Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason

Brethren,

Only two weeks to go till the zip slide and I still need to lose three pounds to make the weight limit – working hard on it. We have a full complement taking part – Brother Joe Morrow in his capacity as Chair of the Benevolence and Care Committee will be first to go and I will bring up the rear. If you haven’t already done so, feel free to sponsor any of those taking part – at the end of the day the monies are all going to the same pot. To all those who have sponsored – sincere thanks.

Arrangements are now finalised for the Memorial Service this Sunday at 2pm – for those who cannot attend in person here is a link to watch the service live:  

https://www.grandlodgescotland.com/2022/09/02/29569/

As some Provinces haven’t taken up their allocation, there will be additional spaces available in the Cathedral for Brethren and their spouses. Please contact Assistant Grand Secretary if you would like to attend and he will allocate seats for you. This is an important service giving us all the opportunity to remember all those who have been called to higher service.

 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6797 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 1325, 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 £2,591,294.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

  • It was a pleasure to publish a post in which Brother Craig Jessop, DDGM, District of Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, shared news of the support of Lodge Kirkwood Kilwinning, No. 1393, to the Buffelsfontein Old Age Home in Port Elizabeth. The lodge held a Black and White Dinner Dance party, leading to finance being raised for repairs to the home’s water-damaged dining room floor. In addition, donations of food parcels and medical supplies were also delivered to the Home.

Our membership of brethren from Lodges located outside Scotland continues to grow. Reference this week must be made to Lodge Northcliffe, No. 1086, in the district of Newfoundland and Labrador, for adding to this total. 

  • There are now 1827 members in the SCFS group from our Lodges overseas.
  • In addition, we now have 1569 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 of the wonderful support given to others by our brethren. This week that group was boosted by new Members joining from other Masonic constitutions such as: GL of Slovakia, UGLE, GL of Alabama, United Grand Lodge of Germany(the GL of British Freemasons in Germany) and the GL ofthe Czech Republic.
  • It was an additional pleasure to welcome Brother Eric Walker, Grand Chancellor of the Grand Lodge of the Czech Republicinto the group.

**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.**

I have been reminded by Brother Anthony Bostwick, our DGM in Bahamas that it was three years ago, on 1st September 2019 that the Bahamas suffered badly as a result of Hurricane Dorian. Let us, this weekend remember those Brethren, their families and loved ones who perished in the Category 5 Hurricane when the wind speed was recorded at a record 185 mph. I had the privilege of visiting Grand Bahama earlier this year. I saw the devastation caused by the hurricane and met with Brethren who lost all they possessed. It certainly brought into focus for me the heartbreak caused as a result of the hurricane.

This Saturday I will have the pleasure of chairing a meeting of our District Grand Masters by Zoom. This is an important event in the calendar when Grand Secretary and I will receive verbal updates from all our Districts and discuss a variety of topics. If ever there was a silver lining coming out of covid, it was Zoom. I am very conscious that through that medium we can now afford our DGM’s the same opportunity that our PGM’s have had to meet together, discuss issues of common interest and put forward proposals to enhance the way we do things, as well as simply enjoying each-other’s company. The following Saturday it will be the turn of the PGM’s to have their first face-to-face meeting in Perth since the Covid lockdowns.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 835

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason

Brethren,

 

My sincere thanks to the Brethren in the Province of Midlothian and in the Province of the Scottish Borders for their welcome, hospitality and kindness last weekend. How good it was to be present at two “full-house” events. One thing that was evident both in Dalkeith and in Kelso was the obvious enjoyment everyone was having in just being together and appreciating each-other’s company.

Tickets for the Conference in November are going well with the bulk of them going to our overseas Brethren. I am very much looking forward to welcoming all Brethren to Edinburgh and would take this opportunity to remind Proxy DGM’s and Proxy Masters to be in touch with your respective Districts and Lodges now and ensure that you are able to meet up with them at some point during the conference or Installation. For Brethren at home who haven’t yet decided whether or not to attend, please get your application in soon – remember the conference is limited to 300.

