Bro. Gordon Mackay P.M.
A Legacy of Digital Craftsmanship and Masonic Web Development
This website has been developed by Bro. Gordon Mackay, Past Master, whose experience in building Masonic websites spans over two decades. His journey into digital Freemasonry began in 2003, when he created one of Scotland’s earliest dedicated Lodge websites for his mother Lodge, St. Olaf No. 1188.
At a time when few Masonic bodies had an online presence, Lodge St. Olaf ventured into this new and exciting medium. Thanks to Gordon’s efforts, the Lodge became one of the first to embrace the web as a tool for outreach and engagement. Since then, the St. Olaf website has undergone several major revisions – each one evolving to take advantage of new technology and the changing expectations of members and visitors alike.
Gordon approaches Masonic web design with a clear philosophy: Lodge websites should be more than just repositories of information. They should be engaging, well-written, and reflective of the values and character of the Lodge itself. His aim is always to support the best interests of the Craft by creating online spaces that are both informative and welcoming.
This long-standing commitment to digital Freemasonry is reflected in the continued success of the Lodge St. Olaf website (www.lodgestolaf.co.uk), which has been recognised as a key factor in attracting new members and serving as a vital resource for existing Lodge members.
The creation of this site – pglae.co.uk – builds on that legacy and also upon the hard work and dedication of those involved in the development and management of the previous PGLAE website pgl.nescotland.co.uk, in particular, and the important work carried out by Bro. Jim Mackay P.M. 1084 (website design and development) and Bro.Duncan Russell P.M. 518, (web hosting) whose experience also dates back over 20 years, and there is no doubt that their collective commitment to using modern platforms has helped to promote and preserve the traditions of Freemasonry across the North East of Scotland and far beyond.
Bro. Mackay has produced the following guidance notes on the use of social media concerning Freemasonry and best practice when creating a lodge website.
[Freemasonry and Social Media Example Policy Document]
[Website Creation Policy Document]
He has also written an article considering the importance of Retention and Recruitment in connection with Lodge ecconomics.