The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

Can I start by thanking those of you who have been so kind in sending messages as a result of me succumbing to the Covid virus! Have no idea how or when I got it – could have been a number of places. I have it and there is nothing I can do but sit it out until I get a clear lateral flow test. It was a massive disappointment missing the Communication yesterday but I am again indebted to Brother Charles Iain Wolrige Gordon who stepped in on my behalf. On the positive side, isolation has enabled me to catch up on a load of paperwork and a few other jobs that have been put aside time and again.

The Benevolence and Care Committee, on Wednesday, gave the Working Party the go ahead to publicise the “Make it a Million” campaign for Prostate Cancer Scotland. The new Facebook page will be launched, hopefully this week, and it can be used to publicise events that are about to happen in Lodges and Provinces and likewise to report back on successful fund-raising events. The more information we can get on the page, the more likely others will follow and try out new fund-raising approaches in their own areas. There will also be details of events being organised by the Working Party as they materialise such as - another Zip Slide – if you missed out first time round, here’s your chance – white water rafting – tandem skydiving to name but a few. In moving toward the £1million, let’s not concentrate on the money alone. Let all the events be enjoyable, let’s have fun in the process, while welcoming the public to as many of our events as possible. We can not only raise money but raise awareness of the good we do, and all that Scottish Freemasonry stands for.

Under Ken Kennedy’s chairmanship, the Conference Committee continue to make good progress. The Committee Secretary, Bro Kalpesh Shah is receiving lots of declarations of interest from home and abroad which is most encouraging. The various sub-committees are all working hard in their respective roles and will be meeting again on 10^thFebruary to report on progress. 

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

• Brother Horace Gock shared news of an excellent donation of £1035 from Lodge Polynesia, No. 562, in Fiji, to assist and support the unfortunate victims of the tsunami which affected so many people in Tonga, as they continue their efforts to rebuild their homes. 
• Our Overseas Membership is growing steadily … now standing at 1687,with Brethren joining from the Districts of Bermuda, Bahamas, Lebanon and the Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope. The Lodge which had most new members coming from it was Lodge Protea, No. 1578, in the Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope. 
• We now have 1217 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. Congratulations are extended to Brother Greg Fellows, Lodge Beaudesert, No. 379, United Grand Lodge of Queensland, who is our 1200th ICM (International Constitution Member).
• New members joined from 13 different Masonic constitutions this week: GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of New Zealand, GL of Texas, GL of Louisiana, United GL of Victoria, United GL of Queensland, GL of the Philippines, GL of India, GL of Vermont, Symbolic GL of Paraguay, UGLE(England, Bermuda), GL of Newfoundland and Labrador, GL of Queensland 
• Special welcomes were extended to Brother Anthony Bucca, Deputy Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, and toBrother Michael Smith, DGM of the DGL of Bermuda (UGLE). 

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

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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,

Can I start by wishing our many Chinese Brethren a very happy and prosperous New Year when you commence your celebrations on Tuesday!

Yesterday, the second meeting of the Conference Committee took place. The Committee have a monumental task in front of them but are perfectly capable of bringing it all together timeously. However, to assist in the planning process, Grand Secretary will be circulating a note to all Districts and Provinces very shortly asking District and Provincial Grand Masters to give an early indication of numbers that they anticipate will wish to participate. Once that information is to hand much of the forward planning can effectively take place to ensure that the 4^th International Scottish Masonic Conference lives up to the high standards set by the previous three conferences.

The “Make it a Million” project is making progress – the Whisky Raffle has raised over £1000 so far and there is still time to get your tickets from John Muir. Jim Beattie, the PGM in Caithness has raised a marvellous £1700 by cycling round the four Lodges in his Province – great result from one of the smallest Provinces in the country. They are also the most northerly Province on the Mainland. Congratulations and I look forward to the other Provinces following them.

A full report of the potential fund-raising ideas has been submitted to the Benevolence and Care Committee and they will hopefully give the go ahead to the working party to get things moving. There will be a dedicated Facebook page in which information about upcoming events will be publicised and stories and pictures from all the events will be displayed – that will be getting launched very shortly. It has also been suggested that we have an indicator on the Facebook page showing a running total of monies donated.

