The Lodge was opened in Due and Ancient form by RWM Bro John R Mackenzie who welcomed all present, (approximately 60 brethren in total) thanking everyone for their attendance and giving a special welcome to our first time visitors. Brothers Dave Cargill The Lodge of St. Nathalan of Tullich - in - Mar. No 259. In the Province of Aberdeen-shire West also Brother John Russell from Lodge Old Inverness Kilwinning St Johns VI. The RWM also welcomed the WSPGM Brother Ewen Smith, WDPGM Brother Vince Geddes and the RWPGM Brother Dave Munro to whome he invited to accept the Gavel of Authority in order that he say a few words before the ceremony began. This being done and the business of the afternoon being concluded, the RWM invited the the RWIM Brother Uisdean Mutch PM to acccept the Gavel and carry out the Re-installation. On accepting the Gavel RWIM Uisdean Mutch PM thanked the RWM for the hard work that he had put in during the last twelve months. He then declared all offices vacant for the purpose in installation. The Installation Team were as follows. RWIM Uisdean Mutch PM. WISW Brother Alasdair I MacGillivray PM. WIJW Brother Stewart Robertson PM. IIG Brother Peter Mulhearn PM. and IDoC Brother J Macleod PM.



The aims and relationships of the craft were then read out by RWPGM Bro David Munro. This was followed by the charges read by Bro Jim Dowie PM. The RWM elect Bro John R Mackenzie then took the Oath of Fidelity. The Lodge was then passed to the second degree and there after raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Proclaimations were then made and finally Installing Master Uisdean Mutch PM, presented the gavel of authority to the Re-installed Master Bro John Robert Mackenzie. On accepting the gavel Bro Mackenzie thanked the installing team for the excellent work they had carried out. He made a special mention to Brother John Beck who had just been installed into the office of Junior Deacon for the first time. The RWM then made a presentation to the Installing Master. The RWM then invited the RWPGM Bro David Munro to accept the gavel of authority. RWPGM Munro accepted the gavel and congratulated RWM Mackenzie, he also congratulated the installing team saying how well they carried out their duties. The collection was the uplifted which reached the magnificent amount of £173.25 which in this instance was to go to Masonic Benevolence. RWPGM Bro David Munro thanked Lodge St Andrew for their very generous donation.

Fraternal greetings were conveyed on behalf of visiting Lodges by Bro Gordon Straube RWM, Lodge St Columba 1295 and also by Bro Lewis Mackenzie PM Lodge Seaforth No 854. The Lodge was closed in Due and Ancient form.

The Lodge was then set up for the harmony and the speeches. The catering this year was again provided by Bro John Wood, Tyler and his wife Christine. I think I can speak on behalf of everybody present in saying that Bro Wood surpassed his usual very high standard and laid on an absolutely first class meal.

Special EA Degree - Wednesday 21/12/2011

The Lodge was opened in Due and Ancient form by RWM Bro John R Mackenzie who welcomed all present, thanking everyone for their attendance and giving a special welcome to our first time visitors. Brothers Scott Maclean and Brother Cameron Stark both from Lodge Priory 1235

The first duty of the evening was again a very sad one, as the RWM reported the passing of Brother Fraser Robertson to The Grand Lodge Above. Brother Robertson had only been Initiated in March 2011, Passed in April 2011 and Raised in August 2011. Brother Steven Fraser. Senior Deacon spoke a few words on behalf of our departed Brother. The Lodge was called to order for a silent tribute.

The business of the evening being complete Brother Secretary and Brother Treasurer retired along with the Deacons to prepare two candidates for initiation. Upon a report at the Lodge room door the two blind candidates Mr David Duffus and Mr Scott Fairfoull were admitted into the Lodge and were guided through the ceremony of their initiation.

Upon completion of the degree RWM Bro John R Mackenzie again came onto the floor and on the level and congratulated the two newly initiated Brethren on taking their first regular step in Freemasonry. The RWM then thanked all who had taken part in the work of the evening especially Brother Andrew Pyke who had taken part in the ceremony for the first time this evening. The assembled Brethren were then called to order to salute the Vacant Chair.

Fraternal greetings were conveyed on behalf of sister Lodges by Bro Gordon Straube RWM, Lodge St Columba. 1295. The Lodge was then closed in Due and Ancient form.

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Mark - Wednesday 07/12/2011

Lodge St Andrew was opened in Due and Ancient form by RWM Bro John R Mackenzie, who welcomed all Brethren present thanking everyone for their attendance on such a cold and windy evening. He gave a special welcome to the Reigning Masters, and Past Masters in attendance. He then called upon the Brethren of Lodge St Andrew to afford the visitors a hearty welcome.

