My 9/11 Experience by Moises I. Gomez

Brother Gomez is a Past Master of the Atlas Pythagoras Lodge in Westfield, New Jersey and amongst other Masonic accolades, is presently the Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey.

Having worked for the port authority of New York and New Jersey for 30 years as a member of the Emergency Service Unit stationed at the George Washington Bridge, he was on duty and responded to both the 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks which took place.

Via his Remembrance, My 9/11 Experience, Lecture, Brother Gomez will share his personal memories of those tragic events which shook the United States of America and the rest of the world to its core.

Tickets are available for the lecture which is on the 23rd of November 2019 at Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh and is hosted by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh.

Purchase Tickets Here

Ticket Sales will help support Prostate Scotland Registered Charity No SC037494

Prostate Scotland Logo

My 9/11 Experience by Moises I. Gomez in Association with and in aid of Prostate Scotland

2019 Concert Poster

September 17, 2019/0 Comments/by Grand Lodge Benevolence

2019 – Prostate Scotland Charity Pins

Charity, Charity Events

Prostate Scotland is pleased to provide lodges with a pin badge collection box filled with branded pin badges. The box has been designed with a special sticker displaying The Grand Lodge of Scotland logo.

Badges and boxes can be ordered online at https://www.prostatescotland.org.uk/support-prostate-scotland/register-for-pin-badge-collection-box and will be dispatched by post. The suggested donation per badge is £1 which is shown on the box stickers. A minimum of 50 badges can be ordered, and one box can fit up to 150 badges. The boxes are provided flatpacked for easy delivery and assembly.

Instructions for assembling the box and paying the donations to Prostate Scotland will be provided with the box. Donations of £1 per badge can be made upfront if Lodges wish to do so, with cheques to be made payable to ‘Prostate Scotland.’

Prostate Scotland,
14 Torphichen Place
Edinburgh, Scotland EH3 8DU
Tel: 0131 603 8660 Email: info@prostatescotland.org.uk

Patron: Sir Tom Farmer CVO CBE KCSG DL Trustees: Robert Wilson (Chairman), Alan McLaren, Prof. Alan
McNeill, Alison McNeill, Dr Anna Gregor CBE, Graeme Conn, James Thomson OBE, Julia Miller, Mary Hallam
Prostate Scotland Limited is a Registered Scottish Charity No.SC037494 and Company limited by guarantee
registered in Scotland No SC306268. Registered Office: Princes Exchange, 1 Earl Grey St, Edinburgh EH3 9EE

January 15, 2019/0 Comments/by Grand Lodge Benevolence

Day 14

2018 Poppy Appeal

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland 2018

Day 14 The final day. After visiting 31 Provinces the length and breadth of the country over 9 weekends from 4 August the Grand Lodge of Scotland/Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 finally drew to close with visits to Port Glasgow in Renfrewshire West and Dumbarton in the Province of Dunbartonshire.

Saturday 29 September

Day 14 – 12.30pm

Arrived at Lodge Doric Kilwinning No.68 in Port Glasgow. Unfortunately it was raining today.

To be welcomed by Bro. Robin McIntyre PGM of Renfrewshire West.

Brethren assemble at the War Memorial

PGM Bro. Robin McIntyre lays the Provincial Wreath

PGM and the WSS

PGM Bro. Robin McIntyre with the WSS

Grateful thanks for the hospitality received at Lodge Doric Kilwinning No.68 and to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West for undertaking the necessary arrangements.

Saturday 29 September

Day 14 – 2.30pm

Arrived in Dumbarton at Lodge Dumbarton Kilwinning No.18 where we were met by PGM Bro. James Forrest.

Unfortunately a rainy drive when leaving Port Glasgow, however, it did clear up when reaching Dumbarton.

The service was conducted within the Temple.

PGM Bro. James Forrest lays the Provincial Wreath

Brethren and friends within the Temple

PGM Bro. James Forrest, RWM’s of the Province and the WSS.