The Grand Lodge Installation (Thursday 24th November) will be different this year. The Installation and Festival of St Andrew are both being held in the Edinburgh Conference Centre due to the increased numbers expected as a result of the Conference. Again, don’t delay in applying for your tickets – I look forward to meeting up with you all in the new venue.

SCFS

 

The Group saw its membership rise to 6788 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 1324, submitted by 396 of its members.

These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 399 Lodges, from within 57 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Kilwinning, Linlithgowshire and Ross & Cromarty.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,590,694.

 

SCFS Overseas Report  

  • It was extremely heartening to publish a post in which Brother Pédro Turnquest, JW, Lodge San Andreas, No. 1835, in the district of the Bahamas, shared the involvement of the Lodge (in conjunction with the Royal Bahamas Police Force) in organising and holding a “Back to School Family Fun and Giveaway Day” in preparation for the pupils returning to school after their holiday break. Food, entertainment and educational resources were all provided by the Brethren. 

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges outside Scotland continues to grow and this week we welcomed brethren from Lodges in the District of North Island New Zealand and the District of Western Australia Goldfields with new members joining from Lodge St. Andrew, No. 418, Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708, Lodge Sir William Wallace, No. 868, and Lodge Montrose, No. 722.

  • There are now 1826 members in the SCFS group from our Lodges overseas.
  • In addition, we now have 1563 ICMs (International Constitution Members) - Brethren belonging to Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS. They spread news worldwide of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. This week that group was boosted by new members joining from other Masonic constitutions such as: GL of Victoria, UGLE(England, Nigeria), GL of New Zealand, GL of Texas, and the GL of Japan. 

**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.**

 

We are less than a week away from September, the month when many of our Lodges at home and abroad traditionally resume activities. I wish you all a very happy, productive and fulfilling year ahead.

Can I ask that Provincial Secretaries respond this coming week with names of those who will be attending the Memorial Service in Glasgow Cathedral – negative returns should also be reported timeously in order that others can be offered the places. There is much work being done behind the scenes with an event such as this – the co-operation of all Provinces would be greatly appreciated. I sincerely hope that all Provinces will be represented.

A wee reminder to all District and Provincial Grand Masters – Saturday 3rd September at 14.00 hours (UK time) for the Zoom meeting with the DGM’s and Saturday 10th September at 11.00 hours for the PGM’s meeting in Perth. It would be good to have all Districts and Provinces in attendance.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 806

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason

Brethren,

As we head toward the start of the new “Masonic Season” can I remind everyone that the dispensations granted during the Covid lockdown and restriction period will all end on 1st September. I gave due notice at the June Communication that the dispensations that have been in place since the start of the lockdown in respect of laws 122, (a Lodge being deemed inactive) and 168 (time between Enquiry Committee and application being read in Lodge) will cease to have effect from the 1st of September 2022. Likewise, the timescales for disciplinary matters will revert to those times listed in Appendix 7.

Sincere thanks to Substitute Grand Master, Brother Jim Peddie and his Deputation for carrying out what I believe was an excellent rededication ceremony at Lodge Galen. My congratulations to the Lodge with every best wish for the future.

 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6776 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 1312, submitted by 393 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 397 Lodges, from within 57 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Ayrshire, Forfarshire, Kilwinning, Perthshire East & Stirlingshire.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,563,430.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

  • It was extremely heartening to publish the first post from the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand, in which Brother Tony Ford, District Grand Master, shared news of a very generous donation, on behalf of the District, to the “Make it a Million” target in support of Prostate Scotland. 
  • Brother Jim Kerr, District Grand Master of Central South Africa, provided information related to a donation of over £10,000, on behalf of the District Grand Lodges of Central South Africa, KwaZulu Natal, and the Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope, also to the “Make it a Million” target. 
  • A post was published highlighting the financial support of Lodge Northcliffe, No. 1086, in the District of Newfoundland and Labrador, for the Salvation Army which provided daily meals to the firefighters and members of the Search and Rescue teams who were involved in battling 3 major forest fires, just 15 miles from the Lodge premises.

