Lodge St David (Tarbolton) Mauchline No. 133 held a meeting on 26 June 2009 with a Harmony which followed in the form of a Burns Supper. The event was to mark the Homecoming Year and the degree was conferred on one candidate with the assistance of their Sister Lodge St James (Kilwinning) Tarbolton No. 135. Representing the Grand Lodge of Scotland was the Right Worshipful Depute Grand Master Bro. Archibald M McGown and Right Worshipful Grand Secretary Bro. David M Begg with Junior Grand Standard Bearer Bro. James Bell and Past President of Grand Stewards Bro. Sam Peden. The RWPGM along with DPGM and PG Secy who is also a Grand Steward, were also in attendance. The RWPGM had the privilege of toasting St David and St James with their RWMs replying suitably. |
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On 16 June the RWPGM Brother Archibald Chalmers visited Lodge St John (Kilwinning) No.173. RWM Brother Alan Rodgers welcomed the PGM and the many visitors into the Lodge and all present enjoyed a Mark Degree with 3 Candidates. The RWPGM presented the Arthur Davis trophy (Putting Competition) to the winner, WJW Brother Alan Buntain.
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The RWPGM led a Deputation into the Joint Divine Service of 169, 320 and 442 held on 14 June 2009. The Service was held within Lodge Neptune Kilwinning No.442 and presided over by RWM Bro. John Fullarton. RWM Bro. Colin Boyd of 320 and RWM Bro. George Reid of 169 attended with Deputations. The Service was conducted by Bro. Rev. John Lafferty MM 360/HM 169. His Sermon was "Attendance and Service" which struck a chord with the Brethren. SPGM Bro. William Steel spoke on behalf of PGL and Bro. David McClurkin gave a Vote of Thanks for Lodge Hospitality. DPGM Bro. Robert Little, SPGM Bro. Neville Clark,PG Secy Bro. Robert Stewart and several others from PGL attended. |
On 4 June, RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers led a Deputation into Lodge Neptune Kilwinning No. 442. RWM Bro. John Fullarton welcomed the Deputation into the lodge. The RWM had previously extended a very warm welcome to the brethren from Observance Lodge 686 Nashville. All present enjoyed a third degree. The hospitality extended by both Lodges was of a very high standard.
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The RWPGM had the pleasure of attending Lodge Thistle and Rose No.169 on Tuesday 2 June 2009. RWM Brother George Reid welcomed a large Deputation from PGLA who were present to witness Brethren from Lodge Observance No.686, Nashville, Tennessee, demonstrate their Master Mason Degree. WM Bro. Allan Grider and his team performed a first class Ceremony which was enjoyed by all. Around 250 brethren were in attendance. This occasion came about thanks to Brother George Dickie of
No.169 who made the contact with the brethren of "686". Although extremely warm in the Lodge the meeting was most memorable for everyone present. On Friday 5 June Lodge Thistle and Rose held a Social Night for the brethren from Nashville. The RWPGM, PG Secretary and their wives were guests of the host Lodge. Many new friendships were made during this past week and I am sure that some friendships will continue for some years to come. Such meetings demonstrate the universality of Freemasonry and the reality, and pleasure, of extending the warm hand of friendship to a fellow brother from another part of the world. |
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On Thursday 28 May 2009 the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master attended Lodge Irvine St Andrew No.
149 and took part in a Mark Degree conferred upon six candidates. Right Worshipful Master Brother James Dempster presided over the meeting. The Degree was conferred by Honorary Members, Brother John Kelly Past Master Lodge Rutherglen Royal Arch No. 116, Brother John Hollas Past Master Lodge Rutherglen Royal Arch No. 116, Brother George Reid Right Worshipful Master Lodge Stivenstoune Thistle and Rose No. 169 and the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother Archibald Chalmers, ably assisted by the Right Worshipful Master Brother James Dempster and Office-bearers of Lodge Irvine St Andrew No.
149.
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On Tuesday 26 May, RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers was invited to give a talk at Lodge Boswell St. James No. 1011, the subject being the Burns Federation and the three principle instigators. RWM Bro. George Devlin welcomed a deputation from PGLA supplemented by 4 Brethren. From the PGL of Lanarkshire Upper Ward, headed by RWPGM Bro. Thomas Millar. |
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On 25 May RWPGM bro. Archibald Chalmers lead a Deputation into Lodge St. John R.A. No. 320 on an informal visit. After welcoming the deputation, RWM Bro. Colin Boyd carried on with the business of the evening. Craig Munn was initiated into the Craft mainly by his Uncle, Bro Martin McGinn, WSW Lodge Royal Arch West Kilbride No 314, and cousin Bro. Kevin McGinn IPM Lodge Neptune Kilwinning No. 442.
