Four past masters of Kirknewton and Ratho 85; Bro's Scott, Harrower, Nevin and Potter, maintained the traditional sojourn to lodge Melrose St John 1bis in their June meeting on Saturday 25th, further cementing the ties between the lodges. 85 and 1bis have been exchanging visitations for decades and this meeting, post covid, recorded a break in a 300 year tradition of holding the annual installation on a day other than on St John's day (27th December). Even a planned and an unplanned medical excursion did not curtail the brethren making the visitation. Bro Brian W Lawson was installed as the master of Melrose St John 1bis  in a packed Corn Exchange by Bro George Donnelly, Past Master of Lodge St. Ebbe No. 70 and a Past Provincial Grand Master of the Province of East Lothian & Berwickshire, along with Bro. Duncan Taylor, Past Master. Likewise, in another break of tradition, the annual Masons' walk to and from Melrose Abbey, took place in daylight hours, negating the need for the infamous and perhaps perilous wax torch lights! A thoroughly enjoyable day out was had by all. see ​The Lodge of Melrose St John No 1bis

Congratulations to three brethren from Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No 85 on being installed into office at the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire Installation at a ceremony held at Bo'ness on 11th May 2022: Bro Mark R Nevin IPM as PGL Sword Bearer, Bro Kenny E McMaster PM as PG Almoner and Bro Neil S Gordon as PG Treasurer. A special night for our brethren, particularly Bro Neil Gordon being installed as PG treasurer for the 19th successive year.

Hearty congratulations to Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85's latest 50 year diploma members: Bro Kenneth Hutton, Sandy Lukey and Willie Aitken and of course to our RWPGM Bro Ronnie Gemmill who was made an honorary member on Friday 22nd April. What a great night of history and celebration, the fantastic deputations from PGL and St John Corstorphine 788 and not to forget the soup and the freebees!!! 😂🤝🤝🤝 ​

Kirknewton and Ratho 85 syllabus up to the end of April 2022.

Friday 8th April 2022 Regular Meeting, Lecture: “Baronial Ratho, the Lodge and a very unique masonic artefact”, by Bob Potter PM Tyling at 19:30. (updated lecture from the 337-zoom series) Followed by harmony. EA, FC and MM’s very welcome.
 
 
Friday 22nd April 2022 Regular Meeting, three 50-year jubilee membership celebrations to be presented by PGM Bro Ronnie Gemmill, 3rd Degree: Bro Gault, Tyling at 19:30. Followed by harmony.

RWM and brethren concluded at last weeks General Committee, now that Scottish Government restrictions due to the Omicron variant of Covid have been lifted on 24th January, the Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85 meetings will resume from Friday 11th February 2022. That's very good news and the RWM is looking forward to welcoming you all back into the lodge once again.

As I am certain you are well aware, the priority is to make as sure that all our members and visitors are as safe as possible from the Covid19 virus and under the current Scottish Government and GLoS guidelines, there are certain protocols that must be observed which are summarised in the documents on this website and are subject to change as the Scottish Government and GLoS guidelines change in due course.

In preparation the Lodge Risk Assessment and Lodge Protocols have been updated to the current guidelines and are posted on the Lodge notice board and the Coronavirus information tab on this website.

​The master is looking forward to welcoming members and visitors back to the regular meetings from 11th February 2022

​It is the time of year when the Brethren rejoice, and sing carols of praise in resounding voice.
Days of merriment and long nights of cheer, as we all await the “Happy New Year!”.
It is a time of family and life long friends, a time of happiness and to make amends.
Roast turkey and baubles and the Nutcracker Suite, we each have our own way to make Christmas complete.
As we stroll through this happy month of December find time to pause and take time to remember
that distinguishing sign of a Freemason’s heart — those acts of Charity.
How great they are. As your family gathers ’round your Christmas tree, and the children play with giggles of glee, spare a thought for the poor, the man with no shoes, whose daily meal is less than your dues.
Remember also the Grand Lodge above, and the Supreme Great Architect’s act of love. And practise those virtues we hold so true. Have some fun! But let Temperance chasten you. And during this season of peace and joy look well to our future — the girl and boy. Then wonder what lessons you may them teach, and with your guidance what heights they may reach.
So, to all of my Brethren from far and wide, whether your Christmas be snow, or hot and dry, may the Great Architect grant his celestial boon and keep your good health ’til we meet again soon. Take care of yourself and those you find dear. Keep this festive spirit throughout the next year. Look toward your next date with our happy band.
Wishing all the brethren of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No85 a very merry Xmas and happy new year.
All the best and stay safe
Bro Colin W Grieve RWM

All members of Kirknewton and Ratho 85 are respectfully reminded that the annual test fees to 31st October 2022 are now due.

Any brother in arrears should note that dispensation to pay reduced back fees expires 6th February 2022. Please contact Treasurer or Secretary to obtain details how to pay. Use the following link to contact us page if required.

Master Bro Colin Grieve supported by several brethren, laid a wreath at the Ratho war memorial today and paid respects to the glorious dead on behalf of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85. Lest we forget.