The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland

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

Brethren,

As you will read further on it is now two years since we started the SCFS Facebook page followed a year later with SCFS Showcase. Can I thank everyone at home and abroad who has supported the pages – little did we think that two years down the line we would still be running, and the stark truth of the matter is that communities are needing to rely more and more on the assistance we take to them. That trend will continue for the foreseeable future so, again, my sincere thanks to you all for all that you do for your communities and to promote all that is good in Scottish Freemasonry.

Of course, two Brethren, Jim Ellis and Dougie Fergie assisted by several others, have been instrumental in running the Facebook pages. Their contribution over the past two years has been tremendous and I thank them both most sincerely for all their hard work, enthusiasm and input to the initiative.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

In the final week of the Group’s second year, it’s heartening to reflect upon the overseas membership position which has been arrived at.  

• Currently, we have 1379members from our Lodges in the various Districts etc., that number including this week’s new members from the District Grand Lodges of the Bahamas, Barbados, Lebanon, Middle East (Singapore) and Nigeria.
• In addition, the number of Brethren (ICMs) from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who are spreading news, worldwide, of the outstanding support being shared in the posts to the Group , has now reached 1381. Included in that number this week were Brethren from Lodges such as the interestingly named Lodge Mystic Tie, No. 222, in Mississippi, and our first member from the Icelandic Order of Freemasons. We also welcomed Brethren from the following Grand Lodges: GL of Ohio, GL of Sweden, GL of Alberta, UGLE, GL of Japan. 

In extending our thanks to them for previous posts, would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their excellent support of others and look forward to publishing the first post of our 3rd year from them.

What a splendid time we had in Aberdeen last Friday and Saturday. On Friday night I had the pleasure of Installing Brother Ian Williamson and his Commissioned Office-bearers and on Saturday we celebrated 350 years of freemasonry in The Lodge of Aberdeen No 1 ter.

On Saturday, we were joined by a large Deputation of Brethren from Warwickshire headed by their PGM, Brother Philip Hall. They made a presentation to the Lodge of Jewels that had come into their possession in 1928 but which were The Lodge of Aberdeen jewels – a beautiful gesture and by all accounts the Warwickshire brethren thoroughly enjoyed their sojourn north.

My sincere thanks to the members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland Clay Shooting Association who attended at Grand Lodge on Thursday to present a cheque for £2500 toward the “Make it a Million” appeal. A fantastic effort and a great boost to the kitty.

As I am sure you are all aware, Freemasons’ Hall is now fully reopen and Tours of the Grand Lodge Museum will be recommencing with effect from Tuesday, 3^rd May 2022.

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 mentioned last week that there had been zoom meetings with the District Grand Masters and the Provincial Grand Masters. These meetings are important for various reasons – they afford the opportunity to seek assistance to issues or problems; they provide a platform to discuss forward planning at all levels of the organisation; they offer the chance to promote new ideas and share successful projects or initiatives that could effectively be used by others. I am hoping that as we move forward the meetings with the District and Provincial Grand Masters will become more formalised and give them a greater say in the strategic planning of the Scottish Craft.

Some of the issues that were raised a week past Saturday included the setting up of Working Parties in each District and Province to tackle specific issues in that District or Province. The composition of the Working Parties would be at the discretion of the District and Provincial Grand Masters, but it would be expected that Brethren with appropriate skill sets would be invited to participate. 

Given that some Lodges are experiencing difficulty in electing Administrative Office-bearers, it was felt that training days for Secretaries and Treasurers at District or Provincial level or inter Provincial or District level would be beneficial to all. Grand Lodge would be happy to support such training days in whatever practical way was felt necessary.

It is also important at this time that all Lodges ensure that they have an effective Almoner and that all Almoners are given appropriate support to carry out their duties. In particular, the Care and Benevolence Committee are aware of the rise in mental health issues and have produced excellent wallet-sized pamphlets containing useful information about where and how help can be accessed. 

The pamphlets can be made available to the Districts, but each District would need to produce its own version with information appropriate to its area. If your District or Province has not yet seen or actioned the pamphlet, please contact Mrs Dawn Oliff at 96 George Street and copies will be sent to you.

It was interesting to learn that one of our Districts has decided that if men won’t go to prostate clinics, “we’ll take the clinic to you”. They have commissioned a van appropriately logoed that goes out into communities to encourage men to undergo testing and by all accounts has had much success. Food for thought!

