Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire

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		On 1 December 2010 RWPGM Brother Archibald Chalmers was welcomed into Lodge St. John, Catrine No. 497 by RWM Brother Alex Tanner. The purpose of the visit was for the PGM to deliver his talk on Sir Alexander Fleming.
		On 29 November, RWM Brother William Fisher of Lodge Wallace St. Hugh No. 1212, Crosshill, welcomed RWPGM Brother Archibald Chalmers into the Lodge. A first degree was conferred on one candidate and a short time was spent in harmony with the Brethren.
On 18 November, Lodge Fergusson St. James No. 566 held a 3rd degree conferred by the Installing Masters (RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers and Bro Thomas Wason PM 566) assisted by the Office Bearers. After the degree RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers, Bro. Joseph Galt Baird and Bro. Desy McCormick were made Honorary Members of 566.

On Sunday 15 November 2010 the RWPGM, Bro. Archibald Chalmers, attended the Armistice Day Service of East Ayrshire Council at the War Memorial, Kilmarnock. He was accompanied by SPGM Bro. William Raeside and PSPG Warden Bro. Hugh Paton (PM 202). The four reigning Masters of the Kilmarnock Lodges were also in attendance namely, Bro. Paul Parker RWM No.22, Bro. Ian Johnstone RWM No.109, Bro. Andrew Hamilton RWM No.126 and Bro. Ian Steel RWM No. 202. Bro. Steel laid the wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the Freemasons of Kilmarnock. The RWPGM invited Brother Hugh Paton (a sprightly 89 years old) to lay the wreath on behalf of PGL in recognition of his service during World War II in the Durham Light Infantry. The Kilmarnock Masonic Social Club provided some much needed warmth, in the form of hot soup, tea and coffee, after the Service. In the afternoon of 14 November the RWPGM and DPGM attended the Remembrance Day Service at Cumnock War Memorial. The RWPGM accompanied RWM Bro. Milton Fleming when he laid a wreath on behalf of Lodge St Barnabas No.230 at the Memorial. The Lodge had recently had a Memorial erected within the Cemetery to commemorate the Brethren of the Lodge who had made the Supreme Sacrifice in times of War. The photograph attached is the RWM and RWPGM standing beside the new memorial. On Sunday evening a Deputation of ten members of PGL attended the Annual Divine service of Lodge Prestwick No.1060 held within Kingcase Parish Church. On 11 November the RWPGM assisted by PPGM Bro. Adam Cunningham visited Lodge Troon Navigation No. 86 where after being welcomed by RWM Bro. Thomas Fergusson, and witnessing a first degree, presented RWM Thomas Fergusson with a 50 year diploma.

On 10 November 2010 Lodge Ayr St. Paul No. 204 held their AGM. This was an exceptionally well attended AGM with visitors from many Lodges. The reason for the high attendance was the Presentation by RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers of a 60 year diploma to Bro. Thomas Main PM. During the presentation DPGM Bro. Robert Little acted as WSW, SPGM Drew Rankine as WJW and PPGM Adam Cunningham as DoC. The night was enjoyed by all present.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire held the Annual Communication within the premises of Lodge Neptune Kilwinning No. 442 in Saltcoats on 29 October 2010 with RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers presiding. After conducting the business the RWPGM handed over to RWPGM Bro. James Miller of Renfrewshire West and SPGM Bro. Drew Rankine who installed the Office-bearers for the next term. The election of members to PGL committee was also conducted with RWM Bro. William Cuthbert Lodge St John No. 11, Bro. Roddy McLean PM Lodge Thistle No. 127 and RWM Bro. George Reid Lodge Thistle and Rose No. 169 all being elected for the first time. Bro. James Sturgeon was thanked for his 10 years of service as PGL Treasurer and Bro. William Haggarty was then presented with his PWPGSW jewel. Lodge Neptune were thanked for their hospitality and the supper provided.

RWM Bro. William Lennox welcome a large amount of Brethren in to Lodge St David (Tarbolton) Mauchline No. 133 on 26 Oct 10. A Deputation from PGLA arrived headed by the RWPGM Bro. Archie Chalmers to see RWM Bro. William's Last night on the chair of his Mother Lodge. The RWM conducted a FC degree on substitute candidate Bro. Borland from Lodge St James (Kil) Tarbolton No. 135. One of his last acts as RWM was to confer honorary membership on Bro. Colin McCormick PM No. 135.

