WELCOME to the website of the Provincial Grand Lodge of The Scottish Borders, I trust that you will find it both interesting and informative.
It fills me with great pride to have been appointed as Provincial Grand Master in June 2020,
I have been so proud of how all the Lodges have interacted with their members and also continued with their Fundraising and Charitable activities during the last three years.
To Freemasons who manage to visit our Province, you will be assured of a warm welcome.
Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth
Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master
WHATS NEXT......
UPDATE: The PGL List of Events and Pocket Planner have been updated Click Here to view.
Saturday 20 April: Lodge Event - Lodge St. John Selkirk No.32 Staff Degree at 6.30pm.
Saturday 27 April: PGL BYSS. Annual Sponsored Walk at 11.00am.
Hosted by Lodge St. John Selkirk No.32.
Sunday 28 April: PGL/RAC Joint Annual Church Service at 2.30 for 3.00pm.
Kelso Old Parish Church, The Butts, Kelso. TD5 7DH.
(Please assemble in the premises of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58 from 2.00pm).
Saturday 18 May : Cork Degree at The Hawick Lodge No. 111 on Saturday 18 May 2024 at 3pm (by Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24). Limitation on the number of candidates being presented, but ALL duly qualified members welcome to attend with no restrictions. Please contact the Secretary of the Hawick Lodge direct for full information.
Friday 24 May: Lodge Kelso & Tweed hosting a Military (Second) Degree in the Town House, Kelso at 7pm - Please note amended time (not 7.30pm).
PGLTSB TOKENS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE
We have a number of Tokens available for sale, a must have for any serious collector. Please click on the link to see what we have.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10l77nbTkyX66_s88Um1DI7dhS7zGgltS/view?usp=share_link
Please connect with us if you need more information or wish to place an order.
SPECIAL NEWS FEATURES
PGLTSB "100" CLUB
Congratulations to the winners of our March 24 draw:
1st :: The Hawick Lodge No. 111 :: £40
2nd :: M. Little :: £30
3rd :: A. McMenamin :: £15
GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND
Based at 96 George Street in Edinburgh, The Grand Lodge of Scotland has been representing Freemasons working under the Scottish Constitution since 1736 .
PROSTATE SCOTLAND
Prostate Scotland has been the chosen charity of Grand Lodge for some time now and Freemasons under the Scottish Constitution have raised over £1 Million for this great cause. Click here for more info
THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
A place to enjoy, Find out more about Scotland's Gem. Click here for more info.
"THAT'S AULD NEWS"
Use the link below to find some of our historical news stories and articles.
Lodge 262 members, Bro. Malcolm Robertson and Bro. Rob Oliver, recently organised a social charity night in the Lodge in aid of the Galashiels Boys Brigade.
Pictured is Bro. Malcolm Robertson (R) presenting a cheque for £750 from the Lodge, coupled with a cheque for £250 from the Provinces Border Youth Support Scheme.
On Saturday 20th April 2024, the Selkirk Staff Council held their annual charity meeting at Lodge St. John Selkirk No.32. It was a well attended event with 53 in attendance.
The Staff Council Officers conducted the Staff degree on 15 new members of the Staff Council. After the degree had been conducted, applications for support were then heard and it was agreed to distribute £1300 between 6 of the most deserving causes.
A good night was had, and after all the money was counted the night raised more than £1075, which is a great effort from those in attendance.
Thank you to Lodge St. John Selkirk No. 32 and their RWM Bro. Brian Dodds for having us, Bro. Brian Rodgerson for keeping us well lubricated and Bro. Iain Heard for entertaining us on the accordion.
A big thank you must go to the outgoing Senior Staff Officer Bro. Lawson Lightfoot for all his hard work over his years leading the staff council, big shoes to follow!
Bro. Andy McMenamin | Senior Staff Officer | Selkirk Staff Council
On Saturday 20th April 2024, the Selkirk Staff Council held their annual charity meeting at Lodge St. John Selkirk No.32. It was a well attended event with 53 in attendance.
The Staff Council Officers conducted the Staff degree on 15 new members of the Staff Council. After the degree had been conducted, applications for support were then heard and it was agreed to distribute £1300 between 6 of the most deserving causes.
A good night was had, and after all the money was counted the night raised more than £1075, which is a great effort from those in attendance.
Thank you to Lodge St. John Selkirk No. 32 and their RWM Bro. Brian Dodds for having us, Bro. Brian Rodgerson for keeping us well lubricated and Bro. Iain Heard for entertaining us on the accordion.