I’m looking forward to being in Aberdeen this weekend to reinstall Brother Ian M Williamson as Provincial Grand Master of Aberdeen City on Friday night. In the same venue on Saturday, we will Rededicate the Lodge of Aberdeen 1ter to celebrate their 350^th Anniversary.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

• With the focus this week being on sharing the wonderful examples of support being provided by our Brethren at home and in our Overseas Lodges and Districts, it is very heartening to note that the number of Brethren (ICMs) from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, and who are spreading news, worldwide, of this outstanding support, has now reached 1373, with the 1400 milestone quickly approaching. Included in that number this week were Brethren from Lodges such as the wonderfully named Singing River Lodge, No. 633, in Mississippi, and Trevor Mold Lodge, No. 3293, in 

• We welcomed Brethren from the following: United GLs of Germany, GL of California, GL of Mississippi, UGLE, GL of Virginia, GL of India.

• Equally heartening are the comments from our Overseas members (Overseas membership is currently 1734) and ICMs (from other Masonic Constitutions) on published posts. This feedback has been very encouraging and really appreciated by those Brethren, Lodges and Districts who have taken the time to share news of their support within the immediate, and for the wider, community.

We would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their excellent support of others and look forward to publishing posts from them.

My sincere thanks and that of my Deputation for the very warm welcome and generous hospitality we received from the Master, Office-bearers and Brethren of Lodge Scoon & Perth No 3 and congratulations on the working of an excellent Master Mason Degree.

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 has been another busy and productive week.

Last Friday afternoon, I, along with a small Deputation from Grand Lodge, rededicated Lodge Hopetoun St John at the seventh attempt. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and, in the evening, I travelled from Linlithgow to Dalkeith where the Brethren of Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No 10 hosted a dinner to mark Brother Thomas Constable Smith’s term as Depute Grand Master. 

The following morning, I chaired a zoom meeting of Provincial Grand Masters and in the afternoon repeated the exercise with our District Grand Masters. Both meetings were well attended, and I was heartened by the reports from home and abroad. Most Lodges have resumed work, and many of the reports indicated a rise in the number of candidates coming forward. There was general agreement that where Lodges have an abundance of candidates it would be good to invite Lodges who don’t have candidates to work some of the Degrees. 

The charitable works in the Provinces and Districts continue and I was delighted to hear of the support for the “Make it a Million” initiative. There has been a slow take-up to the “Spirit of Grand Lodge” project, but the indication was that many more Lodges are going to participate, and I would encourage you to do so – it basically entails organising a raffle with the prizes being the Grand Master Masons Choice whisky, gin, and vodka. If it is not happening and you would like it to happen – speak to your Provincial or District Grand Master.

The Administration Committee had a special meeting on Wednesday at which considerable progress was made in the long overdue quest to reorganise the governance structure of Grand Lodge to make it more efficient, effective, and fit for purpose for the 21^st Century.

On Thursday, we had a lengthy meeting of the Overseas, External Affairs and Special Purpose Committee. The agenda was wide ranging covering topics and issues relating to no fewer than 15 countries as well as a few home matters. A full report will go to Grand Committee on Thursday 28^th April.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges located outside Scotland continues to grow steadily and the new members whom we have recently welcomed demonstrate the wide reach of the SCFS group. 

• In this respect, reference may be made to Lodge Kirkwood Kilwinning, No. 1393, Lodge Imperial Service, No. 978, Lodge St. Andrew, No. 1139, and Lodge Benguela, No. 1616, in the Districts of the Eastern Province of The Cape of Good Hope, Jamaica, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Namibia Brethren joining from those Lodges helped increase our Overseas Membership to 1734.
• We also now have 1366 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. 
• Included in that number this week were Brethren from Lodges such as Unity Lodge, No. 4, from the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, and Lodge Naoshir Chenoy, No. 187, from the Grand Lodge of India.
• In this category, new Members joined from 12different Masonic constitutions: the above plus the GL of Ireland, GL of Georgia, GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of South Africa, GL of Nigeria, GL of the Philippines, GL of Illinois, GL of New South Wales and ACT, GL of Missouri, and UGLE(England, Nigeria) 

We would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their excellent support of others and look forward to publishing posts from them.

