Scotch College

Lodge warmly welcomes influx of young Old Boys

Words: BILL TINGATE

During this year, the Old Scotch Masonic Lodge has been delighted to welcome a growing number of young Old Boys into Freemasonry, helping to swell the next generation of Freemasons: Daniel Ritchie (’02) and David Silver (’01) were welcomed at the June meeting; James Cooper (’05) at the September meeting; and Andrew Picken (’99) at the December meeting.

Also during the year, several young members progressed on their Masonic journeys to become Master Masons: Paul Daniels (’00) in April; Nick Welch (’04) in July; and Xavier Murtagh (’04) in October. At the other end of the spectrum, RWBro. Maurie Smith received his 65 years’ service jewel; Bro. Jim Mitchell his 60-year jewel; and WBro. Alan Steele his 50-year jewel.

Early in May we held the 70th annual Old Boys’ Night, with 65 attending, together with Old Boys visiting from other Lodges, including Will Mactier (’53) from Tatura. Later in May, we attended the annual Combined Schools’ Lodges Night, hosted by Mt Scopus and Collegians Lodge, with the Grand Master, MWBro. Garry Sebo, attending.

In November, WBro. Ray Dawson (’67) retired as Master, and WBro. Peter Turnley (’58) was installed in the Chair of King Solomon as Master for 2008, together with the investiture of his officers: RWBro. Willis Parton (’46) being the Installing Master, assisted by his Grand Lodge team. Peter has a very busy year already lined up ahead!

The Lodge has again been involved in a number of charitable activities, including door-knocking in the Hawthorn area in June for the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, raising almost $10,000; and in October, a charity film night at Scotch to see Avanti, in aid of Guide Dogs Victoria. On the social side there was a bowls and golf day at Riversdale in April; a visit to the MCG Museum and the new Eureka Tower in July; a ladies’ night with Christmas in July and magical entertainment in August; and a Christmas dine-out in December.

The Lodge meets on the first Thursday each month (except January), at the Camberwell Masonic Centre. All Freemasons are welcome. Interested Old Boys are invited to contact the Secretary, Stuart McArthur, through the OSCA office on 9810 4302.

1. The 2008 Master, WBro Peter Turnley and Bro Xavier Murtagh (’04), the Lodge’s latest Master Mason.

2. The seventieth Old Boys’ Night commemorative cake, with Maris Sloan, who looks after the Lodge members, and Maurie Smith (’41), who received his 65 years’ service jewel.