PGLNews                                        579St Bryde 

March 2008

Seminar. Tickets for the P.G.L. Seminar on Saturday 31st. May at 10.30 am in Lodge Robert Burns No. 440 can now be applied for via Bro. Andrew McAlpine Lodge Secretary.

A.D.S. The P.G.L. Annual Divine Service will be on Sunday 13th. April at 6 for 6.30 in The Old Parish Church , Uddingston.

Jan 2008

New Year Message from The Provincial Grand Master.

Brethren it is hard to believe that a year has passed since my last message to you, I have been very busy visiting Lodges within our Province and have also visited Lodges in Ireland (three times), England (twice), Virginia and Belgium.

Although we sadly lost Lodge St. John Dalzell No. 406 in November, I feel that Freemasonry in our Province is still very strong and although some Lodges are having difficult times the dedication and enthusiasm of the Brethren is reflected in the very high standard of Degree working and Installation Ceremonial which is demonstrated in our Lodges.

The Provincial Grand Lodge Homepage has been a remarkable success with over 10,500 visitors in eighteen months it has provided a window for the outside world to view our activities. Our Lodges have donated over £60,000 to Non-Masonic Charities in just over a year and remarkably have contributed £6,500 in six months to the New Caravan Fund, surely the £20,000 target will be reached within two years! 

The Commissioned Office-bearers have been tremendous in their support and Provincial Grand Lodge Office-bearers and Committee Members have been supporting visitations and Installations in good numbers. In Grand Lodge Bro. George R. Kelly was Installed as Grand Architect and Bro. James Wood was Elected to the well deserved position of Vice President of The Board of Grand Stewards. The Grand Master Mason awarded Honorary Grand Rank to three of our Brethren, Bro. William Craig P.M. 1499, Thomas Lindsay P.M. 1254 and  Bruce Wilkie P.M 963.

In 2008 we have The Installation of Office-bearers on 7th. March in Cambuslang, The Annual Divine Service has a new date of Sunday 13th. April in The Old Parish Church, Uddingston – last year the attendance was over two hundred and I would again request a large attendance of Brethren at this most important event in our Masonic Calendar. We have organised a Masonic Seminar on 31st. May in Baillieston and have some excellent speakers arranged. (see events page for details)    

Finally I would wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.        

Dec 2007

Provincial Grand Masters Report.

It hardly seems as if eighteen months have passed since I was Installed as Provincial Grand Master. To say that it has been a busy eighteen months would be verging on the understatement !   During that time I have represented the Province on almost two hundred          occasions, including meetings in Ireland (three times), England (twice) and      Virginia . I have visited all 43 Lodges in our Province, at least once, and have also visited members of our Province who are Masters of Lodges outwith our  Province, Willie Anderson (P.M. 114) who is R.W.M. of Lodge Mallaig No. 1065 and Raymond Steele (579) who is R.W.M. of Hiram Lodge No. 21 in Winchester , Virginia .

The support of the Brethren has been tremendous, I am convinced that there remains in our Province a strong     commitment to the Craft, although last month we sadly lost Lodge St. John Dalzell No. 406 who had been working    continuously in Motherwell since 1860. This was a sad loss, some may say that it is a sign of the times and we may loose others, this may be correct, but as some Lodges struggle to survive their determination to meet regularly is maintained. I believe that Freemasonry in our Province will continue, the numbers of Lodges may reduce but the       enthusiasm of the Brethren will be lasting.

The Lodges in our Province have donated almost £60,000 to Non-Masonic Charities in the last year and we have agreed to replace the Holiday Caravan by the year 2009. This will require a sum of £20,000 to be raised in the next two years, I feel very confident as your P.G.M. that we will achieve this target. Our Lodge has already been active by organising a sponsored walk which raised £400 and the Lodge has donated a further £400.

In the near future, I will be visiting Belgium to give a Lecture on Freemasonry in Scotland . Provincial Grand Lodge are organising a Seminar on 31st. May 2008 in Baillieston and we have invited a number of prominent speakers who I am sure will be a great attraction to our Brethren. Looking      further ahead, a Special Burns Supper is planned for March 2009 in Cambuslang to mark the 250th. Anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, this will be a much sought after event ticket.