It was with great sadness that we learned last weekend of the Death of Brother James Ironside, our District Grand Master in New Zealand South Island. Our sincere condolences are extended to Brother Ironside’s family and to the Brethren of the District.

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,

Despite delayed flights, missed connections and airport incompetence, I’m glad to report that Grand Secretary and I arrived home safely from the Caribbean and South America trip during which we installed five new District Grand Masters and one new Grand Superintendent, rededicated one Lodge and one District, attended ten Lodge Meetings, one District Grand Lodge Communication and a joint Q&A session. 

I attended two Church services, had four Television and one radio interviews, met a President, two Governors General, one Minister of State and a High Commissioner, visited a hilltop military base and even attended the Test Match between West Indies and England at which I was introduced to the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers.

It is with great delight that I can report that our Superintendency in Bermuda and our District Grand Lodges in Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago & Grenada and in Guyana are all in good spirits. I witnessed degree work in all Districts and without exception it was of the highest standard. 

Our new Grand Superintendent and our five new District Grand Masters are all men who are committed to Scottish Freemasonry and who have the energy, the desire and the ability to take Freemasonry forward in a very upbeat and positive way. I am confident that they will all be a great credit to the Craft in their new roles.

During my trip it became abundantly clear that we have many men in the Districts who have a wealth of experience in many different disciplines and who would clearly be a tremendous asset in all of our Standing Committees. We seriously need to make urgent progress in realigning the governance structure of Grand Lodge so that we can tap into their expertise – and importantly, they are keen to become involved. With the advances in technology, there is no reason why they cannot do so.

Overall it was a first class trip during which much was achieved and I am indebted to Grand Secretary, to Brother Jim Bell, Depute Grand Master and Brother Tom Davidson, Grand Almoner for their support and likewise to Brother Anthony Ulysses Bostick, DGM of Bahamas who accompanied me throughout the entire trip.

Unfortunately, I have to end on a sad note. Whilst in Trinidad, I had the privilege of installing Brother Martin Hatem as Senior District Grand Chaplain. This weekend past, Brother Hatem was killed in a tragic accident. I’m sure you would all wish to join with me in sending our deepest condolences to Brother Hatem’s family and to the District Grand Master and Brethren of the District Grand Lodge of Trinidad and Tobago & Grenada.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges located outside Scotland continues to grow steadily and the new members whom we have recently welcomed demonstrate the wide reach of the SCFS group.

• In this respect, reference may be made to LodgeBon Accord, No. 965, in the District of Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, and to Lodge Peglerae, No. 1749, located in RSA, District of Central South Africa. Brethren joining from those Lodges helped increase our Overseas Membership to  
• We also now have 1350Brethren 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. 
• Included in that number this week were Brethren from Lodges such as Lodge Illawarra, No. 59, from the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and ACT, and Aomori Lodge, No. 10, from the Grand Lodge of Japan.
• In this category, new Members joined from 11 different Masonic constitutions: the above plus the GL of thePhilippines, GL of South Australia and Northern Territory, GL of Japan, GL of India, GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of South Carolina, UGLE, GL of the State of Israel, GL of Washington, GL of Louisiana. 

We would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their excellent support of others and look forward to publishing posts from them.

Can I remind you all, at home and abroad, if you haven’t registered for the Conference, please get your application in as soon as possible! The Conference will be limited to 300 and the numbers are creeping up – so don’t delay.

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,

Greetings from Georgetown. Grand Secretary and I arrived here on Monday night from Port of Spain. Last Wednesday we arrived in Trinidad where we were joined by a large Deputation from the Province of Ross and Cromarty along with DGM Anthony Bostwick who has accompanied me throughout the tour. On Thursday morning a large number of brethren attended a meeting in Chaguanas at which they were invited to question Grand Secretary and me. It was an interesting morning – two hours of good, intelligent questions and discussion after which we partook of a first-rate Indian lunch.

In the evening we attended a meeting of Lodge Arima No 899. We were made very welcome by the Master of the Lodge, Brother Dante Selman-Carrington, who, along with his Office-bearers conferred an excellent FC Degree on behalf of two Candidates – Brothers Previn Reid and Michael Buckmire.

