The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren,
What a memorable night in Lodge Union and Crown 307 in Barrhead! The business for the evening was the working of their famous dramatized FC Degree based on Lodge Minutes and Records from 200 years ago. However, before we got to the working of the degree another wee drama, involving the best kept secret in the history of the Lodge, unfolded.
Brother William H Gauld, better known to us all as Brother Bud Gauld, was presented with a complete set of Past Depute Grand Master regalia by the Lodge for his use at the conclusion of his Commission. The Lodge very graciously invited me to attend the meeting and make the presentation which I duly did, but only after I had adjourned the Lodge and invited Bud’s wife, Mrs Mary Gauld, his two daughters, Nicola and Amanda and his daughter-in-law, Fiona to enter the Lodge accompanied by Brother Johnny Gauld, to witness the presentation. By this time Brother Bud Gauld, who always knows all that is happening in 307, was totally perplexed. Only then, assisted by the Master of the Lodge and the Provincial Grand Master, did I reveal the regalia and make the presentation. The Brethren were keen to show their appreciation to Brother Bud Gauld for all he has done for the Lodge and to mark their pride in him being appointed Depute Grand Master. Once the presentation was over and the Gauld family had departed, the business of the evening got under way. Can I simply say that if you have never witnessed the dramatized degree – please put it on your bucket list – it is well worth seeing.
After returning home from Grand Lodge yesterday, I had the privilege of addressing the Brethren of the Lodge of Masonic Enlightment in the Bahamas, via zoom. The Lodge is flourishing and is a real tribute to the enthusiasm and commitment of our Brethren in the Bahamas.
SCFS
- The Group saw its membership rise to 7118 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 1633, submitted by 467 of its members.
- These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 432 Lodges, from within 59 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 Edinburgh, Fife & Kinross and Linlithgowshire.
- The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,260,245.
SCFS Overseas Report
A very interesting post was published thanks to Brother Javon Rolle from the District PR Department, (District of The Bahamas), who shared news of a very generous donation by Lodge St. Joseph, No. 1838, to the Great Commission Ministries, which is responsible for feeding those in need.
- Overseas membership of the SCFS group again increased. Particular mention this week goes to Lodge Trinity, No. 1733(Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada), Lodge of Unity, No. 1510 (Zambia), Lodge Middlesex, No. 1628(Jamaica), Lodge Adonis, No. 1584 (Lebanon), Lodge St. Michael, No. 1634 (Bahamas), and Lodge Golden Thistle, No. 840 (Western Australia Goldfields).
- Additional International Constitution Members (ICMs) were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS … including the GL of the Philippines, UGLE(Eastern Archipelago), and GL “Alpina” of Switzerland. These ICMs help spread news, throughout the world, of the many examples of Masonic support featured on SCFS.
This Saturday will involve a change of regalia when I head for Tain to witness MEC Dr Joe Morrow install the new Grand Superintendent of Ross and Cromarty, MEC Morris Downie. Looking forward to sitting quietly in the columns with nothing to do!
Next Saturday, I will be chairing a meeting of the Provincial Grand Masters in Perth and on Sunday 16th April, will repeat the exercise with our District Grand Masters, via zoom. I am looking forward to both meetings and to hearing of all that is happening in the Provinces, Districts and Superintendencies.
Finally, as always, please stay safe and look after each other.
Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason