The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren,
Some of you may well be aware by now that the decision has been taken to sell our care home in Bridge of Weir, Marcus Humphrey House, as a going concern. This decision has not been taken lightly but the operation of the Home has changed significantly over the years. It is genuinely felt that the provision of the service in the future would be best delivered by specialists in the field. Further detail will be sent to all Lodges through the Provinces.
I mentioned last week that I would be heading south to Perth last Saturday to witness the Young Masons of Perthshire East (“The Stones of Destiny”) work an Entered Apprentice Degree. The magnificent Lodge Room of Lodge Scoon and Perth No 3 was almost full to capacity with Young Masons Groups from Ayrshire, The Scottish Borders and beyond, all present to support their contemporaries in Perthshire East. The degree was worked in exemplary fashion – a credit to the Brethren in the team and to the PGM, Brother Ian Cameron, whose unstinting support of the group has been first class. It was a real joy to be in the Lodge to witness such a well worked degree. But, the working of the degree, I believe, was only part of the wider story. The PGM remarked that – “the cross-Lodge interaction and effort has united these young Masons into a very strong group” – Brethren, I have no doubt that the interaction between all the Lodges involved will continue with those young Masons. There will be social interaction, there will be charity events to name but a few off-shoots. This was the third Young Masons group I have witnessed working a degree and collectively their effort and endeavour has undoubtedly justified the decision to form Young Masons groups in all our Provinces and Districts. There is still much work to be done to establish Young Masons Groups in all areas. With PGMs and DGMs grasping the nettle to establish and support the groups there is little doubt that the future of Scottish Freemasonry is in safe hands.
SCFS
- The Group saw its membership rise to 7339 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 1846, submitted by 518 of its members.
- These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 450 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge.
- Thanks is extended to the following Lodges who had posts submitted on their behalf this week.
- The Bruce, No. 593 (Forfarshire), supporting Friockheim Ploughing Association.
- Cumbernauld St. Andrew’s, No. 199 (Dunbartonshire), supporting local Church.
- Barns o’ Clyde (Dunbartonshire), supporting Chest Heart & Stroke Association Scotland.
- Polkemmet, No. 927 (Linlithgowshire), supporting Whitburn Girls Brigade.
- Dalhousie, No. 679 (Forfarshire), supporting Carnoustie Bowling Club.
- The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,819,409.
- This week we welcomed a number of new members from Lodges overseas. Particular mention must be made to Brethren joining fromLodge Sarawak, No. 1452 (Malaysia, Middle East) and Lodge Golden Thistle, No. 840 (Western Australia, Goldfields District). The support of the new members is greatly appreciated and I’m sure that they will follow the very many Brethren who support the page by “Liking” and commenting positively on the published posts.
- Congratulations are extended to Brother Luke Peter Thompsonfrom Lodge Golden Thistle, No. 840, newly installed Inner Guard, who our 2000th memberfrom our Overseas Lodges.
- Brethren from other Masonic constitutions (ICMs) were similarly welcomed. These Brethren help spread news of the wonderful support featured in the post on SCFS to a worldwide audience. This week, Brethren joined from Lodges under the GL of Denmark, GL of Western Australia, and UGLE(North Wales).
Tomorrow, I will be heading to Dundee (Storm Babet permitting) to join in the Centenary Celebrations of Lodge Roineach Mhor Downfield No 1308. I will be heading a good-sized Deputation but sadly one name on the Deputation List will no longer be with us. Brother Leslie M Livingstone, Past Assistant Grand Treasurer, laid down his Working Tools just over a week ago. I was privileged to attend his funeral, with many other Masons, on Wednesday in Dundee Crematorium. The very fitting service was conducted by Past GM, Brother Rev Dr Joseph J Morrow.
On Wednesday evening I had the pleasure and honour to attend the annual Supreme Council Dinner held in the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh. A truly splendid evening during which I caught up with many Brethren from home and overseas.
Finally, as always, please stay safe and look after each other.
Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason