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

Empty

 

saltire

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

It has been a busy week – the Tri-partite meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday after which I headed off to Edinburgh Airport to catch the afternoon London flight to connect with the over-night flight to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. Also on board was Brother George Donnelly, Proxy DGM of India. He will also be assisting me, carrying out his duties as Assistant Grand D of C, both in India and in Sri Lanka.

We arrived in Mumbai yesterday morning where we were greeted by Bro Kersi Limathwalla, DGM, Bro Bomi Methu, Past DGM and Bro Noshir Paghdiwalla, District Grand Secretary. Unfortunately, Bro Donnelly’s luggage decided to stay with British Airways in London. We were taken to a delightful restaurant at the racecourse where we enjoyed a traditional Indian Lunch along with Bro Kersi Commissariat, his wife and daughter before heading to the Trident Hotel. 

From there we made our way to the Mumbai Masonic temple where we met some of the District Grand Lodge staff, including Swapmali and Shiraz, two delightful ladies who assist Bro Paghdiwalla run the District. We also took advantage of having a run through the ceremony with the DGM while in the main Temple – a useful exercise before the actual Installation.

In the evening we joined senior Office-bearers and enjoyed a traditional Indian meal.

This morning, after an early breakfast, we left the hotel at 07.30 to catch a flight to Cochin, followed by a 4-hour drive to Munnar where tonight we will attend the Installation Convocation of Chapter Camellia No 871

SCFS

 
  • The Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Supports Facebook Group was created in May 2020 to provide a means for Brethren, Lodges, Districts, Provinces, and other Overseas Lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of Scotland to share the support being provided both at home and abroad. 
  • 145 weeks later another significant milestone has been reached with a total of £3,080,823 examples of support, both monetary and in kind, being recorded within the group. Many examples of the diverse range of support, both large and small, have in recent years been published in the Grand Lodge Year Books, including the 2023 edition which is now available from Grand Lodge.
  • The Group saw its membership rise to 7051 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 1549, submitted by 448 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 426 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 Forfarshire, Glasgow, Linlithgowshire, Inverness-shire and Perthshire West.

SCFS Overseas Report

As posted by Brother George Rogers, PDGM, Western Australia, a very sizeable donation (£5,800) has been made on behalf of the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of WA, the DGL and the Daughter Lodges, to another very worthwhile charity, this time to the “Lions Cancer Institute”. This money will go towards the running costs of its Screening Bus which provides free cancer screening to people living outside the Perth area.

  • Now with 1893 Overseas Members, we are approaching our 1900th member from our Lodges abroad. This week particular mention must be made to Al-Arz, No. 1853, Lebanon, Lodge Tullibardine in the East, No. 1118, Malaysia, Middle East, Lodge Golden Feather, No. 855, Western Australia, Goldfields District, and Lodge Royal Jubilee, No. 742, India, for adding to that total.  
  • Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS. This week we welcomed Brethren from Lodges which are under UGLE, GL of Michigan, GL of India, and the United Grand Lodges of Germany.

 We would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their support of others by sending posts to the SCFS group. 

My sincere thanks to the Brethren of Lodge St David (Tarbolton) Mauchline 133 for a tremendous day celebrating their 250th anniversary – the welcome and hospitality was second to none. Likewise, our Depute Grand Master, Brother Bud Gauld, has asked me to convey his grateful thanks to the Brethren of Lodge Panmure 299. The visit to Arbroath was his first as DGM and he did a fantastic job. Congratulations to Bud and his team.

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 1073

Empty

PGM John Black 2023

Many congratulations to our new Commission Office Bearers for 2023 - 2028

New Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire West Bro John W Black PM of Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68, who along with his Commissionsed Office Bearers started their 5 year term of office at Grand Lodge on Thursday 2nd February 2023.

Commissioned Office Bearers are as follows :-

Depute Provincial Grand Master - Bro Paul M Docherty PM of Lodge Sir Michael No 989.

Substitute Provincial Grand Master - Bro Alan D Beck PM of Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No XII.

Provincial Grand Secretary - Bro James G Porter PM of Lodge Firth of Clyde, Gourock No 626.

Provincial Grand Chaplain - Bro William A McLarty PM of Lodge Inverkip Ardgowan No 1425.

Also Congratulations to the Elective Office Bearers who were installed at Provincial Communication on Friday 3rd February 2023, at the premises of Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68.

To view all of our Office Bearers for 2023, please select this link

 

 

Hits: 1156

Empty

A few photos from our new PG Master Bro John Black’s first outing at the February Communication of Grand Lodge,

Bro Alex Galbraith, Past Sub. GM and Past PG Master was also in attendance but was on other Masonic business when the photos were being taken.

 

Hits: 1111

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

I was greatly heartened last Saturday night to be with 70 of the 77 Reigning Masters in the Province of Glasgow along with the Commission and Past Commissioned Office-bearers. It was especially good to meet up with Past Provincial Grand Master, Brother William C Shepherdson who recently celebrated his 90th birthday but who is still enthusiastic and passionate about the Craft. There was a real buzz about the hall, and I got the distinct impression that there was a real eagerness, despite some of the challenges facing the Lodges, to get out there and move things forward. My sincere thanks to PGM Andy Mushet for an excellent night and first-class hospitality.

Earlier in the day, I had the privilege of attending Lodge St Enoch 1288 to celebrate their Centenary.  It was a splendid occasion and the Lodge had left no stone unturned in ensuring that everything was in place. It was Assistant Grand D of C, Brother George Donnelly’s first big event and what a splendid job he made of it. Another memorable day.

This Saturday, after David Begg’s funeral, I will be in the Province of Ayrshire to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Lodge St David (Tarbolton) No 133 in Mauchline.  Depute Grand Master, Brother William Gauld will be leading the Deputation that afternoon to Lodge Panmure No. 299 in Arbroath to celebrate 200 years of Freemasonry.

SCFS

 
This week saw Group membership rise to 7045 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.
o The total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group has risen to 1538, submitted by 447 of its members.
o These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 425 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 
o This week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Glasgow, Inverness-shire, Linlithgowshire, Perthshire West and Renfrewshire West.
o The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,943,707.

SCFS Overseas Report

Once again, our Overseas membership has continued to grow and this week particular mention must be made to Lodge Royal Jubilee, No. 742, and to Lodge St. Andrew’s in the East, No. 343, both in the District of India. 

• Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS. This week we welcomed Brethren from Lodges which are under the UGLE (South Wales, Bengal), GL of Finland, and the GL of Romania. 

• It was a great pleasure to also welcome and congratulate Brother Marvin Corpuz, Labong Lodge, No. 59, MW Grand Lodge of the Philippines, who became our 1700th International Constitution Member (ICM). 

• We would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their support of others by sending posts to the SCFS group. 

As mentioned last week, Grand Secretary and I were in London this week to mark the tercentenary of the 1723 Constitutions. The event was well executed with a very informative video presentation followed by an inspiring presentation by this years’ Prestonian Lecturer, Brother Akram Elias. The tercentenary of the publication of the 1723 Constitutions is being marked and celebrated in Great Queen Street this week and will be followed up with further events in America, and Europe. It was an interesting day with Grand Lodge absolutely full for the occasion.

The Benevolence and Care committee are planning a Masons4Munros to take place over three weekends in June 2023. The funds raised will be used to provide sponsorship of a Prostate Scotland / Grand Lodge of Scotland post-surgery and chemotherapy support pack – “Prospack”. Goodwill donations will made to The Boys’ Brigade and Scottish Mountain Rescue who are providing support for the Challenge.

The publicity material is being finalised now and will be circulated to PG Secs and PG Masters this week, before posting on social media.

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 1174

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

Further to the information circulated last week, I can now inform you that the funeral for Past Grand Secretary, Brother David MacKay Begg, will take place at Falkirk Crematorium on Saturday 4th February at 11.15.

I hope and trust that you are all enjoying Burns Festivities this week. I had an excellent night on Wednesday at the Burns & Hogg celebration at Lodge Canongate Kilwinning where the Orator was Dr Valentina Bold. Dr Bold is a researcher and presenter, who has written books on Burns and James Hogg as well as many others. Her presentation on both poets was excellent. Last night I was at Prestonfield House where Willie Hunter, the Edinburgh Solicitor, proposed a first-class Immortal Memory. Actor David Ashton offered the Toast to the Lassies in grand style and it was responded to in hilarious fashion by comedienne, Susan Morrison.

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of chairing a meeting of the District and Provincial Grand Masters during which time Bro Will Rowan gave a presentation on the proposed Young Masons Network. Delighted to say that the DGMs and PGMs were all very supportive of the initiative which is now being progressed through the Communications Committee.

SCFS

 

This week saw Group membership rise to 7036 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.

The total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group has risen to 1527, submitted by 443 of its members.

These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 425 Lodges, from within 59 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 

This week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Linlithgowshire, Perthshire West and Ross & Cromarty.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,935,567.


SCFS Overseas Report

This week,we were delighted to publish news shared by Brother Robert Duffney, PM, of a very generous donation by Lodge Northcliffe, No. 1086, Newfoundland and Labrador, to the local “Grand Falls Windsor Community Kitchen”. In addition, a further donation was made by the Lodge to “Youth 2000 Centre”, a well-used Community Youth resource.

We are grateful to those Overseas Lodges and Districts who continue to share news of their support of others and look forward to publishing similar posts from others.

• Over the past number of weeks, the Overseas membership has continued to grow and, in this respect, particular mention must be made to the Districts of East Africa, Middle East, Western Australia, The Bahamas, Jordan, Lebanon, and Belgium.
• Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, such as from UGLE (South Wales, Bengal), GL of Florida, GL of Brazil, GL of Georgia, GL of the Philippines, GL of Cyprus, GL of South Australia and Northern Territory, and the GL of Louisiana. Our 1700th member is fast approaching.
 
It was a great pleasure to also welcome Brother Brad Billings, Immediate Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas.

I’m looking forward to getting the Rededication programme underway tomorrow when I visit Lodge St Enoch No 1288 to celebrate their Centenary. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the Dinner but I am delighted Past Depute Grand Master, Brother Kenneth Kennedy will take over from me in the evening while I travel to the east end of Glasgow to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow Masters Dinner hosted by the PGM, Brother Andy Mushet. Again, I am very much looking forward to the evening when I will have the opportunity to address the Brethren.

On Monday, Grand Secretary and I are heading to London to celebrate the tercentenary of the “1723 Lodges”. It looks like an interesting programme. Will give you all a report next week.

When we return, the February Communication of Grand Lodge will take place on Thursday 2nd February when I look forward to welcoming many of you to Edinburgh.

After the Communication, I will be heading to Barrhead on Friday night to a meeting of Lodge Union and Crown. Saturday morning I’ll attend David Begg’s funeral, followed by an afternoon trip to Mauchline to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Lodge St David No 133.

 

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 1128

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

As you will all be aware by now, we have, this week mourned the passing of Brother David MacKay Begg, Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. I am sure that you will all wish to join with me in extending our heartfelt condolences to his wife Fiona and the entire family at this time of sadness. Details of funeral arrangements will be circulated in due course by Grand Secretary.

Yesterday, we had a special meeting of Grand Committee to discuss the motion being tabled in Grand Lodge at our February meeting. I am delighted to say that Grand Committee voted that the motion was indeed competent and that it will be tabled on the 2nd February.

There is still a vast amount of work required to prepare the way for the proposals to become reality but at long last, we are finally making great and real progress in bringing Grand Lodge into the 21st century. I must convey my sincere thanks to Grand Secretary for the immense amount of work he has put into getting us to this stage in the future development of our beloved Craft.

SCFS

 
  • This week saw Group membership rise to 7027 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 1522, submitted by 443 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 425 Lodges, from within 59 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 £2,932,261.

