Thursday 27 November was RWM Bro. Richard A. Kerry’s last meeting. And it was an eventful, emotional, backward and forward looking night.
Brother Sandy Renton, who was recently honoured for his service to Stirling Royal Arch, was similarly honoured for the blues. The RWM presented him with a 50-year jubilee certificate, reading out its inscription for the brethren. On behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire and Grand Lodge our IPM, as Past Senior Provincial Grand Warden, gave Bro. Renton the congratulations and best wishes from Bro. Stuart Stirling and the Grand Master Mason. Bro Sandy spoke of his surprise and pride at receiving his certificate. He added how much he is enjoying being regularly back among the brethren. He even joked that he must have joined as a Lewis mason! The celebration was enhanced for Bro Sandy with several family members present. As further recognition, the RWM invited Bro. Renton to join him in the East.
The Lodge was then passed and raised where Bro Jack Renton, Sandy’s grandson, was then raised to the high and sublime degree of a Master Mason by the RWM and his Office-bearers. Bro. Jack Renton gave another good speech at the harmony afterward.
As our Master’s “greeting” meeting he began his remarks with, “It’s done”. He then offered his observations on his “quick” year in office. He thanked Past Masters, Office-bearers and Brethren for their magnificent support, making it a joy for him to lead them throughout the Province and beyond it. He spoke about how lucky the lodge is to have so many people to support masters, encouraging the Master-elect to use his Installing Masters and Past Masters for guidance and feedback.
He thanked Janey Campbell and his wife Lorraine Kerry for their help with hot food at the meetings. He praised the Stewards for their exceptional work calling on a round of applause for them. He thanked the bar staff too.
He concluded by congratulating Master-elect Bro. Kenneth R. Shaw, affirming his confidence that Bro. Shaw will take the lodge forward.
Bro. Kenneth R. Shaw WSW and Master-elect congratulated the RWM on behalf of the Past Masters, Office-bearers and brethren for his successful year. He commented that the RWM that he led from the front and the lodge has gained as a result.
At the conclusion Bro. Shaw led the brethren in a round of applause for the RWM.