On 25 October, SPGM Bro. William Steel headed a PGLA Deputation into Lodge St. John Royal Arch. Ardrossan, No. 320 for the Annual Visitation. Included in the Deputation was RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers. RWM Bro. Samuel Innes welcomed the deputation and after completing the business, which included a Masonic lecture, handed the mallet to SPGM Bro. William Steel to carry out the PGLA business, during which 320 were granted a clear minute.

On 23 October Lodge Neptune, Saltcoats, No. 442 celebrated the 100^th Anniversary of the Consecration of their Temple. RWM Bro. John Taylor welcomed the Deputation from PGLA which was headed by RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers. The Ceremony was conducted by PGLA Chaplain Bro. Rev Ian U. Macdonald assisted by PGL Director of Ceremonies Bro. Ian McBreen.

		On 21 October SPGM Bro. Samuel Peden headed a Deputation into Lodge Beith St. John No. 157 for the purpose of the annual visitation. Also in the Deputation was RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers. RWM Bro. John Stiratt welcomed the Deputation into the Lodge and at the end of the meeting thanked SPGM Bro. Sam Peden for the clear minute.
		On 20 October RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers visited Lodge St. Peter Galston No. 331 and thanked RWM Bro. Steven Boylan and Lodge 331 for hosting the visit by the Grand Master Mason on 22 of May, a photograph of the MWGMM was also presented to the Lodge.
On 19 October, DPGM Bro. Robert Little headed a Deputation from PGLA into Lodge St. John (Kilwinning) Largs No 173. RWM Bro. Sandy Connor welcomed the Deputation into the Lodge and after completing the business, a first degree was conferred on Neil Menzies. DPGM Bro. Robert Little then conducted the visitation and granted 173 a clear minute. Robert Little was then presented with his prize as winner of visitors prize in the Lodge Golf competition.

On 16 October 2010, Lodge Burns Dundonald No. 1759 celebrated the 25^th Anniversary of their founding. RWM Bro. James Picken welcomed a large Deputation from PGLA headed by RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers. Included in the Deputation were RWPGM Bro. David Bloomfield, PGL Kilwinning, RWPGM Bro. David Reid, PGL Renfrewshire East, RWPGM Bro. Thomas Leckenby PGL Dunbartonshire and PPGM Bro. Angus McInnes. The ceremony was conducted by PGLA Chaplain Bro. Rev Ian U. Macdonald assisted by PGLA DoC Bro. Ian McBreen. A meal, speeches and Harmony followed the ceremony.

		RWM Bro. William Lindsay welcomed a large Deputation from PGLA, headed by SPGM bro. Drew CY Rankine, in to Lodge St James (Kil) Tarbolton No. 135 on 15 Oct 10. A deputation was also received from Palliser District Grand Lodge headed by RW Bro. Ken Montgomery DDGM. The Brethren were treated to a FC degree which was followed by the PGLA annual report. SPGM Bro. Drew awarded Lodge 135 a clear minute.
		Substitute Provincial Grand Master Bro. Sam Peden led a Deputation from PGL to Lodge Royal Arch, West Kilbride No. 314 on 12 October 201, Right Worshipful Master Bro. William Houston welcomed the Deputation in to his Mother Lodge for the purpose of the Annual Visitation. Substitute Provincial Grand Master Bro. Sam granted Lodge 314 a clear minute.
On 29 September, RWM of Lodge St. Thomas, No. 201 Bro. Gordon McCulloch first welcomed RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers and then a Deputation from Lodge St. John 334, headed by RWM Bro. Martin Merrivale into the Lodge. A second degree was then conferred on one substitute candidate with the PGM acting as Junior Deacon. Bro Norman Pile PM 1334 was made an Honorary Member of 201.

On 28 September 2010, RWPGM Brother Archibald Chalmers and SPGM Brother Samuel Peden visited Lodge Burns Dundonald 1759. After welcoming the Provincial Deputation RWM Brother James Picken welcomed a Deputation from Lodge Thistle 127, headed by RWM Brother Derek Fulton. A second degree was then conferred by the Brethren of 127.

