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Grand Master's Weekly Update 3rd March 2023
Information from the Grand Master Mason
The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
3rd March 2023
The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, MStJ, D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren,
Greetings from Cape Town
Last Saturday, I installed the new DGM of Western Australia Goldfields, Brother Arthur Anderson. What a splendid day we had. It started when Grand Secretary and I were collected by Brother Jim Clews, PM who took us on an hour-long flight around the Kalgoorlie area. We arrived back in time to get changed to attend a morning meeting of Lodge Leonora (WA Constitution) where we witnessed a fine rendition of the EA Degree. In the afternoon we returned to the Lodge where we installed Brother Anderson as DGM and his Commissioned Office-bearers. The meeting was followed by a superb Banquet where we were joined by the ladies. A truly memorable day.
During our time in Kalgoorlie, we had two meetings with the local ladies who are very keen to join regular women’s Freemasonry. We recommended they do so through an organisation such as the Order of Women’s Freemasonry. We explained that by going down that specific road they would have many opportunities to join with like-minded ladies world-wide. Grand Secretary and I have pledged to support them in their quest. In Scotland we enjoy a very positive relationship with the Order of Women Freemasons. The Order has three ladies Lodges in Scotland and an international presence around the world, including Australia. We will watch their progress with interest.
On Sunday morning we achieved much in the way of good media coverage when we attended the local church in full regalia for Divine Service. It was indeed a very inspiring and thought-provoking service led by the Pastor, Lindsay Ginn. The local papers carried excellent reports including a full colour spread of the brethren in the Lodge and marching in file to the Church.
On Monday morning we flew back to Perth where we were supposed to attend a meeting of Lodge Royal Stewart but unfortunately it was cancelled which was something of a disappointment. However, my granddaughter, Tilly, who is touring Australia during her gap year was able to catch up with me in Perth for two days
On Wednesday morning, it was back to the airport for me while Grand Secretary had another day in Perth before he flew home to Edinburgh via Doha. I flew from Perth to Singapore, Singapore to Johannesburg and Johannesburg to Cape Town where I was met by the outgoing DGM, Brother Dave Gallagher and his successor, Brother Frank Winter who I will have the pleasure of installing tomorrow.
Last night I had the privilege of attending Lodge Westerford under the Grand Lodge of South Africa.
SCFS
- The Group saw its membership rise to 7080 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 1576, submitted by 453 of its members.
- These updated contributions can now be attributed as to being made on behalf of 429 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 Edinburgh, Glasgow, Kincardineshire, Linlithgowshire, Midlothian and Sutherland.
- The total identifiable monetary value of the contributions now recorded has risen to £3,099,397.
SCFS Overseas Report
Recently, a post from Brother Nihal Fonseka, PM, Lodge Bonnie Doon, No. 611, Sri Lanka, was published showing the Grand Master Mason, accompanied by Brother Alexander Moncrieff, Substitute Grand Master, and Brother George Donnelly, Assistant Grand D of C, visiting the Rehabilitation Centre for the Communication Impaired (RCCI) in Colombo. After seeing the excellent work being done by the students, ably guided by committed staff, the GMM presented a generous cheque for LKR 100,000 (£230) on behalf of the Scottish Masons in Sri Lanka to the Centre. The RCCI is Sri Lanka's first dedicated rehabilitation centre and school for children and adults with communication disabilities.
- We have now reached the milestone of 1900 Overseas Members. We congratulate Brother Shashank Karvekar, Lodge Royal Jubilee, No. 742, DGL of India, who is the 1900th member to join from our Lodges overseas. In addition, new members were welcomed this week from Lodge Forman, No. 1066 (India) and Lodge Sir William Wallace, No. 868 (Western Australia Goldfields District).
- Additional members were also approved from Lodges whose Grand Lodges are in amity with the GLoS. This week special reference is made to Brethren joining from Lodges governed by the GL of the Philippines, GL of Pennsylvania, United GL of Victoria, and the GL of Tasmania.
I haven’t received a report yet, but I am sure that there would have been a very successful Rededication meeting in Lodge Pioneer last Saturday. Sincere thanks to all involved in the organisation of the day.
Finally, as always, please stay safe and look after each other.