SCFS Overseas Report

 

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.

This week,we were delighted to publish news provided by Brother Scott Bartlett, IPDGM, of a very generous donation through Lodge Tasker, No. 454, Newfoundland and Labrador, to the local Community Food Sharing Association. 

  • Once again, the Overseas membership continues to increase and, in this respect, particular mention must be made to theCaledonian Lodge of Kampala, No. 1815, Uganda, East Africa. 
  • Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, such as from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. We now have 1687 of such members and look forward to welcoming our 1700th. 

Accompanied by the First Grand Principal, MEC Joe Morrow, along with Brother Tom Smith, Past Depute Grand Master and his wife Susan, Ann and I attended the Burns Supper organised by Linlithgow Royal Arch Chapter on Wednesday night. What an excellent time we had. Albeit we three had to work for our supper. Tom addressed the Haggis, Joe proposed the Immortal Memory and I had the privilege of presenting the Toast to the Lassies. Our sincere thanks to the organising committee for a tremendous night.

We are now getting well into the Burns season and next week I am looking forward to the Burns and Hogg evening in Edinburgh; the following night I am a guest of Prostate Scotland at a Burns Supper in Prestonfield House, and the week concludes with the Strathpeffer Burns Club celebration at which our Assistant Grand Secretary, Brother Duncan McFadyen will be proposing the Immortal Memory.

Over the next few months, we are going to be busy with Installations and Rededications both at home and overseas. Could I appeal to all Lodges / Districts / Provinces to return all necessary paperwork to Bro Lenny Pederson as soon as is practicable in order that we can confirm the paperwork and give the Deputations as much advance notice of their various duties as possible. Your assistance with this will ensure that we can provide the best possible celebration for you.

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 1120

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

The New Year Festival of the Order of Danish Freemasons was an outstanding event.  Over 500 Brethren were present to witness the ceremony in the magnificent home of Danish Freemasonry. The procession of visiting Grand Masters, Sovereign Grand Commanders and other dignitaries was accompanied not only by Grand Organist but a full-blown orchestra. The ceremony itself, while conducted in Danish, was nevertheless a tremendous event in which to be involved. Brother Douglas Gray, Grand Master of Ireland and I were very impressed by the Ceremony of Light. This involved the Grand Master, Brother Walter Schwartz, taking the light of Freemasonry, in the form of a candle, and lighting the candles of each of his Provincial Masters so that they in turn could take that light back to their respective Provinces. A very moving and poignant ceremony.

The dinner following the ceremony was equally impressive during which we were entertained by the Danish Girls’ Choir of Fredensborg Chapel. The choir, which consists of 20 girls aged 13–20, under the direction of Cille Buch, who is an active opera singer and actress in her own right, was one of the highlights of the weekend. The singing was of the highest order and their rendition of the Irish Blessing was superb.

The festival concluded on the Sunday afternoon with an orchestral concert in the main chamber of the building. 

Also present from Scotland were M∴P∴ Sovereign Grand Commander Bro Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont 33˚ and M∴Ill∴ Grand Secretary General Bro Alexander Galbraith 33˚

SCFS

 

 

This week saw Group membership rise to 7024 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.

The total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rose to 1519, submitted by 442 of its members.

These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 424 Lodges, from within 58 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 

This week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Fife & Kinross, Linlithgowshire, Midlothian, Perthshire East and Perthshire West.

The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,931,411.

SCFS Overseas Report

We were delighted to publish information this week of a most important donation to the Cape Maclear Clinic, towards the prevention of the spread of the Cholera outbreak in the area, by Lodge Viphya, No. 1571, Blantyre, Malawi. 

  • The Overseas membership continues to increase and now sits at 1884. This week, for new members joining, particular mention must be made to Lodge Sir Walter Scott Breadalbane, No. 859 (Western Australia), Lodge Melacca, No. 1851 (Malaysia, Middle East), and Lodge Allegiance, No. 1465 (Belgium).
  • Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, such as from the GL of Minnesota, and the GL of New Jersey.
  • A special welcome was extended to Brother Fatih Sahin, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ukraine.

