On The Level

Issue No. 3

May 2019

Fraternal Greetings to all Brethren of the Province

For a printer friendly PDF copy click here

Brethren, as we enter the traditional closed season I have been reflecting over the last year. It has been a very busy year for the Province and I think a very successful and enjoyable year. There are a few Lodges working Degrees and other events during the summer months and these will be advertised, as much as possible, on the various web sites and on social media.

My first two issues of this newsletter have been received well and I continue to get favourable reports on them and again I would thank all who have commented. Any further comments or suggestions can be made through Brother Nicol Scobbie Provincial Grand Secretary (PGS) at n.scobbie@btinternet.com.

Recruitment – Retention – Education – open days

This is ongoing and I understand that a number of Lodges are showing an interest in holding Open Days. There is also still potential for further walk through Degrees to be held. For further information on either please contact Brother Sandy Thomson SPGM at sandy.thomson@blueyonder.co.uk.

Young Members Group

Another successful social evening, which was held in Lodge Zetland which was well attended and there are plans to hold further such events next season. For further information please contact Brother Brian Wright SPGM at brian.wright93@yahoo.co.uk.

Lottery/Raffle

Thank you again for the backing that you have given to the Provincial Raffle and 275^th Lottery and I hope that you will continue to support it. Numbers for the Lottery may be obtained from Brother William Reid at billyreid1303@btinternet.com. 

Awards in the Province

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Since the last newsletter I have had the privilege of conferring three Brethren with Honorary Rank. Brother James Wright Reid Past Master of Lodge St Andrew (Denny & Loanhead) No 176 received Honorary Grand Director of Ceremonies (above left), Brother William McMeechan, Past Master of Lodge Ancient Stirling No 30 received the Honorary Provincial Grand Rank of Director of Ceremonies (above centre) and Brother Iain McMillan Past Master of Lodge Abercromby No 531 received the Honorary Provincial Grand Rank of Substitute Master (above right).

EVENTS - Charity

There is obviously a great deal of effort that goes into organising the fund raising events within the Province, from the Divine Service to the Bowling, Fishing and Golf, etc., and this seasons events are just about to commence (see details later). I would thank not only those who participate, but also those who organise and those who donate to the worthy causes nominated by the participants in these events.

The Anglers of the Province presented the proceeds of last seasons Fishing Outing on Monday 8^th April 2019 in the premises of Lodge Polmont No 793.

Pictured is Ashlee Easton receiving the cheque for £1100 for her campaign with Solving Kids Cancer from Provincial Grand Master Depute Bro Gordon Sewell.

Provincial Web Site

Brother Graeme Russell is always looking for articles for the PGL web site and FB group to keep it interesting and fresh not only for you Brethren, but also for those of the general public who may come across the work we do. Anything therefore of interest should be sent to Bro Graeme and PGS for possible inclusion. stirlingshireweb@blueyonder.co.uk.

Travelling Gavel

The Travelling Gavel is still being pursued and since my last newsletter it has been to Lodges 850, 176, 911, 588 and has it’s summer home at Lodge Camelon No 1456. For your information the first meeting of Lodge Camelon will be a 1^st Degree on the 12^th September, so there is an open invitation to any Lodge to go and get it.

I am pleased to see that the Lodges in the Province are still participating. The current location of the gavel can always be found on the Provincial Grand Lodge website.

Installations

Provincial Grand Lodge was represented at all this seasons Installations, the final taking place at Lodge Loch Lomond, and again I would once again congratulate all Masters and Lodge Office Bearers on their Installation into Office and wish them and their respective Lodges every success and enjoyment during their term of Office. I would also like to thank all Provincial Grand Office Bearers for their support on these and all other occasions.

Details of 2019/2020 Installation dates and also details of Provincial Grand Lodge Annual Visitations and Communications dates will be posted on the web site in the near future.

Grand Lodge round–up

Constitution and Laws

A review of the Constitution and Laws is presently being undertaken and will be issued in “Word” format by Grand Lodge when approved.

Working Party on Masonic Education

The Best Practice Guide (incorporating the Etiquette and Web Site guidelines) has now been issued by Grand Lodge and has been sent to every Lodge via the Lodge Secretary and I would again encourage every Brother to obtain a copy, I suggest through the Lodge Secretary, or from Grand Lodge direct, priced £3.00 with £1.00 going to Grand Lodge Benevolence. Consideration should also to be given to present a copy to each candidate after his initiation.

Articles and Social Events

It is still my intention to publish suitable articles and advertise social events from Lodges and Members in my Newsletter and also on the web site and I hope that you will enter into the spirit by responding directly to me.

I would also be grateful if those who are holding fund raising events would advise PGS in order that he can include those events in his regular events diary. This hopefully will generate additional support from PGL and the Sister Lodges and possibly avoid clashes.

Reigning Master’s Degree

On Friday 26^th April 2019 the 19^th Annual Reigning Masters was held in the premises of Lodge St John Tulliallan No 598. My thanks go to the Reigning Masters of the Province who took part in an excellent EA Degree. The Province was honoured by the presence of Brother George Kelly Past Substitute Grand Master and Brother J. Euan Edment Grand Secretary.

 

A total of £850 was raised on the night and will be donated to Kincardine Children’s Gala (£425) and to the 1st Tulliallan Boys Brigade (£425).

Hiram’s Wheels

The Brethren involved in Hiram’s Wheels conferred a 1^st Degree on the 21^st March 2019 in the Lodge of Alloa No 69. Again a well-supported evening with monies raised going to Local Charities.

Young Masons Degree

A 1^st Degree was held in Lodge St Andrew (Denny and Loanhead) No 176 on Friday 10^th May where the Degree team was made up of young members from various Lodges in the Province. A very worthwhile event and it is hoped that similar events can take place in the future to encourage inter-lodge co-operation.

 Up-Coming events

Provincial Grand Lodge Golf – Sunday 12^th May

Provincial Grand Lodge Fishing - Saturday 1^st June

Provincial Grand Lodge 5 aside Football - Sunday 26^th May

Provincial Grand Lodge Bowling – Sunday 4^th August

Other events will be advertised as much as possible on Provincial Grand Secretaries diary of events, on the website and via social media.

PGL Year Book

The Provincial Grand Lodge Year book has now been published with a copy being sent to all members of Provincial Grand Lodge and all Lodge Secretaries. I am sure you will appreciate that the cost of producing and distributing this document is expensive and I have been considering including advertisements within the book, at a small cost, to try and offset these costs. Any Brother that is interested in taking out space for advertising can you please contact PGS who will discuss layout and cost. n.scobbie@btinternet.com.

Widows Sons

On a personal note, I would like to thank the Widows sons for allowing me to become a member of their elite group. It is indeed a great honour and something I hope and plan to enjoy. If anyone wishes any support from the Widows Sons at any of their fund raising event please let me know and I will see what I can do.

Thanks

My thanks must go to those who have assisted in the preparation and distribution of this newsletter

Fraternal Regards.

Brother Alistair T. Marshall PGM