Weekly Update 26th August 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee

 

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

My sincere thanks to the Brethren in the Province of Midlothian and in the Province of the Scottish Borders for their welcome, hospitality and kindness last weekend. How good it was to be present at two “full-house” events. One thing that was evident both in Dalkeith and in Kelso was the obvious enjoyment everyone was having in just being together and appreciating each-other’s company.

Tickets for the Conference in November are going well with the bulk of them going to our overseas Brethren. I am very much looking forward to welcoming all Brethren to Edinburgh and would take this opportunity to remind Proxy DGM’s and Proxy Masters to be in touch with your respective Districts and Lodges now and ensure that you are able to meet up with them at some point during the conference or Installation. For Brethren at home who haven’t yet decided whether or not to attend, please get your application in soon – remember the conference is limited to 300.

The Grand Lodge Installation (Thursday 24^th November) will be different this year. The Installation and Festival of St Andrew are both being held in the Edinburgh Conference Centre due to the increased numbers expected as a result of the Conference. Again, don’t delay in applying for your tickets – I look forward to meeting up with you all in the new venue.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

• It was extremely heartening to publish a post in which Brother Pédro Turnquest, JW, Lodge San Andreas, No. 1835, in the district of the Bahamas, shared the involvement of the Lodge (in conjunction with the Royal Bahamas Police Force) in organising and holding a “Back to School Family Fun and Giveaway Day” in preparation for the pupils returning to school after their holiday break. Food, entertainment and educational resources were all provided by the Brethren. 

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges outside Scotland continues to grow and this week we welcomed brethren from Lodges in the District of North Island New Zealand and the District of Western Australia Goldfields with new members joining from Lodge St. Andrew, No. 418, Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708, Lodge Sir William Wallace, No. 868, and Lodge Montrose, No. 722.

• There are now 1826 members in the SCFS group from our Lodges overseas.

• In addition, we now have 1563 ICMs (International Constitution Members) - Brethren belonging to Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS. They spread news worldwide of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. This week that group was boosted by new members joining from other Masonic constitutions such as: GL of Victoria, UGLE(England, Nigeria), GL of New Zealand, GL of Texas, and the 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 further posts from them.**

 

We are less than a week away from September, the month when many of our Lodges at home and abroad traditionally resume activities. I wish you all a very happy, productive and fulfilling year ahead.

Can I ask that Provincial Secretaries respond this coming week with names of those who will be attending the Memorial Service in Glasgow Cathedral – negative returns should also be reported timeously in order that others can be offered the places. There is much work being done behind the scenes with an event such as this – the co-operation of all Provinces would be greatly appreciated. I sincerely hope that all Provinces will be represented.

A wee reminder to all District and Provincial Grand Masters – Saturday 3^rd September at 14.00 hours (UK time) for the Zoom meeting with the DGM’s and Saturday 10^th September at 11.00 hours for the PGM’s meeting in Perth. It would be good to have all Districts and Provinces in attendance.

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