Last Saturday I had a very productive meeting with the District Grand Masters and while I fully appreciate that they have their own priorities and charities which is only but right, I am most grateful for the support which was shown. We will, together, Make it a Million.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges located outwith Scotland continues to grow steadily and this week we welcomed another 19 Brethren to the SCFS group. 

Included in that number were Brethren from Overseas Lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of Scotland and also Brethren under other Grand Lodges which are in amity with the GLoS. 

• In this respect, particular reference must be made to Lodge Felicity, No. 1681, in the District of Trinidad and Tobago & Grenada. By absolute coincidence, our Overseas Membership is now standing at 
• We also now have 1195 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. We look forward to welcoming our 1200th ICM. New members joined from 14 different Masonic constitutions this week: GL of California, GL of Florida, National GL of Romania, GL of Massachusetts, GL of Ireland, UGLE (Bombay), GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of Washington, GL of Denmark, GL of Utah, GL of British Columbia and Yukon, GL of Alabama, GL of India. 
• A special welcome was also extended to Brother Leandros Lefakis as Past Assistant Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Greece. 

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

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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,

Yesterday saw the first meeting of the Administration Committee under the new chairmanship of Brother Andy Mushet – he handled a long and at times complicated agenda very competently proving to be a sound successor to Brother Jim Bell. The Minute of the meeting will be circulated in due course, but the work of the Conference Committee was duly endorsed with an upfront grant to get things moving which is great news. The Conference Committee are meeting next Thursday under the Chairmanship of Brother Ken Kennedy and I’m sure will make good headway on the promotion of the event and the procedures for indicating interest in attending. Over the next few weeks expect to see the start of the promotional material being circulated – the Conference has the potential to lift all our spirits and give us a truly memorable week of Masonic activity in November.

The working party dealing with the events to help us reach £1,000,000 for Prostate Cancer will be meeting again at the beginning of February. This Saturday I, along with Grand Almoner, will be speaking to our District Grand Masters with a view to looking at how the Districts can become involved in the initiative, given that the research work being carried out here will benefit men throughout the world.

In the meantime, can I remind everyone - we have a great raffle, especially for whisky connoisseurs. The prize comprises a 2021 annual Springbank 12-year-old Cask strength whisky and a Springbank 15-year-old whisky. We would like to record our thanks to Springbank Distillery for very kindly donating this prize. If you would like to participate, please contact Brother John Muir by email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tickets are £5.00 each and the draw will be made during the first week in February 2022, the winner being announced at the February Communication of Grand Lodge

We welcome the news from the Scottish Government that many of the current restrictions will be lifted from Monday. However, we cannot be complacent about the changes. We still need to exercise a degree of caution and I would recommend that we all continue to take a sensible pragmatic approach to the changing conditions. However, let us once again enjoy the companionship that our meetings afford, as well as the ability to enjoy Harmony once more. The Grand Lodge Communication will take place on Thursday 3^rd February and I look forward to meeting many of you in Edinburgh.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges located outwith Scotland continues to grow steadily and this week we welcomed another 23 Brethren to the SCFS group. 

Included in that number were Brethren from Overseas Lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Brethren under other Grand Lodges which are in amity with the GLoS. 

• In this respect, particular reference must be made to Lodge Good Friendship, No. 1800, in the District of Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope. Our Overseas Membership is now standing at 

• We also now have 1178 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are recognised by the GLoS, and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. New members joined from 14different Masonic constitutions this week: GL of Ecuador, GL of the Philippines, GL of India, GL of Ireland, Danish Order of Freemasons, GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of Indiana, GL of South Africa, GL of Belgium, United GLs of Germany, GL of Quebec, UGLE, GL of Nigeria. 

• A special welcome was extended to our first member from the Grand Lodge Cuscatlan of El Salvadorwho is Brother Oswald Hernandez Huerta, Grand Master. 

We would encourage even more Brethren in our lodges abroad to join the SCFS group and look forward to publishing posts from them. 