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On Friday 22 May 2009 the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro. Archie Chalmers proposed the Immortal Memory at Lodge St Matthew Kilwinning No.549's Annual Burns Supper, held with the Irvine St Andrew No.149 Social Club. He was accompanied by his wife, Sadie and PG Secretary Bro. Robert Stewart and his wife, Heather. SPGM Bro. William Steel Proposed the Toast to the Lassies which was replied to by his wife, Tina. Brothers Robert G. Smith PM, Brother Neil Caldwell, SD, and Brother Jim Wilson, all of Lodge Loudoun (Kil) Newmilns No.51 took part in the entertainment. RWM Brother Frank Hill chaired the Supper. |
On Tuesday 19 May 2009 the RWPGM, accompanied by PG Secret ray Brother Robert Stewart, attended the Half-Yearly Convocation of the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ayrshire held within the Masonic Premises in Stevenston.
PG Chapter was duly Opened by the Grand Superintendent, MEC James R Hodge, then the invited Guests were admitted. The Deputation from PGLA was afforded a very warm and cordial welcome and thanked for the continued support towards Royal Arch Freemasonry. After the routine business the PG Chapter was addressed by three Companions on various aspects of RA Freemasonry. The GS then conferred Honorary Membership of the PG Chapter on a Companion from Largs Chapter and then he conferred the Rank of Honorary Depute Grand Superintendent upon the Rev Ian U. Macdonald. An honour richly deserved and very well earned over the past 35 years. This recognition follows the Rev Ian's receipt of Honorary Depute PGM of the PGL of Ayrshire. A unique double. |
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On 14 May 2009, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother Archibald Chalmers and a Deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire, visited Lodge St. John New Cumnock No. 334. After receiving a warm welcome from Right Worshipful Master Brother William Struthers, who had arranged a second degree due to the number of visitors, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother Archibald presented the Lodge with a Photograph taken at their 175th Anniversary. Also pictured is Substitute provincial Grand Master Brother Neville Clark.
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On 12 May 2009, Right Worshipful Master Brother John Chalmers welcomed a Deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire headed by Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Brother Archibald Chalmers into Lodge St David (Tarbolton) Mauchline No. 133. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master gave a talk on the Burns Federation and the members who were responsible for its inception. Also present were Depute Provincial Grand Master Brother Robert Little, PGL Secretary Brother Robert Stewart and PPGL Secretary Brother Sam Peden.
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On Sunday 9 May 2009, the RWPGM Brother Archie Chalmers, welcomed members of the Provincial Grand Lodge and their wives/partners to Lodge St James No.135. This was the second such Social Day that the PGM had arranged. Last year was at Lodge St Peter in the Barr Castle and today he was grateful for Lodge St James for allowing them to visit their premises. RWM Brother Duncan Fenwick also welcomed all present and invited them to partake of Lodge hospitality. Afterwards, the company numbering just over 40, went over to the Bachelors Club where we were given a very interesting and informative tour. On returning to the Lodge-room the group was given a Talk, in the Lodge, by PM Brother John Shirkie. Again this was most interesting and informative especially since this was the Year of the Homecoming. The afternoon was concluded by a tour of the Lodge Museum. Altogether a most enjoyable day appreciated by all. |
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On 7 May, RWM Bro. James Gourlay, welcomed a Deputation of Brethren for Loyalty Lodge No. 86 English Constitution, in the Province of Lancashire, into Lodge Troon Navigation No. 86. Thereafter a Deputation from the PGLA, headed by RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers was welcomed into the Lodge. The Deputation from Loyalty lodge was headed by Worshipful Master Paul Hronby. Also present was PPGM of Glasgow Bro. George AL McEwan. |
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On 6 May, RWM Bro. James McKinstry welcomed a small Deputation from the PGLA into Lodge St. Thomas Kilwinning Dalmellington No. 433. The Deputation was headed by RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers, including DPGM Bro. Robert Little and PGL Secretary Bro. Robert Stewart. An EA was conferred by the PMs. The RWPGM presented the Lodge with a framed print of a photograph taken when the Lodge arranged a celebration for the presentation of new Colours to the local Scout group. The RWM then presented the PGM with an apron from the Gardeners, to be used as suited.
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On 30 April, RWM Bro. James Walker welcomed RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers into Lodge Darvel 971. He then welcomed a large Deputation from Lodge Dunlop Caledonia No. 1408. RWM Fraser Craig and his conferring team from 1408 then raised Bro. Thomas McIntyre to the 3rd degree.
