A former Lochgilphead man's, 60 years of dedicated service to freemasonry was recently recognised in New Zealand. James "Hamish" Craig, originally from Carrick Farm, near Port Ann, was presented with a Diamond Certificate from the Grand Lodge of Scotland on Saturday 25th March. The certificate was presented by Bro. Angus Graham, District Grand Master of New Zealand North, SC, who passed on the greetings and congratulations from Neil John MacLean, Master of Lodge Loch Fyne, No. 754, its office bearers and brethren , the Grand Master Mason, the Grand Lodge of Scotland. In addition, he also received a 60 year service Bar to add to his 50 year badge, presented by the Immediate Past DGM of the NZ Constitution.His son Jamie, who is also a freemason and visited us here in Lodge Loch Fyne only a few years ago, his wife, and two daughters and their husbands who live nearby were all invited into the lodge room to witness the ceremony and enjoy the day with him.
More recently he surprised the lodge during a short visit home to his native Scotland to visit family and friends, when he was able to attend the regular meeting in September and received a tremendous welcome and show of appreciation, especially from some of the more senior members of the lodge who knew him, or his family. He was presented with several masonic momentos to mark the occasion and take back with him to New Zealand. Likewise, he returned the compliment by presenting the lodge with a video and CD of his presentation ceremony and afterwards enjoyed some refreshments, along with visitors from Lodge St Modan, Taynuilt, who were also in attendance that evening.
He is the first member of Lodge Orewa, No. 370, to receive a 60 years certificate, still participates actively in meetings and is very proud of his Scottish roots. Has Lodge Loch Fyne had any other member receive such an award?
Hamish was 23 when he joined Lodge Lochfyne on the 21st. February, 1946, the Master at that time being David Bruce and there were 23 members and 2 visitors that evening. At a later meeting in March of that year the Lodge made a donation to the "Welcome Home Fund" of £18 and 8 shillings, which was raised by James Smith from Whist Drives.
He went on to become a Life member of the Lodge in November 1948 and then moved to South Devon in 1951, before moving to New Zealand six years later, where he has remained active in freemasonry till the present day. In fact he participated in a meeting only five days before his presentation, blissfully unaware of the plans which had been made for his presentation. He was a member of Milford Trinity Lodge, No. 372, NZ Constitution and in 1970 he was installed as Master of Lodge St Thomas Kilwinning, No.83, NZC and then as Master of Lodge Clutha, No.14.
In 1988 he visited his family remaining in Lochgilphead and also paid a visit back to his Lodge where he made a presentation of a beautifully decorated plate marking the centenary of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, which is now sits proudly on display in the lodge Social Club. And just to show the pulling power of "the Squeek," (the local newspaper), Hamish wrote a letter to the lodge to offer his support for a very successful open day, which was held in June 2000, when members of the public were able to come into the lodge and view the lodge rooms, regalia,artefacts and learn more about the organisation in general.
Hamish tells us he still enjoys good health and now lives in a retirement village on the North Island. Congratulations Hamish, from all at Lodge Lochfyne, No. 754.
NEWS ITEMS
ADDITONAL
INFORMATION
60 Year Certificate
60 Year Certificate
with Hamish in the Lodge Rooms
ITALIA 2008
“754” Boldly go ........
Eight lucky members of Lodge Loch Fyne, No.754, may recently have made a bit of history by spending a weekend in, Italy to visit a freemason's lodge, following an invitation from the Master of Lodge Spazio-Tempo, No. 11, di Bologna. It is believed to be the lodge's first visit abroad and the members of No.11 believed it to be the first official visit to Italy by a lodge from Scotland..... unless you know better?
It was with much enthusiasm, but with some degree of uncertainty that the party of eight departed, on Friday, 14th March for the airport, perhaps unsure of the welcome we might receive, or differences in freemasonry, language, or culture. The nerves were not helped by an engine failure and communication problems at Gatwick airport, causing us to arriving an hour late.
Hurriedly we entered the Lodge to the strains of Flower of Scotland. Bro.,Lachlan Wood had the honour of heading the deputation and received a warm welcome from the Master of Lodge Spazio-Tempo, Bro., Giuliano. A large turnout of members and many high officials of the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy and the Regional Grand Lodge of Emilia-Romagna, were present, some of whom had travelled several hours themselves, to be with “the Scottish brethren.”
Despite language differences, the meeting proved be very interesting and dramatic to the visitors, not unfamiliar to that seen in Scotland. On completion, we were then invited to demonstrate some aspects of the Scottish ceremonial to an enthralled, attentive audience, assisted by Bro. Giuliano, who translated every word. The meeting then concluded with a rousing chorus of national anthems, followed by a fine meal of typical Italian pastas - and some wine, too.
The members of “754” were then presented with individual gifts and 2 commemorative plaques to mark the occasion after which Jimmy McCallum replied to the toast made to the visitors (need to brush up on the Italian, Jimmy) and Lachie Wood presented a beautifully hand engraved, decanter and some fine Scottish Malt in return.
Everyone agreed it had been a special night, but in reality that was only the beginning of the hospitality. A beautiful Saturday morning found us located in a large villa in the hills overlooking Bologna and once the heads had cleared we were taken into Bologna and given a guided tour of the city centre, accompanied by many new found friends from the previous evening. Bologna may not be known as a tourist destination, but it has many beautiful buildings of historical, or architectural interest, the centrepiece of which must be the Bassilica San Petronius, which leaves one in awe of its size and ornate artwork.
In need of some refreshment, a large group then gathered in the “Celtic Druid” to watch Italy play Scotland at rugby. Perhaps anticipating the result, Pippo came along with eight wooden spoons and Scotland duly obliged by snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Not to worry. It was the least we could do to repay the hospitality we had received.
After some hectic bargaining at the shops and a sing song along the streets of Bologna, it was time for dinner in a typical Italian restaurant. Again, we were joined by many Italian brethren who brought along wives and families to grace the evening and make us feel most welcome. Jimmy Purdie declined the invitation to respond to a speech, so Lachie tried his hand at it. No one yet knows whether it was in English, or Italian, but he received a warm round of applause anyway.
Sunday morning saw the fitter boys negotiate the security gates of the villa and head to climb Monte Paderno, before the afternoon barbecue. Again, we were humbled by the large company, many, of whom travelled long distances to join us once again, along with their families. What a feast was provided and expertly cooked by Jacopo, chef for the day and his assistants. A few glasses of home made wine and Malt whisky were enjoyed, followed by singing of anthems, to bring the fun to an end and send the boys off to the airport in style.
Everyone agreed it had been a weekend never to be forgotten and hopefully a long lasting friendship has been cemented with Lodge Spazio-Tempo for many years to come and we have the pleasure of returning some of the hospitality we received some time in the future.
If the “Squeek” makes it to Italy , we wish to put in writing our most sincere gratitude to everyone who made it a weekend never to be forgotten, but perhaps more especially Giuliano, Jacopo, Nerio, & Alberto.
Winner of the
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