My brothers,

It is an honour to stand before you today to serve as your Grand Master, reflecting on the profound principles that guide our fraternity. For the past 22 years, I have had the joy of serving this brotherhood, witnessing the strength and unity that define us. We are not just a group of individuals; we are a large peer support network, a group of mentors where mentorship flows both ways. Our shared experiences and empathy bind us together, and our true brotherhood flourishes in our interactions, particularly during our fraternal activities, family events, and educational experiences.

Today, I want to introduce my theme; a theme that is close to my heart: Masonic Mental Health.

Many of us have grown up in generations where we were told to “man up” and hide our struggles and emotions. But now, I am asking you to “Brother Up.”

Where else can you find a better group of men to assist you when you are down or struggling? How many here have gone through their own struggles and would gladly listen or assist someone else experiencing a similar situation? We are lived experts of grief, loss, health-related concerns, financial difficulties; you name it, if it has happened to you, it has or is affecting another brother.

 So let us Brother Up and support each other. I don’t mean making a social media post about being available if someone needs something. Let’s lead by example and start talking about our
problems. Let’s extend a hand to another brother and invite them for a dialogue. One-on-one and face-to-face goes a long way. Let’s remember the instructions in our Masonic Lessons. We will be introducing a series of resources and tools to assist you, and the brethren of your lodge, with building a better understanding of embracing our mental wellbeing and mental health.

 Our Lodges are a place of peace, harmony, and moral study. It should remain free from conflict and disharmony. A sanctuary where all men can open up and share. The Lodge operates through
friendship and Brotherly Love and should be used as a resource to emotionally support one another. Just take a moment and reflect on the General Charge that is so often and eloquently presented to our brethren. We hear these words spoken at every installation. Every time I listen to this powerful charge, a different portion stands out. I’m not too sure if it is my subconscious telling me what to work on or providing reaffirmation of what I am doing. But this charge provides an essential blueprint of how we should act towards our brothers, community, and self. A charge urging Masons to uphold its values in both governance and personal conduct.

 Freemasonry is a science of moral and intellectual improvement. Its lessons are conveyed through symbols and allegories. Masons should seek to understand these deeper meanings to fully grasp the fraternity’s wisdom. Perhaps we can think of the working tools and apply them to our mental health. Help each other draw away the veil and allegory and work as apprentice and master to understand what is being communicated. Let’s learn from the twenty-four-inch gauge, for example, and make sure we don’t over burden ourselves. Look to all the tools we are
presented with annually at installation and reflect on how we can build ourselves up.

 Freemasonry has always been a force for good, peace, and charity. It offers comfort to those in sorrow, relief to the needy, and wisdom to those who seek knowledge. It supports others in times of despair and will help all mankind. We need to remember this and act. Support all those who may need our assistance. We are blatantly told what the ideals of a freemason should be. The charge describes the perfect Mason as: Humble and virtuous; Fulfilling duties without arrogance. Compassionate and charitable; Helping others without expecting recognition. Resilient and courageous; Standing firm in hardship. Balanced in faith and reason; Free from
superstition yet believing in a higher purpose. A fair judge of himself and
others; Striving for self-improvement while being tolerant of others’ flaws. A silent doer of good; Acting selflessly and without seeking praise.

 Brotherly Love and kindness should define Masonic interactions. The Lodge should remain a beacon of harmony, unity, and moral guidance. Let’s remember that we are all brothers and
should, without hesitation, love and support each other. Let’s not let a struggling brother slip away, but grab a firm hold of his hand and guide him on his journey. It’s ok not to know all the answers, but it is always ok to be an unjudgmental ear. I am always reminded of a brother and his interactions with others. His response to the platitudes shared in passing – “How are you doing? -No complaints, but not like you’d listen – Yes, I would listen.” Be the friendly ear, shoulder, sounding board, pillar.  As we move forward together, let us be
proactive in fostering a culture where openness and vulnerability are embraced,
not shunned. This is not merely about supporting each other in times of hardship; it is about building a foundation where every brother feels truly seen, heard, and valued. By checking in on one another; whether through a simple phone call, a shared cup of coffee, or a quiet conversation after Lodge; we reinforce the bonds that make our fraternity unique. Let’s celebrate each other’s wins for the good of freemasonry. Remember, real strength comes from unity, and together, we can continue to create a safe space where every brother has the opportunity to thrive, both mentally and spiritually. So, brother up!.