2018
GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI
61
ADDRESS OF THE GRAND MASTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION To the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri: It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to the 197th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. I offer a special thank you to the Past Grand Masters for sharing your guidance and wisdom over the last nine years, and thank you to the Grand Lodge officers serving with me this year. I have cherished the opportunity to travel the state doing the work of the Craft with you. During our travels, we sometimes heard reference to the “Grand Lodge” with the implication that this meant Grand Lodge Officers or perhaps the Grand Lodge office. Brethren, the Grand Lodge is each of you Delegates attending this Annual Communication. It is your work that makes the Grand Lodge of Missouri, so I welcome and encourage you to be engaged during this session.
GRAND LODGE AREA MEETINGS As I travelled for Area Meetings, Dedications, Rededications, Degree work, Fifty-year pins, Sixty-year pins, Seventy-year pins, Seventy-Fiveyear pins, and fraternal visits, I shared my Grand Master’s theme for my Masonic Year – Whence Came You. When we reflect on our history, we are quickly reminded of the many wonderful programs and charities developed and expanded for our membership and the communities we serve. Telling our stories gives the opportunity to motivate existing members and mentor a new generation of Masons. I believe even more passionately at the end of this year that each mason can make a difference to help others become interested in our ritual, our programs and our fellowship. I held five Area Meetings throughout the state: Carthage Lodge No. 197, Carthage; Shekinah Lodge No. 256, Crystal City; Wakanda Lodge No. 52, Carrollton; Cass Lodge No. 147, Harrisonville; Webster Groves Lodge No. 84, Webster Groves. Each Area Meeting turned out to be a little different, but the flexibility in the structure allowed us to better discuss and address the needs in those particular areas of the state. However, each meeting held commonality of purpose and an opportunity to share.