Weekly Update 9th September 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee

 

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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,

 

It is with deepest regret that we were informed yesterday of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As you will all be aware by now, Grand Secretary issued notice last night that all Masonic activity has been cancelled during the official period of national mourning, which commenced on the 8th September and will continue until after the funeral service on Monday 19th September. Masonic activity will resume on Tuesday 20th September.

I am sure that those of you who attended the Memorial Service last Sunday – either in person or via the link – were very impressed by the solemnity and dignity of the entire service. The opening Proclamation by the Lord Lyon, present in all his finery, set the tone for the service. A powerful and meaningful sermon from Brother Rev Mark Johnstone, and a very apt and fitting Act of Remembrance by our own Senior Grand Chaplain, Brother Rev Dr Angus Kerr, made for a truly memorable service. I thought the singing was magnificent, enhanced greatly by the Cathedral Choir conducted by Andrew Forbes and the superb organ music from Professor Malcolm Sim. My sincere thanks to everyone who assisted in bringing it all together on the day. I have no doubt that those who lost loved ones would have been truly moved by the occasion and I hope and trust that the service has helped to bring a sense of hope and comfort to all.

The 4th International Scottish Masonic Conference

The Conference Committee have been working extremely hard and the programme for the Conference is now taking shape. Our Overseas Brethren and their wives are coming in large numbers and we look forward to welcoming them all. The numbers attending from the home Lodges and Provinces are not so large so, let me encourage our home Brethren to give serious consideration to being there. The Keynote speakers include Bro William Semple, Grand Secretary, Bro Douglas Gray, Grand Master of Ireland, and Brother Dr Joseph J Morrow. There will be at least another seven main speakers, discussion groups and social events, even a chat with three Grand Masters. On the Monday night, I will have the pleasure of Installing the District Grand Master of the Far East, Brother Christopher Wong. On Tuesday evening there will be a social event in Grand Hall and a quieter night on Wednesday evening before the Grand Lodge Installation and the Festival of St Andrew on the Thursday. On the Friday the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter Convocation will take place in Grand Hall. This will be a tremendous opportunity to meet old friends and make new friends – I look forward to seeing you there.

SCFS

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Scottish.Constitution.Freemasonry.Supports/ 
 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6800 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 1327, submitted by 396 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 401 Lodges, from within 57 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,591,794.

 SCFS Overseas Report  

Our membership of brethren from Lodges located outside Scotland continues to grow. Reference this week must be made to Lodge St. Michael, No. 1634, in the District of the BahamasLodge Classic, No. 1678, and Lodge Remo, No. 1682, both in the District of Nigeria, for adding to this total. 

  • There are now 1830 brethren in the SCFS group from our Lodges overseas.
  • In addition, we also have 1571 ICMs (International Constitution Members) - brethren belonging to Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS. These brethren are important in spreading news worldwide …both of the wonderful support given to others by our brethren and of the points of interest detailed in GMM’s Newsletter. This week that group was boosted by new Members joining from Masonic constitutions such as the Grand Lodge of Irelandand the Grand Lodge of Alberta.
  • Reacting to requests from an increasing number of these ICMs who wish to be kept informed about the SCFS group and also what is happening in Lodges etc. under the Scottish Constitution, a distribution list of the weekly update Newsletter from GMM has now been established.

**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.**

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of chairing a meeting of our District Grand Masters by Zoom. Twenty-one of the twenty-six Districts were present, and one of our two Superintendencies was part of the company. I was very impressed by the positive, upbeat messages coming from all present. We heard of growing numbers of initiates, focussed agendas to help struggling Lodges, innovative and creative projects from new newsletters to tree planting. Health and wellness initiatives taking place in many places and charitable functions of all descriptions. I am indebted to the Brethren whose enthusiasm, commitment and dedication shone through the entire meeting. 

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason