The Order of the Temple

The District Grand Priory of Ayrshire

Constituted 1910 -  10 Preceptories 

District Grand Prior: Rt. Em. Fra. James R Hodge, CLJ CMLJ FSA (Scotland) PP     
e-mail:jrhodge0@hotmail.com

District Grand Secretary: V. Em. Fra. Peter C Watson, CLJ CMLJ FSA (Scotland) PP
e-mail:peter.c.watson@talk21.com

e-mail contacts;

No.11 jack@gallowaybiker.fsnet.co.uk
No.15 wilsonrm@supanet.com
No.78 j111hhe@aol.com

District News

Annual Divine Service

Our Annual Divine Service was held on Sunday 11 May in the Old High Kirk, Kilmarnock. There was a fair turnout of Members, the other Orders were well represented  as were the families. The Service was conducted by Rev. William Hall BD. The Old Testament reading was given  by Ven. Fra. Gordon Phillips, Ven Preceptor of Springvale Preceptory. There was a Solo by our good friend Sheila Carswell who, was in her usual fine voice. The New Testament reading was read by Ven. Fra. Patrick McBlain, Ven. Preceptor of Catrine & Sorn Preceptory. After the Sermon by Rev. Hall, our M.E. & Rev. Grand Master Roy Scott presented this years Grand Masters Award to Em. Fra Arthur B S Richardson, who accepted the Award and most suitably replied to the tribute paid to him by our Grand Master. The Knight's Prayer was read by the assembled Knights. After the Service was concluded everyone was invited to the Church Hall where Tea & Refreshments were enjoyed by all. Our District Grand Prior, Rt. Em Fra. James Hodge, PP gave a very warm vote of thanks to all who participated and thanked our M.E. & Rev. Grand Master Roy Scott & the Grand Officers of Great Priory and all the other Orders who were as usual represented by the respective Commissioned Office-bearers of the Provincial Grand Lodges, Provincial Royal Arch, District Grand Priories, Conclave, O.S.M. etc, etc. Our District Grand Prior also presented a lovely bouquet of flowers to Sheila Carswell.       

The Annual McKean Bowling Tournament Saturday, 24 May

The District Grand Priory of Ayrshire hosted the annual McKean Bowling Competition at Springside Bowling Club on Saturday 24 May. After being warmly welcomed by the District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fra. James Hodge, PP the bowlers took to the green. This Competition is now in its seventieth year the trophy being presented in 1933 by the then District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fra. McKean.
The ten Preceptories in Ayrshire were all represented and after an excellent afternoon's bowling the winners were the Preceptory of Catrine & Sorn with the rink of Tommy McBlain, Patick McBlain, Jim Dobie and Reid Allan (Skip) who finally overcame the Preceptory of Cunningham in a closely contested final and the booby prize was accepted in a very sporting manner by the Preceptory of Muirkirk.
A most enjoyable day was had by all despite a slight shower of rain but this was made up for by the hospitality, and friendship given by Springside Bowling Club. After an excellent meal the raffle was drawn and the star prize of a litre of "Haigs Dimple" going to V. Em. Fra. Tom McDowall of Moira Union.
Our District Grand Prior Jim thanked the President of Springside the Ladies Section, and the Bar Staff for the hospitality and service. Thanks was also given to V. Em. Fra. Jim Edgar of Crosbie Preceptory  for the organising and smooth running of the Tournament. Our District Grand Prior also extended thanks to all the Preceptories and individuals who donated prizes to the raffle for which the sum of £160.00 was raised for the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire Charity Fund.         

Grand Masters Award 2003

Congratulations are accorded to Em. Fra. Arthur B S Richardson, PP of Crosbie Preceptory for being the recipient of this years Grand Masters Award. Em. Fra. Richardson (Dickie) was presented with the Award by the M.E. & Rev. Grand Master at our Annual Divine Service on 11 May. (See the Report above)

Promotion

Congratulations are also afforded to our District Grand Secretary V. Em. Fra. Peter Watson, CLJ CMLJ FSA (Scotland) PP on being promoted to Deputy Grand Steward at the Annual Muster of Great Priory on 11 March.  

Visit by the M.E. & Rev. Grand Master

Sat 27 September            Loudoun Castle            Newmilns            2.00pm

The Unity Committee of Ayrshire
(Under the Chairmanship of The Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ayrshire)     

The Grand Parade of the Scottish Orders will be hosted by The Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ayrshire at Kilmanock on Sunday 16 November 2003. All Brethren are requested to be assembled at the Grand Hall, for 2.00pm for the Procession to "March Off" at approx 2.30pm.      

The Grand Parade of the Scottish Orders including the respective Provincial Grand Lodges, Provincial Royal Arch Chapter, District Grand Priory, the Order of the Eastern Star, the 18th & 30th Degree and the Order of the Secret Monitor and others etc. etc. The respective Grand Bodies invited will also be represented. will be led by several Pipe Bands and will parade from the Grand Hall, around the one way system and the shopping precinct to the Laigh Parish Church for the Divine Service which will start at 3.00pm. It will generally involve all the Masonic Orders within Ayrshire.

Afterwards, by way of the pedestrian precinct in a clockwise manner back to the Grand Hall for tea and refreshments.     

CHAS (Children's Hospice Association Scotland)

A report on this most worthwhile scheme to follow.

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            Last modified: June 03, 2003
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