LEFT : LORD LYON ( RIGHT ) WITH OLD SCOTCH LODGE WORSHIPFUL MASTER , XAVIER MURTAGH (‘ 04 ) RIGHT : LORD LYON
Lodge
LORD LYON , SCOTTISH KING OF ARMS , BECOMES LODGE PATRON
Zoom ceremony proclaims Lord Lyon as Lodge patron
The Old Scotch Collegians ’ Lodge ( OSCL 396 ) has had a busy and historic year with more meetings than ever before . The Lodge has supported the wellbeing of members by holding weekly catchups , forming new friendships , implementing new digital innovations and creating relationships with lodges around the world .
At our October meeting , following his acceptance , OSCL 396 was honoured to proclaim Dr Joseph Morrow CBE KStJ QC DL , the Right Honourable Lord Lyon , King of Arms of Scotland , as Patron of our Lodge . Lord Lyon is ceremonially responsible for overseeing and granting all new Scottish arms and tartans to persons or organisations . He also confirms , after due diligence , proven pedigrees and claims to existing arms and tartans , in addition to recognising clan chiefs . Lord Lyon is one of the few individuals in Scotland officially permitted to fly the ‘ Lion Rampant ’, the Royal Banner of Scotland .
The proclamation ceremony , conducted via Zoom , included the participation of many members of our Lodge , and was attended by Lord Lyon ( from Scotland ) and the Grand Master of Freemasons Victoria , our Lodge ’ s current supported charitable organisation ( Wombat Housing Support Services ), Freemasons Foundation
representatives , and members ’ partners , friends , Freemasons from around the world , and other members of the Scotch Family .
Freemasonry is a worldwide institution , which has evolved over many centuries , encompassing traditions of the stonemason craftsmen and Guild Halls of Europe . ( Many Guild Halls still exist to this day in the City of London as charitable organisations .) Modern non-operative Freemasonry originated in Scotland during the late 16th century . Its core values are to practise universal charity , promote self-development , build friendships , foster moral standards , and seek excellence in all pursuits .
OSCL 396 has a strong focus on charity , and this year , with the Freemasons Foundation , the Lodge has recently donated $ 21,000 to our charity , Wombat , to support it in these unprecedented times . Earlier this year , our members also conducted digital doorknocks for the Royal Children ’ s Hospital ’ s Good Friday Appeal , and for the Salvos ' Red Shield Appeal , which we took to social media channels to ‘ shake the tins ’.
The Lodge regularly meets on the first Wednesday of even months at the Freemasons Melbourne centre , East Melbourne , or by Zoom in adherence to local heath advice . All Freemasons are most welcome . Meetings are either ceremonial or social , depending on the month .
If you are interested to learn more about Old Scotch Collegians ’ Lodge , please email the Secretary , Duncan McArthur ( secretary @ oscl396 . org . au ); the Worshipful Master , Xavier Murtagh (‘ 04 ), ( wm @ oscl396 . org . au ); or visit the website at https :// oscl396 . org . au .
XAVIER MURTAGH (’ 04 ), WORSHIPFUL MASTER – OLD SCOTCH COLLEGIANS ’ LODGE
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 77