Have you ever seen the parade of officers, guests and visitors at the opening of Grand Lodge? I can tell you that on my travels the foreign Grand Masters rave about the pomp and circumstance of our opening. If you can, get there early on Wednesday to watch the parade. Then stay for the Grand Master’s address.
“My vote means nothing,” says a Brother. My response as a Brother, who has faced many elections in Masonry, for close to twenty years, be it to be Master of the Lodge, District Deputy Grand Master of the District, Deputy Grand Master and then Grand Master is simply to say your vote counts. All votes count! It is your chance to shape Masonry in Ontario at all levels, I urge you to exercise your responsibility and vote.
"All Provincial Grand Lodges were represented at this year’s Conference including the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island with their Grand Master, Kevin Crozier. This Grand Lodge, for monetary reasons, had stood down over the last several years however, with Prince Edward Island in attendance this Conference was truly an All Canada Conference."
"The Cornerstone Project is a great tool to energize your Lodge. It touches on elements of virtually every Committee of Grand Lodge. While not being the same as a proper long range strategic plan, it does get you starting to plan out activities for your Lodge for the short term. This should be invaluable for a new Worshipful Master, or in the spirit of planning ahead: for the Wardens!"
"Remember all members of the lodge have a responsibility to our new members and their Masonic advancement. Engaging the new member will result in an active brother who will feel part of the Lodge."
In most religions the quest for knowledge is expressed in terms of light: seeking enlightenment. And this season abounds with festivals of light, despite or perhaps because, it is the darkest time of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere anyway.)
Recently, I was honoured to be your representative at the United Grand Lodge of England’s celebration of 300 years of the formation of Grand Lodge. It was a once in a lifetime experience, one hundred and thirty-six Grand Masters from all over the world gathered for three days of celebration in London, England.
