Grand Bailiwick of Scotland carol service

Submitted by Val Hiscock on

The Church of the Good Shepherd in Edinburgh was the setting for this year Christmas Carol Service for the Grand Bailiwick.  On a rather wet Sunday 10th December, some 24 members and friends met to worship the Lord at this annual service. The Bailiwick was honoured to have His Excellency Chevalier Ted White, Grand

Commander of the Order, in attendance. He had travelled from Canada to attend the funeral next day in Edinburgh of HE Chevalier Ron Partington.

The Service was led by Senior Chaplain Rev Colin McAulay. He introduced Chaplain General Rev Sandy MacDonald who welcomed all and asked us to remember especially today in our thoughts and prayers H E Chevalier Ron Partington, our Baillie. He also offers prayer for all the members who are sick and those of our number who are recovering from long illness.

The service took the form of carols interspaced by readings of the Christmas message, these being read by H E Chevalier Roy Scott, Grand Baillie; Confrere Ross McEwen; Commander Atholl McInnes; Dame Janette Scott; Confrere Craig Stirling-Brown; and Secretary General Chevalier Colin C. Russell. 

The Christmas reflection was given by the Revd Canon Dean Fostekew, priest of the Church of the Good Shepherd, who reminded the congregation of the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of sharing and helping others not just at Christmas but all year round.

At the conclusion of the service the Secretary General announced that due to Illness, four members had been unable to attend the Investiture in June. So at this, the first meeting of the Bailiwick and with the Grand Commander being present, those members were presented with their awards.

Installed in the Companionate of Merit at the grade of Commander were Dr Kevin Jones KLJ, our Hospitaller, and Dame Janette Scott, both in recognition of dedicated service to the Order. In Scotland the Bailiwick has a special award, the Scottish Cross of Merit, given to Scottish members only who have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership to the Order in Scotland. The Secretary General was pleased to ask HE Chevalier Roy Scott, the Grand Baillie, to come forward and be presented with this by the Grand Commander.

Following this, the award of the Gold Cross was made posthumously to HE Chevalier Ron Partington. But for his poor health, Ron would have received this from the Grand Master in 2020. Ron’s daughter Melanie received the award on behalf of his family.

The service concluded with mince pies and mulled wine. As always, thanks are due to  members of the East of Scotland commandery for hosting the event.