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The photograph on the left is of all Past Masters and Visiting Masters at Lodge Thistle & Rose Stivenstoune No. 169 on Tuesday 28 April. The meeting was chaired by Right Worshipful Master Brother George Reid It was also the 20th anniversary of Brother Duncan MacLean PM (3rd from left, front row) being installed on the Chair of the Lodge. Also present amongst the large number of visitors was Right Worshipful Master Brother Colin Boyd of Lodge St John Royal Arch Ardrossan No. 320, Right Worshipful Master Brother James Dempster of Lodge Irvine St Andrew No. 149 and Right Worshipful Master Brother Thomas Nugent of Lodge Irvine Newtown No. 1662. The Past Masters carried out the Third Degree work on candidates Brother Steven Taite and Brother Steven Burns which was well received by all. |
| Image supplied by Bro. Steven Travers JD 169 |
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At a special meeting held by Lodge St Andrew No. 126 on 29 April, RWM Bro. Stuart Hamilton welcomed a deputation from PGLA and PGL of Lanarkshire Middle Ward headed by DPGM Robert Little. Also in the deputation was RWPGM James L. Jack of Lanarkshire Middle Ward who was the main speaker for the evening. After the Lodge was closed, the Brethren adjourned to the social club where James Jack gave a lecture on the Battle of Gettysburg and the Masons who fought in the battle, the lecture was enjoyed by all present and there was a good number of questions. RWM gave a vote of thanks to James Jack.
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On 28 April the RWPGM, accompanied by SPGM Bro William Steel, attended the last Regular Meeting of the session for Lodge Loudoun (Kil) Newmilns No.51. The RWPGM presented Bro. Jim Wilson with his Mark Master Mason Diploma. Thereafter Brother Wilson gave a very interesting talk on the origins of Football both in Sweden and Barcelona. He was particularly interested in the number of Valley men who were involved in the first professional football game in Gothenburg. That team are known as Orgryte IS today. The brethren assembled were enthralled by his talk. The evening was also a special one for Bro. John Mitchell MM No. 51. Sixty years ago tonight he was Initiated into Freemasonry and was invited to sit in the East throughout the meeting. The RWPGM invited him to retire from the Lodge along with him and SPGM Bro. Steel. |
On Saturday evening 25 April 2009, the RWPGM and his wife Sadie attended the Annual Ball and Grand March of Lodge St Peter No.331 held within the Barr Castle Social Club. It was a very well attended evening, wonderful meal and a fantastic band. The evening concluded with the traditional Grand March which had the first part with the Brethren wearing their Regalia and the second part with their wives/partners wearing it. The one and only PM Roger Williamson was the Parade Master. The RWM Brother Steven Boylan thanked everyone who had attended and resurrected a tradition of the Lodge which had lapsed for several years. |
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The April Communication was held in Kilmarnock Masonic Halls on 24 April. There was a large attendance of Brethren including some distinguished visitors form sister Provinces. RWPGM Bro. Tom Millar of Lanarkshire Upper Ward headed a Deputation including RWPGM Bro. David Reid (Renfrewshire East), RWPGM Bro. James Miller (Renfrewshire West) and DPGM Bro. Tom Woods (Kilwinning). the business of the evening was swiftly dealt with and Provincial Grand Lodge was closed at 9.10pm. The Brethren then were treated to a buffet laid on by the Kilmarnock Lodges. |
On 15 April 2009 at Lodge St Peter No.331, RWM Bro. Steven Boylan welcomed a Deputation headed by RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers into the Lodge. Also in the Deputation were Bro. James L. Jack RWPGM Lanarkshire Middle Ward, Bro. Tom Millar RWPGM Lanarkshire Upper Ward and Bro. Alec Hamilton PGL Senior Deacon, Lanarkshire Middle Ward. The business of the evening was conducted and after the Lodge was closed, everybody adjourned to the Social Club where Bro. James L Jack delivered a lecture on the Battle of Gettysburg, with particular reference to the Freemasons who were involved. After the lecture, which was enjoyed by all, Bro. Jim answered questions.
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On Monday 13 April 2009, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro. Archibald Chalmers accompanied by six PGL Office-bearers, paid a visit to Lodge St James Newton-Upon-Ayr No. 125. The Deputation was warmly welcomed RWM Bro. Chic McEwan and the assembled Brethren.The RWM then welcomed a large Deputation from Lodge Prestwick 1060, headed by the RWM Bro. Robert McLauchlan, who initiated Garry Kennedy into Freemasonry in an exemplary manner. After the business of the evening, RWM Bro. Robert McLauchlan presented RWM Bro. Chic McEwan with a certificate commemorating Lodge Prestwick's visit to 125, one of their sponsor Lodges,in this, 1060's centenary year.
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| Pictures at 125 by kind permission of Bro. Stuart McKenzie Muirhead PM PGL Architect |
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