A big thank you must go to the outgoing Senior Staff Officer Bro. Lawson Lightfoot for all his hard work over his years leading the staff council, big shoes to follow!
Bro. Andy McMenamin | Senior Staff Officer | Selkirk Staff Council
Friday 24th May 2024, Special Meeting, Military Degree (FC)
Venue: Kelso Town Hall, Tyle 7.00pm
The Military Degree Team will be working a FC Degree
Harmony thereafter in the Lodge Rooms in aid of Veterans Charities
Note the change of the start time from 7.30pm to 7.00pm
Today, along with Grand Almoner Tom Davidson, I had the pleasure of attending the Hawick Dementia Club within the premises of The Hawick Lodge No. 111.
For the last 9 years it has been run by Past Master Jim Sykes and Karen Kitson. It was mobbed. It was great to see children from a local kindergarten at the cafe entertaining the members and this was followed by The Golden Girls who sang with great gusto.
Over the past few years I have been saving 1p and 2p coins in a I gallon whisky bottle. As a result of this I was able to present the cafe with a cheque for £100. While there, members of Johnston’s of Elgin Mill attended and presented a cheque for £3,500. Puts my efforts to shame but every little helps.
The Grand Almoner and myself circulated the room and spoke to a few of the attendees.
A special thanks must go to the Grand Almoner for travelling down from Hamilton to be with us today.
Keep up the good work Jim and Karen and all the helpers. You are doing a great job.
Bro. George Donnelly
Past Provincial Grand Master
St. Luke's Brother Iain Brotherston, IPM, received his 60-year diamond jubilee diploma from RWM Brother Ian Fallas. Brother Brotherston has been installed into the chair of King Solomon on no less than five occasions.
Ian is also a Past Substitute Provincial Grand Master, a brother who is renowned throughout the province as a perfect ritualist. A magnificent achievement of six decades of dedication to our beloved craft.
Well done, Ian!
Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24 held a coffee morning where the sum of £500.00 was raised.
This money was presented to Dementia Friendly Tweeddale at Firholme Day Unit.
At the Installation of Elected Provincial Grand Lodge Office-bearers on 17 February 2024, in the premises of the Hawick Lodge No. 111, FIVE Young Masons, all members of The Borders Quarrymen, the Province's initiative for New and Young Masons, were installed in to their respective Offices, three of which being Installed for the first time.
Pictured Left to Right is Bro. Andrew McMenamin, Master Mason of Lodge St. John Selkirk No. 32 and Secretary of The Borders Quarrymen, was installed into his first Provincial office as PG Inner Guard, Bro. Mark Forsyth, Master Mason of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58 and Vice Chairman of The Borders Quarrymen (also the PGM's son) was installed into his first Provincial office as PG Sword-bearer, Bro. Dale Hall, Past Master of Lodge Dunse No. 23, was Installed as PG Junior Warden, Bro. Euan Heard, Master Mason of The Galashiels Lodge No. 262 and Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58, as well as being Chairman of The Borders Quarrymen, was installed as PG Bible-bearer and Bro. Stewart Wilson, Master Mason of Lodge St. Ronan's No. 856, was installed into his first Provincial Office as PG Marshall. At the back and looking over the young members of his team, is the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth.
On the day, a well supported deputation was received from representatives from nine Sister Provinces, headed on this occasion by Bro. Andrew Millar, The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire Middle Ward.
Depute Provincial Grand Master, Bro. James Thom, had the pleasing duty of Installing the Office-bearers and the Substitute Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Stewart Clark, invested the appointed Provincial Stewards from each of the Lodges.
Bro. Keith Cleland, Past Master of Lodge St. John Selkirk No. 32, was presented with his Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden's certificate by the Provincial Master.
On conclusion of the meeting, a fine meal was enjoyed by everyone and the usual toast list was observed.
At the Regular Meeting of the Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1bis on Monday 5 February 2024, Bro. Peter Farquhar was Raised to the High and Sublime Degree of a Master Mason.
Pictured with Peter (centre) is the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders, Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth (L) and Master of the Lodge, Bro. Brian Lawson who both congratulated him on becoming a Master Mason.
Following a positive Christmas period, Lodge St. Ronan's No. 856 were delighted to be able to make a donation of £250 to Innerleithen Civic Association.
Once again the Civic Association provided a superb display of Christmas lights in Innerleithen and it was the Lodge's pleasure to help with their costs.
