Lodge Kyle 1117 : NEWS
WHAT FREEMASONRY IS ALL ABOUT...
At our March meeting we had three brothers come to visit. The first was Bro. Brian Smith, who hopes to become affiliated to Lodge Kyle. He brought with him a unique gift from Peace and Unity Lodge number 6312 of two bottles of Masonic red wine and an engraved glass from which to drink it. The glass is engraved with his Lodge Crest and the inscription Peace and Unity Lodge 6312 - W. Bro M S Errington Master 2010. Our Master Bruce Taylor thanked Bro Brian for his visit and asked him to convey the thanks to his master in England. The wine will be sampled on a suitable occasion.
RWM Bruce Taylor accepting Bro. Brian Smith's unique gifts
More locally, from Lodge Eval at Invergarry, came Bros John MacDonald and Colin Sidley. The boys said that they had a super evening in Kyle and that our two lodges were not too far apart suggesting that there could be more frequent visits in the future.
The boys from Lodge Eval No. 1464 in Invergarry
The visitations of the three brethren highlights what Freemasonry is all about; visiting Lodges anywhere in the world, making new friends and rekindling old fiendships.
On a more serious note, we discussed the roof and the ingress of water during the winter months. The builder's quotation for repairs was somewhat more than the lodge can afford at this time and so it was suggested that where possible we carry out the work ourselves. Fortunately as there are some amazing new sheet products available on the market, the task of replacing the roof is considerably more simple that it used to be, bringing the job into a more DIY area. We will also investigate the possiblitly of financial assitance from the Council and other sources.
Lastly RW Master Bruce Taylor was presented by Past MasterCalum ahis Master's certificate. Bruce has been in the chair for over a year now and enjoyed ever minute of it.
PICTURES FROM LODGE FINGAL 318
Where a superb time was had by all ...
On a frosty but clear evening the Lodge Kyle team travelled over the hill to Dingwall and Lodge Fingal 318 for the purpose of conferring a second degree on Lodge Fingal's Candidate. On arrival we were warmly met by the local Brethren. The Master of Lodge Fingal handed over to the Master of Lodge Kyle and the second degree duly conferred. Both Masters noted afterwards that the Candidate performed magnificently as did the team from Lodge Kyle. At the Harmony in the Hall, we were all treated to some home baking and a wonderful selection of other savoury treats. The Master of Lodge Fingal formally thanked the Master and Team from Lodge Kyle for coming over, however I suspect after the warm welcome we received and hospitality shown by Lodge Fingal, that the pleasure was all ours.
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Candidate with both RWMs
Monday 14th December 2009
33 YEARS IN THE JOB
At the last meeting
RWPGM Br Ramsay McGhee noted that Br Donnie Gordon had been in the office of Secretary for a continuous period of 33 years, making him the longest serving secretary in the Province. In 1976 when Donnie began his tenure, Elvis was still playing to packed houses, Harold Wilson was Prime Minister, Concorde made its first commercial flight and a wee company called Microsoft is started. Our congratulations to Donnie and we wish him every continued success as the Secretary of Lodge Kyle.
Monday 14th December 2009
INSTALLATION CEREMONY
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An absolutely super turn out for the re-installation of RWM Bruce Taylor and his Office Bearers. We thank all the visitors from within and outside the province especially those who participated in the ceremony and of course RWPGM Brother Ramsay McGhee who spoke about the Masonic work going on in other parts of the country. After the meeting we all enjoyed a harmony in the Lodge room.
Monday 5th October 2009
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO THE LODGE
Below is Br Roger Cundiff formally presenting two Membership Certificates to RWM Bruce Taylor. The Mark and MM Certificates originally belonged to Br William MacKenzie of Lodge Kyle. His Grandson Kevin now living in China thought it would be fitting and proper to have the documents framed and hung in Br MacKenzie's Mother Lodge. Gavin's father Donald was also a member of Lodge Kyle. The Brethren of Lodge Kyle thank Br MacKenzie Jnr. for his generosity and wish him and his family all the best.
