Freemasonry in Dumfriesshire takes a recess over the summer months every year, with most Regular Meetings concluding in May and recommencing in September. This does not mean our Masonic duties take a break, far from it. As you will see, Summer 2024 was filled with activities. 

Whilst it is a good opportunity to spend more time with our families on weeknights, our charitable work continues with various brethren supporting and taking part in sporting events or social events to raise funds for good causes. 

During this time our dedicated Brother Almoner, Frank Patterson PM, continues his work; visiting the sick, aged, infirm and widows, bringing them much needed comfort and relief. Many rely on his visits, as for some, it is the highlight of their week.

In an effort to bring together the sister lodges within the Provence, on Sunday 2nd June 2024, Brother Richard McLean PM, with the assistance of Brothers Allan Jardine and Johnathan Donald PM (of Dumfries Kilwinning No.53) organised a games day within the Assembly Rooms, for Brethren and partners to attend and take part in Pool and Domino competitions. This turned out to be an excellent afternoon with many hoping for similar events in the future. 

Competition was as tough as it was humorous, with Brothers Raymond Marshall PM (Thistle Lodge No.62) and Scott Radley PM (Dumfries Kilwinning No.53) winning the Pool competition. Brothers Frank Patterson PM and Allan Turley (both of Thistle Lodge No.62) being victorious in the Dominoes competition. Both pairs won a cash prize for their efforts which they very kindly donated to the Annual Pensioners Christmas Dinner; a donation which will be faithfully applied to such an important event within the Assembly Rooms.

June also saw the start of the European Football Championships, with Scotland qualify for their first international tournament since 1998. To mark the occasion, Dumfries Masonic Social Club screened the games. Although the Tartan Army had very little to cheer about, the brethren and their friends who came to watch the games had enjoyable nights. The Social Club continued to open it’s doors every weekend throughout the summer, and relies on the support of it’s members to stay open.

On the 6th July, within the Assembly Rooms, Dumfries, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dumfries held it’s installation, where Brother Thomas Sinclair Graham PM was installed as Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master. This was a very well attended event with a large number of distinguished and illustrious attendees, including a Deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland headed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason Dr Joseph J Morrow, CVO CBE KC.

Reflecting on the day, now Immediate Past Master, Brother Justin Squires-Cowan stated “It was a great honour to see Brethren from Thistle Lodge No.62 represent the lodge in their respective Provincial and Grand Lodges Offices”. 

We resumed our meetings on 02/09/2024 and set about the year ahead.