A Bridge Across Continents: The Grand Master Mason Visits

21 August 24

Masonic leaders of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory welcomed the Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, Bro Rev Dr Joseph John Morrow. This high-profile visitor, akin to a royal state visitor in the Masonic world, underscored the deep and enduring ties between these two Grand Lodges. 

The Grand Master Mason was warmly received at the Sydney Masonic Centre by Deputy Grand Master and Grand Master-Elect, RW Bro Khristian Albano. Joining in the welcome were the Grand Treasurer, RW Bro Ian Hogan, PAGM, and the First Grand Principal and Grand Master of the United Supreme Grand Chapter, RW Bro Robert Drake, PDGM. RW Bro Hogan also serves as the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Scotland near our Grand Lodge.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland played a pivotal role in the establishment of Freemasonry in New South Wales. As one of three founding Grand Lodges, it issued charters to local lodges, laying the groundwork for the formation of the United Grand Lodge in 1888. This shared history added a profound sense of significance to the visit, as it celebrated an intercontinental brotherhood.

Bro Rev Dr Morrow is a man of exceptional standing, both within and beyond the Masonic world. As the Right Honourable Lord Lyon King of Arms, he heads Scotland's heraldic authority. His legal expertise, particularly in mental health and ecclesiastical law, is equally impressive. His public service is marked by roles such as Her Majesty’s Commissioner for the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and President of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland.

Recognized for his extraordinary contributions, Bro Rev Dr Morrow has been appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) and, more recently, a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). His list of honours also includes being appointed as His Majesty’s Counsel (KC), a Deputy Lieutenant (DL), and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE). In the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, he holds the rank of Knight of Justice (KStJ).

It's worth noting a unique aspect of Scottish Masonic tradition: all Freemasons are addressed as "Brother," regardless of rank. The appellations of Very, Right, and Most Worshipful are appended to the titles of office and not to the individual Brother. While Brother Morrow holds the esteemed title of Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason, he prefers to be called simply "Brother Joe."

Photo and article courtesy of Bro Eric Vincent Yumul, PGTyler, Secretary of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence.