DDGM Messages for 2009-2010

IBrethren, I spent much time deciding an appropriate message to bring to you this evening. This being my final official visit representing the Grand Master, what information might be interesting and favourably received? As I have been attempting to talk about and do things that may "make a difference", my choices were many and varied. Was I delusional in thinking I could really do much to make a difference in the Lodges or brethren of Brant District , or did either need to have a difference made? District Deputy's have been making a difference long before I came along and I expect following me will be many more endeavouring to make things different in Brant District .

Well quite frankly brethren, not much has to be different in Brant District . Most of the Lodges of the District are doing quite well, have good leadership, a number of brethren giving of themselves to assist and improve there lodges. In addition, this year in Brant District appears to have been a good year for attracting many new brethren to the Craft, moving them through their degrees and from my observation, "making" some very good Masons. I had been visiting lodges prior to this year, and especially attempting to visit wherever there was degree work going on and particularly initiations. A past District Deputy Grand Master had promoted each Lodge of their District support those Lodges initiating new candidates by having 3 brethren present for the new brother.

The point of all of this is I have never in my short Masonic career observed so many initiation and subsequent degree work and from all indications this is happening all across this Grand jurisdiction.

In Brant District , I am impressed not only with the quantity, but the quality as well. Observing these brethren go through subsequent degrees, whenever possible, has been most gratifying to see their dedication and preparedness to advance. I have been fortunate to observe two candidates advanced on a couple of occasions, and even three brethren on one occasion. How good it is to know the urgency is there, due to additional candidates willing to be advanced. However, a word of caution, let us not get so busy with degree work that Masonic education might be neglected.

In addition to this Brant District have had a number of other activities in and near the District.

A Lodge Secretary seminar was held, with the Grand Secretary, M.W. Bro. Terry Shand providing the instruction, a Grand Lodge of Instruction was held at Norfolk 10 in Simcoe, a prospective D.D.G.M seminar was held in Paris in addition to a Lodge Resource seminar and the launch of the Cornerstone Lodge program which could result in a number of Lodges of Brant District being so designated. I wish all those Lodges participating success with their endeavours and may Brant District have many Lodges designated Cornerstone Lodges.

So brethren not only are you and the constituent Lodges "making a difference" in and around Brant District but of greater significance you have contributed to making a difference in me and I thank you.

I have extended my Masonic knowledge throughout these activities and the duties of this position. My journey commenced with a commitment to you and to myself to do the best job I could do and hopefully at the end of my term, have the District be in an equal or perhaps even a little better position. Thanks to you brethren, I believe we have achieved the former as you accepted the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master and Custodians, challenge to "raise the bar." My hope is that you will continue to raise the bar throughout the coming years and I anticipate that continuing through your efforts and the brethren who have joined our Craft, and demonstrated a keen desire and interest in completing their work in exemplary fashion, as these brethren progress and contribute to their Lodges and the District, I am confident we are in good hands. Utopia would be this influx and enthusiasm, along with the work ethic infiltrating all 13 Lodges of this District.