Next morning at 05.30 we headed to the Television Studios. The first show which was done in the studio went well but the second down the line interview was beset with technical problems. Next on the list was a radio interview followed by a visit to the Mayor of Port of Spain, Joel Martinez. We spent a very enjoyable hour in his company and learned much about the on-going development of the City under his leadership.

That evening we were guests of Lodge United Brothers to witness their unique EA Degree. Brother Damian A Lyder, Master of the Lodge and his Office-bearers did a fantastic job and those present who had not witnessed it before were very impressed by it.

Saturday 26^th March saw 200 Brethren assemble in the Ballroom of the Radisson Hotel to witness the Installation of Brother Louis Jean Baptiste as District Grand Master of Trinidad and Tobago & Grenada along with his Commissioned Office-bearers. Immediately after the Installation, both Grand Secretary and I had to go for yet another antigen test in preparation for our visit to Guyana. In the evening, we were joined by the Ladies in the ballroom which had been transformed once again for the District Grand Lodge Banquet.

After the activity of the Installation and Ball, we travelled to Blanchisseeuse on the Sunday morning to the home of the Master of Lodge United Brothers, Senator Damian A Lyder, for a Brunch.

On Monday we left Trinidad and arrived in Guyana where we enjoyed a welcome reception. On Tuesday we met with the DGM and members of Lodge Alpha No 1594 for lunch before returning to the hotel to prepare for a visit to Lodge Alpha in the evening. The Brethren, under the leadership of the Master, Brother Ronald K Thorne, worked an excellent MM Degree for no less than five candidates. It was a delight to witness the Degree after which we joined with the Brethren in Harmony.

On Wednesday morning we had a meeting with the British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Jane Miller and in the evening I had the honour to install the new DGM of Guyana, Brother Sean Ronald Noel and his Commissioned Office-bearers after which we enjoyed an excellent Harmony. Today is our last day in Guyana – another antigen test at 10 then a meeting with the President of Guyana at 13.00 followed by the quarterly meeting of the District. We leave the hotel at 03.00 for our 06.00 flight to Miami. Will sum up next week.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

This week, we were delighted to receive an interesting post from the District of the Bahamas. 

• Brother Pédro Turnquest, Secretary, Lodge San Andreas, No. 1835, shared news of a donation by the Lodge to the “Boys and Girls Club of San Andros” as the Lodge supported the group’s first Annual Cancer fundraiser. 

• Our Overseas Membership is continuing to grow steadily. Brethren joining from a variety of Lodges have helped increase our Overseas Membership to 1728. 
• The Lodge which had most new members coming from it was Lodge Peglerae, No. 1749, Transvaal, in the District of Central South Africa (which was the District from which most new members came this week). Reference must also be made to the District of Jamaica in terms of new members. 
• We also now have 1335 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 a wide geographical spread of 11 different Masonic constitutions: GL of New Zealand, GL of Japan, GL of Mississippi, GL of Nigeria, GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of Peru, GL of the Philippines, GL Alpina of Switzerland, GL of Alberta, GL of North Carolina, GL of Ireland. 

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,

Greetings from Port of Spain. I arrived here on Wednesday night from Barbados. I was joined in Barbados by Grand Secretary, and we enjoyed a very productive time with the Brethren of Barbados.

The District Grand Master, Brother Andre S F Harding was very much aware that there had not been a lot of spare time over the past few weeks. That being the case, he made arrangements for us to have a relaxing day on the Thursday at the West Indies v England test Match. It was my first ever cricket match and it proved to be a very enjoyable day, especially as I was introduced to Sir Garfield Sobers.

On Friday 18^th March we were taken to what used to be the Lodge Rooms in Bridgetown but now hosts a Masonic Museum on the top floor and a more general museum on the lower floor dealing with the economy and business of Barbados. Before starting the tour, I was interviewed, along with the DGM, on CBC TV. In the evening, we were taken to a cocktail reception where we met many of the Brethren and their ladies.

Saturday was the big day. We had a rehearsal at 08.00, photographs at 09.00 and straight into the Installation at 10.00. All went well and it was a delight to install Brother Andre S F Harding and his Commission into Office. The ensuing Banquet commenced at 18.30 in the evening

Sunday was the closest I came to having a day off since I left on 25^th February however, in the evening we hosted a number of senior Brethren from all Constitutions to a reception.