Wreaths at the War Memorial within the Temple

Bro. James Mair, President of the WSS presents Mr. Gordon Michie from Poppyscotland with a cheque for £1,918.

This afternoon brought to a conclusion a journey that commenced at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on the 4th August.

31 Provinces visited over 9 weekends, 14 days in total, the length and breadth of the country, many miles covered and a few nautical miles as well.

Every Province and their Daughter Lodges rose to the occasion and provided a fitting tribute of commemoration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War.

The hospitality received on this journey was exceptional and demonstrated the Craft at Work.

On a personal note I would thank the 31 Provincial Grand Lodges who assisted with the arrangements and the various Lodges who provided much needed refreshments and accommodation on the way.

The Widows Sons Scotland are to be commended for their support in providing a presence at every location visited and also providing that common link to each Province.

David A. Reid
Grand Sword Bearer

October 7, 2018/0 Comments/by Grand Lodge Benevolence

Day 13

2018 Poppy Appeal

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland 2018

Sunday 23 September

Day 13 The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 took us to Kilmarnock in Ayrshire and Kilwinning in the Province of Kilwinning.

Sunday 23 September

Day 13 – 1.30pm

Arrived at the Masonic Temple in London Road, Kilmarnock. Another fine dry day.

Welcomed by Bro. William Steel PGM of Ayrshire.

PGM Bro.William Steel, Provost Jim Todd and the WSS

We were delighted to welcome to today’s ceremony:

Provost Jim Todd of East Ayrshire Council

PGM Bro. William Steel

Provost Jim Todd, PGM Bro. William Steel and Mr Gordon Michie with the WSS

Provost Jim Todd, PGM Bro. William Steel and the Brethren from Ayrshire

Our grateful thanks to the PGL of Ayrshire for undertaking the arrangements for today’s ceremony along with the hospitality provided afterwards.

Sunday 23 September

Day 13 – 2.30pm

After a short drive from Kilmarnock arrived in Kilwinning

PGM Bro. Tom Wood and RWM Bro. James Savage of the Mother Lodge met us on arrival.

The now customary group photograph in the Mother Lodge Temple prior to visiting the Abbey.

PGM Bro. Tom Wood, Mr.Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland and RWM Bro. James Savage of the Mother Lodge with the WSS.

Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland receives a cheque from PGM Bro. Tom Wood.

Group photo of the WSS in the Mother Lodge of Scotland

It goes without saying that the hospitality received on this tour has been outstanding and today in Kilwinning that hospitality continued.

Grateful thanks to the PGL of Kilwinning and the Mother Lodge.

September 23, 2018/0 Comments/by Grand Lodge Benevolence

Day 12

2018 Poppy Appeal

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland 2018

Day 12 The joint venture to commemorate by The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 took us to Cowie in Stirlingshire.

Saturday 22 September

Day 12 – 1.30pm

Arrived in Cowie, Another dry day.

Welcomed by Bro. Alistair Marshall PGM of Stirlingshire.

Honour Guard at the War Memorial

Bugler Mr. Simon Railton

We were delighted to welcome to today’s ceremony:

Mr. Alan Simpson, Lord Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk
Provost William Buchanan of Falkirk Council
Provost Tina Murphy of Clackmannanshire
Council
Councillor Maureen Bennison of Stirling Council

PGM Bro. Alistair Marshall presents a cheque to Bro. Jimmy Mair, President of the WSS

Brethren of Stirlingshire with the Civic Leaders

PGM and Civic Leaders with the WSS

Our grateful thanks to the PGL of Stirlingshire for undertaking the arrangements for today’s ceremony along with the hospitality provided afterwards.

Piper Bro.Kevin McLean (PGL Standard Bearer)

Saturday 22 September

Day 12 – 3pm

We depart for home.

September 22, 2018/0 Comments/by Grand Lodge Benevolence

Day 11

2018 Poppy Appeal

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland 2018

Day 11 of The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 took us to Dumfries and Stranraer.

Saturday 15 September

Day 11 – 10.30am

Arrived in Dumfries, another dry day.

Welcomed by Bro. Robert Hughes PGM of Dumfriesshire.

Setting off for the War Memorial

Ceremony Begins

PGM and the WSS

PGM Bro. Robert Hughes presents a cheque to Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland with Bro. Jimmy Mair, President of the WSS looking on.

Our sincere thanks to the PGL of Dumfriesshire and the Brethren of the Masonic Hall in George Street. Especially Bro. Graham and his good lady for their hospitality.

Saturday 15 September

Day 11 – 2pm

Prior to this afternoon’s ceremony we assembled in the precincts of the Castle of St.John in Stranraer to meet local ladies who were in the process of knitting Poppies to raise funds for Poppyscotland,

PGM Bro.Dennis Warren gave us a very warm welcome to Stranraer and the PGL Of Galloway.

Lodge Stranraer Kilwinning provided hospitality prior to and after the ceremony.

Grateful thanks to the Province and the Lodge.

Saturday 15 September

Day 11 – 3pm

Brethren assemble at the War Memorial

Members of the Public observe the proceedings

PGM Bro. Dennis Warren lays the PGL Wreath

Assembled Brethren after the ceremony

PGM Bro. Dennis Warren presents a cheque to Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland with Bro. Jimmy Mair, President of the WSS looking on.

September 15, 2018/0 Comments/by Grand Lodge Benevolence

Day 10

2018 Poppy Appeal

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppy Scotland 2018

Day 10 of The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 took us to Millport in the Province of Argyll and Isles.

Sunday 9 September

Day 10 – 09.15am

Ferry from Largs to the Cumbrae slip, fortunately the weather stayed relatively dry.

Day 10 – 10.00am

Welcomed by Bro. Frank Mapes PPGM of Argyll and the Isles.

Brethren assemble at the War memorial

Thanks to Lodge Kelburne No.459 for providing hospitality before and after the ceremony

PPGM Bro. Frank Mapes and the WSS

The customary group photograph, although the first time we’ve had a baby and a dog included.

Thanks to the PGL of Argyll and the Isles and Lodge Kelburne No. 459 in particular for their assistance and hospitality.

September 7, 2018/0 Comments/by Grand Lodge Benevolence

Days 8 & 9

2018 Poppy Appeal

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppy Scotland 2018

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppy Scotland joint venture (days 8 and 9) to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 travelled from Inverness to Aberdeen over the weekend of 1st and 2nd of September. The weather being very favourable on both days.

Saturday 1 September

Day 8 – 10.30am

Arrived in Inverness at the Social Club of Lodge Old Inverness St.John No.6, Lodge St.Mary’s Operative No.339, Lodge St.Columba No.1295 and Lodge Drummosie No.1438 to be met by PGM of Inverness-shire Bro. Vincent Geddes.

PGM Bro. Geddes and the WSS

Caravell Gardens, Inverness

Thank you to the PGL of Inverness-shire and the Daughter Lodges for assisting in organising this morning’s event and their hospitality on the day.

Saturday 1 September

Day 8 – 1.30pm

A pleasant drive along the A96 turning off

for Lossiemouth where PGM of Moray and Nairn Bro. Ron. Fowler met us.

Saturday 1 September

Day 8 – 2.00pm

Lodge Pigaveny No. 681 very kindly provided further hospitality.

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Saturday 1 September

Day 8 – 4 pm

Short drive to Buckie to be met by PGM of Banffshire Bro. Ally Coull.

Thank you to the PGL of Banffshire and the Daughter Lodge.

Day 8 drew to a close with the weather being kind all day and some relaxation time in the evening in Buckie.

Special thanks to Lodge Gordon’s No.589, Lodge Craigroan No. 1247 and Lodge Bow Fiddle No. 1349 for allowing the WSS to bed down overnight in the Lodge and for their hospitality.

