While the history of Freemasonry is shrouded in mystery and goes back beyond the official date of 1717, the modern era is well documented and its mysteries far less concealed from those that wish to unlock the secrets. Above all the esoteric offerings that can be derived from our Craft, the constant is that of fraternity and through that fraternal offering, we see and develop insights to leadership and education. We recognize most Masons take seriously the oath to keeps all matters Masonic private… the mysteries of the Order are rarely conveyed to anyone without reflection. They answers are there if you ask the right question and are asking the right person. Will the knowledge we seek be found with one simple question, no. This is a journey that will takes years and requires patience to unravel. To this end we all develop small libraries that help us fill in our thirst for knowledge. In one such book which I reference often, The Master’s Lectures – published by Evans Lodge No. 524 of Evanston Illinois, there is a paragraph in the preface that clearly states this thought: “It seems taken for granted that reception into Freemasonry will automatically be accompanied by an ability to appreciate forthwith, and at its full value, all that one there finds. The contrary is the case, for Freemasonry is a veiled and cryptic expression of the difficult science of spiritual life, and understanding all of it calls for special and informed guidance on the one hand, and on the other a genuine and earnest desire for knowledge, and a considerable capacity for spiritual perception on the part of those seeking instruction.” We do though convey our basic history through our Constitution and Regulations along with the common rituals of the Canadian and Ancient York Rites. These are issued to every member and convey the foundation, teachings and history of our Fraternity both here in Alberta but more significantly about the world. If we read these texts, study them and live by their teachings we have a foundation for leadership and growth that is in essence timeless.

If there was one thing that took me to this office as Grand Master, it was the desire to protect our Constitution and its ancient landmarks. While Constitutions and By-laws are living documents, we must be careful to protect the core values, allowing for change that is guided by careful exercise of leadership. While we are individually unique and are a product of our own environments, the depth of our leadership skill and the quality of that leadership come from lessons learned in life. Through education and more importantly through the trials of life we develop a style that will mark our commitment to being a leader – most of the time we will be successful and on occasion we will be humbled by our efforts which might not have been as successful as we had wished. If there is a guide for emulation, let it be the opening charge from the Ancient York Rite Ritual as it says it all. Working as part of a cohesive team, my hope and desire is to leverage the best from the team that is elected and manages the affairs of this Grand Lodge.

Brethren I have three key objectives that I would hope to see followed in my year as Grand Master, these objectives follow in the paths of those that have come before me. Building on these themes with the hopes of strengthening our commitment to Freemasonry and building a better future for all of us; they are: Peace, Harmony and Prosperity.

Peace. By understanding the concept of peace we set a standard and benchmark to which we can operate our lodges. By embracing a place for deliberation and business that is devoid of hostility and antagonistic behaviour and becomes a sanctuary for reflection and learning. It is to this unique space and environment that we hope to attract likeminded individuals.

Harmony. With harmony of thought and deliberation we grow as individuals and build the unique bonds that mark our fraternity. We grow as a team and prosper within the lodge, we carry this strength to our Districts and to Grand Lodge. In like mind we carry this message and transfer it to our daily lives and into the community at large.

Prosperity. Prosperity is the culmination of the work achieved through achieving peace and harmony while at labour and it takes many forms. To be prosperous as a lodge means that we have financial health, strength of membership and a wealth of leadership and knowledge. As an individual we hope this translates to financial wealth and a stable career, a strong tight knit family with a prosperous future. As a Grand Lodge we look to having stable membership with lodges that are growing and prosper through united efforts; Districts that develop and share programs, education with insights to success. It is through prosperity at all levels that we see an extension into our communities.

Brethren, to be successful we must embrace the teachings of Freemasonry and live the dream. We cannot just come to lodge once a month and say we are Masons as it just isn’t enough. We must demonstrate through true commitment and personal leadership that the teachings have meaning and are fit and proper for our 21^st century lives. While we are challenged as never before by and through the use of technology to do more, learn more and explore more. Our Lodges offer a somewhat unique place to meet, reflect, and gather our thoughts to bond as friends through fraternal connection. We are stronger together and collectively have a brighter future through linking peace and harmony with that goal of prosperity by way of our Masonic Fraternity. Pursue peace and harmony to achieve that goal of a prosperous future.