20th March 2025
Reflections from the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master: A Night of Fellowship and Progress
As I made my way to Lodge St. Olaf on the evening of Thursday, the twentieth of March, I did so with great anticipation. This was to be their final meeting of the season, and by all accounts, it had been a remarkable one. A steady influx of candidates had brought new life to the Lodge, and the recent initiates had swiftly found their place within its ranks, taking on key roles with confidence and diligence. It is a rare thing to witness such enthusiasm and commitment in such numbers, and it is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of this Lodge.
The work of the evening was of no small significance—the Raising of Brother Andrew Crawley to the Degree of Master Mason. The Lodge was filled with Brethren, many of whom had walked this very path themselves not so long ago. Indeed, such was the eagerness of the newer members to be involved that eight of them, not yet qualified to witness a Third Degree, had to temporarily retire from the proceedings. Their willingness to attend, to listen, and to learn is a promising sign for the future of Lodge St. Olaf.
It was my honor to witness the work undertaken that night, and I must commend all who took part. The standard of ritual was high, the floorwork was precise, and the sense of unity among the Brethren was palpable. When I addressed those gathered at the close of proceedings, I spoke from the heart. What I had seen was a Lodge not only maintaining the traditions of our great Fraternity but actively strengthening them through the dedication of its members. Such commitment ensures that our Craft remains strong and continues to flourish for generations to come.
Though this evening marked the official close of the season, there was a prevailing sense that the work of the Lodge was far from over. The Brethren spoke with enthusiasm about the upcoming visitation to The Fraserburgh Lodge of Freemasons No. 1055, where one of their Fellow Crafts would be Raised. Soon thereafter, the Lodge would host a special meeting—billed as Super Saturday—on the nineteenth of April, where multiple Brethren would take their next step upon the Masonic path. It was clear to me that the bonds of Brotherhood within this Lodge extend beyond the set calendar of meetings; the spirit of the Craft remains alive and well throughout the year.
In addition to their Masonic labours, the Brethren of Lodge St. Olaf also take time to nurture their camaraderie. A Poker Night is planned for the twenty-eighth of March in the Lodge Rooms, and their annual Sabbatical will take them to Perth Races on the seventh and eighth of June. These occasions serve as a reminder that while our work in Lodge is sacred and solemn, the friendships we forge within its walls are just as vital.
As I left that night, I did so with a sense of deep satisfaction. Lodge St. Olaf is thriving, and its members are embracing both the responsibilities and the joys of Freemasonry. The season may be drawing to a close, but the Lodge continues forward, steadfast in its commitment to the Craft. To all who were present that evening, and indeed to all who are proud to call themselves members of Lodge St. Olaf, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes for the journey ahead.
David Wemyss
RWPGM