Lochaber mason first one in 20 years to take top office
For the first time in at least 20 years, a member of a Lochaber masonic lodge has been installed to the prestigious office of Provincial Grand Master of Inverness-shire.
Brother David Crilley also became the first member of St Kearan 1155 Lodge Kinlochleven to take the office Provincial Grand Master of Inverness-Shire when he was installed by Brother William Ramsay McGhee at a ceremony in Lochaber High School last week.
There was a large turnout of members for the event from a number of Lochaber lodges and Brother Crilley, who has been a member of the masons for 30 years, said it had been a superb occasion.
‘It was a great evening and Lochaber High School did us proud with the venue – the catering was fantastic,’ he told the Lochaber Times this week.
Prior to retiring, Brother Crilley worked as a chef before spending 25 years as a driver in the army.
‘It is great that a Lochaber lodge has been able to provide a Provincial Grand Master after all this time. I think the last local mason to take on the role was Charlie Taylor maybe as long ago as 25 years ago. And I am only the third from Lochaber in the past 100 years.’
Part of Brother Crilley’s new duties will be to pay regular visits each year to local lodges and carry out an inspection, as well as being involved with committee meetings, including the yearly meeting that decides on which charities will be supported.
Brother Crilley says the masons remain popular and feels the ancient organisation still has an important role to play in the 21st century.
‘I firmly believe we still have a very worthwhile role to play – very much so,’ he added.