The Perthshire Freemason Issue Two - Lodge St Michael No.38

Callander Royal Arch Chapter #277 held a special meeting in
November where several high ranking companions from the
Italian constitution attended, we were especially pleased to
receive the 3 rd Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand
Chapter of Italy, MEC Andrea Bonechi. Another special
meeting is planned for April 24 th .
The Companions of Strathearn Royal Arch Chapter No. 34
recently enjoyed a Burns Supper within their Chapter
Rooms at Comrie Street, Crieff. The January Supper
coincided with the annual visitation by a Deputation from
the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Perthshire-
headed by the Provincial Grand Superintendent John (Ian)
Laing; and a grand night was had by all.
The Chapter was opened, and following a most favourable
report by the Provincial Grand Superintendent- was then
adjourned, and a company of 50 - including a dozen ladies-
sat down to enjoy traditional Burns- night fare. The haggis
was piped in by Companion Phil Gill and was thereafter
addressed in skilful fashion by Companion Richard
McGlashan.
The Perthshire Freemason Issue Two
Companion Andrew C. Brown then delighted the assembled
throng with his recitation of ‘Tam O’ Shanter’- dressed in
suitable attire. Andrew delivered the famous poem in an
energetic and entertaining fashion and had the Companions
and their bemused partners rolling in the aisles. The lengthy
poem was delivered by Andrew in typical word-perfect
fashion, and in his own inimitable style. This was a
marvellous achievement and a tribute to Andrew’s
remarkable memory- given that this was the first time he
has delivered the poem. Rumour has it - he is already taking
bookings for next year!
Companion John G. McMillan gave an excellent rendering
of his well -practiced ‘Holy Willie’s Prayer - and Companion
Mike McGregor proposed the toast to the lassies in his
usual urbane and humorous manner. Companion David
Macallum further enhanced the evening with a couple of
musical interludes on his guitar. Overall- an extremely
enjoyable and successful night and the Companions look
forward to a similar event next year.
Strathearn Royal Arch Chapter No 34 have changed
their meeting nights from the second Thursday to the
second Friday of the month at 7.30pm and are holding
events after the meetings:
Feb 12 th – Exaltation followed by a karaoke friends and
partners welcome
Mar 12 th - EM Degree followed by a Scottish quiz night
friends and partners welcome
Why Join the Royal Arch?
I waited 3 years after being raised before joining the
Royal Arch, just like joining the craft I wish I had done
it sooner! I really enjoy my Royal Arch Masonry and do
not to understand why so few of our Lodge members
do not join.
Firstly I joined because I felt it would complete some of
the unanswered questions left after the Third Degree,
we all know Free-masonry is a journey of self
discovery and I felt that to achieve this then all the
steps are necessary. The Royal Arch provides many of
the spiritual answers whereas the three craft degrees
deal with practical ones.
The degrees themselves are worth joining to see, both
are quite amazing and if understood properly reveal a
great deal to the candidate.