Lastly, I would like to thank the Members of my Mother Lodge for their continued support and encouragement which has been tremendous.

James L. Jack, Provincial Grand Master.     

During November we were delighted and indeed highly honoured to receive Bro.  Edgar Moxy, District Grand Master of The Bahamas into our Province. The Brethren from The   Bahamas attended the Lodge St. Enoch Installation on 1st. December.

Caravan Appeal. The P.G.L. Caravan Appeal has been well received by the Lodges in the Province and we have made a great start with over £5,000 raised since June.

Nov 2007

Dormant Lodge. Lodge St. John Dalzell No. 406, Motherwell.

It is with regret that I have to inform you that I have received correspondence from the members of Lodge St. John Dalzell No. 406, Motherwell informing Provincial Grand Lodge that the members of  Lodge St. John No. 406 wish to have the Lodge declared Dormant. This decision has not been taken lightly by the members, but only after long and detailed discussion and thought over many years.

The main reason for this decision by the Brethren of the Lodge was a declining membership and the inability to elect Office-bearers at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 2nd. October 2007.  The Lodge which has worked continuously since the Charter was granted by Grand Lodge in 1860 will hold its last meeting on Tuesday 6th. November 2007.

James L. Jack, Provincial Grand Master.  

Caravan Fund. The P.G.L. New      Caravan Fund is well under way with just over 10% of the sum required raised in the first few weeks of the appeal. Lodges in the Province are encouraged to organise Fund Raising events in support of this important challenge. 

P.G.L. Committee. The recent P.G.L. Bye-Law which was introduced to fill  vacant places in P.G.L. Committee has encouraged several interested Brethren to put their names forward. If there are more names put forward than places, then a vote to fill any vacancies will take place at the A.G.M. on 11th. January 2008. 

Future Events. P.G.L. decided at the October Communication to approve plans to hold a Masonic Seminar in May of 2008. The Seminar will follow similar lines to the extremely successful Seminar which was held in Uddingston a few years ago. 

Robert Burns. A Special Burns Supper is also planned for February 2009 to mark the 250th. Anniversary of the birth of the Bard. More information of these events will be available as arrangements are confirmed. 

Installation 2008. The P.G.L. Installation of Office-bearers will be held in Cambuslang on Friday 7th. March 2008. The Provincial Grand Master has invited Bros. Bill Perry and Angus Ross, Substitute Provincial Grand Masters to Install the Office-bearers. 

Annual Divine Service. The Members of Provincial Grand Lodge are     delighted that Bro. Rev. Peter O. Price and Rev. Norman McKee, the Minister of The Old Parish Church, Uddingston have agreed that the Provincial Service will take place on Sunday 27th. April 2008 in the Old Parish Church .

Oct 2007   

New Caravan Project. Fund Raising for the New Holiday Caravan has got off to a tremendous start, with over £1,500 donated in the first month of the project. 

Bro. James L. Jack, P.G.M. accompanied the Brethren from Lodge Buchanan No. 1499 to Pleydell Lodge No. 4687,  Swindon and was pleasantly surprised when W. Bro. Tom Dawson of Lodge Pleydell presented a cheque for £200 for the project !  

P.G.L. Meetings 2008. The P.G.L. Meetings for 2008 are 

AGM. - 11th. Jan. at 579.

Inst. Of O.B.`s- 7th. March at 114. 

Communication- 6th. June at 306 Larkhall, 

Communication - 3rd. Oct. at 305 Bellshill.

Installing Masters. Bro. Bill Perry and Bro. Angus Ross, Substitute Provincial Grand Masters have been invited by the P.G.M. to Install the P.G.L. Office-bearers on 7th. March 2008.

Visit the Provincial Homepage for all updated news in our Province.    www.pgllanarkshire.org.uk

Sept 2007 

At the Regular Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge held in Wishaw on Friday 1st. June the Members of Provincial Grand Lodge agreed to replace The Holiday Caravan which is situated at Monkton.

The present Caravan was purchased in 1999 as part of the Millennium Project and in Bro. George Kelly`s Report to P.G.L. he highlighted the position with the present Caravan and recommended that a new Caravan be purchased. Bro. James L. Jack, P.G.M. expressed his delight at the decision that the Brethren had made and felt confident that the £20,000 needed to purchase the new Caravan could be achieved in two years. A major Fund Raising campaign will begin after the summer recess. 

