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The deputation from Partick RAC No.113 pictured after conferring the RAC degree at Thetis RAC No.122. A great evening was had by all.
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The deputation from Glasgow CC No.50 pictured after conferring the Cryptic degrees at Edinburgh CC No.1. A great evening was had by all. Congratulations to PTIM Jim Orr on receiving Honorary Membership.
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The Grand Superintendent M.E.C. Gary D. Smith and Honorary Depute Grand Superintendent M.E.C. Alan Cuthill recently visited Kelbourne Park School to present two generous donations.
A cheque for £1,500 was presented from the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Glasgow, along with a cheque for £500 from the Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia.
These contributions will go a long way in supporting the incredible work being done at the school. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for their generosity.
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On Wednesday, 7th May 2025, the Grand Superintendent M.E.C. Gary D. Smith visited Cadder Royal Arch Chapter No. 812 to present a Distinguished Service Award to M.E.C. William C. Shepherdson, P.Z., in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to Cadder Royal Arch Chapter and Royal Arch Masonry in Glasgow.
He was accompanied by:
• M.E.C. John N. Steel, Depute First Grand Principal
• M.E.C. Robert McFarlane, Depute Grand Superintendent
• M.E.C. Ian Haldane, 3rd Provincial Grand Principal
• E.C. John C. Short, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies
• E.C. John Miller, Provincial Grand Recorder
• E.C. James Paterson, Provincial Grand Chamberlain
• E.C. Lindsay McLean, Provincial Grand 2nd Sojourner
• E.C. John Wilson, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer
The Grand Superintendent is photographed with M.E.C. William C. Shepherdson, P.Z., and M.E.C. Andrew Ewart, M.E.Z of Cadder Royal Arch Chapter No. 812.
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On Saturday 3rd May 2025, the Grand Superintendent, M.E.C. Gary D. Smith, and Honorary Depute Grand Superintendent, M.E.C. Alan Cuthill, attended the 2025 Investiture Service of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, Grand Bailiwick of Scotland, held at Holy Trinity Scottish Episcopal Church in Stirling.
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My Journey in Royal Arch Freemasonry
M.E.C John Nisbet Steel
Depute First Grand Principal
The rise from Exaltation to Depute First Grand Principal in 43 short years.
My journey in Royal Arch Freemasonry began in April of 1982 in Glasgow. I accepted an invitation to join Thetis Chapter No 122 and was so impressed by the ritual that I quickly became involved in the Associate Degrees of the Cryptic Council and the Lodge and Council Degrees as well.
My friends in Masonry were also involved with The Cathedral Chapter No 67 and I affiliated there as well and soon became First Principal in 1986 and the same year, Thrice Illustrious Master of The Cathedral Cryptic Council No 67. In 1994 I also served as W.C.N of The Cathedral Lodge and Council No 67.
I have had the distinct honour of holding a Commissioned office in the Provincial Grand Chapter of Glasgow on a number of occasions, Provincial Grand Scribe N 1987-1992, Provincial Grand Scribe E 1992-1995, Provincial Grand Scribe E 1997-2000, Depute Grand Superintendent 2000-2002, and Grand Superintendent 2002-2007. I had the privilege of guiding the Province through its 150th anniversary in 2004, culminating in a weekend of celebrations, starting off with a Royal Arch Degree carried out by the Office-bearers of Supreme Grand Chapter, a dinner dance and a Rededication Service held in Glasgow Cathedral.
I have also served as Provincial Grand Treasurer since 2012, with a break between 2008 and 2011 that’s about 35 years’ service to the Province of Glasgow.
My career in the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland began as a member of Supreme
Committee in 1988 on the Bye Laws Committee and became Chairman in 1993. I have also served in the offices up to Third Grand Sojourner until I became Grand Superintendent of Glasgow.
I had the privilege of being appointed as Depute Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2014 and Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2017. Third Grand Principal from 2020 until 2022, Second Grand Principal 2022 until 2025. Depute First Grand Principal from 2025.
I have had some wonderful experiences during my terms of office in Supreme Grand Chapter, the highlight of course being involved in the 200th anniversary proceedings. I have also represented Supreme Grand Chapter in deputations to India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Spain and Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Australia, however the single most unexpected honour was in November 2019 when our M.E. First Grand Principal wrote and graciously offered me the appointment as Third Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, to which I of course replied affirmatively.
Hopefully my sojourn in Royal Arch Freemasonry is not complete and there are further duties which I will be able to accomplish.
I am extremely proud to say, that’s not bad for a wee boy from Ayrshire.
John N. Steel
Depute First Grand Principal
Supreme Grand RAC of Scotland
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A letter of thanks received from Deafblind Scotland following our recent donation. Should anyone wish to attend DbS Annual General Meeting and get-together afterwards on 27th. March, please contact PGSE for further details.
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Depute Grand Superintendent Robert McFarlane and Provincial Grand H. Ian French visited Deafblind Scotland where they presented a cheque for £1000 from the PGRAC of Glasgow to Chief Executive Isabella Goldie. This donation will be put to good use by DbS to help improve the quality of life of Deafblind people.
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