	The regular meeting of Lodge St James Newton-upon-Ayr No. 125 was held on Monday 27 September. RWM Bro. Jack Heathcote, after welcoming the Brethren many visitors, received a Deputation from PGLA. The deputation comprised RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers, WPSGW Bro. William Haggarty and the WPVPoS Br. J. Stewart Cruickshank, who were paying a courtesy visit. After completing the business, RWM Bro. Heathcote and the assembled Brethren afforded a warm welcome to a large Deputation of our good friends from Lodge Prestwick 1060 headed by their Depute Master Bro.Jim Miller PM Bro. Miller and the Office-Bearers of 1060 proceeded to advance Bro. Edward Flynn to the rank of MMM in a most exemplary manner and to the entire satisfaction of the assembled Brethren. After the PGL Deputation retired, the Lodge was closed and the Brethren retired to the hall for an hour or two of harmony. An excellent evening. (Courtesy of Bro. Stuart Muirhead PM 125)
On 24 Sep 2010, the RWPGM paid a visit to Lodge St James (Kil) Tarbolton No. 135, where almost a hundred Brethren witnessed a First Degree on 2 candidates conferred by DM Bro. James Davidson. The evening was further enhanced by a large visiting Deputation from the Danish Constitution headed by Bro. Peder D NiElsen HM 135. The RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers presented the Lodge with a signed picture of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason Bro. Charles Ian Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont in appreciation of the hospitality shown to GLS and PGLA on the occasion of his visit to Ayrshire on 22 May 2010.

On Thursday 23rd September 2010 the RWPGM headed a large Deputation from PGL into Lodge Darvel No.971. Also in the Deputation were Brother John S Brockie RWPGM and Brother Roger Bullard, PGDoC, both of the PGL of Perthshire West. RWM Brother William Pollock welcomed the Deputation into the Lodge and thereafter an enjoyable evening was spent.

On Wednesday 22 September 2010 the RWPGM Brother Archibald Chalmers attended the Regular Meeting of Lodge Irvine Newtown No.1662. RWM Brother Thomas Nugent presided over a very well delivered MM Degree. (pictured right)

DPGM Bro. Robert Little headed the deputation from PGLA into Lodge Neptune Kilwinning No. 442 on 16^h September for the annual visitation. RWM Bro. John Taylor welcomed the Deputation into the Lodge and then completed his business. After DPGM Bro. Robert Little took over the Lodge, RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers presented a Distinguished Service Diploma to Treasurer Bro. David Rusted, after which, the Lodge was granted a clear minute. (Bottom right) On Wednesday 15 September 2010 the RWPGM headed the Annual Visitation to Lodge St John No.497 in Catrine. RWM Brother John Welsh, Jnr, presided over a FCD thereafter the RWPGM conducted the business of PGL which resulted in the Lodge being granted a Clear Minute. (Bottom centre) On 14 September, SPGM Bro. William Raeside headed the PGLA Deputation to Lodge Thistle and Rose, Stivenstoune No 169 for the annual visitation. After being welcomed by RWM Bro. George Reid, SPGM Bro. William Raeside presented a 50 Year Diploma to Bro. John Brown. After a second degree, Lodge 169 was given a clear minute. (Bottom left)

On Monday 13 September 2010 the RWPGM attended the Regular Meeting of Lodge Wallace St Hugh No.1212. RWM Bro. Scott Pike presided over a FC Degree. The RWPGM had the pleasure of presenting brothers Brother Thomas Robb PM and Brother John Robb PM, with their Jubilee Certificates on behalf of Grand Lodge. The evening was further enhanced by the acting DoC being Brother Derek Robb PM, who is the son of Brother Thomas. On the same night, SPGM Bro. Sam Peden led a Deputation into Lodge St. James Newton-upon-Ayr No. 125. It was the first meeting after the recess and was the occasion of the annual visit by PGL. The Deputation, which was warmly welcomed by RWM Bro. Jack Heathcote and the assembled Brethren, witnessed Bro. Edward Flynn being raised to the sublime degree. RWM Heathcote then presented the emblem to The SPGM who gave his report and granted Lodge. St. James a clear minute.

