In being elected to this Office, Bro MacFeate will follow in a long line of distinguished citizens and he is looking very much forward to the challenge it represents. During his term in Office Bro MacFeate aims to continue the growth of the Lodge, further enhance its involvement in the community, continue its significant charitable work and support Sister Lodges in Scotland and beyond. Brethren from Lodge Spazio-Tempo Numero 11, Bologna, Italy are expected to attend the Installation with many other visitors from nearer at hand. As is the tradition in No XII, the Deputation of Visiting Brethren will be led by Bro William Lawson, RWM of Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68.
Bro MacFeate and his Office Bearers will be installed by Bros Iain White, Hector Macphail and Kenneth K. Morrison, all Past Masters of No.XII.
Captain MacFeate, a retired Master Mariner, has lived most of his life in Inverclyde and was educated at Gourock and Greenock High Schools. His nautical career commenced with his pre-sea Cadet Officer training at the James Watt Memorial College, William Street, Greenock, where he later studied for his 2nd Mates and 1st Mates Certificates. He then attended College in Glasgow for his Masters Certificate.
His earlier years were spent on cargo passenger liners as a Cadet Officer rising to the rank of Chief Officer trading to and from the UK and Europe to the Far East. He then transferred to the Offshore Industry, spending sixteen years on the Scott-Lithgow built Drill Ship Ben Ocean Lancer, where he was promoted to Master.
He has a keen interest in local sports and is a member of Greenock Wanderers Rugby Cub, Greenock Cricket Club and Gourock Golf Club and most especially enjoys being a Granddad.
As always, the Installation will be a special evening for No XII. Instituted in 1728, the Lodge was represented at Mary’s Chapel, Edinburgh at the institution of The Grand Lodge of Scotland on November 30th 1736. It is, in fact, the oldest organisation in Inverclyde. Since 1765, No XII has had a very close association with Greenock Corporation and now Inverclyde Council. The Lodge made an agreement at that time with the Magistrates and Council to purchase a share in the property of the new Town House then being built. The contribution made was the equivalent, in present day terms, of £2 million. In recognition of this close relationship, Depute Provost Bro David Wilson will attend to represent Inverclyde Council. The Lodge’s long links with the Shaw Stewart family will be recognised by the attendance of Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart 12th Baronet of Greenock and Blackhall at the Installation Dinner.
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