Submitted by Val Hiscock on
The City of Perth was the venue for this year’s Vigil and Investiture service in Scotland, held over the weekend of Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd of June. Both the Vigil on Friday evening and the Investiture on Saturday took place in St John’s Kirk of Perth, an ancient building dating back to 1126.
On the Friday evening, some 20 members of the Grand Bailiwick of Scotland gathered in this impressive building to attend the ancient ceremony and take solemn vows of loyalty to God the night before the Investiture. Rev Sandy MacDonald, Chaplain General, conducted the Vigil, with readings being given by Consoeur Sheena MacBride and Chevalier Gordon Price. The Meditation was given by Senior Chaplain, Rev Colin McAulay. Following this moving and thought-provoking service, members retired to the Royal George Hotel for supper and fellowship.
The Saturday morning was bright and sunny as members, friends and guests gathered for the Investiture Service in St John’s Kirk. Those attending were welcomed by Rev Philip Majcher, Locum Minister of the Church, and the Hymn of the Order was sung with great gusto. Then followed two readings by Consoeur Marilyn Jeffcoat and Chevalier Stuart MacBride. The sermon was given by Chaplain of the Bailiwick, Very Rev Dr Emsley Nimmo from Aberdeen. Dr Nimmo’s sermon was based on the “Living Stone” and how the members of the Order are those Living Stones in today’s society. We were treated to pieces of classical and religious music by soloist Mrs Ulrike Witcher, after which Secretary General Colin Russell read the edict to constitute the Conclave.
Due to the poor health of both Grand Baillie His Excellency Roy Scott and His Excellency Baillie Ron Partington, the Investiture was conducted by the Chancellor, Dame Mary Kenyon BEM DLJ OMLJ SMLJ. During this one member, Shenna MacBride was promoted to Commander CLJ, one non-member, Rev Margery Collin was admitted to the Companionate of Merit as a member MMLJ, and three promoted within this – Commander Alan Cuthill, Chevalier Stuart MacBride, Dame Janette Scott all to the rank of Commander CMLJ. In addition, two members, Rev Colin McAulay and Dame Lorraine Veitch-Rutherford received the Silver Medal of Merit.
Following the service, members, friends and guests - including Deputy Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross Mr James Denholm, and Bailie Claire McClaren of Perth City Council enjoyed lunch at which the Chancellor read out a letter from the Grand Baillie and thanked all those who had made this such a memorable event.