DDGM Messages for 2009-2010

IWe have many brethren who are interested and willing to contribute to this fine fraternity with their hearts and minds, but not so many that additional assistance and participation would be appreciated and valued.

How is Masonry doing in Brant District and this jurisdiction?

Many Lodges are thriving, attracting new members and having a steady stream of Degree work to perform and keep them busy.

However some Lodges are experiencing low attendance, recycling of Members through Lodge Chairs, and overworked Members.

On this note I wonder why more Lodges don't appear to embrace the many programs available including Friend to Friend, Mentor, and Brother to Brother, which has a vast array of programs and information for Lodges to use to retain, revitalize and renew the interest and commitment of Brethren already assembled under our banner. The fraternal environment in which we operate is also of very high significance. Lodges of Instruction are used to instill discipline in the conferring of degrees and in the other rituals we engage in such as the Memorial Service. Masons should not question the value of doing things correctly since the self discipline fostered in this manner inspires the practice of moral discipline in the observance of the lessons contained in the Book of the Work. How we convey the moral lessons is often as important as the lessons themselves, because excellence in the portrayal enhances the importance our system represents to all who receive and witness them. It conveys the message that what we have to offer candidates is so significant that the degrees must be conferred with accuracy, precision and reverence. Propriety in the manner in which we relate to one another conveys a message that we value our fellow brethren so much that correct and courteous demeanour in our relationships is fundamental to our brotherhood.

As Masons we are called upon to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. We are informed that we increase in knowledge so we will consequently improve in social intercourse. There exist a tangible comfort level to be enjoyed by those who know well what they are doing and why they are doing it in a particular manner. It transcends the mundane and gives meaning to how we live our lives as men and as Masons.

The fraternal environment must also include a wise and entertaining use of the mental faculties of a brother when he is here in Lodge, with us. Interesting talks on Masonic education are necessary. It is up to The Worshipful Master to "employ and instruct" his brethren in Masonry to ensure interesting and engaging activities for the brethren. He has brethren to whom he may delegate these tasks but he must provide the leadership to create a welcoming fraternal environment.

I think it should be obvious that we already have all the necessary tools to solve these problems, we just need the will to do something.

I challenge all Worshipful Masters of this District to make use of the Friend to Friend program, the Mentor program, Officer Progression and the Brother to Brother program. Indeed, I offer the services of the District Chairmen for these programs and I offer my help to enlist Grand Lodge Resource support if necessary.

Tonight during the Lodge closing the Senior Warden will say "Brethren, in the name of the Great Architect of the Universe, and by command of the Worshipful Master, I close this Lodge, and it stand closed until the next regular meeting, except in case or cases of emergency of which every brother shall have due notice. "Isn't it comforting to know that you can return to "this retreat of friendship and brotherly love" within a month?

Thank you Brethren for your kind and thoughtful attention.