Distinguished Service Membership silences Archie!

Bro Archie Mackay PM of Lodge St Andrew (Denny & Loanhead) No 176 found out just how good his RWM Kevin McLean, Office-bearers and members are at keeping secrets.

On Thursday 26^th February 2015, Past Master Mackay celebrated the 40^th anniversary of being raised as a Master Mason and the Lodge marked the occasion by presenting him with Distinguished Service Membership.

Bro Mackay had no knowledge of the award and was, for once, almost speechless!

He joined 176 as a Lewis Mason on 23^rd January 1975, was passed on 13^th February and raised as a Master Mason on 27^th February that year.

RWM Kevin McLean was joined by Substitute Provisional Grand Master Bro Thomas White in making the presentation.

Bro Kevin told how Bro Mackay and his late father had discussed him going into office not long after joining but concluded that work commitments that saw him attending council meetings and other events in the evenings meant it wasn’t possible.

When his father died in November 1980, Bro Mackay was approached by Jack McIntosh who suggested he might like to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Jack, who was about to become RWM, told the young Mason: “You’ll never know until you try.”

Sixteen years later Bro Mackay was installed as RWM and has continued to work for the Lodge over the years currently being Depute Master.

He is also a Past Master of Lodge Royal Thistle, the Royal Scots, No. 1338.

In October 2010, Bro Mackay was given the Honorary Grand Rank of Sword Bearer by the Grand Lodge of Scotland for his services to Freemasonry in General and Lodge St. Andrew No 176 in particular.

RWM Kevin McLean said: “It gives me the greatest of personal pleasure to further honour you in this your 40^th year as a freemason and member of our Lodge by conferring upon you the Honour of Distinguished Service in token of appreciation of your long and continued faithful service to this Lodge.”

Bro Mackay said: “My cup is overflowing.”

Congratulations Archie