Reply to the Toast to the Daughter Lodges

by

Brother David W. Brown
Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No 76

Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason, distinguished Brethren and Brethren all, first of all, on behalf of the 23 Daughter Lodges of the Province of Stirlingshire, I offer hearty congratulations to our Provincial Grand Lodge on attaining its 275^th Anniversary and thank the Provincial Grand Master for the honour of making this reply, which I take as an equal honour to Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No. 76. I also welcome the opportunity to reply to Brother. Brian Wright, an excellent man and Mason, who was for many years a much respected work colleague of mine.

Brethren, throughout the 275-year long history of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire, there have been many ups and downs in Freemasonry. Today, Provincial Grand Lodge and the Daughter Lodges together strive to preserve our Ancient Landmarks in our modern world. In charity, for example, at the instigation of Brother Leonard McComb, Junior Provincial Grand Chaplain, the 23 Daughter Lodges have so far raised a sum in excess of £17,000 for Strathcarron Hospice, which is well worthy of commendation. However, there are challenges. Challenges of recruitment and retention. Challenges – and opportunities – of the electronic age in a world where much Masonic communication is by social media, Secretaries routinely correspond by e-mail and documents are distributed and returns submitted electronically.

Yet, no matter how challenging the times, the leadership and support given by our Provincial Grand Lodge have been crucial to the prosperity of its Daughter Lodges. We are particularly fortunate to have such a high calibre team of Provincial Office Bearers, ably led by Brother. Alistair T. Marshall as Provincial Grand Master, and we look forward to Brother. Gordon Sewell taking on that mantle on 20th June this year.

We must never forget that Provincial Grand Lodge Office-bearers give selflessly of their time and energy to help the Daughter Lodges to sustain the future of Freemasonry in Stirlingshire. We are indebted to them for the friendly supervision, guidance and support that they give. Thanks largely to their efforts, Freemasonry here in Stirlingshire is in good heart.

I thank you, Brother Brian Wright Substitute Provincial Grand Master for your excellent, thoughtful and very welcome toast and you Brethren, and especially the Brethren of the Daughter Lodges, for the manner in which you received it.

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