The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren
A few weeks ago, I put out an appeal after the gardens at Marcus Humphrey House were vandalised. Delighted to be able to give you an update on the situation –
A GRATEFUL THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR SUPPORT IN RESPONSE TO THE VANDALISATION OF THE GARDEN GROUNDS AT MARCUS HUMPHREY HOUSE
On behalf of the Chairman and Members of the Benevolence and Care Committe
e; and the Residents and Staff at the Marcus Humphrey House, I wanted to acknowledge the wonderful support which has been given in response to the destruction which was caused by vandals in the grounds at the Marcus Humphrey House. It has, quite honestly, been overwhelming and has come not only in the form of monetary donations totalling almost £1,500, but also via the gifting of garden ornaments and planters, an assortment of beautiful, mature plants and other practical materials. Brother John Muir raised funds by inviting sponsorship for his 28 mile walk from Troon to the Home – when the Staff welcomed him at the end of his journey he was still smiling despite having been caught in a few showers en route!
The support we have received has also taken the form of hard work and effort from the Members of the Widows Sons West who have restored the benches, provided and planted lots of tubs and generally given the grounds a makeover. They have also donated a CCTV system which will be installed shortly. The gardens have been returned to, and in fact, because of all the hard work and donations, have surpassed their original condition – I know that next year the Residents will be enjoying a myriad of lovely flowers, some of which have been chosen for their sensory benefits. A highlight which has already come into its own and given immense pleasure to the Residents is the new bird table – I don’t think I could give a description which would do this bird table justice, it is definitely the equivalent of a five star hotel for birds and attracts all sorts of feathered visitors to the garden.
Sincere thank you to all, your donations and hard work are very much appreciated! Dawn Oliff
Latest news from the Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook page is as follows –
The group now has a membership of 3964 Brethren. This week saw the total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rise to 472, submitted by 206 of its members.
These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 245 Lodges, from within 31 Provincial Grand Lodges, 18 District Grand Lodges, Superintendence’s and Lodges under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded is £350,807. The posts within the group have received 63,124 individual comments likes, and other reactions.
SCFS Overseas Report
- We welcomed another 27 Overseas Brethren this week.
- Our Overseas Membership is now standing at 1177 Members and we look forward to soon reaching the 1200 milestone.
- The geographical spread of Overseas Members this week saw Brethren being welcomed from ... The Bahamas, Central South Africa, Far East, Newfoundland and Labrador, North Island New Zealand, Republic of Panama, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, Western Australia.
- The largest increase in membership was from the Republic of Panama.
- Lodge St. Andrew, No. 1140, from the Republic of Panama,had the largest number of Brethren joining from an individual Lodge.
- Our International Constitution Members (ICMs) viewing the SCFS page has increased to 46 as new ICMs joined the group from the Simbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay, Grand Lodge of India, Grand Lodge of Denmark, UGLE, Grand Lodge of Virginia, Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador, Grand Lodge of Israel.
Excellent posts were received from the District of Newfoundland and Labrador and from the Republic of Panama ... posts from other Districts are actively being sought and eagerly awaited.
In the meantime, please stay safe, look after yourselves and each other.
Kindest regards
Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason