TO ALL PROVINCIAL, DISTRICT AND LODGE SECRETARIES
Brethren
Further to my email to you all yesterday, can I give you an update on all developments that have taken place today.
I have advised all Committee Chairmen to cancel all committee meetings but that they should maintain contact with the committees through email in order that any urgent business can be conducted.
Grand Lodge will be closed to all except staff. At a Staff Meeting this morning all members of staff agreed to carry on working so that you will still have points of contact. Every possible precaution has been taken to ensure their health and wellbeing in Grand Lodge and we will continue to look after their welfare, but they will be there for you if you need to contact them. But please be aware no one will be allowed to enter the building under any circumstances except the staff.
The contractors working on the new lift will be in the building but will be kept away from the Grand Lodge staff.
Can I re-emphasise that I have suspended all Masonic activity until further notice. I have intentionally not given a specific time frame so that we can resume activities as soon as it is felt safe to do so.
All Lodges who are due to celebrate milestones in their history this year and all Provinces and Districts who are due to have Installations this year should not abandon their plans. Grand Lodge will honour all commitments once it is safe to do – this may well mean carrying out three or four celebrations on the one day, but they will be done.
My sincere thanks to you all for your forbearance. I will ensure that you are all kept up to date with any fresh developments.
Stay safe and look after each other, especially the elderly, the lonely and the vulnerable. Give them a wee phone call every day or drop them an email. Many thanks
Yours sincerely and fraternally
W Ramsay McGhee
Grand Master Mason