By: Bro Dr Douglas Nicol
IPPGM Aberdeenshire East
Proxy DGM Newfoundland and Labrador
September 6th 2025
I returned on 9th September from the District of Newfoundland where I had the great honour of being invited to install the new District Grand Master, Bro Larry Bradley and his commissioned Office Bearers on 6th September. I have been Proxy District Grand Master for the last 5 years having been recommended by Past DGM Scott Bartlett. Bro Bartlett as DGM took a deputation across to Scotland in 2018 and during the visit came to Lodge Ythan892. Over the last 5 years I have had regular monthly ZOOM meetings with the now IPDGM Warren Dinham and, particularly during Covid many other Brethren from the District and Aberdeenshire East joined in. I look forward to regular meetings with the new DGM Bro Larry Bradley
We spent a fascinating five days in the District. Along with my wife Alison, I arrived in St Johns on 3rd September and was warmly welcomed by Bros Larry Bradley DGM, Warren Dinham IPDGM, Scott Bartlett PDGM and Bro Mike Murphy DG Secretary. That evening we had dinner with IPDGM Bro Dinham and his good lady Heather. Warren and myself have had an excellent working relationship and it was great to see him again.
On Thursday we had a trip to Lodge Harbour Grace 476 for lunch followed in the evening by a Second Degree in Lodge Tasker 454 which was chaired by the Master of Tasker and the Offices filled by the Masters in the other Metropolitan lodges (around St Johns area). Three candidates experienced an excellent working of the Second Degree.
On Friday morning we had a practice for the Installation. Afterwards, myself and DGM Bro Bradley made a presentation to Newfoundland Red Cross to assist in their work relating to the recent wildfires close to St Johns. Over 200 homes were totally destroyed causing much distress. The Grand Lodge of Scotland Benevolent Committee donated £5000 (~$9200 Canadian) to the DGL. This was gifted to the Red Cross along with some additional donations bringing the total to $10200. The Provincial and Federal Governments each matched this sum which will bring the total to over $30600. The DGL has also given to the Salvation Army for their wildfire relief. A photo attached shows the presentation to the Red Cross. That evening along with Alison we attended an excellent “Meet & Greet” where we met Brethren and their wives from around the District, as well as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador, MW Bro Owen Devereux with some of his Office Bearers and their wives. Brethren from Grand Lodge of New Brunswick also attended.
On Saturday I had the honour of Installing Bro Larry Bradley into the Chair of the District followed by his commission. The ceremony was witnessed by Brethren from across the District as well as the Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and others from New Brunswick and elsewhere.
The Officers installed were;
Bro Sean Galloway, Depute DGM
Bro Robert Duffney, Substitute DGM
Bro Ken Tetford Substitute, DGM
Bro Ken Waye, Substitute DGM
Bro Mike Murphy, DG Secretary
Bro Cecil Murdoch, DG Chaplain
Bro Clayton Handrigan, DG Chaplain
In the evening, we experienced a great banquet and dance during which we were presented with a lovely piece of Labradorian artwork. I extended the fraternal greetings of the Proxy masters and wardens to their respective Lodges. Our own Bro Joe Best is proxy Senior Warden to Carbonear 1043
On Sunday morning Alison and myself went to the Presbyterian Kirk of St Andrews in the morning and were received with great friendship and hospitality by the Minister and Congregation. In the afternoon I attended the Masonic Graves ceremony. Newfoundland Masons (District Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge sponsored two large plots in two cemeteries where Brethren with no relatives etc were buried). Every year there is a touching ceremony and a wreath laying carried out in memory of these Brethren. This year I had the honour of assisting Bro Bradley to lay the wreaths. That evening we were taken for dinner by Bros Bradley, Dinham and Bartlett and their wives, Judy Heather and Karen.
On Monday we were seen off at the airport by Bros Bradley DGM, Dinham IPDGM and Depute Bro Sean Galloway and their wives.
We had a most memorable visit and intend returning in the next two or three years and continuing a great relationship with the District. Bro Badley is hoping to arrange another visit to Scotland in the next couple of years and a visit to Aberdeenshire East is again on the cards.
During the visit, I also made contact with several members of the Newfoundland Chapter of Widows Sons and passed on fraternal greetings from Widows Sons Scotland and Lodge St Columban 1858 and exchanged contact details.
I remain eternally grateful to all members of the DGL for inviting me to undertake the Installation and for their most astounding hospitality towards Alison & myself.
Bro Dr Douglas Nicol
IPPGM Aberdeenshire East
Proxy DGM Newfoundland and Labrador