome and hospitality extended by the Province was of the highest order.

This Saturday, I’ll be doing another Installation a wee bit further south than Stranraer. Tomorrow along with the Depute Grand Master, Brother Jim Bell and Grand Secretary, I’ll be installing Brother Kalpesh Shah as the new District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of East Africa in Nairobi. 

The District Grand Lodge of East Africa encompasses three countries – Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

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,

As you will read further on it is now two years since we started the SCFS Facebook page followed a year later with SCFS Showcase. Can I thank everyone at home and abroad who has supported the pages – little did we think that two years down the line we would still be running, and the stark truth of the matter is that communities are needing to rely more and more on the assistance we take to them. That trend will continue for the foreseeable future so, again, my sincere thanks to you all for all that you do for your communities and to promote all that is good in Scottish Freemasonry.

Of course, two Brethren, Jim Ellis and Dougie Fergie assisted by several others, have been instrumental in running the Facebook pages. Their contribution over the past two years has been tremendous and I thank them both most sincerely for all their hard work, enthusiasm and input to the initiative.

SCFS

 
  • This Sunday, 1st of May, will see the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook Group celebrate its second birthday, with its sister public facing Facebook Page celebrating its 1st birthday.
  • At its inception two years ago, the team behind the SCFS Group did not envisage how it would be perceived, develop and ultimately receive such widespread support.
  • To date the Group has attracted 6462 members from all four quarters of the globe, not only from Scottish Constitution Lodges, but also from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are recognised by the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
  • The 1185 posts highlighting the wide and varied examples of support being provided by Districts, Provinces, Lodges and individual Brethren has been overwhelming, with 368 members representing 386 of our Lodges sharing their wonderful examples of charity and benevolence.
  • This has resulted in contributions with an identifiable monetary value of £2,192,609 being recorded.
  • The success of the Group would not have been possible without the support of its members and the team at SCFS would like to thank all Brethren who have contributed to this success by posting, commenting, liking and sharing.
  • With the introduction of the SCFS-Showcase Facebook Page, this has enabled the levels of support being given to be shared with the wider public and the team are equally grateful to those who participate and share these posts.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

In the final week of the Group’s second year, it’s heartening to reflect upon the overseas membership position which has been arrived at.  

  • Currently, we have 1379members from our Lodges in the various Districts etc., that number including this week’s new members from the District Grand Lodges of the Bahamas, Barbados, Lebanon, Middle East (Singapore) and Nigeria.
  • In addition, the number of Brethren (ICMs) from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who are spreading news, worldwide, of the outstanding support being shared in the posts to the Group , has now reached 1381. Included in that number this week were Brethren from Lodges such as the interestingly named Lodge Mystic Tie, No. 222, in Mississippi, and our first member from the Icelandic Order of Freemasons. We also welcomed Brethren from the following Grand Lodges: GL of Ohio, GL of Sweden, GL of Alberta, UGLE, GL of Japan. 

In extending our thanks to them for previous posts, would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their excellent support of others and look forward to publishing the first post of our 3rd year from them.

What a splendid time we had in Aberdeen last Friday and Saturday. On Friday night I had the pleasure of Installing Brother Ian Williamson and his Commissioned Office-bearers and on Saturday we celebrated 350 years of freemasonry in The Lodge of Aberdeen No 1 ter.

On Saturday, we were joined by a large Deputation of Brethren from Warwickshire headed by their PGM, Brother Philip Hall. They made a presentation to the Lodge of Jewels that had come into their possession in 1928 but which were The Lodge of Aberdeen jewels – a beautiful gesture and by all accounts the Warwickshire brethren thoroughly enjoyed their sojourn north.

My sincere thanks to the members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland Clay Shooting Association who attended at Grand Lodge on Thursday to present a cheque for £2500 toward the “Make it a Million” appeal. A fantastic effort and a great boost to the kitty.

As I am sure you are all aware, Freemasons’ Hall is now fully reopen and Tours of the Grand Lodge Museum will be recommencing with effect from Tuesday, 3rd May 2022.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
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