Charity Dinner. The P.G.L. Dinner held in the Masonic Hall, Baillieston on Friday 8th. June was a tremendous success. Bro. Granville Angell, Prestonian Lecturer of the United Grand Lodge of England presented an excellent lecture on Masonic holders of the Victoria Cross. Bro. Peter O. Price, Provincial Grand Chaplain proposed the vote of thanks and in his summing up Bro. James L. Jack, P.G.M. revealed that recent research had discovered that our Province had another Masonic V.C. holder. Bro. John Carmichael, V.C. was identified as a member of Lodge New Monkland Montrose No. 88. Bro. Granville Angell was delighted at the news and stated that Bro. Carmichael was the 144th. Holder of the V.C. to be identified as a Freemason. The Dinner raised £1,700 towards the P.G.M.`s Local Charity Appeal. This brings the total given by Lodges in the Province to Non Masonic Charities in the last year to a fantastic £45,000.

April 2007   

P.G.L. Installation 2nd. March 2007. The Provincial Grand Lodge Installation of Elected Office-bearers was again an  excellent occasion. A 47 strong Deputation from Sister Provinces was led by Bro. David Wilson, Provincial Grand Master of Kilwinning.

The Installing Masters, Bros. Tom Davidson and Alex Kelly, Substitute Provincial Grand Masters, conducted the ceremonial in a very impressive manner to the delight of the 177 Brethren who attended the meeting. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Regalia to Bro. David Smillie, Past Senior Provincial Grand Warden. Bro. David has been a stalwart of Provincial Grand Lodge for many years despite serious illness. Bro. James L. Jack, P.G.M. praised the commitment that David has made to both P.G.L. and his Mother Lodge, The Operative Lodge of Airdrie No. 203 and invited a very proud Bro. James Smillie (David`s Brother) to invest him with his regalia.  

Charity Dinner. Tickets for the Charity Dinner on Friday 8th. June are going well. Bro. Granville Angel, The Prestonian Lecturer of The United Grand Lodge of England will present a Lecture titled, “Freemasons and the Victoria Cross”. We are delighted that Bro. Angel has given his time to support our Fund Raiser in aid of local Charities. Tickets priced £20 are available from the Lodge Secretary. 

Annual Divine Service. The Annual Divine Service of P.G.L. will take place on  Sunday 29th. April at 6 for 6.30 pm. in The Old Parish Church , Uddingston. Rev. Norman McKee and Bro. Rev. Peter O. Price, Senior Provincial Grand Chaplain will conduct the Service and for the first time Sister Provinces and Right Worshipful Masters from our Province will form Deputations. The P.G.M. has requested a large attendance of Brethren at this important Service. Regalia will be worn.

March 2007      (see www.pgllanarkshire.org.uk)

Charity Sponsors Wanted ! Bro. Andrew Millar, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies has planned a Charity Sponsored Cycle run across Northern Spain . Bro. Andrew and the Provincial Grand Master are keen for members of Provincial Grand Lodge and the Lodges within our Province to sponsor this event. Soon all Lodges in the Province will receive a notice with details of the event and how to sponsor Andrew.

Annual Divine Service. The Annual Divine Service will take place on Sunday 28th. April at 6 for 6.30 p.m. within the Old Parish Church , Uddingston. The Service will be conducted by Bro. Rev. Peter O. Price, Senior Provincial Chaplain and Rev. Norman McKee minister of the Old Parish. Attendances at the Service have been increasing over the last few years and The Provincial Grand Master is confident that the      attendance at this years Service will break previous attendance records.

Holiday Caravan. The Holiday Caravan Season will start soon and Applications are invited from Brethren and Dependants who would benefit from a short holiday in our superb facility at Monkton. Contact the Lodge Secretary for details.

Charity Dinner. Applications for tickets for the Charity Dinner which will be held on Friday 8th. June. are now   available from the Lodge Secretary.  Bro. Granville Angel, Grand Lodge of England Prestonian Lecturer will present a Lecture titled “ The Victoria Cross and Freemasonry”.   This will be a major event in our calendar and tickets are likely to be at a premium.   

