A Message from the Grand Master
As we begin a new Masonic year I am impressed with the dedication and resilience of the craft. Lodges and Brothers all over the state are eager to resume work, but many are already finding ways to remain active in their lodges. I would also like to acknowledge the leadership and wisdom of Most Worshipful Brother Stanton T. Brown, II. He dealt with a very difficult year and did it very well. We owe him our thanks for the actions he has taken. I know he would like to have been out and around the state, but he did what he had to do, and we are better for it. My theme this year is that we must remember that we are an ancient and honorable fraternity, and we must act accordingly. It is because of our predecessors’ wisdom and dedication that we are the fraternity we are today, and we must show our own wisdom and dedication to assure the continued prosperity of our ancient craft. As I said before, I know lodges are eager to return to ritual and have candidates waiting for the degrees. I have instructed the Ritual Committee to meet and come up with a plan to resume our work. This is underway. When that plan is accepted, I will amend the standing edicts so that we may move forward safely. We must always remember that the safety of our brothers and our communities is of primary concern. As the year progresses and areas open up, I will be announcing area meetings and Bicentennial events at locations around the state. One Bicentennial project is already beginning. The first of our Bicentennial Lecture was on October 25, 2020 and will be on the subject of Missouri Freemasonry and the Civil War. I encourage you to enjoy this virtual event. This year will look like none that have preceded it. We started with an unusually small Grand Lodge session, The Freemason
but we did hold Grand Lodge. We have started official Grand Lodge functions with the installation of officers and a rededication at Fellowship Lodge 345 in Joplin and the dedication of a lodge hall for Friend Lodge 352 in Ozark. We took steps to protect the craft as these ceremonies were performed. As circumstances permit, we will travel the state and do the work of the craft. As soon as a plan can be made for its safe resumption, I will issue a new edict authorizing ritual. I ask the craft to be patient and let us find ways to open the state. I am eager to travel and visit my brothers around the state. I know the rest of the Grand Lodge line are eager too. I look forward to all of the Bicentennial events and programs and the safe resumption of work. Most of all I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and doing the work of the fraternity. Remember who we are and let it show in your works.
Barry V. Cundiff Grand Master 2020-2021 Page 3
