15th April 2025
In the waning days of early Spring, when the winds of the North still bore the chill of ancient snows and the sun stretched longer upon the hills of Aberdeenshire, there set forth from the realm of St. Olaf a small and noble company. At their head rode the Right Worshipful Master, Brother Gordon Daly, wise in the craft and steadfast in purpose.
With him travelled three: one young in the ways of the Lodge but eager of heart, Bro. Glynn Jones, an Entered Apprentice; another, Bro. Phil Anderson, a Fellow Craft whose hands bore the strength of labour and the learning of the Middle Chamber; and lastly, Bro. Vern Nathan, a Master Mason, seasoned and true. Each bore a token of the path they had walked—three Brothers, three degrees, one sacred journey.
Their road led them westerly to the town of Ellon, through moor and meadow, to the hallowed halls of Lodge Ythan No. 892. There, under the roof of kindly brethren and by the guiding light of fraternity, they witnessed the solemn working of a First Degree—an initiation rendered with excellence and honour, in the presence of men bound by ancient oaths and shared purpose.
The brethren of Ythan welcomed the travellers from St. Olaf with warmth beyond measure. Their hospitality was as a hearthfire against the dusk, and their ritual as a song long sung, yet ever stirring. The ceremony was of such a calibre that the hearts of the visiting Brothers were kindled anew, and their spirits made bright with the flame of renewed zeal.
When the work was done, and the stars crowned the firmament above Ellon, the four companions took the road eastward once more, the wind at their backs and purpose in their hearts. For on the horizon lay another labour, one of great significance—a Third Degree to be held within the sacred precincts of their Mother Lodge, St. Olaf, on the nineteenth day of April.
And so they rode, in fellowship and silence, each man pondering the mysteries of the Craft, and the great journey that lies ever before those who seek Light.