Presentation. Bro. James L. Jack, Provincial Grand Master was presented with an     engraved quaich by Bro. William Ross, Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Regal No. 1422, Glasgow to mark his visit to the Lodge.

Feb 2007

The last few months since I last reported for the Right Angle have been very busy, but they have also been extremely enjoyable. I have continued to make unofficial visits to Lodges in the Province and I think that although this is hard work, I feel that it is very important that the P.G.M. is seen to be meeting the Brethren in their Lodges (35 Lodges visited to date). This gives two benefits in that the P.G.M. can spend time speaking to the Brethren and most importantly it gives the Brethren of the Lodges the opportunity to speak to the P.G.M. directly.

During the Installation season I attended twenty Installations in our Province, the Ceremonial working was of the highest standard and the Installing Masters must be congratulated for their efforts.

I have also been invited to make various presentations, Jubilee Certificates, Distinguished Service Membership and indeed at the A.G.M. I had the honour to present three Honorary Grand Rank Certificates to Bros. James Galloway, Robert Johnstone and Donald Mathieson.

I brought six, special, “50 years a member” Lapel pins back from America last year to present as a personal gift at Jubilee Certificate presentations. Since then I have had to write to Raymond Steele in Virginia (twice) to send more lapel pins.

During this time we have had some very important events in our Province, Lodge St. Andrew No. 215 celebrated their 200th. Anniversary and this was indeed an important milestone for Freemasonry in our Province as well as the Lodge St. Andrew.

I had the privilege of attending their meeting which was held exactly 200 years to the day of their Charter being granted. The F.C. Degree was conferred by their Sponsor Lodges, Hamilton Kilwinning No. 7 and St. Thomas No. 201. 

The A.G.M. of P.G.L. in Lodge St. Bryde was very well attended, with 170 Brethren present. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Members of my Mother Lodge for their hard work in making the meeting such a success.

An especial thanks is due to Bro. Pat Clarke, R.W.M. and Bro. Bruce Reidford, P.M. who provided the meal after the meeting.

I have also been supporting our Lodges in their visits outwith the Province, I attended the Installation of Bro. Rev. Tom Wilson as R.W.M. of Lodge St. John, Whiteinch.

Bro. Tom is the Minister of the Congregational Church in Airdrie where our Lodge, Airdrie St. John, have their Annual Divine Service.

Bro. Bill Craig, P.G. Secretary and I attended Andrew Henderson Lodge No. 512 in Belfast with the Members of Lodge Dura No. 1513.

In March, I will present a Lecture at Lodge Mallaig in Mallaig, where Bro. Willie Anderson is R.W.M. and in April, I will attend Hiram Lodge No. 21 in Winchester , Virginia where our Affiliate Member Bro. Raymond Steele is R.W.M..

In the next few weeks we have some very important events in our Province, The Installation of Office-bearers will take place on Friday 2nd. March in Cambuslang and the Installing Masters will be Bros. Tom Davidson and Alex Kelly, Substitute Provincial Grand Masters.

The Annual Divine Service will take place on Sunday 29th. April in the Old    Parish Church, Uddingston at 6.30 p.m. and I would request a large attendance from the Brethren of the Province at this important event.

The Service will be conducted by Rev.  Norman McKee and Bro. Rev. Peter O. Price, Senior Provincial Grand Chaplain.

On Fri. 8th. June, Provincial Grand Lodge will hold a Charity Dinner at Lodge Robert Burns, Baillieston. The speaker on that occasion will be W. Bro. Granville Angell, The Prestonian Lecturer of The United Grand Lodge of England. We hope to raise £500 for local Charities at this Dinner. Tickets will be at a premium and application forms will be with the Lodge Secretary soon. 

Most importantly, I would like to thank the Members of my Mother Lodge for their continuing support and encouragement.

Jan 2007

A New Year Message from The Provincial Grand Master.

Brethren the six months since my Installation seem to have passed by very quickly and the objectives that I set then have developed with a measure of   success. 

Firstly, I have visited most of the Lodges in the Province and have been greatly encouraged by the welcome that I have received. These visits have given me the opportunity to speak directly with the Brethren and I have been most encouraged by their dedication and enthusiasm. 

