Office Bearers 2010 – 2013

R.W.M. Russell Syme

I.P.M. Barrie Harper

W.S.W. Ewan Robertson P.M.

W.J.W. D Thomas

Sec. Mark Dunn P.M.

Tres. Doug Sheal

Almoner: Gordon Mackay P.M.

S.D. Neil Daniel P.M.

J.D. Gordon Daly

Chap. Simon Hope

B.B. Hamish Hutton

D of C Bill Murray P.M.

I.G. Chris Syme

Tyler. David Platt

Marshal. Jim Conner P.M.

Organist. Doug Daly

Russell Christie Sime was initiated into Lodge St. Olaf No. 1188 on 30th November 1989, fittingly becoming the final initiate of the 1980s — a decade which witnessed remarkable growth and prosperity in the Lodge’s membership.

Russell first entered office in 1992 when he was appointed Bible Bearer under the leadership of Past Master Derek Clark. From the outset, he displayed all the qualities of a dedicated and enthusiastic Freemason through his regular attendance, unwavering commitment, and willingness to undertake both lectures and ritual work upon the floor of the Lodge. He possessed a particular gift for ritual, mastering even the more extensive lectures with apparent ease and delivering them during degree work with confidence, precision, and distinction.

Such was Russell’s devotion to the Craft, and the inspiration he provided to those around him, that both of his sons would later follow in his footsteps. Ryan Matthew Sime was initiated on 6th October 2005, followed by his brother Christopher on 13th December 2007, continuing the family’s proud connection with the Lodge.

Following the initiation of Russell’s sons, a moment of gentle amusement frequently arose during the reading of Lodge minutes, particularly during the roll call of attendees. As Ryan progressed through the offices of the Lodge, he was recorded in the attendance book as “Bro. R. Sime Junior,” while his father naturally appeared as “Bro. R. Sime Senior.” On occasions when Russell stepped in to fill a vacant office, the resulting minutes often produced a humorous juxtaposition that was enjoyed by the brethren — most memorably when the attendance recorded “Bro. R. Sime Junior, Senior Deacon,” immediately followed by “Bro. R. Sime Senior, Junior Deacon.”

In November 2010, Russell was installed as Right Worshipful Master. Owing to circumstances within the Lodge, he was required to serve an extended term of three years rather than the customary two-year period, allowing time for the appointment of his successor.

During his tenure as Right Worshipful Master, Russell’s considerable talents as an orator were regularly evident throughout the degrees over which he presided. His meticulous attention to detail was impeccable, while his remarkable memory and polished delivery earned the admiration and respect of all who witnessed his work.

These talents extended well beyond the Lodge room itself. Russell was especially renowned for his performances at Burns Suppers, where he could recite lengthy poems and verses with both passion and humour. Of all these recitations, perhaps none is more fondly remembered than his rendition of “The Haggis of Private McPhee,” reproduced below.

Before the creation of “The Level” as an informal social gathering place for brethren and friends, the bar of the Kilmarnock Arms served as the traditional venue for fellowship after meetings. Yet, during Russell’s time in office, he once again demonstrated his unique ability to do things differently.

Having constructed a bothy in his back garden, Russell transformed it into a welcoming “man shed” and private bar, complete with comfortable chairs, sofas, a wood-burning stove, and a generous supply of beer and whisky. It soon became a place where fellow Masons could gather in warmth and friendship for evenings of conversation and companionship. In many respects, Russell’s bothy provided the very blueprint for what “The Level” would later become within the walls of the Lodge itself.

Back Row L to R: Bro. Mark Dunn, Bro. Bill Murray, Bro. Ewan Robertson, Bro. Neil Daniel, Bro. Chris Syme, Bro. Dog Sheal

Front Row L to R: Bro. Gordon Mackay, Bro. Russell Syme (R.W.M.), Bro. Barrie Harper. Bro. Kenny Davidson