The membership of Brethren from our overseas Lodges continues to grow and this week we welcomed new members from the Districts of Guyana, Middle East (Malaysia), Newfoundland and Labrador, and Western Australia Goldfields. 

  • There was also a tremendous response from the brethren from Lodges in the District of North Island New Zealand… the District which had the most new members coming from it. Lodge St. Andrew, No. 418, and Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708, equally had the most members joining from an individual Lodge. There are now 1821 members in the SCFS group from our Lodges overseas.
  • Membership of brethren belonging to Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, (ICM - International Constitution Member) and who spread news worldwide of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren, was boosted by new Members joining from 7widely spread Masonic constitutions: the GL of Bolivia, GL of the Philippines, UGLE(Bombay), GL of Greece, GL of Illinois, GL of California. 
  • In addition, a further 12 brethren joined from Lodges governed by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Congratulations is extended to one of those brethren, Brother Richard De Vera, Master, Lodge Waitakerei, No. 170, who is our 1500thInternational Constitution Member. 

 

Can I give a wee reminder to get the names of those attending the Memorial Service in Glasgow Cathedral to our Assistant Grand Secretary as soon as possible. The Order of Service is now complete, and it promises to be a very moving, poignant, and memorable service.

Details of how to link into the service will be distributed by Grand Secretary.

It looks to me that the Zip Slide may well provide a bonus and take us over the £1 million mark and, as I mentioned last week - please support all those who are taking part which now includes myself. Looking forward to it – the “Just Giving” pages are all up and running so please support whoever you can! During the past week alone, I received a number of cheques and pledges. John Muir - £600 from sale of tokens, Lodge Burns Dundonald £750, Lodge Mother Kilwinning £2000 from three rounds of golf in one day and last night, learned that there will be a cheque coming from the Province of Ross and Cromarty for £11,000. Plus, there are heaps of other activities ongoing – please get details onto the “Make it a Million Facebook page.  Once again, my sincere thanks to all at home and abroad who have shown their support in so many ways.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 788

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason

Brethren,

Compared to the last eight or nine months, the past week has been quiet in terms of Masonic activity. On Tuesday, I attended a meeting of Lodge Allan Wilson No 851 – over fifty Brethren in attendance with forty-seven remaining for lunch – very encouraging.

Yesterday I attended a meeting of the Overseas Committee. There was a lengthy agenda which was handled well by the Chair, Brother Jim Jack. A full report from the Committee will go to Grand Committee on 8th September.

Next week will be a bit busier – I look forward to attending a meeting of Lodge Mother Kilwinning on Tuesday, receiving the Grand Master of Finland on Wednesday morning in Grand Lodge, attending the Quarterly meeting of the Province of Ross and Cromarty on Wednesday night, attending the Administration Committee in Grand Lodge on Thursday, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian on Friday and travelling down to Kelso on Saturday to join with the Scottish Borders Brethren for their 275th anniversary.

How good it is, after more than two years of inactivity to see such activity taking place. It is equally encouraging to receive reports from many of our Districts indicating that they too are coming back to life once again.

 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6742 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 1304, submitted by 391of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 397 Lodges, from within 56 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of East Lothian, Fife & Kinross, Forfarshire, Glasgow, Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Midlothian and Perthshire West.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,544,350.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

We are aware of the excellent support currently being undertaken by a number of our Overseas Lodges and Districts and look forward to publishing news of this in the near future. 

