Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire East
New Members Seminar 2023
A successful New Members’ Seminar was held in the Paisley Masonic Centre on Saturday, 27th May.
Welcoming more than 40 Brethren – 15 of them being new members – RWPGM Bro. Ronald E. Fraser noted that this was the first event of its kind since 2019.
Provincial Grand Steward, Bro. Gary Upchurch spoke of his personal journey in Freemasonry since joining Lodge Moorpark No. 1263 in 1986, the honour of being RWM of his Mother Lodge in its centenary year and the pride he took in being able to pass on Masonic knowledge to new members.
SPGM, Bro. Gavin Burt then traced the history of the PGLRE and described the important role Provincial plays in the governance of Lodges.
Depute Grand Master, Bro. William H. ‘Bud’ Gauld spoke of the spread of Scottish Freemasonry throughout the world and told the new members to be proud of being part of such a wonderful organisation.
Finally, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer, Bro. Wiliam Insch, told the Brethren of the role of the New Members’ Forum, of which he is secretary. He urged new members – classed as those within seven years of entering the Craft - to join the Forum which holds regular meetings to provide Masonic education and social activities.