David A. Grindle
General Grand Master
Hello Companions,
Greetings from the General Grand Council. This month hasn’t been particularly busy, but things are moving along.
(Left to Right)Dale Sandstrom, Grand Master of Masons in North Dakota representing Blue Lodge; Jeffrey N. Nelson, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA; David A. Grindle, General Grand Master of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International, James H. Hodge, General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International.
Picture by RPC Bill Snyder, GGPCW
There have been four Grand Assemblies this month along with the Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. There was some interesting legislation brought before the delegates. Also, the elections were interesting with four Sir Knights as candidates for Grand Captain General. Sir Knight Jeff Bolstad of Montana was elected to enter the Grand Encampment Officer corps. The Grand Encampment is now under the Leadership of Sir Knight Jeffrey Norman Nelson, Most Eminent Grand Master. I have been given the opportunity to chair the Fraternal Relations Committee for the Grand Encampment.
Recently, our church had a youth Sunday where our youth conducted the service. The Call to Worship that day was very interesting. It is very applicable to us in Freemasonry. Here it is with changes to apply to Freemasonry.
- I’ve heard it said, “We need younger men in Lodge.”
- We do! They are the now and the future of the Body of Freemasonry.
- But I’ve heard it said, “Look at their clothes, their hats, their phones, their tablets, tsk, tsk.”
- We need to be sure to look at their hearts. We need to remember that they need a reason to come to lodge and judgment isn’t it.
- And so what is that reason?
- For us to love them and welcome them, encourage them in faith and in life–.
You can finish this in whatever manner you desire, but we need to find ways to compromise our existing traditions with new methods of communicating and actuating their ideas. These things will help our lodges, chapters, councils, and commanderies survive.
Recently, I received the August issue of The Northern Light from the Scottish Rite, Northern Jurisdiction. The Sovereign Grand Commander, Brother David A. Glattly, 33°, has proclaimed November as Scottish Rite Month. In the discussion of things to do during the month, there was a list of ideas for activities. Following is the list of ideas of activities:
Beef, Beer, Brotherhood Event | Family Ice Cream Sundae Event |
Brother-Bring-a-Friend | Family Life Event |
Brotherhood Night | Father/Son Dinner Event |
Charity Program | Financial Planning Program |
Cigar/Tasting Event | Luncheon for Senior Members |
Couples Night Out | Masonic Home Visit/Event |
Degree Day/Night | Masonic Pub Crawl |
Family Game Night | Member Appreciation Dinner |
Member Milestone Recognition | Open House |
Public Degree with Program | Public Service Event |
Remembering the Widows Event | Thanksgiving Event for Seniors |
Trip to Museum/Zoo/Sporting Event | Visit Shut-Ins |
Pumpkin Carving | Holiday Get Togethers |
These are just a few examples of how the Brothers, Companions, Sir Knights, and Families can be involved in Masonic Activities. These could help to actuate your fellow Masons and increase participation.
Companions, the Labor Day Holiday ends the summer activity season and begins school, fall sports, and Masonic activities after being dark. This is the time to institute new activities for Masonic meetings to get the most out of your fellowship in Masonry.
We will see at the upcoming Assemblies and Regional Conferences.