Substitute Grand Master visits Lodge Ladywell

The regular meeting of Lodge Ladywell No. 1474 was a special occasion in more ways than one. After opening the meeting RWM Brother Michael Empson welcomed a deputation from The Grand Lodge of Scotland headed by the Substitute Grand Master Mason Brother John McKenzie. Brother  McKenzie, a past Provincial Grand Master of Stirlingshire, is hoping to visit all the lodges in the Province during his term as Substitute Grand Master.The first degree ceremony was worked by a team Lodge office bearers headed by the Depute Master Stephen Douglas, who hopefully will be installed as Master of the Lodge later this year. He initiated Thomas Davies into Freemasonry in a fine degree. The degree team included Brother  Russell McKendrick, Immediate Past Master of Lodge St. Servanus No. 771. After the degree, RWM Brother Michael Empson asked that Brother McKendrick be formally presented and informed him that it was the wish of the brethren of Lodge Ladywell No. 1474 that he should be given honorary membership of the Lodge. Brother  Empson duly obligated Brother McKendrick and welcomed him as Ladywell’s newest honorary member after many years of service. Brother McKendrick revealed he had visited the Lodge for the first time over 50 years ago and had the pleasure of installing many office bearers over the years, including the current RWM Brother Empson. Brother McKendrick was congratulated by the Substitute Grand Master Mason Brother McKenzie and both have been friends and fellow office bearers in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire.

Picture shows left to right: Entered Apprentice Bro. Thomas Davies, Bro. Russell McKendrick, RWM Bro. Michael Empson, Substitute Grand Master Bro. John McKenzie and DM Bro. Stephen Douglas.