  • Encouragingly, we continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges. In this respect, special reference must be made to brethren from the following Lodges for their support this week: Lodge Caledonia, No. 796, (Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope), Lodge Menzies Doric, No. 890, (Western Australia), and Lodge Unity, No. 1611, Kenya (East Africa). 
  • We are delighted that more brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who help spread news of the wonderful support given to others by our brethren, have joined the group. Amongst others, new members have been approved, and welcomed, from Masonic constitutions such as: GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, United Grand Lodges of Germany, United GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of the Philippines, GL of Western Australia, United GL of Queensland, and the GL of Ireland.
  • An additional welcome was extended to Brother Dennis Liao, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of China.

  

The Memorial Service in Glasgow Cathedral is taking shape. While we are limited in numbers physically attending the service, the entire service will be live streamed so that Brethren, relatives and friends throughout the world can participate. All Lodges will receive a complimentary copy of the Order of Service to keep in their archives.

Details of how to link into the service will be distributed by Grand Secretary.

Grand Almoner tells me that the names of participants in the Zip Slide are now coming in. Please support all those who are taking part. We have now reached £950,000 – a fantastic effort. By supporting the Zip Slide we will close the gap and home in on the £1 million target. My sincere thanks to all at home and abroad who have taken us to this milestone.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 883

Empty
ippgm
 
As part of the final push in GLoS’s Make it a Million Appeal, a Zip Line event has been arranged for Friday 16 September at the Riverside Museum, Glasgow. Our intrepid IPPGM, Bro Jim Livingstone, has agreed to represent the Province.
 
The PG Master is aware that the Brethren and Lodges of the Province donated approximately £3.5k towards a previous event - to abseil from the Forth Bridge - which was cancelled because of COVID-19, and understands there maybe reluctance for further donations to this similar event.
 
However, GLoS is now only approximately 7% short of reaching the magic £1,000,000 target, so any donation, large or small will help to make a difference. In view of this, the PG Master has set up a Just Giving page for those brethren who wish to privately donate, but he also invites the lodges to consider a donation.
 
The Just Giving link can be found below:
 
 
Hits: 782

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason

Brethren,

I arrived back from Australia on 27th and stayed overnight in Edinburgh to attend a planning meeting with Grand secretary and Grand Lodge staff on 28th followed by a meeting of the Discipline Committee. That afternoon I held a Zoom meeting with the Grand Master and Grand Secretary of New York in a bid to get relationships between us back onto a reasonable footing. 

Progress has been made but we now await New York submitting their revised proposal which we will place before the Overseas Committee next Thursday.

I travelled home on the Thursday night but, almost immediately, drove back to the Province of Midlothian on the Friday afternoon to join with the Reigning Masters at their annual dinner. It proved to be an excellent evening greatly enjoyed by all in attendance.

On Saturday I headed north but only as far as Pitlochry where I attended the Installation Meeting of Lodge St Andrew No 814. It was a real joy to witness Brother John Bryce being installed in such a proficient and expert manner by the three Installing Masters – Brother William Semple (Grand Secretary), Brother Ronnie Forbes (Assistant Grand D of C) and Brother Roderick McInnes (Senior Provincial Chaplain). All present thoroughly enjoyed the meeting after which the assembly retired to Fishers Hotel for lunch. Another great day in the Province of Perthshire West.

On Wednesday evening Ann and I attended a Civic Reception in Inverness Town House to celebrate 100 years of Lodge St Columba No 1295. The Reception was hosted by the Deputy Provost, Morven Reid. It was a most enjoyable evening and I look forward to conducting the Rededication Ceremony on 17th September.

 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6730 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 1296, submitted by 387 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 397 Lodges, from within 56 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Ayrshire, Glasgow and Lanarkshire Middle Ward.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,537,881.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

It was heartening to receive information for a post from Brother Pravin Sharma, Master, Lodge Perla Del Oriente, No. 1034, in the Philippines, Far East. He shared news of the excellent blood donation project spearheaded and heavily supported by the Lodge, and rolled out within the wider community, which has resulted in the donation of over 300 bags of blood since it began. Truly potential life-saving donations. 

