Bro Brian returns to role as Right Worshipful Master
LODGE Greenock Kilwinning No XII recently held its installation ceremony in the Saloon of the Town Hall when Bro Brian McFadyen was returned to the chair for a second term as Right Worshipful Master.
The RWM of Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68 led the deputation of visiting brethren, as is the tradition. In this case the man at the head was Bro Billy Mooney.
The Installing Masters were Bro Iain White PM, Bro Kenneth C MacDougall PM and Bro Hector Macphail PM, all Past Masters of No XII.
At the Harmony in the Saloon the brethren enjoyed dinner and the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were observed.
RWM Bro McFadyen toasted His Majesty the King. His toasts to The Grand Lodge of Scotland and The Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West were replied to by Bro Robin McIntyre, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master.
Past Master Bro Robert J Bain PJGW, himself an army veteran, delivered a heartfelt toast to Her Majesty’s Forces. RWM Bro McFadyen toasted the Installing Masters. The reply to these came from Principal Installing Master Bro White PM PPSGW.
Bro Alexander R Johnson WSW toasted the Visiting Brethren and, as is traditional in No XII, the reply was given by Bro Mooney, RWM of Lodge Doric Kilwinning
No 68. The stewards were toasted by Bro Robert Marshall WJW.
As is the custom in No
XII, Inverclyde Council was represented at the installation dinner and Harmony. On this occasion, the brethren were delighted that Provost Drew McKenzie attended.
Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No XII is Inverclyde’s oldest organisation. It was instituted on December 27, 1728.
Provost McKenzie spoke of the lodge’s long association with the council. This can be traced back to 1765 when a previous Town Hall was being erected on the same site on land acquired from the 9th Lord Cathcart.
Lord Cathcart stipulated within the legalities that, owing to the subscriptions taken out by the lodge and its members, it should have the privilege of holding its meetings within the said building for all time.
Provost McKenzie went on to highlight that in its almost 300 years of existence, lodge members had contributed very notably to the political and civic life of the community as well as to the commercial and business life. He noted the continuing and valuable part the lodge was playing through its charity work.
The provost was very appreciative of being invited to nominate a charity to be one of the beneficiaries in the forthcoming year and his choice was Ardgowan Hospice.
RWM Bro McFadyen expressed his pleasure at taking the chair again. It was his intention to support the lodges who had attended the evening’s installation with a visit in the year ahead.
He also spoke of plans he had for the lodge. A major charity drive is again under way.
The RWM’s late father, Bro John McFadyen, was a lodge stalwart for many years. His son is a Past Master of The Lodge of Erskine No 1566 although his Mother Lodge is No XII.
Office Bearers for 2022-23: Right Worshipful Master, Bro Brian McFadyen; Immediate Past Master, Bro J Robert Crossan; Depute Master, Bro James P Livingstone PPGM; Substitute Master, Bro Iain White PM; Worshipful Senior Warden, Bro Alexander R Johnson; Worshipful Junior Warden, Bro Robert Marshall; Secretary, Bro Kenneth C MacDougall PM; Treasurer, Bro David D Stevenson; Director of Ceremonies, Bro Hector Macphail PM; Chaplain, Bro Robert J Bain PM; Senior Deacon, Bro Paul Branchfield; Junior Deacon, Bro Colin B Reddy; Architect, Bro Craig S McFadyen; Jeweller, Bro John W Dyer; Bible Bearer, Bro Kenneth K Morrison PM; Sword Bearer, Bro James McGregor Jr; Director of Music, Bro Alan D Beck PM; Marshal, Bro Alexander Gray; Inner Guard, Bro Scott A Branchfield; President of Stewards, Bro Anthony Buckley; 1st Assistant Steward, Bro Fraser N Cameron; 2nd Assistant Steward, Bro Edward Molloy; 3rd Assistant Steward, Bro Cameron White; Tyler, Bro Ewen A Maclean.
Pictured in the Provost’s Room are Provost McKenzie and RWM Bro McFadyen with, from left, Installing Master Bro MacDougall PM, Installing Master Bro Macphail PM and Principal Installing Master Bro White PM.