Thursday 28th May 2009
PRESENTATION OF CHEQUE TO KYLEAKIN CONNECTIONS
A grey spring morning saw a ray of sunshine when Bro Donnie Gordon of Lodge Kyle, representing The Worthy Deacon Bro Morris Downie o' the Heilan' Shed, presented a cheque for £182 to the members of the Skye and Lochalsh Association for Disability (Kyleakin Connections).
We were given a tour of the building which includes the cafe, kitchen, library and meeting room. One of the tutors was telling us that the boys (and one lass) will be starting an SVQ IT Course shortly and that they have computers on the premises.
The Nice Cafe and Bookshop is open to the public on Wednesdays from 10:30am - 3.00pm and serves filled rolls, posh biscuits, tea and fresh coffee. The guys there help prepare fresh baked scones and pancakes to order. Directions: Go into Kyleakin and turn RIGHT after the King Arms Hotel. You will the see the Nice Cafe sign right in front of you.
Thank you to everyone there for the warm reception and hospitality. (a bigger version of the pic is available on here)
Saturday 9th May 2009
LODGE REPAIRS
As with any older building The Lodge required repairs. It was found on lifting the floor to mend a springy joist that the rot was more extensive than first thought and that the recent inclement weather had brought more than "a scar o weet to mak the girse grow!" The sub floor was swimming in water and due to rot, Several of the beams will have to be replaced. You can read the entire story with pictures here ...
Saturday 4th April 2009
PROVINCIAL VISIT
The last meeting before Summer Recess saw the RWPGM Ramsay McGhee and his Delegation visiting Lodge Kyle. Ramsay said that there was a good level of professionalism in the working of our second degree and that it was splendid having a "live" candidate. Our congratulations to Br McKenzie on his passing to the second degree and heartfelt thanks to the Provincial Delegation and visitors for coming all the way to Kyle.
Saturday 4th April 2009
HEILAN SHED (NUMBER 6) VISITS LODGE KYLE
A bright spring afternoon saw the arrival in Kyle of The Corporation o' Squaremen, led by The Worthy Deacon Morris Downie. Having travelled from Inverness the men quickly made themselves at home and by 3 pm began procedings to initiate the candidate. A light hearted approach to Freemasonry made the proceedings fun for both the office bearers, brethren and last but not least the poor candidate who it must be said performed superbly given the (un)usual circumstances.
The generosity of all who attended was amply demonstrated by the fact that when the monies were divided evenly between Lodge Kyle and the Corporation, there was a three figure sum for each. The money will go to local (childrens') charities. The visiting Squaremen thanked Lodge Kyle for the use of the hall and Lodge Kyle waived the hire fee as the proceedings were in a good cause.
The Corporation
We of Lodge Kyle are most grateful that all the visitors took the time and effort to travel such a distance and put on a splendid performance, sharing their knowledge of the craft and keeping the ancient rituals of The Corporation alive.
Monday 3rd March 2009
VISITORS FROM GLASGOW & EAST KILBRIDE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Due to various circumstances our regular meeting saw more apologies than brethren. We had been hoping to have a rehearsal for a forthcoming degree but because four of the key players in all sincerity, could not make the meeting, we thought it best to postpone this part of the proceedings. However what could have been a brief and quiet meeting turned into a truly superb evening followed by a most enjoyable harmony which was almost entirely due to our two visitors from the central belt.
Joe Cain, PM Lodge Albert Ednard number 592 (Langside in Glasgow) and Brother Steven Lyon Lodge Douglas number 1557 (East Kilbride) both in the province Renfrew East arrived as part of their National Tour of Lodges in which they hope to visit most if not all the Lodges in Scotland. However due to the quiet evening they graciously offered to be Tyler and Senior Deacon allowing the meeting to proceed as scheduled.
PM Paul Newton then gave what can only be described as a perfect rendering of the explanation of the tracing board which offered an opportunity for all in attendance to gain a deeper understanding of the lecture.
Whilst not allowing us to practice floorwork and words for the degree next month, the contribution of our two visitors completely lifted the whole atmosphere of the meeting for which we are all sincerely grateful.
Steven, Bruce and Joe
It was also decided at the meeting that we should have photographs of all the Past Masters. It is only fitting to commemorate the superb achievement of going into the Chair of King Solomon, probably the zenith of any Freemason's Masonic career.
