Can I pass on the very best wishes from myself and all at Provincial Grand Lodge of Fife and Kinross, for the coming festive season.
As we approach the end of 2023 and look forward to what we hope will be a happy and prosperous 2024, it is pleasing to see that the Lodges within our Province have returned to normal, albeit we are still experiencing slightly reduced attendances. Hopefully our attendances will continue to improve.
Several Lodges in our province have been looking at how they can survive under the current climate, of low attendances and few intrants.
In Leslie, Lodge St. John 35, Lodge Rothes 532, and Lodge Glenrothes 1549 have been in discussions and agreed to amalgamate. A petition for amalgamation has been submitted to Grand Lodge, and we await the outcome of this. Other Lodges are in similar discussions.
The number of Lodges in the province is going to reduce over time, but if we can keep and indeed hopefully grow the number of active freemasons in the province, then the remaining Lodges should and hopefully, will be healthier, attract new initiates without having Lodges competing in the same locality, and Freemasonry may see a turn-a-round in its fortunes. But for this to happen, we all need to work together in harmony for the same aims.
The annual Installation ceremonies are now again underway, and I would like to thank the Lodges, Masters, Office-bearers, and Brethren for the warm welcome and assistance shown to myself and all Provincial Grand Lodge office-bearers when visiting your Lodge. I would also congratulate those who have been installed as Master of their Lodge and all office bearers on taking up their respective offices. I do hope that you enjoy your term of office. And of course, that wish is extended to those still to be installed.
May the Christmas Season bring happiness and joy to you and your family. And may this coming year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements, and lots of new inspiration. Our very best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Bill Rocks PGM.