  • We continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges. In this respect, special reference must be made to brethren from the following Lodges for their support:  Lodge Kirkwood Kilwinning, No. 1393 (Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope), and Lodge Northcliffe, No. 1086 (Newfoundland and Labrador).
  • In addition, brethren joined from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, helping to spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. New members joined from 8 different Masonic constitutions including: the GL of the Philippines, GL of Ireland, UGLE, GL of India, United GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of California, and the GL of Pennsylvania. 
  • An additional a warm welcome was extended to one of our several new members from the Grand Lodge of Ohio: Brother Glen Cook, Past Grand Master. 

** We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts who have shared news of their support of others and look forward to further publishing similar posts.**

We think this weekend of all our Brethren of the Islamic Faith who will be observing Ashura. Ashura marks the 10th day of the 1st month of Muharram on the Islamic lunar calendar.

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 786

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason

Brethren,

On the morning of Saturday 24th July, I organised a final rehearsal of the Rededication Ceremony for the main participants. As soon as we finished all Brethren assembled and the official photos were taken, Lodge Polynesia No 562 was opened by the Master, Brother Clement Patterson. He welcomed Deputations from the English Constitution and from our District Grand Lodge in New Zealand North.

The Grand Lodge Deputation carrying out the 150th Rededication excelled. Brother Howorth conducted the duties of Chaplain in a very dignified and capable manner. Brother Gibson called on his skill as an air traffic controller to expertly ensure the ceremony took place in a controlled, impressive and solemn way.

Prior to the close of the meeting I had the honour of unveiling the new Past Master Boards celebrating 150 years of Scottish Freemasonry in the beautiful Island of Fiji. I likewise had the pleasant duty of presenting Past Masters Diplomas and Master Mason Cerificates to a number of Brethren.

In the evening at the Paradiso Restaurant we were joined by the ladies for a Rededication Banquet. We started off with a drinks reception followed by a tremendous demonstration of local dances by the Vou Dance Troupe. It was a real joy to witness their energetic and meaningful routine.

On Sunday, we all met at the Defence Club where I was privileged and honoured to make two presentations on behalf of the Lodge. The first to two representatives of WOWS – “Walk On Walk Strong” – a charity dealing with the many issues that arise when a child is diagnosed with cancer. They received a cheque for $F10,000 from the Lodge. 

The second was to a very bright 16-year old girl called Sylvia. The Lodge are assisting her through her schooling. I was also delighted to be informed that Lodge Polynesia will donate $F10,000 to the “Make it a Million” Campaign.

During my five days in Fiji I was treated like royalty. The welcome, the generosity and the friendliness of the Fijians was of the highest order. I’m delighted to say that the Brethren of Lodge Polynesia are flying the flag of Scottish Freemasonry in a very positive upbeat way – they deserve the full support that we can give from Edinburgh.

My sincere thanks to the Brethren, and their ladies, who are an integral part of the Lodge and spearhead much of the charity work on behalf of the Brethren. I will cherish my memories of Fiji.

 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6718 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 1292, submitted by 384 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 397 Lodges, from within 56 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of Ayrshire, Dumfriesshire, Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Stirlingshire and The Scottish Borders.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,537,081.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

It was very heartening to receive the following posts this week:

  • Brother Joseph Lum-on, JW, Lodge Polynesia of Fiji, No. 256, shared news of donations from the lodge, on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary, of approx. £8000, towards the Children’s Cancer Foundation, the GLoS “Make it a Million” Prostate Cancer appeal and in further supporting a local student in her education. 
  • A post was also published in which Brother Craig Jessop, DDGM, District of the Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, shared news of the community support of Lodge St. Andrews, No. 608 (assisted by brethren from Lodge Koodoo, No. 1317, Lodge Kirkwood Kilwinning, No. 1393 and Lodge Good Friendship, No. 1800) in running a soup kitchen for the residents of Buffelsfontein Old Age Home.