Monday 8th December 2008
INSTALLATION OF THE NEW MASTER
A large attendance of brethren from near and far witnessed the Installation of Bro. Bruce Taylor into the Chair of King Solomon. A dignified ceremony was followed by a harmony where the brethren caught up on provincial gossip. We all wish Bruce the very best in his new office.
RWPGM Ramsay McGhee congratulates RWM Bruce Taylor
As well as welcoming in RWM Bruce Taylor into the Chair, RWPGM Ramsay McGhee thanked PM Calum McKenzie for his superb efforts in the Chair; leading Lodge Kyle at home and on visitations throughout the Province in the previous two years. Lodge Kyle would like to thank all the dignitaries and visitors who came to the Installation.
Monday 1st December 2008
VISITORS FROM SOUTH AFRICA
The regular meeting of Lodge Kyle was attended by visitors from Dunoon, Portree and ... South Africa. The brethern from afar enjoyed the meeting and the hospitality thereafter. Thos attending were: from of the East Division of Cape of Good Hope: RWDPGM Donald Dye, Hon. Grand Piper Alistair Wilson and DPSW Donovan Dreyton. From Lodge Sonheu Wel No 1713 Bro Hein Buys and from Lodge Caledonia No 796 Bro Bennie Strydom.
The meeting include a mock Second Degree and one of the visitors from South Africa Brother Base, bravely 'volunteered' to be the candidate. His performance was most excellent. It was most illuminating hearing about the workings of their Lodges compared to those in Scotland. The RWM Calum MacKenzie presented them each with a Lodge Kyle Penny. The picture below is of the visitors and members of Lodge Kyle. For a LARGE version of the photo simply click the image.
Wednesday 27th August 2008 - 8pm
PROVINCIAL QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION
The provincial Lodge members travelled from far and wide to the Quarterly meeting, this time in Lodge Kyle. RW Provincial Grand Master Ramsay McGhee conducted the ceremony assisted by his team. After the meeting there was a much enjoyed harmony where we all go a chance to catch up on Lodge business and news from other parts of the country. Below is a group photo from the event.
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Sunday 25th May 2008 - 3.00 pm
A LODGE OF SORROW
In memory of the Late Brethren of the Province, The Annual Lodge of Sorrow was this year held in Lodge Kyle 1117. RW Provincial Grand Master Ramsay McGhee conducted the ceremony ably assisted by Brother The Reverend William Niven and the delegation from Provincial Lodge.
Roll of Brothers Departed was read out after which the piper played The Last Post and the the Slow Air. After the service, the lodge was closed with the piper playing Reveille.
The Brethren then had a splendid harmony.
Thank you to everyone who made the effort to attend this most poignant of ceremonies.
April 7th 2008
VISIT FROM LODGE SEAFORTH
A delegation from Lodge Seaforth 854 travelled to Lodge Kyle on the 7th to work a DOUBLE Third Degree. The team did a marvellous job and the degree was enjoyed by all including the candidates who were subsequently congratulated on their achievement. RW Master Mackedddie and his team had obviously put a lot of hard work into rehearsing this degree and it showed in the floorwork and oration. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the team who travelled from Fortrose and surrounding area for the occasion.
January 2008
VISIT TO LODGE SEAFORTH - Monday 21st January.
Our delegation travelled to Fortrose and were made very welcome on arrival. The RW Master of Lodge Seaforth (Raymond Mackeddie) handed over the gavel to our RWM and we worked a Second Degree. After the ceremony we repaired to the extensive function halls adjoining the Lodge for a splendid Harmony. Calum and Raymond also chatted about the history of Lodge Seaforth and the cathedral in the village (built circa 1300) where a series of Mason Marks can be found. Around fifty of these were collected and drawn from the blocks around the base of the cathedral, a picture of which now hangs in the Lodge.
NEW WEBSITE:
The new website is expected to launch at the end of January, approvals permitting.
December 2007
The Lodge Kitchen refurbishment was completed.
Visit to New Zealand
The photo below was taken in The Caledonian lodge No 16 in the city of Timaru on the South Island. The gentleman on the left is the WM of lodge Caledonian and the man on the right is another of the brethern, who all made us feel most welcome. When we were there we watched a second degree and then watched a ceremony of the exchanging of the gavels.