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

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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 had the opportunity to attend the first zoom meeting of the Organising Committee of the 4^th International Scottish Masonic Conference last week under the chairmanship of Bro Kenneth Kennedy, Past Depute Grand Master. I am delighted that members of the Committee have hit the ground running and are very enthusiastic to make this a memorable event. As you will be aware, the conference should have been in Zambia this year but due to a number of issues, it has been agreed that we bring the conference to Edinburgh.  We will return to Zambia.

The dates for the conference are 20^th November to 23^rd November 2022.  At the end of the week, we will celebrate the Grand Lodge Installation and Festival of St. Andrew followed by the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland Convocation on Friday 25^th November 2022. 

The choice of Edinburgh for this year’s Conference will provide an opportunity for the Brethren from the Provinces to be specifically included in our activities and we look forward eagerly to their participation. This will also provide a great opportunity for Brethren from our Districts and Lodges overseas to meet and interact with many more Scottish Brethren than would normally be the case. 

For those of you who have had the pleasure of attending our past Conferences, I am sure that you will not want to miss out on what promises to be a very special event.  The opportunity for those eligible to attend the Conference, the Grand Lodge Installation, the Festival of St. Andrew and a Supreme Grand Chapter Convocation all in one week makes this an occasion “not to be missed”.  

The Committee Chairman will shortly be sending out a formal invitation and I urge all Provinces, Districts and Lodges to circulate the information to their members.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

We were delighted to receive the following post from the District of Lebanon:

• Brother Nour Al-Ayyash, PM, (Secretary / President Elect of WSL), posted information of a very generous donation from Widows Sons Lebanon to the Children’s Cancer Centre of Lebanon (St. Jude) which was made to mark the end of the Chapter’s successful presidency of Brother Rabie Jarmakani, DGM.

*This week we welcomed 30 Brethren from Lodges located outwith Scotland.

• Our Overseas Membership is growing steadily … now standing at 1679,with Brethren joining from the Districts of Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope, Central South Africa (RSA), and Far East (Japan). We would encourage even more Brethren in our lodges abroad to join the SCFS group. 

• We now have 1156 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. New members joined from 13 different Masonic constitutions this week: GL of Texas, UGLE (England, Nigeria, Sri Lanka), MW York GL of Mexico, United Grand Lodges of Germany, GL of Nigeria, GL of Washington, United GLs of New South Wales and ACT, GL of California, GL of Missouri, GL of Massachusetts, GL of the Philippines, United GL of Victoria, Prince Hall GL of Texas. 

 Arrangements for Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee are now well in hand. As I have mentioned before, one way we can join in the celebrations is by involvement in the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. By planting a tree or trees in and around our Lodges or by joining with other local organisations, we would not only mark the Jubilee but do our small bit for the environment. The Woodland Trust can provide packs of trees to community groups free of charge. The window for March applications has closed but new applications can be made in the spring for planting in November. Please give the initiative some consideration.

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

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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,

It was with great sadness that I learned in the week past of the arson attack on the Grand Lodge of Ireland in Dublin. I have spoken to the Grand Master, Brother Douglas Gray, and he informed me that there is in excess of £200k worth of damage. The bulk of the damage has been to the library but there is extensive smoke and water damage throughout the building. The building was sealed off as a crime scene by the Garda but Grand Secretary, Brother Phillip Daley, and a few of his staff are back in the building working hard to restore order but they have no electricity and are working with a generator which is not ideal, but they are making progress. Our own Grand Secretary is in constant touch with Brother Daley and has offered any assistance that we can give.  

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

We were delighted to receive the first overseas post of 2022, which came from the District of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

• Brother Scott Bartlett, IPDGM, posted information on the District Grand Lodge’s generous donation to the local Cancer Hospice - Daffodil Place, which provides lodges to serve as welcoming homes, away from home, for people with cancer who need to travel to receive treatment.

*This week we welcomed 23 Brethren from Lodges located out with Scotland. Our first such member of 2022 was Brother Stevenson Ang, WM, Labong Lodge, No. 59, in the Philippines. 

