Office Bearers 2008 – 2010
R.W.M. Barrie Harper
I.P.M. Niel Daniel
D.M. Gordon Mackay P.M.
S.M. John Simpson
W.S.W. Richard Scott
W.J.W. George Hall
Sec. Mark Dunn P.M.
Tres. Doug Sheal
Almoner: Kenny Davidson
S.D. Ryan Syme
J.D. Russell Syme
I.G. Steven Cowie
Chap. Chris Syme
B.B. Paul Forsythe
Tyler. David Platt
Bro. Barrie Harper was initiated into Lodge St. Olaf on 7th January 1988, during a period when the North East of Scotland was attracting people from across the country through the opportunities created by the booming oil industry. A proud son of Ayrshire, Barrie was one of many young men who made the journey north in search of new opportunities and, in doing so, discovered not only a new home but also a lifelong place within the fraternity of Freemasonry.
Settling near the coastal village of Whinnyfold, only a few miles from Cruden Bay, Barrie quickly became immersed in the life of the Lodge. Those who knew him in those early years recall a man who embraced both the ceremonial traditions of Freemasonry and the strong social spirit for which Lodge St. Olaf had become well known.
IIt did not take long for Barrie to become an active and valued office bearer. In 1988, under the term of his close friend RWM Jim Gardiner, he accepted the office of Lodge Organist — joining a long and proud tradition within Lodge St. Olaf of brethren appointed to musical-sounding offices despite possessing little or no musical ability whatsoever. Barrie, by his own admission, could no more play the organ than conduct an orchestra, though fortunately this presented no great difficulty, as the Lodge did not actually possess an organ in the first place. In truth, the title mattered far less than the willingness to serve, and Barrie carried out his duties with characteristic good humour and dedication. From there, he steadily progressed through the various offices of the Lodge, earning the respect and confidence of the brethren along the way, eventually culminating in his installation as Right Worshipful Master in November 2008.
Barrie’s contribution to Lodge life, however, extended far beyond the Lodge room itself. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Lodge St. Olaf enjoyed a thriving social scene, with brethren and families regularly coming together for fundraising events, excursions, and adventures that became legendary within the Lodge’s history. Among the most memorable of these was the famous Ythan Raft Race.
Between 1986 and 1992, Barrie served as a crew member in no fewer than four raft race teams. The races themselves were only one part of the story. Long before the rafts ever touched the water, countless hours were spent planning, designing, building, and, on occasion, repairing the often-questionable floating creations that represented the Lodge in the annual event. Barrie was deeply involved in every aspect of the enterprise and became one of the familiar faces associated with the Lodge’s enthusiastic participation in the races. Those who took part still speak fondly of the camaraderie, laughter, and occasional chaos that surrounded the raft race years.
Another chapter of Lodge folklore in which Barrie played a starring role was the famous sponsored walk along the Speyside Way in 1989. What began as a fundraising and fellowship exercise soon developed into one of the most talked-about Lodge adventures of its time.
The inclusion of two ladies in the walking party proved to be an inspired decision. Barrie’s next-door neighbour, Joan Fisher, had expressed an interest in participating, while Alison Mackay, wife of Bro. Gordon Mackay, had similarly indicated she would enjoy taking part. Their presence added greatly to the character of the expedition, particularly in the case of Joan, who possessed a remarkable talent for storytelling and humour.
Following the walk, Joan penned her now-famous humorous account entitled The Tale of the Knotted Dandelion. Written in a wonderfully exaggerated “Lord of the Rings”-style fashion, the story affectionately poked fun at all involved in the adventure, though none more so than Barrie himself, who found himself cast in the leading role of Joan’s comic saga. The tale quickly became part of Lodge legend and remains fondly remembered by those who experienced the walk firsthand.
Barrie also featured prominently in the surviving video footage from the Speyside Way expedition. Indeed, among those who remember the trip, one clip has become permanently associated with him — “If you ever want a crisp, Barrie’s your man!” A simple but enduring comment that perfectly captures the humour and camaraderie which surrounded those memorable days.
Over the years, Barrie has continued to participate in many of the Lodge’s numerous “sabbaticals” and social excursions, remaining at the heart of the fellowship that defines Lodge St. Olaf. Whether contributing within the Lodge room, supporting charitable and social activities, or simply sharing in the companionship of the brethren, he has remained a loyal and enthusiastic presence.
Today, Bro. Barrie Harper is remembered not only for the offices he has held or the events in which he participated, but for the warmth, humour, and friendship he has brought to Lodge life over many decades. His story is one that reflects the very spirit of Lodge St. Olaf — a fraternity built not only upon tradition and ceremony, but upon enduring friendships, shared adventures, and memories that continue to bring laughter long after the events themselves have passed.