The Provincial Grand Lodge Homepage has been a marked success with a target of 1,000 visitors in the first twelve months. Everyone has been astonished with the interest in the Homepage and in the first four months, the visitors to the site had passed the 2,000 mark, remarkable! 

The Commissioned Office-bearers have led their Teams well and there seems to be an increased level of activity, with  Office-bearers and Members of Provincial Grand Committee attending Installations in good numbers. 

In Grand Lodge the Province was given tremendous honours with Bro. Kenneth D. Kennedy being Installed as Depute Grand Master and Bro. George R. Kelly as Grand Bard. The Grand Master also awarded Honorary Grand Rank to three of our Brethren, Donald Mathieson, Robert Johnstone and James Galloway, three most deserving recipients.

Next year we look forward to these important events: 

The Installation of Office-bearers on 2nd. March in Cambuslang, The Annual Divine Service on 29th. April in The Old Parish Church, Uddingston - I would request a large attendance of Brethren at this important event in our Masonic Calendar. On the 8th. June a Charity Dinner will be held and The Prestonian Lecturer, Bro. Granville Angel will present a Lecture - Freemasons and the Victoria Cross.

Finally, I would wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

James L. Jack, Provincial Grand Master.

Oct 2006

New Provincial Homepage.

Bro. Angus Ross has established a New Home page for Provincial Grand Lodge, Norman Carnegy, P.G. Committee has agreed to continue as Webmaster and has been busy inputting information. The Homepage is now up and running in it`s new format and will be kept up to date with news and a calendar of events. This will highlight meetings that the P.G.M. will be attending and that members of Lodges within the Province may also wish to attend. It can be viewed at www.pgllanarkshire.org.uk  

Provincial Grand Masters Page.

September was indeed a busy month, it seemed that the lull since the Installation in June was over with a bang as all the Lodges returned from recess. 

I was delighted to attend Lodge Garrowhill on Monday 4th. Sept. to congratulate the R.W.M. Bro. Alex McLaughlin on completing the Glasgow Half Marathon and in doing so raised over £400 for the Yorkhill Childrens Trust. 

On Wed. 5th. I attended 579 Management Committee meeting and was duly recommended for the Office of Director of Music ! A busy weekend followed, Fri. 8th. I accompanied Bro. Tom Davidson, Substitute Provincial Grand Master and his Team to the Installation of Lodge St. Mary No. 31, 

Sat. 9th. was the Grand Masters Meeting at Perth. This is the first time that I had attended the bi-annual meeting, the Grand Master meets Provincial Grand Masters informally and covers items of interest in an open forum. 

Sun. 10th. P.G. Secretary, Bro. William Craig and I attended the Upper Ward Annual Divine Service at Carnwath. 

It was a great honour to led a Deputation to 579 to Dedicate the new Regalia (report on Lodge St Bryde News Page) , Grand Committee in Edinburgh was next on the agenda and the Appointment of Alex Hamilton to the Board of Grand Stewards. 

Sat. 16th. was another important day. Lodge Larchgrove`s 50th. Anniversary Re-Dedication, and I led another large Deputation (17) to the meeting at which I was delighted to receive Honorary Membership. 

P.G.L Finance Committee met on Tues. 19th. under the Chairmanship of  Bro. Angus Ross, Substitute Provincial Grand Master. 

On Wed. 20th. I visited Lodge St. Enoch No. 1288, of which I am a member to present Bro. David Greenshields with a 50 year Diploma. To finish off a busy month, I attended Lodge St. Andrew No. 544 on 21st. and the P.G.L. Committee was on 26th. 

On Sat. 30th. I attend the P.G.L. of Dumfries shire 250th. Anniversary .

