Thursday 19th March 2026
In the waning days of the season, upon the 19th day of March, the Brethren of Lodge St. Olaf No. 1188 gathered once more within their hallowed halls upon Serald Lane in Cruden Bay.
The day itself had been touched by uncommon warmth, the sun shining kindly upon the land as though winter’s grip had at last begun to loosen. Yet by the hour of meeting, the sky had turned black as pitch—clear and unbroken by cloud—and from that clarity came a sharp chill that settled upon the night air. Within the Lodge Rooms, however, there was warmth in abundance, both of hearth and of welcome, as the Brethren assembled in fellowship.
The Gathering of the Brethren
The Lodge was filled to its very bounds, the North and West walls lined with the faithful—Brethren of St. Olaf standing shoulder to shoulder in quiet unity. Yet they did not stand alone. From neighbouring Lodges came honoured guests: Brethren of Lodge Keith No. 56 and Lodge Dundonnie No. 1087, who were received not as strangers, but as long-known companions upon the same path.
At their head stood the Right Worshipful Master, Brother Gordon Daly, whose words of greeting rang clear and true. Under his guidance, the Lodge was united in purpose, harmony, and the enduring spirit of the Craft.
The Work of the Degree
It was a night of purpose and solemn undertaking, for two worthy candidates—Mr. Brazier and Mr. Mitchell—had presented themselves to advance upon their journey, bound together in the rare and notable working of a double First Degree.
Presided over by the Right Worshipful Master, Brother Daly, the degree was carried out with a precision keen as any finely wrought blade. Each part was delivered with care and mastery, reflecting the high standard long associated with the labours of Lodge St. Olaf.
Yet it was not only the experienced who shone. Several of the Lodge’s newer members rose to deliver their lectures, and did so with confidence and clarity, matching the standard of those who had walked the path before them. In this, all could plainly see that the Lodge stands in strong health—renewed by fresh voices, yet steadfast in its traditions.
The candidates themselves bore their part with dignity and composure, acquitting themselves admirably and contributing greatly to the harmony and spectacle of the evening, which was enjoyed by all present.
Honours Bestowed
When the labours of the degree had been brought to their proper conclusion, the Right Worshipful Master called forth Brother Andrew Crawley and Brother Andrew Phipps.
Before the assembled Brethren, he presented them with personal tokens of gratitude, in recognition of their leadership in the planning and execution of the Burns Supper held on the 17th of January—an event of great success, both in fellowship and in fortune.
They were joined by the younger Brethren who had rallied alongside them, each playing their part in ensuring the evening’s triumph. Words of sincere appreciation were spoken, echoed warmly by all present, and each Brother received a commemorative Robert Burns Masonic lapel pin, marking their valued contribution.
The Feast at the Level
With the formalities complete, and the moments of the evening duly recorded for the chronicles of the Lodge, the Brethren repaired to the Level—the Lodge’s own place of refreshment and fellowship.
There, amid food and drink, the bonds of brotherhood were strengthened once more. Conversation flowed freely, laughter was shared, and the warmth of true camaraderie filled the room—standing in gentle contrast to the chill that lingered beyond the doors.
The Turning of the Season
And so the evening drew to its close, as too did the season.
Yet this was no ending, but merely the turning of a page. Even as they departed, the Brethren spoke of plans yet to come—of gatherings, labours, and fellowship that would carry them through the months ahead, until the Lodge reconvenes in October.
In due course, word of these endeavours shall be carried forth across all channels, that all may remain informed and united.
Thus ends the Chronicle of the Season’s End— a tale of fellowship, of labour well done, and of a brotherhood that endures beyond the turning of time.