Saturday 2nd September

Day 9 – 10am

Arrived in Turiff to be greeted with an early morning breakfast at Lodge St.Congan No.922 – bacon rolls, roll and sausage BBQ served style outside.

PGM of Aberdeenshire West Bro. Andy Lawrie met an increased number of WSS in attendance today.

Bretheren assemble at the local war memorial

Bro. Brian Morton presenting a cheque to Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland with PGM Bro. Andy Lawrie in attendance,

Allison was a local resident who lived adjacent to the War Memorial, found out what was
happening and very kindly made a donation to Poppyscotland.

PGM Bro. Andy Lawrie with the WSS and some members of the RBL

Day 9, venue 1 is off to a good start, thanks to the PGL of Aberdeenshire West, their Brethren and Lodge St.Congan No.922

Saturday 2nd September

Day 9 – 12.30pm

A short drive to Ellon and met by the PGM of Aberdeenshire East Bro. Ron Simpson and his Brethren.

The hospitality as always was greatly appreciated and provided by Lodge Ythan No.
892.

Saturday 2nd September

Day 9 – 1pm

Headed off to the War Memorial about 100m along the road. The procession was organised by a retired Drum Major.

Brethren within the temple of Lodge Ythan No.892

Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland receiving a cheque from PGM Bro. Ron Simpson

We say our goodbyes and head off to the final leg of our journey today, the Masonic Temple in Crown Street, Aberdeen

Arrived at the beautiful Masonic Temple in Crown Street, Aberdeen to be met by Depute PGM of Aberdeen City, Bro. Harry Ord.

All ceremonies to date have been different and very meaningful in their own way. Today we assembled outside the Lodge room and were piped to the War Memorial.

Saturday 2nd September

Day 9 – 2.15pm

I mentioned previously all ceremonies were different and so was this one.

Depute PGM Bro. Harry Ord addresses the assembly, where the wreaths were laid at Altar commissioned to commemorate the end of the Great War.

Depute PGM and the WSS

Day 9 draws to a close and another successful weekend meeting many Brethren and their families and continuing to raise funds for Poppyscotland.

Depute PGM Bro. Harry Ord and the WSS

September 1, 2018/0 Comments/by Grand Lodge Benevolence

Day 7

2018 Poppy Appeal

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland 2018

Day 7 of The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 visited Hamilton and Paisley. Unfortunately, the weather was against and the Widows Sons Scotland had to endure a very wet drive to reach both locations. However, the visible presence of the motorcycles was appreciated at both venues..

Sunday 26 August

Day 7 – 1pm

Arrived in a very wet Hamilton to be met by PGM Bro. William Perry.

To minimise being drenched the ceremony commenced without delay.

Brethren assemble

PGM Bro. William Perry lays the first wreath

Brethren from the Province of Lanarkshire Middle Ward

Thank you to the PGL of Lanarkshire Middle Ward and the Daughter Lodges for assisting in organising this afternoon’s event and especially for turning up in numbers on a wet Sunday afternoon.

Day 7 – 2pm

PGM Bro. Neil Fraser

A drive in the rain along the M74/M8 motorway, we arrived at Mexwellton Road in Paisley – home to 5 Lodges (129, 370,1116, 1218, 1219).

Day 7 – 3pm

PGM Bro. Neil Fraser welcomed the assembled company. After a short briefing we departed for the Cenotaph in Paisley town centre.

The rain had now ceased and the ceremony was conducted by Bro. Rev Robert Craig Past Senior Grand Chaplain.

Bugler, Bro. Neil Terras SPGW

Bro. Michael Dailly, PG Piper

Brethren from the Province of Renfrewshire East

Commissioned Office Bearers and WSS Special welcome to Bro. Greg Winter from Northern Ireland

After the ceremony we returned to Maxwellton Road where the Paisley Lodges had very kindly laid on soup and a roll – very welcome on a damp day!

