A few years ago at Freemasons’ Hall, London, I met a really insightful gentleman on the stairs. We were both there to meet someone else, but we spent some time discussing various matters, all whilst trying to keep out of other people’s way.
I can’t remember the exact topics we spoke on, but I do recall being impressed by his eloquence and the good nature of his company. When the author I was awaiting arrived, he joined in our conversation and I noticed how quickly he was put at ease and included. It was a brief encounter, but my recollection remained, and so, when I later attended the Communications of the United Grand Lodge of England, I was pleased to hear Alexander Moncrieff announced to become the Junior Grand Warden. Whilst in Ireland earlier this year for their Grand Lodge Tercentenary, we spent time together, and I once again noticed the qualities I mentioned. Alexander was genuinely interested in talking to people and got on with everyone from all walks of life.
So, you can imagine that when I learned that Alexander Moncrieff was to be the next Grand Master Mason of Scotland, I was rooting for him. And I was not alone.
Arriving at a packed Freemasons’ Hall on George Street, Edinburgh, the atmosphere was celebratory. The general feeling in the crowd was that Ramsey McGhee had done an excellent job steadying the ship and now, with Alexander at the helm, the Grand Lodge of Scotland was ready to expand, both in membership and good works.
While I sat with my brothers in the Grand Hall, my wife, Kitty Faulks, was in the museum giving a talk for the partners entitled ‘1,000 Years of Costume’. Accompanied by her historical wardrobe, she changed between many outfits to illustrate the timeline from the Norman Conquest to the Victorians. That evening I heard from several ladies how much they had enjoyed the talk and her tales of mishaps!
The installation itself went very well under the expert guidance of the Grand Director of Ceremonies Ronnie Forbes and his team. It’s important to note here that there were many other appointments this day and although I will not be mentioning them, others gained new positions or were promoted to honorary Grand Rank. One thing that I was particularly impressed by was how when an active office was appointed/promoted or indeed retiring a highlight of his achievements was mentioned and he was personally addressed at length.
But what of the Grand Master installation? It was a simple thing but you could feel the whole room feel a sense of joy when Alexander was finally sat in the throne of office.
I think his hard-working predecessor was relieved! Indeed rumour has it that he has threatened to glue him to that very seat and staple the chain to his shoulders!
On the subject of the past Grand Master, when Ramsey was thanked there was truly thunderous enthusiastic applause so much so that some of the Grand Stewards had to step in to stop people clapping so in would end.
Upon receiving the role, the new Grand Master Mason’s address was simple and from the heart, “I promise to do my best to be of service to the Grand Lodge of Scotland and its brethren.”
This sense of service was echoed later on when he stated in the final statement.
“I am here to be of service, act as a figurehead and remember Freemasonry is a hobby, so it should always be fun.”
On the way to the Feast of St Andrew, I found myself musing on this last point. If we keep a focus on the twin pillars of “Service and Fun”, what would Freemasonry look like?
Service
I think the service aspect would involve making sure you attend lodge and fulfil your role the best you can, but more than that, I think it would also include being the best person you can be to assist and aid the world around you.
Joy/Happiness
As Freemasons, we are inspired by our ritual and that tells us we should aim to be happy and communicate that happiness to others. I think part of this being happy is learning to get on with everyone the best you can, both inside and outside the lodge.
I have a feeling this formula would really work on all levels. If people see you having fun they want to join in, and being of service is what our Craft is all about.
But talking of fun, we left off at the point in our story when I was on the bus to the feast of St Andrew.
The meal was very good and the discussion varied and interesting. The Grand Master of Ireland, Richard Ensor, rather stole the show with his amusing speech whereby he confided in the crowd that he had been asked to be short and proceeded to laboriously cover all the definitions of the word and give a nice speech based on an acronym!
The venue was good, but I think what is planned for next year will be even better. As you can imagine the whole room was filled with Freemasons, from those from districts across the world to those from across the road! To me, this is one of the key joys of meetings such as this. One of the many conversations I had was with the Grand Treasurer of Scotland, Andrew Mushet. I have known Andy since my mid-twenties, but this is the first time we have ever really had a chance to talk. Andy runs Anderson And Sons, a traditional printer that still prints and binds in Scotland. As you can imagine, a publishing nerd like me loved hearing what he is doing. Contact him if you need your lodge minute books rebound!
Anyway to get back to the subject:
Congratulations The Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason Alexander C G Moncrieff, – let’s all support him by attending Scottish lodges and having fun!