The Annual Visitation of the PGLA to Lodge Burns St. Mary Hurlford No.505 took place on the 7 September 2010. RWM Bro. Derek Smith welcomed the PGLA Deputation headed by RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers into the Lodge. After the business of the Lodge was completed PGL Secretary Bro. Robert Stewart and the RWPGM presented a 50 year diploma to PM Bro. James Barclay. The Lodge was then granted a clear minute.

At Tarbolton Parish Church on 5 September 2010, a special service was held to commemorate Bro. Rev Iain U. Macdonald having served 50 years as an Ordained Minister. The service was marked by the attendance of RWPGM Bro. Archie Chalmers, PPGM Bro. Adam Cunningham and RWM Bro. William Lindsay of Bro. Iain's Mother Lodge, St James (Kilwinning) Tarbolton No. 135.

On 4 September 2010, a Deputation from PGLA attended Lodge St. John (Kilwinning) Largs, No 173 for the purpose of celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the Temple. RWM Bro. Alexander Connor welcomed the Deputation headed by RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers into the Lodge. The RWPGM, PGLA Chaplain Bro. Ian Benzies, and DoC Bro. Derek Welsh carried out the re-dedication ceremony.

On 2 September 2010, SPGM Bro William Steel headed a Deputation from PGLA into Lodge St. Marnock No. 109 for the annual visitation. After being welcomed into the Lodge by RWM Bro Iain Johnston and witnessing a Fellowcraft degree, the Lodge was granted a clear minute.

On 26 August RWM Bro. Angus Gorman welcomed a large number of visitors into Lodge Stinchar Valley No.1705. Bro. Adam Cunningham, acting DoC for the night, introduced a Provincial Deputation consisting of RWPGM of Ayrshire Bro. Archibald Chalmers, RWPGM of Lanarkshire Middle Ward Bro. James L. Jack and Provincial Grand Secretary of Lanarkshire Middle Ward Bro. William Craig, into the Lodge. After the completion of the business of the Lodge was completed, RWPGM Bro. James Jack delivered a talk on the Battle of Gettysburg and the Masons who fought there. The talk was well received by all present.

RWPGM Brother Archibald Chalmers visited Lodge St John RA No 320 on 23 August and witnessed a Mark Degree. RWM Brother Sam Innes also welcomed DPGM Brother Robert Little, PG Secy. Brother Robert Stewart and other PGLA Office Bearers into the Lodge. Provincial Grand Secretary Brother Robert Stewart presented Brother Ian McQuillan with a certificate for completing the Ayrshire Visiting Passport.

On 5 August 2010, RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers headed a Deputation from PGLA into Lodge Neptune Kilwinning No.442 for an informal visit. Right Worshipful Master Bro. John Taylor gave the Deputation a warm welcome. The first degree was conferred on one candidate. Thereafter the large attendance were treated to some fine hospitality and harmony in the 442 Social club.

The Regular QC of PGL was held within Dalmellington Community Centre on Wednesday 30 June 2010, hosted by Lodge St Thomas Kilwinning No. 433. A large Deputation from Sister PG Lodges was headed by RWPGM Bro. Jim Smithers of the PGL of Galloway. The Adam Pettigrew Cup was presented to Lodge Beith St John No.157 in recognition of the Lodges donation to the Sponsored walk. The 549 Quaich was presented to Lodge St John RA No.320 in recognition of their contribution via the Penny a Day Fund. Brother Andrew Letham, PM 156, was presented with a Certificate acknowledging his completion of the PGL Visitors Passport. The PGM had much pleasure in Conferring the rank of Honorary PG Tyler on Brother Robert Calderwood of Lodge St Thomas Kilwinning No.433 in recognition of his 25th anniversary of being installed as Lodge Tyler, an office which his father and grandfather had held before him. These three brethren had held the post for 77 consecutive years, so far. At the close of the meeting the brethren enjoyed Lodge hospitality in the Lodge premises. A very well attended Communication and our thanks go to the host Lodge for everything that they arranged on behalf of PGL. On Thursday 1 July 2010 the RWPGM accompanied by SPGM Brother Sam Peden joined a Deputation from Lodge St Thomas Kilwinning No.433, headed by RWM Brother John Haynes, to the opening of a new Garden within the Craigengillan Estate to commemorate the Centenary of the 33rd Ayrshire Scout Group (Dalmellington). The Lodge had provided a beautiful sundial which was the centre-piece of the garden. The Provost of South Ayrshire, Winifred Sloan, was in attendance. Congratulations must go to the Lodge for their continued involvement within their community.

