Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont was installed Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, Edinburgh on Thursday, 27th November 2008. Brother Wolrige Gordon is the 110th Grand Master Mason to lead the Freemasons of Scotland at home and all over the world. Brother Wolrige Gordon’s family has held land in Aberdeenshire, since the 14th century, the present country estate, Esslemont, having been in the family for two centuries. He is 47 years of age, has been married for 20 years with three children, two boys and a girl, ranging from 14 to 18 years of age. In addition to supervising the running of the estate he runs his own business. He enjoys various country pursuits, he has a keen interest in conservation and is involved in local community work, serving on many committees. His great, great, uncle Brigadier Sir Robert Gordon Gilmour of Liberton and Craigmillar was Grand Master Mason from 1916 to 1920 and his father Captain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont served as Grand Master Mason from 1974 to 1979.
Brother Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont succeeds Sir Archibald D. Orr Ewing, Bart., M.A. who served as Grand Master Mason for a total of eight years. ‘It will be difficult to follow someone who has shown such devotion to Scottish Freemasonry over such a long period’ he said, ‘but I look forward to the challenge.’ The Freemasons of Scotland regularly donate considerable sums to a host of charities. ‘I intend to maintain the impetus of my predecessor in this respect’ he commented. Brother Wolrige Gordon of Esselmont also looks forward to the completion of the restoration of the Grand Lodge organ. ‘It was a major project initiated by Brother Sir Orr Ewing and it will give me great pleasure to see it completed.Brother Wolrige Gordon was initiated into Lodge Ythan, No. 892 (Ellon, Aberdeenshire) in 1982 and was Master thereof from 2003 to 2005.
He is also a member of Lodge, Sir Robert Moray, No. 1641, (Edinburgh) and is the representative of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The Grand Master Mason is presently the First Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland and is a member of several other Masonic Orders including the Supreme Council for Scotland.