First duty on Monday was to undergo a PCR test in preparation of our next stop in Trinidad. Thereafter, we visited Mount Gay Rum Distillery where we enjoyed a tour, lunch and private tasting In the evening, we attended the regular meeting of Lodge Scotia No 340 at which they held a Lodge of Sorrow in respect of one of their members, the late Hon Mr Justice Ethrine Garvey Husbands, PM. 

Tuesday March 22^nd – Grand Secretary and I met with the Barbados Cancer Society and three members of the District Grand Lodge to discuss how the District can be instrumental in delivering a programme that will heighten Prostate Cancer awareness. It was a very productive meeting and Dawn Oliff has already been in touch with them to assist and advise based on our experience with Prostate Cancer Scotland. In the evening we had a farewell dinner on the west side of the island at the Beach House restaurant. A very enjoyable experience with the DGM and the members of his Installation Organising Committee. 

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

We were delighted to receive the following posts this week:

• Brother George Rogers, PDGM, shared news of a sizeable donation made on behalf of the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of Western Australia and the Daughter Lodges to the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Western Australia.
• Brother Beng Hock Teo, PDG Secretary, posted on behalf of Brother Ng Chee Wee, PM/Almoner, detailing the excellent and prompt response by Lodge Sarawak, No. 1452, Malaysia, in the District of Middle East, to an appeal for rapid antigen test kits by the Salvation Army Boys’ Home in Kuching.
• Brother Robert Duffney, IPM, provided information about the generous donation from Lodge Northcliffe, No.1086, in the District of Newfoundland and Labrador, to the Milltown-Head of Bay D' Espoir Winter Carnival Committee.

• Our Overseas Membership is continuing to grow steadily. Brethren joining from Lodges in the Districts of Bahamas, Middle East (Malaysia), North Island New Zealand, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago & Grenada, and Belgium (under supervision), have helped increase our Overseas Membership to 1722.
• We also now have 1325 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 7 different Masonic constitutions: GL of Romania, GL of the Philippines, GL of the State of Israel, GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario, GL of California. In addition, further warm welcomes were extended to Brother Chris Uchman, Deputy Grand Master of the GL of Alberta (who will be installed as Grand Master in June) and to Brother Sarosh Dordi, Past Deputy Grand Master of the GL of India.

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,

Greetings from Bridgetown, Barbados. I arrived here on Wednesday night from Jamaica.

Jamaica was busy. On Wednesday 9^th I attended a reception at the home of the District D of C, Brother Horace Reid and met up with Brother Jim Bell and Brother Billy Grant at the reception.

Brother Bell is Proxy District Grand Master of Jamaica and Brother Grant is Proxy Master of Lodge Elgin. 

On Tuesday morning we headed to the Masonic Temple in MacGregor Square where I rededicated The Glenlyon Lodge with the assistance of Brother Bell, Brother Lloyd Moore and Brother Very Rev Peter Clarke.  That was followed by a lunch hosted by the Lodge. 

At night we had a second reception at the Pegasus Hotel.

Thursday was a repeat performance at MacGregor Square, to celebrate the 250 years of the District Grand Lodge. Another lunch and another reception at night at the home of the new DGM, Brother Dr Courtney King Palmer. 

Saturday morning, we congregated in the Hotel Ballroom for the Installation Ceremony. All went well and again I was indebted to Brothers Jim Bell and Very Rev Peter Clarke for their assistance. 

This was followed by the Banquet where we were joined by the wives of the Brethren. It was a late night which made getting up at 06.30 to attend Church at 07.30 somewhat difficult but we enjoyed a stirring Lenten sermon from the Rector, Rev Franklyn Jackson. 

After the service we headed to the Sunday Brunch and Entertainment – an absolutely great event.

On Monday morning there was a courtesy call with the Governor General then we headed north to Port Maria to witness an excellent FC Degree carried out by thr Brethren of Lodge Caledonian. 

We were late back but it was up and away just after 08.00 the following morning to Newcastle Hill Military Training Unit where we joined a group of Officers (all of whom are Masons) for a traditional Jamaican breakfast and a visit to the Military Museum.

That evening we we attended the Installation meeting of Lodge St Andrew No 1684. At the conclusion of the meeting, we were privileged to be present at one of the best Harmonies I can remember in a long time. A total of 14 songs were sung as accompaniments to the Toasts.  

