The Provincial Grand Master Bro. Rev Andrew Eadie Paterson J.P.

Represented the Provincial Grand Lodge at the Centenary Celebrations

of Minto Preceptory No. 31 Lochgelly

on Saturday 6th. October 2012

Below is a selection of photographs of the event

PGM Bro. Andrew Paterson with a few of the other Guests

The PGM and other Guests sit for photographs

Group Photograph

Group Photograph

Group Photograph

Group Photograph

The Occasion and  historical and background information.

The Preceptory of Minto No. 31 was Consecrated on Wednesday 19th. June 1912. by the Grand Prior James T. Stewart accompanied by Grand Officers of the Great Priory of Scotland.

The first Venerable Preceptor was Eminent Frater George Macleod who was Installed into the Chair with due Ceremony by Right Eminent Fratre James T. Stewart.

Prior to the actual Consecration 17 aspirants were balloted for at a Special Meeting on Sunday 12th. May. 1912. At that time the Annual Test Fee was two shillings and sixpence (12.5 pence in today's money) with Life Membership costing One Guineas (1.05 pounds in today's money).

At a meeting on Thursday 12th. March 1914 the Priory of Minto was formed with the Venerable Preceptor Eminent Fratre John Wilson was elected as Prior. The First Meeting of the Priory was held on Friday 22nd. May 1914.

The Preceptory  was opened by the Venerable Preceptor Eminent Fratre  Alexander Beveridge who welcomed all present. The Right Eminent District  Grand Prior Fratre Sabato Gallo and his Officers and distinguished guests then entered the Preceptory under an arch of steel and  introduced to the Venerable Preceptor. 

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Fife and Kinross was represented by the Provincial Grand Master, Brother  Rev. Andrew Eadie Paterson J.P. The Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Fife and Kinross was represented by the Depute Grand Superintendent Excellent Companion Gordon W.T. Hynd.

The Grand Mareschal  entered the Preceptory to announce to the Fratre that the Grand Master was about to enter the Preceptory and called the Fratres to order. 

The Most Eminent & Reverend Grand Master, David A.C. Niven and his Officers from the Great Priory of Scotland  were received into the Precptory under an arch of steel.

             
The Grand Mareschal thereafter introduced the Senior Officers of Great Priory to the Venerable Preceptory Eminent Fratre Alexander Beveridge. The Grand Master and Officers of Great Priory of Scotland were warmly welcomed into the Preceptory. The Fratres then acknowledged the presence of the Grand Master in due and ancient form.

The Most Eminent & Reverend Grand Master, David A.C. Niven  stated the purpose of the Muster and appointed Grand Officers to assist him with the Ceremony of Re-dedication.

The Ceremony commenced with the singing of the Hymn, Stand up, Stand up for Jesus  followed by solemn prayer and readings from the Holy Gospel.

The Venerable Preceptor Eminent Fratre  Alexander Beveridge  took part  in the Act of Purification at the hands of the Grand Prelate. This was followed by the Investiture and Insignia of the Venerable Preceptor. Eminent Fratre Alexander Beveridge who was conducted to the Alter where by The Most Eminent & Reverend Grand Master, David A.C. Niven administered the Vow of Re-dedication.

The Venerable Preceptor Eminent Fratre Alexander Beveridge then handed his Sword to the Grand Prelate who with solemn ceremony re-dedicated it.

The Grand Prelate then led the Fratre in a Prayer of Thanksgiving and pronounced the Benediction.

The Most Eminent & Reverend Grand Master, David A.C. Niven present the Baton of authority to the Venerable Preceptor Fratre Alexander Beveridge who in turn tendered the fealty of Minto Preceptory No. 31 to the Grand Master.

The Ceremony and Act of Re-dedication was now complete the Grand Master addressed the Fratre. The Venerable Preceptor Eminent Fratre Alexander Beveridge thanked the Grand Master and Grand Officers for the kind and sincere manner in which they carried out their duties this afternoon.

The Most Eminent & Reverend Grand Master, David A.C. Niven and Grand Officers retired under an Arch of Steel from the Preceptory. This was followed by the Dirstrict Grand Prior and his Officers and distinguished guests.

Following the formal picture taking the Fratres dined in the Lodge Room of Lodge Minto No. 385, Lochgelly with the customary speeches.