It was with sadness that the first duty of the evening was to report the passing to The Grand Lodge Above of Brother Michael Broadley more affectionately know as Metal Mickey. Brother Broadley who passed away in November joined the Lodge in 1983 and was a good attender until ill health prevented him from managing to come to as many meetings as he would have liked. Brother Jim Dowie PM said a few words in respect of our dearly departed Brother and a moments silence followed.

The business of the evening being thus completed RWM John R Mackenzie passed, then raised the Lodge. He then called the Brethren to order to salute the Vacant Chair. This being done he then reduced the Lodge and thereafter invited Brother Stewart Robertson PM to accept the Gavel of Authority to take control of the Lodge for the work of the evening. Which was in this case a Mark Degree for four Master Masons to be worked by Past Masters and one other. Brother Robertson PM accepted the Gavel and thanked the RWM for allowing him to lead this fine deputation of men to work the degree. Brother Robertson PM then asked all Officers to vacate their Offices in favour of the Degree Team who were as follows. RWMM. Brother Stewart Robertson. PM. WSW. Brother John R Mackenzie. RWM. WJW. Brother Derek Milne. PM. JO. Brother Alasdair I MacGillivray. PM. SO. Brother Jim Dowie. PM. MO. Brother Uisdean Mutch. PM. SD. Brother Douglas S Robertson. PM. JD. Brother Alistair J Macleod. IPM. IG. Brother W.W.Dixon. PM. Lodge Priory 1235. Brothers Beck, MacPhee, Hibberd and Barron were then admitted and guided through a ceremony that I am sure they remember for the rest of their lives.

At the completion of the degree work the RWM came onto the level and congratulated the four Brethren. Upon receiving the Gavel of Authority, the RWM thanked Past Master Brother Robertson and his team for an excellent degree. The RWM stated that the Gavel had not lost any of its Masonic luster whilst in the very capable hands of Past Master Robertson.

The Lodge was then closed in Due and Ancient form. Fraternal greetings were conveyed on behalf of Sister Lodges by the newly installed RWM of Lodge St Marys CO 339. Brother Jim Linsley.

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MM Degree - Wednesday 02/11/2011

Wednesday the 2nd of November saw the Lodge working a MM Degree for the second month running. The Lodge was opened in Due and Ancient form Bro John R Mackenzie RWM presiding. The RWM welcomed all Brethren present thanking everyone for their attendance making special mention to a Brother Brett a first time visitor from Lodge Fingal 318 who had become a Master Mason just the week before. The RWM also welcomed the Reigning Masters,and Past Masters in attendance. RWM Bro John R Mackenzie hoped everybody would enjoy the degree work of the evening, which was a MM Degree for Brother Barron.

It was with great sadness that RWM John R Mackenzie informed the assembled brethren of the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of two Lodge members. Brother Murdo Mackenzie who had joined Lodge St Andrew in 1962 but had unfortunately been unable to attend for many years. Also Brother Kenneth Froude (Kenny) who had passed away at Nairn hospital in October. Brother Froude was a well known character in Ardersier and joined the lodge in 1984. Kenny had worked at McDermotts fabrication yard when its was at its height. He was also a great dominos man and had just received a presentation from Nairn domino league for 50 years of service. His other great pass time was quizzes and he ran many a quiz night in The George pub in Ardersier. The RWM called all brethren to be upstanding and observe a moments silence in respect of theses dearly departed brethren.

The business of the evening being complete Brother Barry Macphee along with the Deacons retired in order to be prepared to be raised. At the conclusion of what was another very well worked degree, RWM Bro John R Mackenzie came onto the floor and on the level and congratulated Brother Macphee on his being raised to the degree of Master Mason. The RWM then thanked all who had taken part in the degree work of the evening especially Brother Andrew Pyke WJW for undertaking a lecture for the first time and being word perfect. The assembled Brethren were then called to order to salute the Vacant Chair. Fraternal greetings were conveyed on behalf of sister Lodges by Bro Gordon Rennie RWM, Lodge St Marys Caledonian Operative No 339 as this would be his last visit as a reigning RWM he thanked Lodge St Andrew for their support over the last two years. Fraternal greeting were also given from Brother Andy Henderson RWM Lodge Fingle 318. The Lodge was then closed in Due and Ancient form.

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MM Degree - Wednesday 05/10/2011

The Lodge was opened in Due and Ancient form by RWM Bro John R Mackenzie. The RWM welcomed all Brethren present thanking everyone for their attendance. He gave a special welcome to a first time visitor Brother Paterson from Lodge St Ninian 575. He also welcomed the Reigning Masters,and Past Masters in attendance. RWM Bro John R Mackenzie hoped everybody would enjoy the degree work of the evening, which was a MM Degree for Brother Barron.