• Our Overseas Membership is growing steadily … now standing at 1675,with Brethren joining from the Districts of The Bahamas, Western Australia and Central South Africa (the District which had most Brethren joining from it). The Lodge which had most new members coming from it was Lodge Nelspruit United, No. 1402, in Central South Africa. 
• We now have 1130members from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS (ICMs), and who spread news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. New members joined from 13different Masonic constitutions this week: GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of California, UGLE (England, South Africa Central, South Africa North, Nigeria), GL of The State of Israel, GL of Ghana, GL of South Africa, GL of South Austrialia and Northern Territory, GL of Nigeria, GL of New Hampshire, GL of Florida, GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of the Philippines, GL “Alpina” of Switzerland. 

I have been made aware of a number of remarks on social media that Grand Lodge has given no direction in respect of whether or not Lodges can continue to meet. Can I state categorically that Grand Secretary has issued guidance to the effect that Lodges can continue to meet, provided that they comply fully with the guidance and legislation set down by the Scottish Government. That said, attendance at meetings is very much a personal choice and no pressure must be placed on any member to attend meetings.

The Government guidance is liable to change however, I can assure you that Grand Secretary will ensure that any changes are duly notified to Lodge Secretaries.

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

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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,

While the current restrictions have resulted in a significant number of meetings being cancelled, it is good to know that some meetings are still taking place with all necessary precautions in place. I attended an Installation on Tuesday night at which the brethren in attendance had been requested to do a lateral flow test before attending, no one got into the building without recording their details and sanitizing their hands. Masks were worn throughout, and ventilation was good. While the Harmony was cancelled, the meeting did give the opportunity for brethren, many of whom live on their own, to meet and socialise. While we must adhere strictly to the Government guidelines, we must not lose sight of the fact that the guidelines do give the flexibility to ensure that we take cognisance of the mental health of the brethren. That two hours at a meeting can make all the difference to those living in isolation – they too need all the support we can offer.

I had a very positive meeting with the majority of Provincial Grand Masters this week to discuss the way forward to reach our target of £1 million pounds for Prostate Scotland by next November. A number of ideas have been put forward including each Province organising a charity cycle ride round all the Lodges in the Province with one cyclist from each Province forming a cavalcade of 32 cyclists cycling into George Street in November. Another zip slide is a possibility, tandem parachute jumps, white water rafting all feature – your PGM will disseminate all the information to you very soon. 

We are aware that the work of Prostate Scotland has a positive effect on men world-wide and that being the case, I will be talking to our Districts about ways in which they can also contribute.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

A number of outstanding posts were published this week … again, thanks are extended to the brethren who supported SCFS by providing them. We were delighted to receive the first post from the District of Sierra Leone and The Gambia. 

Nearly all of our Districts have now had posts published from it.

• Brother Nicholas Browne-Marke, Depute DGM of Sierra Leone and The Gambia, posted information and a video of a very special Christmas treat of dinner and gifts for under privileged children in Freetown … provided by the DGL. 
• Brother Horace Gock, JD, of Lodge Polynesia, No. 562, Fiji, posted news of the provision and distribution of 50 Christmas Hamper Packs by the Brethren and ladies of the Lodge, to needy families in the community. 
• Details of a magnificent donation of over £16250 to “Surf Life Saving Western Australia” from the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of Western Australia were provided by Brother George Rogers, PDGM of Western Australia.
• Our Overseas Membership is growing steadily … now standing at 1671,with brethren joining from the Districts of Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada, and Lebanon(the District which had most brethren joining from it).
• The milestone of 1100 ICMs (International Constitution Members) has been reached. Many congratulations are extended to Brother René Fouraschen, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand East of the Netherlands, our 1100th ICM. 
• We now have 1112 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. New members joined from 12 different Masonic constitutions this week: the United GL of Victoria, GL “Alpina” of Switzerland, UGLE (England, Botswana), GL of Illinois, Prince Hall GL of New York, GL of Estonia, United Grand Lodges of Germany, GL of Ghana,  GL of India, United GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of Wisconsin, Grand East of the Netherlands. 

Brethren, as 2021 comes to a close, may I wish you and your families every good wish for a happy, healthy and fulfilling New Year. I look forward to meeting with many of you at home and abroad during the year as and when the Covid restrictions permit.