Sept 2006

Provincial Grand Lodge Office Bearers

The collection at the Installation totalled £860 which was presented to the Grand Lodge Benevolent Fund. The Dinner which followed was attended by 375 Brethren. The toasts were presented by, Bro. Kenneth Kennedy (The Grand Lodge of Scotland), reply by Bro. Sir Archibald Orr Ewing, Grand Master Mason. Bro. Alex Galbraith, Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire West (P.G.L. Lanarkshire Middle Ward), reply by Bro. James L.Jack P.G.M. Bro. George R. Kelly, Past Provincial Grand Master (The  Daughter Lodges) and our own Bro. Andrew McAlpine, P.M. Secretary replied. Bro. James Jack, P.G.M. intimated that the proceeds of the raffle would be donated to the Maggies Cancer Care Centre, Wishaw. Excellent prizes, including a laptop computer, a four ball golf match at Gleneagles and a bottle of blue label whisky. The target sum of £1,000 seemed to be achievable, but no one expected the magnificent sum of £2,218 to be reached. This meant that two Charities would now benefit from our efforts. The Maggies Centre £1,700 and the Lanarkshire Cancer Care Trust £500. The P.G.M. also presented a cheque for £1,000 to the Grand Lodge Benevolent Fund and £1,000 to the Scottish Masonic Homes Fund. The Grand Master Mason was absolutely delighted to accept the Donations from our Province.

At the conclusion of the Installation around 120 Brethren and Ladies attended an informal reception in our Temple. The reception which was arranged by Bro. Ronnie McCarney was a tremendous success. The Right  Worshipful Master of Lodge St. Bryde, Bro. Robert  Abercrombie presented the new P.G.M. with a beautiful decanter and glasses and proposed a toast to his health and success. In reply Bro. James L. Jack, P.G.M. thanked everyone who had helped make the day such a success and in return asked the Brethren to be upstanding and toast Lodge St. Bryde No. 579.

Visit the new Provincial Grand Lodge Homepage at, www.pgllanarkshire.org.uk

Provincial Grand Masters Notes.

I hope (that if my duties as P.G.M. permit) to continue as Editor of The Right Angle.

I would like to pen a few lines with perhaps an update on what has been happening in the Province and what I have been doing as P.G.M. My Commission started on Thursday 8th. June and what a feeling it was to enter Grand Lodge in Procession as P.G.M. and take my place in the East. In the evening I attended the Regular Meeting of Lodge Robert Burns No. 440 with an unofficial Deputation from P.G.L. and witnessed an excellent F.C. Degree. On Saturday 10th. I was Installed by The Grand Master Mason and what a tremendous occasion that was. On Tuesday 13th. June, I attended Lodge Meridian No. 1779 of which I am a Founder Member and gave a Lecture on The George Washington Masonic Memorial. 

On Tuesday 15th. August, I lead a Deputation of Provincial Grand Lodge to the P.G.L. of Kilwinning and there present a Lecture. Sat. 26th. Aug. I attend Lodge Burns   Immortal No. 1730, where our own Bro. Alasdair Dunlop is Right Worshipful Master.  

September is a busy month with the Grand Masters meeting in Perth on Sat. 9th.,  Upper Ward A.D.S. on 11th., Dedication of new Regalia at 579 on 13th., 50th.  nniversary Re-Dedication at Lodge Larchgrove No. 1518 on 16th., presentation of Jubilee Diploma to Bro. David Greenshields, P.M. 1288 on 20th. Sept., P.G.L. Committee on 26th., and the 250th. Anniversary of the P.G.L. of Dumfriesshire on Sat. 30th. Sept. I feel that one of my  objectives as P.G.M. will be to have a grass roots approach in that my priority will be to the Lodges within our Province. I intend to visit Lodges in an unofficial capacity and hope to share time with the Lodge members and discuss their   problems and successes with them.

Apr 2006 

Unique Presentation. Bro. Kenneth D. Kennedy, P.G.M. presented Bro. J. Stewart Wood, D.P.G.M. with his Honorary Grand Rank Certificate at the Annual Installation of Office-bearers on 3rd. March. 

Our photo shows Bro. Wood with his father Jimmy Wood, Hon. Grand Architect. It is believed that this is the first time in our Province that father and son have been awarded Honorary Grand Rank.

Installation. The Installation was carried out by the P.G.M. and Bro. J.L. Jack, P.G. Secretary. Bro. Jack was delighted to Install Lodge St. Bryde members Bro. Alex Hamilton as P.G. Bible Bearer and Bro. Ronnie McCarney as P.G. Tyler. He praised the dedication of both Brethren to their Mother Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge

Mar 2006 

Installation Tickets. Tickets for the Installation of The Provincial Grand Master on Saturday 10th. June are on sale now. Tickets £20 are available from the Lodge Secretary.

