DDGM Messages for 2006-2007

Right Worshipful Sirs, Very Worshipful Sirs, Worshipful Sirs and Breathern All.

I stand before you a victim, A victim of Masonic Influences and teachings. Before I can remember the morals of masonry were being displayed to me be My Father, Grandfathers and Uncles.

I am a man freeborn of mature age and I come to you of my own freewill. Every step I take all seeing eyes are upon me. Do those eyes see a man of upright intentions, good morals and of great will or do they see a person who has flaws. Before I became District Deputy, I heard that I would do fine in this position because I was a common person able to accomplish many things when all of my attributes were properly applied to the best of my skills and ability. I hope that's true.

There is not a moment that passes that I don't think of Masonry. The changing of a man into a greater man. I am the result of taking a rough hewed person and applying the morals and teachings of Masonry. Raising me from my own small world, expanding that world into a greater perception of thoughts and accomplishments.

I am also here as a result of Masonic Pride. I still am not sure why I didn't join the fraternity the moment that I was 21. If my family could have influenced me more I'm sure I would have joined sooner. I believe This is how my family displayed their Masonic Pride. How do you display your Masonic pride, is it displayed on your person, at your house, in your lodge or in your community. I'd like to see your display of Masonic pride. Brethren if you display your pride for me to see then the whole community can see it.

I displayed my Masonic Pride by wearing my grandfathers Past Master's jewel instead of my own. This allowed me to do two great things it enabled my Grandfather and mentor to remain with me always and to participate in the life of the lodge even after he was gone. Now I wear his ring for the same reason. The Bible which Our District Chaplin, My Father uses was My Grandfather's.

I can tell you that Examples of Masonic Pride are all around you if you know where to look. Brethren, keep your eyes Open for these signs, they are everywhere. For example on a recent trip to the Buffalo zoo, I was surprised to see the square and compasses proudly displayed above the entrance to the elephant house dated 1914.

Perhaps you show your Masonic pride by being able to sit in a lodge room as a person equal to your neighbour and to your neighbour's neighbour. Brethren this is not an easy task for masonry to accomplish. If you read the paper, listen to the news or even talk to your peers you will find that most people have a complaint against some one, it may be small but left unsolved this complaint may become insurmountable. My hope is that Masonry guides you all to solve your complaints and grievances before this happens. To look at you neighbours as you want them to look at you, to see the good in all men and to rush to their aid whenever and wherever they need it, no matter what the cost. If this act of kindness is accomplished by each and every one of you, Masonry has done its job and the Fraternity will live on forever and ever.

Brethren I thank you for the kindness that you have afforded me this evening but in the words of my grandfather: "The mind can only absorb what the ass can handle."

Great Architect of the Universe as we your humble
Servants gather to partake the joys of Masonry and
Fellowship may we be mindful of others in thoughts
and actions. May we pray for the men who are not
with us tonight due to illness and distress? We wish
everyone a safe journey home after lodge. Amen.