…presented at St. John's Lodge No. 82, Paris, November 9, 2004.

In continuing with our ongoing theme of how masons can make a difference and how from the grass roots level of masonry your voice can be heard, I would remind you again tonight that we can communicate in our communities and point out what we do in a general sense for the good of all. Don't be shy to remind your friends and neighbours that we are involved with the childrens safety village of brant. That we give bursaries to teenagers who might not get an opportunity to complete their education. That in the past through the masonic foundation, we have focussed on the deaf and the blind as well as druga adiiction services and many other honourable causes.

Ultimately however masonry is a sacremental system possessing an outward and visible side, our ceremonies signs and doctrine, but also an inward intellectual side. This is available to the mason who has learned to use his spiritual imagination and who can appreciate the reality that lies behind the veil of outward symbol.

The admission of every mason into the order is "an emblematic representation of all men upon this mortal existence". What does this mean. I think it means what am I. Who am i whence come I and whither do I go? Ultimately the knowledge of thy self. The realization that spirituality is not just religion but a deeper stronger feeling of sharing one's experience strength and hope, displaying a positive helpful outlook on life and helping one's fellow human beings. This is what we strive for. God bless.