However, the list closes at the end of this month. So if you are thinking of going  ……. Get your ticket now.

Letter from Bro James L Jack PM 579

Brethren, At the Grand Lodge Regular Communication held in Edinburgh on Thursday 2nd. February 2006 my Commission as Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire (Middle Ward) was confirmed by Grand Lodge with effect from Thursday 8th. June 2006.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Right  Worshipful Master and Brethren of my Mother Lodge, Lodge St. Bryde No. 579 for their tremendous support and encouragement. It is a great honour not only for me but also for our Lodge that after 130 years a member of Lodge St. Bryde has been elected by the Brethren of the Province as Provincial Grand Master.

I am now in a position to make you aware of the Brethren that I have Commissioned with effect from 8th. June 2006,

Bro. James Shanks, P.M. Lodge Coltswood No.1067, Depute Provincial Grand Master.  

Bro. Tom Davidson, P.M. Lodge Hamilton Kilwinning No. 7, Substitute Provincial Grand Master.

Bro. Alex Kelly, P.M. Lodge Major Ness No. 948, Substitute Provincial Grand Master.

Bro. William Perry, P.M. Lodge Robert Burns No. 440,  Substitute Provincial Grand Master.

Bro. Angus Ross, P.M. Lodge Cambuslang Royal Arch No. 114, Substitute Provincial Grand Master.

Bro. William Craig, P.M. Lodge Buchanan No. 1499,  Provincial Grand Secretary.

Bro. Rev. Peter Price, P.M. Lodge Meridian No. 1779.   Senior Provincial Grand Chaplain.

Bro. Jim Ferguson, P.M. Lodge Airdrie St. John No. 166, Junior Provincial Grand Chaplain.

I am sure that the members of Lodge St. Bryde will be  delighted that these Brethren have accepted a Commission and that 579 will give them the same support and encouragement as they have given me.

Regards, 

James L. Jack, P.M. Lodge St. Bryde No. 579, Provincial Grand Master Designate.

Installation of Office-bearers. The Installation of Office-bearers will take place on Friday 3rd. March. The Installing Masters will be Bro. Kenneth D. Kennedy, Provincial Grand Master and Bro. James L. Jack, Provincial Grand Secretary. Lodge St. Bryde Members are encouraged to attend and support our two P.G.L.  Office-bearers , Bro. Alex Hamilton who will be Installed as P.G. Bible Bearer and Bro. Ronnie McCarney who will again be Installed as Tyler. Bro. J. Stewart Wood, Depute Provincial Grand Master will be presented with his Honorary Grand Rank of Director of Ceremonies by Bro. Kenneth D. Kennedy at this meeting.  A Dinner will follow the Installation and tickets can be purchased on the evening for £4. All Master Masons are welcome to attend.

Installation of Provincial Grand Master. Preparations for the Installation on Saturday 10th. June at 2pm. in the Civic Centre, Motherwell are well under way. The demand for tickets for the Dinner to follow the Installation is high and around 320 have been taken up. Recently an application for 13 tickets was received from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire ! So if you are thinking of attending the Installation and Dinner, contact the Lodge Secretary regarding ticket availability.

Annual Divine Service. P.G.L. Annual Divine Service will take place on Sunday 30th. April at 6 for 6.30pm. in  Uddingston Old Parish Church. P.G.L. are delighted that Rev. Norman McKee has again welcomed our Service to The Old Parish. A large attendance of Brethren is requested at this Service as this is a special year in that Rev. Norman McKee is presently Moderator of Hamilton Presbytery.

Lodge Dura No. 1513. 50th. Anniversary Re-Dedication Ceremony. Lodge Dura No. 1513 will celebrate their 50th. Anniversary on Saturday 20th. May at 3pm. in the Masonic Temple, Shotts. The Ceremonial will be conducted by Bro. Kenneth D. Kennedy, P.G.M. and Bro. Tom Davidson, Junior Provincial Grand Chaplain. All Brethren are welcome to attend the Re-Dedication and Dinner to follow.