We said our goodbyes and Day 7 drew to a close.

Thanks to the PGL of Renfrewshire East and the Daughter Lodges for their support at this afternoon’s ceremony

Special thanks to the Paisley Lodges (129, 370, 1116, 1218, 1219) for their hospitality.

Brethren from the Province of Renfrewshire East

Commissioned Office Bearers and WSS Special welcome to Bro. Greg Winter from Northern Ireland

August 26, 2018/0 Comments/by Grand Lodge Benevolence

Day 5 & 6

2018 Poppy Appeal

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland 2018

The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 continued with days 5 and 6 bringing us to the north of the country, visiting Dingwall in Ross and Cromarty, Kirkwall in Orkney on the Saturday followed by Wick in Caithness and finally Golspie in Sutherland on the Sunday. The Widows Sons Scotland continued to provide the common link with all Provinces by riding their motorcycles and providing a very visible presence.

Saturday 18 August

Day 5 – 9am

Travelled north to Dingwall on the Friday and met 3 Brethren from Shetland (Steve

PGM Robert Cattanach with the WSS

Henry, Alan Balfour and John Callaghan).

Rendezvoused at Lodge Fingal No.318 where the early morning bacon rolls and tea were greatly appreciated. We were greeted by PGM Bro. Robert Cattanach and his Brethren. RWM Bro. Colin Mackintosh Lodge Fingal No.318 presented a cheque to Poppyscotland.

Then off to the Sir Hector MacDonald Memorial overlooking Dingwall to lay the Provincial wreath on behalf of the Province.

At the Sir Hector MacDonald Memorial

Thanks to the PGL of Ross and Cromarty and Lodge Fingal No.318 for providing refreshments on the day.

Day 5 – 9.45am

Left for the journey to Scrabster and board the ferry to Stromness. The captain indicated that we would experience ‘pitch and roll’ and therefore would travel east entering Stromess from Scapa Flow.

Bro. Doug Treasurer kindly organised a visit to the bridge of the Hamnavoe and many questions were asked of the Captain. Thanks to Northlink Ferries.

Arrived in Stromness at 4 p.m over an hour latedue to sea conditions to be met by PGM Bro. Colin Corse.

Early start on refreshments at Lodge Kirkwall Kilwinning No. 38

Day 5 – 5.30pm

Departed for St Olaf’s cemetery on the outskirts of Kirkwall where the Province and Daughter Lodges laid wreaths. On arrival at the cemetery it was raining, however, as we made our way to the War Memorial the rain ceased, some sunshine broke out and our ceremony had a dry moment. The wind however continued apace.

Brethren at St. Olaf’s Cemetery

Returned to the Lodge who provided an excellent meal for all and a time for relaxation and good company.

Thank you to the PGL of Orkney and Zetland and Lodge Kirkwall Kilwinning No.38

Sunday 19 August

Day 6 – 7.45am

PGM Bro. Corse kindly provided a lift back to Stromness to catch the return ferry to Scrabster.

Today the sea was much calmer.

Day 6 – 10.30 am

Arrived in Scrabster disembarked and made our way to Wick, Lodge St.Fergus No.466 to be met by PGM Bro. William McLeod and his Brethren.

The PGM Bro. McLeod laid a wreath on behalf of the Province.

The cooperation of the PGL of Caithness and Lodge St. Fergus No.466 was greatly appreciated with today’s arrangements.

The hospitality of the Lodge was greatly appreciated prior to departing to the local cemetery on the edge of town where many War Graves lay.

Day 6 – 13.45pm

Arrived in Golspie, Lodge St.Andrew No.1318 to be met by IPPGM Bro. Donald Morrison and his Brethren.

The hospitality at Lodge St. Andrew was no different to kindness that we have received throughout this tour to date and much appreciated.

The Brethren and the WSS assembled outside the Lodge and were piped to the adjacent local cemetery were the IPPGM and Masters of the Daughter Lodges laid their wreaths.