On Monday 28 June 2010 the RWPGM attended Lodge St John RA No.320for the purpose of presenting Brother William Hail MM, with his 60 year Membership Diploma. RWM Brother Sam Innes presided over the meeting. The PGM was accompanied by his PGL Wardens.

On Friday 25 June 2010 the RWPGM attended the Regular Meeting of Lodge Thistle and Rose No.169. RWM Bro. George Reid presiding. The EA Degree was conferred on one candidate by RWM Bro. Jim Dempster and Brethren from Lodge Irvine St Andrew No.149. During the meeting the PGM presented a 60 Year Membership Diploma to Bro. Peter Howie MM via his grand-nephew Bro. Calum McKenzie. Brother Howie presently lives in Canada. The Deputation from PGL, which also included SPGM Bro. Sam Peden, was headed by PGSW Bro. William Haggarty, PM 149/HM169.

On 14 June, RWM Brother Sandy Connor welcomed a Deputation from PGLA into Lodge St. John (Kilwinning) Largs No.173. The Deputation was headed by DPGM Brother Robert Little with RWPGM Brother Archibald Chalmers also in the Deputation. The Mark Degree was conferred on 4 candidates.

On Thursday 10 June 2010 Brother William Pettigrew, PM Lodge St Thomas Kilwinning Dalmellington No.433, attended The Grand Lodge of Scotland's Regular Communication in his new capacity of Member of the Board of Grand Stewards representing the Province of Ayrshire. Brother Pettigrew joins Brother Stuart Muirhead PM Lodge St James Newton-upon-Ayr No.125 and Brother Robert Stewart, PM Lodge St Peter No.331. There was a good representation from his Mother Lodge to wish him well in this new phase of his Masonic Career. Our usually camera-shy RWPGM joined in the photo shoot.

On 4 June, RWM Bro. Paul Parker, welcomed a deputation from PGLA, headed by DPGM Bro. Robert Little into Lodge St. John (Kil) Kilmarnock No. 22. A third degree was conferred on one candidate by Honorary Members of 22. This was a special night for the RWM as his son Ross was the candidate.


The RWPGM paid an informal visit to Lodge St John No.334 on Thursday 27 May 2010, RWM Brother Martin Merrivale in the Chair. It was a Business Only meeting followed by a Games Night.	On 3 June RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers visited Lodge Neptune Kilwinning No. 442. After welcoming the deputation from PGLA RWM Bro. John Taylor welcomed a deputation from Lodge St John (Kilwinning) Largs No. 173 into the Lodge. RWM Bro. Sandy Connor and his conferring team, carried out a second degree.

The RWPGM Bro Archie Chalmers accompanied by Bro Stewart Cruickshank PM, attended the last meeting before recess of Lodge St David (Tarbolton) Mauchline No 133 on 25 May 2010. WJW Bro Jack Fleming conferred an excellent Fellowcraft degree. RWM Bro Colin Brotherton of Lodge Fergusson St James No 566 spoke on behalf of the visitors and praised the WJW for his very fine efforts. RWM Bro William Lennox thanked all Office-Bearers and Brethren for their support over the last few months and wished them well over the summer holiday period. Following the meeting the RWPGM was on hand to sign copies of the recently launched book of extracts from the minutes of PGL.

On Tuesday 18 May 2010 the RWPGM, accompanied by DPGM Bro. R Little and SPGM Bro. W Raeside, attended the Half-Yearly Convocation of the PG RA Chapter of Ayrshire at Stevenston. As usual the G Supt MEC James Hodge made the Deputation most welcome. At the close of the meeting the Deputation was invited to retire with the members of Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland.	On Thursday 20 May 2010 the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother Archie Chalmers, attended the Regular Meeting of Lodge Irvine St Andrew No.149 and took part in a Fellowcraft Degree conferred by six Honorary Members. The Right Worshipful Master Brother Jim Dempster presiding. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master also presented Brother Andrew Richmond with his 50 year membership Diploma.

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