The Lodge said "It’s great for us at 856 that we are back in a position to help out with local causes, as this is very close to our hearts".
Pictured is the Right Worshipful Master, Bro. Andrew Caldwell, presenting Civic Association Chair, Jean Wilson, with their donation.
A Deputation from The Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders visited Lodge Kelso and Tweed No. 58 on the occasion of their Annual Installation. As the Provincial Grand Master, Bro Andrew E. Forsyth, was one of the Installing masters, the deputation, on this occasion, was led by the Depute Provincial Grand Master, Bro. James Thom.
The deputation was welcomed into the packed Lodge and upon being presented with the Lodge Maul, the Depute Provincial Grand Master along the Senior Provincial Grand Chaplain, Bro. Michael Laidlaw, had the privilege and pleasure of Consecrating and Dedicating a new addition to the Lodge's regalia, a beautifully crafted chain of office to adorn the Master's shoulders.
The installation of the Master and Office-bearers was ably overseen by Bro. Cliff Worrell, Past Master, along with Past Master Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth, RWPGM.
On conclusion of the installation ceremony, the Brethren were invited to the Tait Hall, a short walk away from the Lodge, to enjoy a wonderful meal along with the usual Masonic toast, speeches and entertainment that "only Kelso can do".
Congratulations and well done to Bro. Tim and the Office-bearers.
At the Provincial Grand Lodge annual visitation to Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24 on 10 January 2024, our Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Andrew E, Forsyth, was presented with Honorary Membership of the Lodge.
The presentation came as a total surprise to the PGM who was very pleased to accept.
On 9 January 2024, Bro. Philip Titley, Past Master of the Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1bis, gave the Melrose Historical & Archaeological Association an illustrated lecture on "The History of Freemasonry in Melrose".
Bro. Phil delivered the well researched presentation to a full house which was followed by question and answer session.
Another great example of connecting with our communities.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE PRESENTATION (PDF)
On the 20 December 2023, at the regular meeting of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth, had the pleasure and privilege of presenting not one, but two distinguished Brethren of the Province with Honorary Grand Rank.
Bro. Tim Slater PM, the Reigning Master of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58, was presented with Honorary Assistant Grand Secretary and Bro. Jock Blackie, a Past Master of the Galashiels Lodge No. 262 and the Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master was presented with Honorary Grand Secretary.
This is one of the most pleasing duties the PGM has to perform. Well Done and Congratulations to you both.
Pictured (L to R): Bro. Tim Slater PM, Master of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58, The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth, Bro. Jock Blackie PM, Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master and a great friend and Honorary Member of the Province, Bro. Dougie Fergie PM, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of East Lothian.
For many years the members of The Hawick Lodge No. 111 have ensured that every patient in the Hawick Community Hospital receive a gift and a card to open on Christmas morning.
Pictured is Bro. Ian Stewart PM, Right Worshipful Master of The Hawick Lodge No. 111, delivering these gifts to the hospital staff.
Congratulations and well done 111 for connecting with your community.
He has known him for a long time, in their younger days they were involved in Karting, but Bobby preferred to have his backside more than 4 inches off the ground and left the driving to Joe. From then on their friendship matured and that's why Bro. Bobby Stafford, Past Master of Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24, had the pleasure and privilege of presenting Bro. Joe Kirkpatrick with his 50 Year Jewel.
Joseph Allison Kirkpatrick was initiated in to Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24 on 12 December 1973 and was installed as Master in 1981 for a period of 3 years.
Showing an interest in Provincial Grand Lodge at an early stage, Bro. Joe became Substitute Provincial Grand Master when Bro. Jim Brown was Provincial Grand Master from 1995 - 2000.
Joe was then installed as Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge for a second period in 2015 and was a proud Master, leading the Lodge during their Tercentenary celebrations in 2016.
Bro. Joe is a well known and well respected Freemason, not just within the province, but throughout Scotland and is a great friend to many.
Joe, who is currently Depute Master of the Lodge, has not been enjoying the best of health recently but still continues to fully support the lodge in every way.
Bro. Bobby proudly presented a 50 year Jewel on behalf of the Lodge to a very emotional Joe on Wednesday 13 December 2023.
Congratulations and well done Joe.
Pictured (L to R): Bro. Nick Stennet RWM, Bro. Bobby Stafford PM, Bro. Joe Kirkpatrick PM & Bro. Andrew Forsyth RWPGM.
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