 

** 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.**

This has been a very productive week in Grand Lodge. The special meeting of the Admin Committee went well on Wednesday as a result of which the proposals for the Motion to be tabled in Grand Lodge in February will all go forward to Grand Committee next week.

The Heads of Orders meeting yesterday was both informative and positive. All present gave updates on various aspects of the work being carried out, the state of membership and IT Integration among the Orders. The current initiative by Grand Lodge on Young Masons was welcomed and the meeting concluded with an excellent lunch hosted by the Royal Order of Scotland.

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 1004

Empty

 

Logo

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

A Good New Year to you all. May 2023 bring you health and happiness.

Yesterday in Grand Lodge I had several very useful and productive meetings. First was a meeting with Assistant Grand Secretary and Brother Lenny Pedersen to confirm the “Team Lists” for the forthcoming Installations and Rededications. The lists will be forwarded to Grand Lodge Office-bearers and to the respective Lodges and Provinces next week.

That was followed by a Zoom meeting with the Brethren in Sri Lanka where I will be Consecrating a new Superintendency and installing their first Grand Superintendent, Brother Dharmin Perera, next month.

Thirdly, another in-house meeting to get updates on the progress being made in respect of the District Grand Lodge Installations in February and March which was followed by a visit to the chemist to ensure that all inoculations etc., are up to date.

This weekend I am travelling to Denmark to participate in the New Year Festival of the Order of Danish Freemasons. This not only cements our relationship with Denmark, it is also an ideal opportunity to meet up, at the beginning of the year, with all the European Grand Masters.

SCFS

 
  • This week saw Group membership rise to 7018 Brethren from not only the Scottish Constitution but from many of our Sister Constitutions throughout the world.
  • The total examples of charitable giving recorded within the group rose to 1512, submitted by 441 of its members.
  • These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 424 Lodges, from within 58 of its Provincial Grand Lodges, District Grand Lodges, Superintendencies and Lodges abroad under the direct supervision of Grand Lodge. 
  • This week posts were submitted by group members representing the Provinces of Glasgow and Perthshire West.
  • The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £2,929,861.

SCFS Overseas Report

We were delighted to publish the following posts this week, celebrating our first examples of Masonic support of 2023.

  • Brother George Rogers, PDGM, Western Australia, advised of a very generous donation of over £17,000 by the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of WA, the District Grand Lodge, and the Daughter Lodges in the District of Western Australia, to the Surf Life Saving WA.
  • Brother Craig Jessop, DDGM, Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, shared news of the continued support by the District of the Old Folks’ Home in Buffelsfontein, getting the year off to a wonderful start by delivering 300 helpings of food to the residents.  
  • The Overseas membership continues to increase. This week, particular mention must be made to Lodge Scotia, No. 1003, Middle East (Malaysia), from which the final new member of 2022 came, bringing our Overseas membership for the year to a very successful conclusion. 

Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, such as from UGLE (England, Trinidad, and Tobago), GL of Western Australia, GL of the Philippines, and the GL of Louisiana. 

Next week in Grand Lodge we have a special meeting of the Administration Committee to discuss the necessary changes to the Constitution and Laws which will be required in respect of the proposed changes to the governance proposals. 

That will be followed on Thursday with the annual meeting of the Heads of Orders.

I will finish the week off with a visit to Lodge St Nicholas No 93 on Saturday and the Divine Service of the Lodges based in Inverness on Sunday.

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

 

Ramsay McGhee

Grand Master Mason

 
 
 
Hits: 1032
  1. Weekly Update 30th December 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  2. Christmas message from RWPGM Bro Robin McIntyre
  3. Weekly Update 23rd December 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  4. Weekly Update 16th December 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  5. A Message from Grand Almoner - Advent 2022
  6. Weekly Update 9th December 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  7. Weekly Update 2nd December 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee
  8. Weekly Update 25th November 2022 GMM Bro William Ramsay McGhee

Page 6 of 25