Friendships and Ceremony as Balgonie 764 Hosts the Glengonie Domino Tournament

A long-standing friendship between Lodge Balgonie 764, Markinch, and Lodge Glenrothes 1549, now Lodge Rothes St. John 35 based in Leslie was further strengthened recently as the members of Lodge Balgonie welcomed the members of Lodge Rothes St. John for their annual visitation and the Glengonie domino tournament. 

The annual visit, this year hosted by Lodge Balgonie, allowed the brethren of Lodge Rothes St. John to confer the Master Mason’s degree upon Balgonie member, Brother Alan Harris. The working of this ceremonial degree was a memorable occasion for Bro. Harris and for the Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Rothes St. John, Bro. Andy Leigh. 

Following the formal work of the evening, the attention of the brethren from both lodges turned to the Glengonie Tournament. A highly competitive occasion for both lodges. The tournament has a history stretching back over 40 years and the honour for both Right Worshipful Masters of their lodge emerging victorious remains as highly sought today as it did all those years ago. Unfortunately for the brethren of Lodge Balgonie the result was to remain the same as last years competition, with the Glengonie trophy once again making it’s way back to pride of place in the Masonic Hall in Leslie. 

Whilst the tournament is highly competitive at the domino tables, the importance of the event is the opportunity for the brethren of both lodges to meet and renew friendships and enjoy each others company. 

The Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Balgonie 764, Bro. John Rougvie, congratulated Lodge Rothes St. John 35 on retaining the Glengonie trophy for the second year and reflected on the evening:

“Congratulations to Lodge Rothes St John 35 on retaining the Glengonie trophy for a second consecutive year. While we would have preferred to see the trophy remain at Balgonie, the tournament is about much more than winning. It is a wonderful example of the friendship, fellowship and tradition at the heart of Freemasonry. After more than 40 years, it is fantastic to see this tradition continuing, and we look forward to our visit to Lodge Rothes St John 35 next year, where I am hopeful Lodge Balgonie will return the trophy to its rightful home.”

This regular meeting of Lodge Balgonie at the Masonic Hall in Markinch, demonstrates that whilst the ceremonial work and the traditions of Freemasonry remain important and integral to the continued success of the Craft, so too are the friendships, fellowship and sense of community that exist between lodges and their brethren.