The Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1 bis: Latest News 6

Bro. Philip J. Titley was installed as RWM on 27th December. Ninety-nine Brethren signed the visitors book coming from as far as Aberdeenshire, Fife and even Australia. It was pleasing to see a number of Brethren from the English Constitition supporting the Lodge on the day. Bro. Duncan Taylor PM (1²) and Bro. George Alexander PM (Lodge St. John, Selkirk, No. 32) performed the Ceremony of Installation with dignity and professionalism. Approximatley 50 Brethren braved the colder weather to participate in the 263rd "Masons Walk". Accompanied by the Melrose Pipe Band, the acting Tyler, Bro. Jim Wilson, lead the procession to Melrose Abbey where, in the haunting night mist, Bro. Jim Thornton PM (1²) gave a well researched oration. Over 70 Brethren enjoyed the the hospitalty of the RWM in the George and Abbotsford Hotel at the Festival of Holy St. John where a fine meal was served follwed by the after dinner toasts.

I am honoured that the Brethren elected me to the office of Right Worshipful Master and my main aim whilst in that office is to ensure the continued success of the Lodge whilst remaining in harmony with the local community. We have a great team of Office Bearers bringing both experience and youth to the floor, and all of us always try to promote the Lodge and Freemasonry to the best of our abilities and hope that every Lodge the world over can continue to work in harmony through the many current difficulties.

I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Bro. George Alexander PM St. John Selkirk No. 32 and Bro. Duncan Taylor PM Melrose St. John No. 1bis for the excellent and dignified manner in which the installation ceremony was performed. Thanks must also be given to the remaining Installing Office Bearers who ably assisted the Installing Masters; it was a credit to the whole team. My thanks are extended to Bro. Jim Thornton PM No. 1bis for his superb oration in the Abbey and Bro. Robin Wilson, RWM St. John Stow No. 216, for the also superb Toast to the Holy St. John which he delivered impressively without the aid of any speech notes. It was a day that I will remember and cherish forever, thank you to all who attended and participated.

A warm welcome is always extended to any visitor to Melrose St. John from any constitution throughout the world and we are delighted to extend that welcome to any visitor to the Lodge premises which can be viewed by prior appointment.

Yours fraternally

Bro. Philip J. Titley RWM

Bro. Philip J. Titley
Installed as RWM on 27 December 2008