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

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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,

Little did I think when I penned the first weekly update that I would still be doing so 100 weeks on. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brothers Dougie Fergie and Jim Ellis for the SCFS information they provide each week and thank each and every one of our readers for the support and encouragement you have given over almost two years – thank you.

Just as we find ourselves heading into another round of restrictions, I was truly heartened on Wednesday night to head north to Lodge St Duthus No 82 where a group of “young masons” under the leadership and guidance of the Provincial Grand Master, Bro Raymond MacKeddie worked a first-class Fellow Craft Degree. During the past 21 months this group of young masons from the Province of Ross & Cromarty augmented by young masons from the Provinces of Caithness and Inverness-shire have met by zoom and worked through a creative programme of talks, discussion and discovery. On Wednesday night they were responsible for passing one of their own group members to the Fellowcraft Degree – and what a job they made of it. I drove home very much elated and full of optimism for the future. Let us follow their example in every Province and District and secure the future of our Craft in very safe hands.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

A number of outstanding posts were published this week … thanks are extended to the brethren who supported SCFS by providing them. Nearly all of our Districts have now had a post published from it.

• Brother Nick Andrew, PM, Lodge Naval and Military, No. 848, posted information and photos of a special Christmas treat of dinner and gifts, involving the 6 Lodges in Hong Kong, Far East, for under privileged children in the community. 

• News of the Charity Day / Street Party with Santa for 400 children and 120 adults provided by Lodge Piet Retief, No. 1501, in Vereeniging, RSA, (supported by Lodge Heredom, No. 1768), in the District of Central South Africa, was provided by Brother Len Muller, PM/Secretary. 

• Our Overseas Membership is now standing at 1668 with brethren joining from the Districts of Central South Africa(Transvaal, RSA), Far East (South Korea) and Lebanon. 

• Central South Africa was the District which had most brethren joining from it. 

• We now have 1097 brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS and look forward to the next SCFS milestone of 1100 ICMs (International Constitution Members). Through our ICMs, the wonderful support given to others by our brethren is shared worldwide. 

New members joined from 6 different Masonic constitutions this week: the GL of Ghana, GL of Ireland, UGLE (England, South Africa Northern), GL of Washington, United GL of Victoria, GL of California. 

Whereas all our new members received a warm welcome message, a further welcome was extended to Brother Cameron Bailey in his capacity as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington. 

While it is maybe not the Christmas and New Year we were looking forward to, can I nevertheless end this 100^th edition by wishing you all and your families a very happy and blessed Christmas and hope that 2022 will bring each of you happiness, good health and collectively, a full return to Masonic activity. Could I also ask that we remember at this time those who are lonely! They may be lonely through bereavement, illness or circumstances beyond their control – give them a call or pop in and see them – that five minutes will make a huge difference. 

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

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As we approach Christmas at the end of another year which hasn’t allowed much of what we hoped to achieve to be achieved, it is nevertheless a time to reflect and give thanks for all that we have achieved despite the covid problems. Throughout the year, at home and abroad, Scottish Freemasons have risen to the challenges that have presented themselves. Can I convey my grateful thanks to you all and to many of your families who have assisted in helping those less fortunate than ourselves! It is quite humbling, reading week on week through the SCFS website of all that you are achieving in your respective communities raising the profile of our beloved organisation through your generosity, hard work and determination. Thank you.

I hope and trust that, through vaccination, we will witness a general improvement in health in the coming year and that we will be able to return to a more normal lifestyle. With that in mind we are planning a bumper event here in Edinburgh when we will host the 4^th International Scottish Masonic Conference from Monday 21^st November till Wednesday 23^rd November followed by the Grand Lodge Installation and Festival of St Andrew and closing with a Convocation of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter. I look forward to welcoming you to Edinburgh in November.  

May you all have the spirit of Christmas, which is Peace, the gladness of Christmas, which is Hope, and the heart of Christmas, which is Love and that 2022 will, through the values of Freemasonry, see that Peace, Hope and Love make the world a happier and healthier place. 

With every best wish to you and your families for a very happy and blessed Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.

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