Notwithstanding the fact that over 1800 Overseas brethren are members of the SCFS group, it is encouraging to continually welcome new members every week.

  • The largest increase in membership this week was from the District of Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, closely followed by the District of Western Australia. Brethren also joined from the Middle East (Singapore) and Jordan. 
  • Lodge Caledonia, No. 796, provided the largest number of Brethren joining from an individual Lodge.
  • Brethren from lodges operating under Masonic constitutions which are in amity with the GLoS, identified as ICMs (International Constitution Members), continue to spread news of the wonderful support featured in posts on SCFS. This week, new members joined from the United GL of Queensland and UGLE (England, South Pacific). 

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 799

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason

Brethren,

On Thursday 21st July I arrived in Fiji at 06.30 in the morning. Compared to Melbourne, it was warm and dry.

After being escorted through the airport, Brother Russell Howorth and Brother David Gibson met me at the airport entrance. We had a three-hour-drive in front of us to get to Suva, but the journey was broken with a superb breakfast at Brother Howorth’s home, two hours into the journey.

In Suva, I booked in to the magnificent Grand Pacific Hotel. A quick change and was ready to be taken to the Lodge where I was to receive a traditional Fijian welcome.

And what a welcome it was. Some of the Brethren in traditional costume and their ladies, who are great supporters of the Lodge, in splendid Lodge outfits were most impressive. 

They looked wonderful and prior to our arrival they had completed some beautiful flower arrangements and laid out the special mats upon which I received the traditional welcome. 

They had also made a special garland with which I was invested. The ceremony included drinking a special drink made from the roots of a tree and water added – and seeing the drink being prepared in the wooden basin was highly memorable.

The whole ceremony represented unity – the uniting of me as their guest with them as Fijians. It was a very moving ceremony, and I am indebted to the Brethren and their wives for honouring me in this very special way. After the ceremony, we all enjoyed each other’s company at a superb meal in the hotel.

We spent most of Friday at the Lodge rehearsing for the next day’s Rededication Ceremony. Prior to the rehearsal, two of us went shopping. There are no consecration vessels in the Lodge, so we purchased traditional Fijian vessels to be used during the ceremony.

I will send some photos to Grand Secretary for inclusion on the Grand Lodge Facebook page.

At the time of writing (I am currently 12 hours ahead of Scotland but aware that many of our readers throughout the world will be in different time-zones), I’m very much looking forward to the 150th Anniversary Ceremony tomorrow in Lodge Polynesia No 562.

 

SCFS

 
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 6701 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 1284, submitted by 383 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 396 Lodges, from within fifty-six 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 Provincial Grand Lodges of East Lothian, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Forfarshire, Lanarkshire Middle Ward & Midlothian.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,525,091.
 

SCFS Overseas Report  

We continue to welcome new members to the group from our Overseas Lodges.

  • In this respect, special reference must be made to Lodge St. Anne’s, No. 1751, in the District of The Bahamas, Lodge St. Andrew, No. 1437, Singapore, in the District of Middle East and to Lodge St. Andrew, No. 1509, in the District of Barbados.
  • 1554 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren, was boosted by new Members joining from geographically widely spread Masonic constitutions such as the GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of Tennessee, and the United GL of Victoria. In addition, there was an excellent response by brethren from Lodges under the GL of Ireland. 

** We are delighted that interest is continuing from Overseas Brethren in purchasing the SCFS Commemorative Token which has the added benefit of supporting the “Make it a Million” target. This week, tokens are now in the hands of brethren under the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay. Details of how to order are on the SCFS page. **

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

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 826
  1. Weekly Update 15th July 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  2. Weekly Update 8th July 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  3. Weekly Update 1st July 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  4. Weekly Update 24th June 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  5. Weekly Update 17th June 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  6. Weekly Update 10th June 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  7. Weekly Update 3rd June 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  8. Weekly Update 27th May 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee

Page 9 of 24