Glesca Masonic

Bro. Jim McKay Cassidy PM ...... 22 Jan.2021

Bro. Jim Geachan posted ........ On behalf of the Right Worshipful Master, His Office Bearers and Brethren, it is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we announce the passing to Grand Lodge above of our most esteemed Past Master, Brother James McKay Cassidy, HGAT, HM 139.
'Jim' had been fighting ill health on and off for a number of years, however, like PM Bobby Hunt before him, he refused to lie down to it and instead fought on with a courage that can only be admired. Once again, a testament to a generation of men and women who were certainly made of stronger stuff.
Jim passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of this morning, with his family by his side.
Much will be said about Jim and his dedication not only to his Mother Lodge, but to Freemasonry in Glasgow and beyond. He was a committed freemason, a stalwart in our Lodge, and a constant for over 57 years.
Jim was proposed into the Lodge by his father, the late George Cassidy P.M, and was initiated on the evening of 4th September 1963. He was passed on the 20th of the same month, and raised on the 30th October of that year. He was later advanced to the rank of Mark Master Mason on the 16th September 1964, and gathered with the rest of the brethren in 1965 when we celebrated 150 years of freemasonry at 275.

Jim would go on to become Right Worshipful Master in 1973, installed into the chair of his Mother Lodge by his father and proposer, George Cassidy P.M. Jim would later go on to install his own brother, the late Robert Cassidy P.M, in 1978. In fact, Jim would go on to become our most experienced Installing Master, carrying out the duties on no less than 28 occasions.
Jim would also serve the Lodge as Treasurer for 30 years. For his sterling efforts to the Lodge for such an extended period of time, he was recognised by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and awarded the distinction of Honourary Assistant Grand Treasurer. But yet more recognition was not far away.
Jim only vacated the office of Treasurer when in 2017, during the nominations and elections, the brethren of the lodge maintained the lodge protocol of choosing from their number, a most experienced Brother to take on the roll of Right Worshipful Master for our Bicentennial celebrations.

On the evening of Friday 2nd November 2018, 200 years to the day of the lodge consecration, Jim represented the Lodge as RWM at the civic reception hosted by Glasgow City Council within the beautiful surroundings of our City Chambers. A wonderful evening was had by all, but it was merely the appetiser for the main event the following day, when the Lodge welcomed deputations from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow, who were present to re-consecrate the Lodge and to present the RWM with his regalia.
There was not a prouder man there present on that day than Jim, a culmination, at that time, of 55 years devoted service to his Mother Lodge. And he didn't let us down.

Outside of the Lodge, Jim was also a member of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow, and served with distinction behind the scenes, checking the books and workings of the 77 lodges in the Province. Jim's extensive masonic knowledge could not have been put to any better use.
Jim was also celebrated by the Brethren of Lodge Carron 139, when they marked his considerable support of their lodge by awarding him Honourary Membership. Today, Lodge Carron join the many lodges who mourn the passing of a good man and mason.

Jim Cassidy set the standards within our lodge that we will always look to follow, but he himself was set that same standard by the many distinguished brethren who went before him. We as a Lodge will always look to maintain the high level of dedication, decorum, and attention to detail and excellence that Jim, Bobby Hunt, and the many, many bright names from our past demonstrated during their time with us. And for that, he, and they, will always be remembered.
To the Brethren of the Bridgeton and Glasgow Shamrock and Thistle Lodge, let us raise a glass this evening to our esteemed brethren, may they forever be in our thoughts whenever we gather.

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