grand master’s message
Grand Master’s Message “ There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]
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s I write this, my last message as your Grand Master, I look back on the months of the Masonic Year now ending, and I am reminded of a saying by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” There is a time to receive the gavel and a time to pass it on to your successor. On December 12, 2009, I will cease to be Grand Master. On that day, my successor will be installed in accord with the ancient customs, usages and rites of our noble and honorable Craft. It is my prayer that all brethren will unreservedly accord him the respect, honor and dignity due the office that he will assume. I wish him and his administration God’s blessings as they labor to promote prosperity, peace, and harmony in our institution.
responsibilities with satisfaction to themselves and advantage to their lodges. I am also thankful for the work done during the year by the elected and appointed officers and committeemen of the Grand Lodge, a select group that performed more than yeoman’s service during the year. A small band of these brethren were exceptional in their response to the many calls to duty. Included in this select group are: RWB Joseph Crociata, RWB Christopher Mahaney, RWB Teko Foly, RWB James Feezell, RWB Jeffrey Russell, WB Roman Volsky, WB Bilal Raschid, WB Joel Shulman, WB W. Kirk MacNulty, WB Marcus Trelaine, WB Kenneth Foran, WB Gary Ozbenian, WB Santiago Gonzales and WB Victor Adegbite.
During the year I was fortuThis is also a time for the nate to enjoy the assistance, expression of thanks for the support and counsel of our privilege of service. I am Past Grand Masters. I remain extremely grateful that you most appreciative of the permitted me to serve as tremendous help I received your Grand Master in 2009. from MWB Donald Mallorey, You afforded me an opporMWB Theodore Kahn, MWB tunity to serve the Craft and Jerold Samet; MWB RichMost Worshipful Brother Kwame Acquaah our community and I will ard Fletcher, MWB George treasure the memory of your kindness until time for Adams and MWB Robert Starr. MWB Grant Berning me shall be no more. I have been fortunate indeed. was amazing in his support; he accompanied me to every “Town Hall” meeting and also attended most The Princes of the Craft, our Masters, have not of the other events and activities of the Grand Lodge only supported the efforts of the Grand Lodge, but during the year. within their respective lodges, they have worked thoughtfully, meaningfully, productively, assiduously, One Past Grand Master deserves to be in a class by peaceably and harmoniously to achieve the true purhimself. MWB Stewart Miner installed me as Grand poses of Freemasonry. I particularly commend WB Master on December 13, 2008, and from that date, has Robert E. Johnson of St. John’s Lodge No. 11 for his been an incomparable, indefatigable, thoughtful and extraordinary work during 2009. In fine, I am pervery patient advisor and mentor. I am, eternally, in suaded that all our Masters handled their duties and his debt. Words cannot begin to express my profound gratitude, heartfelt appreciation and unrestrained continued on next page The Voice of Freemasonry
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