The business of the evening being complete Brother Colin Barron retired with the Deacons in order to be prepared to be raised. At the conclusion of what was a very well worked degree, RWM Bro John R Mackenzie came onto the floor and on the level and congratulated Brother Barron on his being raised to the degree of Master Mason. The RWM then thanked all who had taken part in the degree work of the evening. The assembled Brethren were then called to order to salute the Vacant Chair. Fraternal greetings were conveyed on behalf of sister Lodges by Bro Gordon Rennie RWM, Lodge St Marys Caledonian Operative No 339. The Lodge was then closed in Due and Ancient form.

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FC Degree - Wednesday 07/09/2011

The Lodge was opened in Due and Ancient form by RWM Bro John R Mackenzie. The RWM welcomed all Brethren present thanking everyone for their attendance. He gave a special welcome to the Reigning Masters, Past Masters, and first time visitors, one of whome was a Past Master from California. RWM Bro John R Mackenzie hoped everybody would enjoy the degree work of the evening, which unfortunatly on this evening would be an exemplefication due to the late call off of our candidate.

The business of the evening being complete Brother Colin Barron who very kindly volunteered to stand in as the candidate retired with the Deacons in order to be prepared to be passed for the second time in his masonic career. This being done RWM Bro John R Mackenzie came onto the floor and on the level and thanked Brother Barron most sincerly for standing in at very very short notice. The RWM then thanked all who had taken part in the degree work of the evening. The assembled Brethren were then called to order to salute the Vacant Chair. Fraternal greetings were conveyed on behalf of sister Lodges by Bro Gordon Rennie RWM, Lodge St Marys Caledonian Operative No 339. And also by PM Dick Jolley who stated that everything was so different from the way the degree is worked in America. The Lodge was then closed in Due and Ancient form.

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Provincial Bowling Competition - Saturday 27/08/2011

Saturday the 27th of August was the day that Lodge St Andrew had the honour of hosting the 2011 Provincial Bowling Competition at Cawdor bowling green. A very good attendance of nine teams were assembled in the public bar of Cawdor Tavern prior to the start of this bowling spectacular. Once all the teams were gathered at the bowling green Ian Houston called everybody together to observe a very poignant moments silence for the brethren who had passed to The Grand Lodge Above over the past year.

At the start of play Lodge Drumossie, 1438 and Lodge St Kearan, 1155 were joint favourites to remove Lodge St Andrew, 601s hands from the cup. After an afternoon of fine sportsmanship and one or two wee sherries the brethren gathered once more in the Tavern before catching the bus to the Lodge in Ardersier, where Bro John Wood and his wife Christine had laid on a fantastic spread for everybody to enjoy. Once everybody was fed and watered I had the great honour of presenting the cup to the 2011 Provincial Bowling Competition champions who were Lodge Drumossie, 1438. Brother Kenny Palmer received the cup on behalf of Lodge Drumossie thanking the RWM for an excellent day. The Runners-up this year were a bit of a dark horse and it gave me great pleasure in presenting the Runner-up sheild to Bro Davey Millar who was the captain of The Corperation 'o' Squaremen team. Also this year as the wooden spoon had been filled to capacity with name plaques the Squaremen were also presented with it as they were the most frequent winner of this unenviable title. Unfortunately where there are winners there has to be losers. And on this ocassion the team in last place were Lodge St Columba, 1295. This year as the wooden spoon was no longer in circulation a new prize was given out. This prize was a small claret jug which is to commemorate dearly departed Bro W A Clark better known to all as "Nobby" Clark. Nobby was a very keen bowler and a great supporter of the Provincial Bowling Competition. Wining and dining complete it was back on the bus and through to Inverness for a couple more wee sherries. The Lodge St Andrew team comprising of Stewart Robertson, Tommy Robertson, Ali Mackintosh, and Jim Stewart, finished the day in fifth position.

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MM Degree - Wednesday 03/08/2011

The Lodge was opened in Due and Ancient form RWM Bro John R Mackenzie presiding. The RWM welcomed all present thanking everyone for their attendance. He gave a special welcome to the Reigning Masters, Past Masters, and first time visitors. Again there was a very good attendance by the Brethren from Moray and Nairn which was very much appreciated. RWM Bro John R Mackenzie hoped everybody would enjoy the degree work of the evening. It was also very nice to see Bro Geordie McPheat in the body of the Lodge on his return from Afghanistan.