After just 4 hours sleep it was off to Miami where I had 6 hours before the flight to Barbados on which I was accompanied by the DGM and Depute DGM of Bahamas, both of whom were supporting me on the journey through the Caribbean.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

Our membership of Brethren from Overseas Lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and other recognised constitutions, continues to grow steadily. 

• In this respect, reference may be made to Lodge Ophirton, No. 886, in the District of Central South Africa (RSA), and to Lodge St. John, No. 1072, located in Thailand, District of Middle East. Brethren joining from those Lodges helped increase our Overseas Membership to 
• We also now have 1312 Brethren from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS, such as Lodge Rosendal, No. 839, Grand Lodge of Denmark,who help spread the news, worldwide, of the wonderful support given to others by our Brethren. 
• New members recently joined from a number of different Masonic constitutions, with a notable response this week coming from Brethren under the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. 
• Also worthy of mention this week are the GL of California, United GL of Victoria, GL of Nigeria, and UGLE(England, North Island New Zealand). 
• We are delighted to also welcome our 1300th ICM (International Constitution Member). Congratulations are extended to Brother Marvin Deocares, WM, Emon Masonic Lodge, No. 179, Grand Lodge of the Philippines.

Again, we would encourage our Overseas Lodges and Districts to continue sharing news of their good support of others and look forward to publishing posts from them … most especially first posts from some Districts. 

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,

Greetings from Jamaica, where I arrived on Wednesday from the Bahamas. 

After the appearance on “Morning Sunrise” TV last week, it was a trip to Government House to meet the Governor General of the Bahamas, His Excellency Sir Cornelius Smith. He was a charming individual and displayed a real and sincere interest in all that the Scottish Freemasons were doing throughout the Bahamas. On Friday night there was another reception with Brethren and their wives.

On Saturday morning, along with Brother Tom Davidson I conducted a rehearsal for the Installation with the local Brethren who were participating. In the afternoon, over 200 Brethren gathered for the Installation of Brother Anthony Ulysees Bostwick and his Commission in the very pleasant surrounds of the Baha Mar Hotel. It was a real pleasure to see so many Brethren in the Lodge. After the Installation we enjoyed the Banquet which concluded with a spectacular Junkanoo performance, and I know that some of you have viewed that on Facebook.

Sunday morning was spent at St Agnes Church where the Minister, Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, gave a very powerful sermon based on the 1^st Sunday in lent. After the service we made our way to the building site which will eventually be the new Masonic Temple, but which had been transformed with tents and used for a barbeque for Brethren and their wives. I had to leave early to go for another antigen test to travel to Grand Bahama the following day. On Grand Bahama, I met with the Minister for Grand Bahama, Mrs Ginger Moxey with whom we discussed ways in which the Freemasons could further engage with the community.  I was then shown some of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian before enjoying the working of a truly excellent FC Degree by the Brethren of Lodge St Andrew in the evening.

Another early morning flight, and we arrived back in Nassau where I had the chance to catch up with emails and such before starting to pack for the trip to Jamaica. However, before Jamaica, it was a visit to Lodge St David 1741 where I witnessed an excellent EA Degree. The standard of ritual in Bahamas is extremely high. Next week – the Jamaican experience and onward to Barbados.

SCFS

SCFS Overseas Report  

Our membership of Brethren from Lodges located outside Scotland continues to grow steadily and the new members whom we have recently welcomed demonstrate the wide reach of the SCFS group. Included in that number were Brethren from Overseas Lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of Scotland and also Brethren from other Lodges working under Grand Lodges which are in amity with the GLoS, such as Beverly Hills Lodge, No. 528, Grand Lodge of California.

In this respect, reference may also be made to Lodge St. John, No. 1062, in the District of Barbados, and to Lodge of Togo, No. 1677, located in Tokoin, Togo. Brethren joining from those Lodges, and from Lodges in the Districts of Central South Africa, Lebanon, Far East (Hong Kong), and Sierra Leone and The Gambia, brings our Overseas Membership to 1714. 

We also now have 1296 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 recently joined from 10 different Masonic constitutions: GL of New Zealand, GL of Florida, GL of the Philippines, GL of California, GL of Ireland (South Africa Northern), GL of Pennsylvania, UGLE (England, North Island New Zealand), United GL of Victoria, GL of Idaho, GL of Sweden.

A special welcome was extended to Brother Jorge Aladro, Past Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Florida. 

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

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