Office Bearers 2013 – 2015
R.W.M. Gordon Mackay
I.P.M. Russell Syme
D.M. Ewan Robertson P.M.
W.S.W. Doug Daly
W.J.W. Jim Conner P.M.
Sec. Mark Dunn P.M.
Tres. Doug Sheal
Almoner: Raymond Thomson
S.D. Neil Daniel P.M.
J.D. Malcolm Davies
Chap. Simon Hope
B.B. George Hall
D of C Bill Murray P.M.
I.G. Barrie Harper P.M.
Tyler. David Platt
Marshal. Dave Thomas
Back Row L to R: Bro. Doug Sheal, Bro. Davie Platt, Bro. Simon Hope
Middle Row L to R: Bro. Mark Dunn, Bro. Ewan Robertson, Bro. Gordon Mackay (R.W.M.), Bro. Russell Syme, Bro. Barrie Harper,
Front Row L to R: Bro. Neil Daniel, Bro. Gordon Daly, Bro. Jim Connor, Bro. Malcolm Davies
Gordon Mackay relocated from Grangemouth to Peterhead in April 1981 to take up a new position in Aberdeen. For the first six months, he slept on a couch in his grandfather’s house while preparing a home for his young wife and baby to join him. They eventually moved to Peterhead in September of that same year.
Many of Gordon’s male relatives on his mother’s side of the family were Freemasons, and a significant number of them were members of Lodge St. James 256 in Peterhead. At the age of 24, Gordon expressed interest in joining the Lodge. However, due to a long waiting list at Lodge St. James, his grandfather suggested he might progress faster by applying to Lodge St. Olaf 1188 in Cruden Bay. His grandfather’s friend, Fred Warrander, a member of Lodge St. Olaf, proposed Gordon for initiation. Thus, Gordon’s Masonic journey began in the smaller country lodge of Cruden Bay.
Lodge St. Olaf provided a warm and welcoming environment for Gordon. Despite being smaller and less grand than the halls in Peterhead, it quickly became a place where he formed lasting friendships. By 1983, Gordon and his family had settled in Cruden Bay, purchasing a home in Slains Crescent. With a second baby only a few months old, the family established deep roots in the village.
At the time, Lodge St. Olaf was in need of younger members to revitalize its activities. The 1980s saw an influx of new candidates, many of whom, like Gordon, had moved to the area for work and shared similar family circumstances. This led to a thriving sense of community within the Lodge, as fraternal and social relationships blossomed among members and their families.
Gordon quickly became an active participant in the Lodge’s affairs, taking on various offices and advancing through the ranks. He was also a keen floor worker, dedicating time to learning and delivering lectures, including the three Tracing Boards and various charges, which he continues to present to this day. His artistic talents, honed during his college studies in graphic design, were also put to good use. In the early 1980s, Gordon drafted the three Tracing Boards still used in Lodge St. Olaf’s ceremonies today.
Beyond the formal workings of the Lodge, Gordon was part of an enthusiastic group of younger members who introduced creative ways to raise funds. In 1986, he joined three other members in a sponsored walk along the West Highland Way, raising a significant sum for the Lodge. That same year, the Lodge entered the Ythan Raft Race for the first time, winning the prize for the Most Creative Raft. This success spurred further participation, with the Lodge earning accolades in subsequent years, cementing their reputation among Raft Race enthusiasts.
Social activities within the Lodge also evolved during this period. Formal dinner dances, which had been the mainstay of earlier generations, gave way to events like Burns Nights, race nights, quiz nights, and even boxing nights, catering to the preferences of the younger demographic. Additionally, the younger members organized adventurous outings, including trips to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula, the Speyside Way, the Isle of Arran, and Braemar, which became known collectively as “Lodge Sabbaticals.”
In November 1994, Gordon achieved the significant milestone of ascending to the chair of King Solomon, becoming the Right Worshipful Master (R.W.M.) of the Lodge. This was a time of great pride but also marked a challenging period in his personal life. His third son was born 25 weeks premature, and difficulties within the Lodge further tested Gordon’s resolve. These challenges led him to step back from Lodge activities for a time. However, as friendships endured and circumstances improved, Gordon returned to the fold, inspired by the ascension of close friends to the chair of King Solomon and their support for him.
Gordon’s second term as R.W.M. held special significance. His youngest son, Ewan, who had shown early interest in Freemasonry, joined the Lodge under Gordon’s leadership. Gordon had the honor of presiding as Ewan took his three steps to become a Master Mason. Ewan’s rapid rise through the ranks was a source of immense pride, culminating in his installation as the youngest R.W.M. in Scotland in 2019—a highlight of a Masonic career filled with memorable moments.
Today, Gordon remains an active member of Lodge St. Olaf, continuing to contribute his creative talents to the design and management of the Lodge’s website. Notably, Lodge St. Olaf was the first in Scotland to establish a website and has maintained its innovative edge in presenting itself to the world. Gordon’s dedication to keeping the website engaging and up-to-date reflects his commitment to ensuring the Lodge’s legacy endures.
As Gordon approaches his 44th anniversary as a member of Lodge St. Olaf, he takes pride in being part of a group of longstanding members who have supported the Lodge since the 1980s. His role now focuses on mentoring and encouraging the younger generation to embrace leadership roles and take the Lodge forward. With its rich history and vibrant community, Lodge St. Olaf continues to thrive, guided by the efforts and dedication of that band of brothers who have now become ‘the old boys’.