The business of the evening being complete Brothers Chris Millar and Fraser Robertson retired with the Deacons in order to be prepared to be raised to the Degree of Master Mason. This being done RWM Bro John R Mackenzie came onto the floor and on the level and congratulated the newly made Master Masons on taking their third step in Freemasonry. The RWM then thanked all who had taken part in the work of the evening, making special mention of WJW Bro Andrew Pyke who had delivered a lecture for the first time in a very admirable manner. The assembled Brethren were then called to order to salute the Vacant Chair. Fraternal greetings were conveyed on behalf of sister Lodges by Bro Ali Macrae RWM, Lodge Priory 1235. The Lodge was then closed in Due and Ancient form.

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FC Degree - Wednesday 06/07/2011

The Lodge was opened in Due and Ancient form RWM Bro John R Mackenzie presiding. The RWM welcomed all present,(47 in total) thanking everyone for their attendance on such a horrible wet night. He gave a special welcome to the Reigning Masters, Past Masters and our first time visitors of which there were two from the English Constitution. Brother John Hookham PM Lodge Fulcorn 4791 and Brother David Hibberd who is a member of Internet Lodge 9659. There was also a very good attendance from the Brethren from Forres which was very much appreciated. RWM Bro John R Mackenzie hoped everybody would enjoy the degree work of the evening.

The business of the evening being complete Brothers Barron and Macphee retired with the Deacons in order to be prepared to take their second regular step in Freemasonry. This being done RWM Bro John R Mackenzie came onto the floor and on the level and congratulated the newly passeded Brethren on taking their second regular step in Freemasonry. The RWM then thanked all who had taken part in the work of the evening, as nobody had been on the floor for the first time the Degree went as it should have done. The assembled Brethren were then called to order to salute the Vacant Chair. Fraternal greetings were conveyed on behalf of sister Lodges by Bro Gordon Rennie RWM, Lodge St Marys Caledonian Operative No 339. The Lodge was then closed in Due and Ancient form.

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EA Degree - Wednesday 01/06/2011

The Lodge was opened in Due and Ancient form RWM Bro John R Mackenzie presiding. The RWM welcomed all present, thanking everyone for their attendance and giving a special welcome to the Reigning Masters, Past Masters and our first time visitors.

The first duty of the evening was again a very sad one, as the RWM reported for the second time in as many meetings the passing of three Brethren to The Grand Lodge Above. Brothers Norman MacDonald Past Master, Robert Moir (Bob) and Frederick McDairmid had all passed away since our last regular meeting. Past Master Brother Allister Forbes gave a very in depth tribute to Past Master Norman MacDonald speaking from the heart on the life and times of a true gentleman. Again Brother Uisdean Mutch Past Master spoke on behalf of the other departed Brethren. The Lodge was called to order for a silent tribute.

The business of the evening being complete Brother Secretary and Brother Treasurer retired along with the Deacons to prepare one candidate for initiation. Upon a report at the Lodge room door Mr Kevin Mackay a blind candidate was admitted into the Lodge and were guided through the ceremony of his initiation.

Upon completion of the degree RWM Bro John R Mackenzie came onto the floor and on the level and congratulated the newly initiated Brother on taking his first regular step in Freemasonry. The RWM then thanked all who had taken part in the work of the evening especially Brother John Mackay who had learned a new part of the ceremony. The assembled Brethren were then called to order to salute the Vacant Chair. Fraternal greetings were conveyed on behalf of sister Lodges by Bro John Baillie RWM, Lodge Drumossie No 1438. The Lodge was then closed in Due and Ancient form.

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Heilan Shed No 6 Visitation - Saturday 07/05/2011

Saturday the 7th of May saw the Corporation of Squaremen led by Worthy Deacon Andrew Fraser visiting Lodge St Andrew on their now annual visitation.

A goodly number of around twenty Brethren were present to watch two candidates from the far off town of Nairn being guided through the intricate windings of the Squareman Degree. For anybody who has come upon this site and doesn't know what the Squaremen are, I shall give a brief explanation. The Corporation of Squaremen are all Mark Master Masons and their aim is to raise as much money for local charity as is possible during the day of their visitation. Mostly the charities that are donated to are kiddies charities which help children who are seriously ill or who may be disabled in some way. Heilan Shed No 6 travel to many lodges throughout the Highlands and Islands and beyond, they also make a one off payment to the Lodge which they are visiting, to donate to a charity in that area. It is not unusual for Heilan Shed No 6 to donate well over £1000 every year to local charities in the Highlands and Moray. On this occasion the RWM of Lodge St Andrew was presented with a very nice cheque which is to be donated in the Ardersier area.

After an excellent degree and a great afternoon of socializing the Shed was closed and the Brethren retired for the customary fare of mince and tatties, but there was still one question which everbody was asking. Not, do you think Derek will ever part with that fiver? No the question was, who ate all the mince and tatties?

HHHMMM I wonder.

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