Czechmates ….

Planning a short break to Prague in the Czech Republic, Brother Ken MacDougall PM (No XII), Brother David Stevenson (No XII), Brother John Freeburn (No 1425) and Brother Richard Kennedy (No 68) thought there might be the possibility of a Masonic visit whilst out there. A wee bit of internet research soon revealed that Hiram Lodge No 12 (a nice coincidence!) was an international English speaking lodge in Prague with a regular meeting on the evening of 25th June, the very first day of the trip – and too good an opportunity to miss!
Initial email contact with Hiram Lodge No 12 proved positive and the wheels were set in motion to obtain the necessary clearances and confirmations to enable the visit. With the assistance of our own Provincial Grand Master, Bro James P. Livingstone (thanks Jim!), the Grand Lodge of Scotland soon cleared the visit with the Grand Lodge of the Czech Republic and letters of good standing duly despatched to the secretary of Hiram Lodge No 12.
Arriving in Prague at midday on Thursday 25th June was ideal timing to settle into the hotel, then out for lunch, some refreshments and ‘provisions’ before getting ready for the meeting. Following a short taxi ride to the Masonic Centre, we were greeted by their Secretary Brother Roman Choc and immediately led to the bar to sample some Czech beers! (a very nice Scottish touch) and meet the other brethren and visiting brethren, including WM Brother Petr Komarek.





Unfortunately, there was no degree being worked at the meeting which was the first regular meeting after their annual Installation, but we were warmly welcomed by the new WM before discussion on various items of business ensued, including a request for Hiram Lodge No 12 to sponsor and support the proposed establishment of a new Masonic lodge in the country.
At the ‘third raising’, and with a cue from IPM Brother Eric Walker, Brother Ken MacDougall PM proceeded to the centre of the floor to thank the WM and Brethren of Hiram Lodge No 12 for enabling the visit and, following an invitation to the East, presented the WM with a Lodge
From Left: WSW Lodge No 12 Prague Bro John Freeburn (1425) Bro Richard Kennedy (68) WM Brother Petr Komarek (12 Prague) Bro Ken MacDougall PM (XII) Bro David Stevenson (12) WJW No 12 Prague
Greenock Kilwinning No XII tie and Lodge History. The presentation was completed with the gift of a bottle of malt whisky (duly purchased from the Duty Free at Glasgow Airport) as a wee taste of Scotland and with Fraternal Greetings from the RWMs and Brethren of Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No XII, Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68, Lodge Inverkip Ardgowan No 1425 and from the RWPGM of Renfrewshire West.
Following the meeting, the Festive Board got underway with a fine meal, wine, more beers and toasts. Brother Ken MacDougall PM had the pleasure of replying on behalf of the Visiting Brethren, thanking the hosts for their hospitality and fellowship. Brother Ken then had further pleasure in winning the raffle! The evening was rounded off with a few shots of a traditional Czech liqueur which tasted a lot better after the third or fourth shot!
Having said our farewells, we soon found ourselves back at the hotel and opening the previously purchased ‘provisions’ to reflect on a most enjoyable evening indeed and look forward to the rest of our wee break.

Brother Ken MacDougall PM