Weekly Update 3rd February 2023 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,

I was greatly heartened last Saturday night to be with 70 of the 77 Reigning Masters in the Province of Glasgow along with the Commission and Past Commissioned Office-bearers. It was especially good to meet up with Past Provincial Grand Master, Brother William C Shepherdson who recently celebrated his 90th birthday but who is still enthusiastic and passionate about the Craft. There was a real buzz about the hall, and I got the distinct impression that there was a real eagerness, despite some of the challenges facing the Lodges, to get out there and move things forward. My sincere thanks to PGM Andy Mushet for an excellent night and first-class hospitality.

Earlier in the day, I had the privilege of attending Lodge St Enoch 1288 to celebrate their Centenary.  It was a splendid occasion and the Lodge had left no stone unturned in ensuring that everything was in place. It was Assistant Grand D of C, Brother George Donnelly’s first big event and what a splendid job he made of it. Another memorable day.

This Saturday, after David Begg’s funeral, I will be in the Province of Ayrshire to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Lodge St David (Tarbolton) No 133 in Mauchline.  Depute Grand Master, Brother William Gauld will be leading the Deputation that afternoon to Lodge Panmure No. 299 in Arbroath to celebrate 200 years of Freemasonry.

SCFS

 
This week saw Group membership rise to 7045 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.
The total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group has risen to 1538, submitted by 447 of its members.
These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 425 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 
This week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Glasgow, Inverness-shire, Linlithgowshire, Perthshire West and Renfrewshire West.
The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,943,707.

SCFS Overseas Report

Once again, our Overseas membership has continued to grow and this week particular mention must be made to Lodge Royal Jubilee, No. 742, and to Lodge St. Andrew’s in the East, No. 343, both in the District of India

• Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS. This week we welcomed Brethren from Lodges which are under the UGLE (South Wales, Bengal), GL of Finland, and the GL of Romania

• It was a great pleasure to also welcome and congratulate Brother Marvin Corpuz, Labong Lodge, No. 59, MW Grand Lodge of the Philippines, who became our 1700th International Constitution Member (ICM). 

• We would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their support of others by sending posts to the SCFS group. 

As mentioned last week, Grand Secretary and I were in London this week to mark the tercentenary of the 1723 Constitutions. The event was well executed with a very informative video presentation followed by an inspiring presentation by this years’ Prestonian Lecturer, Brother Akram Elias. The tercentenary of the publication of the 1723 Constitutions is being marked and celebrated in Great Queen Street this week and will be followed up with further events in America, and Europe. It was an interesting day with Grand Lodge absolutely full for the occasion.

The Benevolence and Care committee are planning a Masons4Munros to take place over three weekends in June 2023. The funds raised will be used to provide sponsorship of a Prostate Scotland / Grand Lodge of Scotland post-surgery and chemotherapy support pack – “Prospack”. Goodwill donations will made to The Boys’ Brigade and Scottish Mountain Rescue who are providing support for the Challenge.

The publicity material is being finalised now and will be circulated to PG Secs and PG Masters this week, before posting on social media.

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason