Lodge Balgonie 764 members mark Remembrance Sunday
Members of Lodge Balgonie paid their respects at the weekend.
Members of Lodge Balgonie No. 764, along with family members, turned out to pay their respects at the annual Markinch Remembrance Sunday event.
As has been the case in previous years, members of Markinch’s Masonic lodge played a leading role in the commemorations, with Lodge Balgonie members volunteering as stewards for the Remembrance Day parade as it made its way from the Masonic Lodge to the town’s war memorial. Lodge members, along with their family, also took part in the parade itself, marching shoulder-to-shoulder alongside representatives from the army cadets, scouts, brownies, primary school pupils, community groups and veterans.
As part of the service held at the town’s memorial gardens, the Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Balgonie, Bro. John Rougvie, laid a wreath on behalf of the lodge brethren to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Following the act of remembrance at the memorial gardens, the lodge members marched once-more alongside the army cadets of the Black Watch Battalion (Bhurma Company) to the historic, and atmospheric, Markinch Church. Which as Rev. Dr Shackleton highlighted has served the community of Markinch and surrounding areas for 900 years as a place of worship.
The Rev. Dr Shackleton, Minister for the Heart of Fife parish, delivered a service shaped by hymns representing the four nations of the United Kingdom, choosing Amazing Grace to represent Scotland, while building in music references to modern pop stars including Robbie Williams and Adele. Music throughout the service was provided by the Tullís Russell Mills Brass Band.
As well as laying a wreath at the town’s memorial, Right Worshipful Master Bro. John Rougvie also gave a reading from St. John, Chapter 15: versus 9 -17, during the church service.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Bro. Rougvie emphasised why the occasion holds such an important place in the hearts of the brethren.
“It is always a privilege for the members of Lodge Balgonie 764 to show our support for Markinch on such an important day. It is really important to our Lodge, and to Freemasonry in general, that we never forget the heavy price paid by those who gave their lives, those who live daily with the physical and mental wounds of war and conflict, as well as their families who offer unwavering support, for the immense sacrifices they have all made, and continue to make, for our freedoms today. Standing together as a community on Remembrance Sunday ensures the memory of those brave men and women lives on.”