DDGM Messages for 2004-2005

Brethren these past few weeks have been eventful and exciting. As my year as you DDGM comes to a close it is an exciting time. Tonight I would like to talk about three topics, the past the present and the future as it relates to our district, and to us, the three degrees in masonry, if you like. We have witnessed the passing of a pope, Pope John Paul II, in my opinion a truly great man, and the appointment of a new pope, Benedict XVI. Although I am not of the Catholic faith I have to confess to being eclectic and wanting to experience different experiences and ceremonies. To this end I have attended services in a Catholic church even though I am a member of the Church of Scotland. It fascinates me the similarity between the two denominations. Yet there are differences. Recently I came upon a little book (show the book and read the 2 passages).

This is amazing that the Church of Rome in general and the pope of that time pope Leo xiii would actually think this way. Even today in certain parts of the world bigotry abounds. In my own country of origin I have experienced this.

Our district does not have this bigotry, but we do have difficulties. Pettiness and sometimes rumours abound which are unfounded and mere conjecture.

Even although we have a number of new candidates all good men coming in to our fraternity we do have some obstacles to over come. Amalgamations may have to be faced in the future. However, I must say that as a whole the masons of Brant District are truly a terrific bunch of people who for the most part try and practice the true Masonic principles. On Saturday I was at Ozias when for the first time in five and half years they installed a new master. I heard a phrase in the final charge that I had missed before, " the man who is a severe judge to himself but benevolent to others" I urge you to practice the principles of masonry in all your affairs. You see the real fun in life, the real purpose, lies in bridging the gap from where we now find ourselves to the point we want to reach with a positive attitude to make our lives more meaningful. This way we truly enrich our lives and those of others.