My dear Brethren … good afternoon.

Those who have been around me long enough know that I am a comic at heart.  So, it is not uncommon for me to bust a move or crack a joke, all in good fun. And if I were to confess two of the biggest challenges I have to contend with during my term, it would be to keep still and to behave.  My father, a fellow Mason, loves quotes and one of his favorites comes from the Good Book which says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  I suppose this also applies to knowing when to jest and when to be serious; discerning when to let matters rest and when to act with conviction.  

No Brother Mason has ever reached the pinnacle of his masonic career or claim any title without the trust and confidence afforded by his Brethren.  For that, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for the honour you have bestowed upon me.  It is only through good work and the fulfillment of your expectations that I am able to repay your confidence.

Brethren and guests, this is the very first time that a public component of the Installation of the Grand Lodge of Alberta has been permitted.  I must thank the government of this jurisdiction for considering the potential benefits of this approach. 

It might have been in 2001 after attending my younger sister’s wedding that I made the realization of uprooting my family from the old country and join my siblings, aunts and grandmother here in Canada.  Before undergoing the immigration process, I prioritized affiliating with a particular lodge once I got here than preparing for the actual immigration process.

Not following the proper protocol, I directly sent an email to the Grand Lodge of Alberta without realizing who was behind that office during those years.  He could have easily tossed or simply ignored my email that day but instead gave me a chance and sent it off to lodges in the Edmonton area. The Secretaries, most of whom are now reunited with their Brethren above, all responded to my email and readily extended their kind invitation to visit their respective lodges.  Not too long after, my sister called to inform me that there was a very kind man who came knocking one Sunday and introduced himself as the Secretary of Highlands-Unity No. 168.  When I arrived with my family in Edmonton just before autumn, the man came back again and offered to drive me around to see at least the northeast portion of the city.  One of the finest ritualists to ever deliver our lectures became my mentor and Installing Master in almost all the masonic orders I joined. 

Brethren, I offer my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have come this weekend to attend our annual communication and most especially to come support me and your Grand Lodge Officers at their investiture. I also appreciate those who are not able to join us today but either personally called, texted or emailed offering their well wishes and words of encouragement.  But this may also the best time to express my gratitude to two men in particular who paved the way for me to practice my Craft and grow further as a Mason.  Brother Grand Director of Ceremonies, if you would please escort them to the altar.

Only in Freemasonry can we find lessons as eloquently and beautifully expressed.   Nothing compares to its profound teachings and meaningful instructions.  Not all men are given the chance to be inducted into its ranks, experience the fellowship only Freemasonry can offer or hear the beautiful lyrics borne out of its rituals and ceremonies.     As the theme aptly used by a Past Grand Master during his term states, “A Mason amongst men is a diamond amongst gems.”

My worthy Brethren, it is not only the brotherhood that we nurture in our masonic engagements but the genuine friendships that we build among us – a relationship that I was able to establish with all of you through the years. Such relationships might be tested in the course of my term this year for there will be difficult decisions that I will have to make at the risk of incurring the displeasure of a few.  Please understand that I am now bound to uphold and enforce all the laws, regulations and ordinances of the Grand Lodge with firmness, equity and impartiality.

In the course of my masonic career, I have always sought the wisdom of my elders, the Past Masters in particular and even the members for consultation and most importantly, transparency.  In the wider scope, I intend to do the same as I always have….to seek the good counsel of not only our Past Grand Masters but the general membership as well.

I have submitted, in my capacity as Deputy Grand Master the two major reports expected of that office: the Condition of Freemasonry in the Jurisdiction and the Implementation Report in my term as Grand Master.  The plans and programs are contained therein.  I would invite you to read through them and see where you can offer your help to make such plans come to fruition.

I ask as your Brother, as our rallying point for the year:

• To the officers of the lodges….I enjoin you to perform your duties to the utmost of your abilities.  Open and close your meetings with the excellence befitting the beautiful lines contained in our ritual book.  Impress upon all our candidates the dignity and high importance of Freemasonry by holding degrees of the highest quality.  And the only way to attain this is by being prepared.
• To our Past Masters, your sacrifices and accomplishments within your lodges are immeasurable.  I have no doubt that the young members especially recognize your efforts with gratitude.  But Worshipful Sirs, we can not shepherd our flocks forever.  Let your officers spread their wings and discover the talents that lie within by mentoring them to do the work.  ‘Guidance over dictate’ would prove more effective in the end.
• We must give honour to the men who have paved the way for all of us to enjoy our Craft today.  I am almost 30 years into the Craft but just halfway there compared to our distinguished Brethren who have served the fraternity for 50-75 years.  We belong to a conclave of great minds, past and present – where no titles and accolades overshadow hearts devoted to the Craft.  They used to be strong and nimble and active like us but the years take their toll.    These are the very men who not only practiced the genuine tenets of our esteemed Order, but personally brought our masonic lectures to life.  They will forever remain as our guiding light and inspiration regardless of rank and title.  Honor them while we they are strong enough to shake our hands and commune with us in our lodges and not when they can no longer hear even the most thoughtful words.  Pins and certificates are not nearly enough to repay what they have done for the Craft.
• Brethren, the winds have shifted, technology now controls the ways of man.  Half a century ago, there were no cellphones or internet to bring the Brethren under one roof.  Social media has undoubtedly proven to be a very powerful tool.  But if utilised recklessly, it can also be a bane.  Anything that we put out there goes out to the world and can never be taken back.  We need to be circumspect in its use. 
• With regard to petitioners and future members of our lodges….I say this with all firmness and conviction…they must be afforded and treated with utmost respect.  We invited them to join us in our festive boards and break bread with us. Therefore, their place is not in the kitchen or anywhere that contradicts the profound lessons that we recite in our lectures.  Servitude is not a measure of one’s worth or commitment.  If there is anyone who will be serving them, it should be us.
• We live in a great country and being Canadian is the ultimate blessing and benefit to all of us who have chosen to make beautiful land our home.  But to you my Brother Masons, let us be reminded that this jurisdiction has also accepted our petition for membership or affiliation when we came knocking at its portals.  Nowhere can you find under its requirements the color of one’s skin, affiliation to a religious order, one’s country of origin nor the language that one speaks.  (We all petitioned to be admitted and we were all expected to conform to the norms, laws and customs of this jurisdiction…..not the other way around.) And so therefore, there must be no such distinction that should ever exist among us. 

The Masons of Alberta, as in other provinces, celebrate diversity among its ranks. Whether we wear kilts, barongs or any native attire, we are certainly welcome.  I am proud of my heritage and so are you.  Wear these with pride at cultural events or international nights or perhaps on occasions at the discretion of the Worshipful Master.  But in our hallowed halls where we conduct our regular business meetings, where no contention or distinction ever exist and where all are considered on the level……we have always been told that the appropriate attire is dark suit and tie.  I as your Grand Master trust that we will be cognizant and respectful of this fact.  We are proud Canadians but, foremost, worthy Alberta Freemasons.

• To our Grand Lodge Officers both elected and appointed, there was a reason why you were chosen or elected by your Brethren.  While others may see prestige attached to your well-deserved titles, I see it more as a reward or recognition for the years generously served to the Craft.  I have no doubt you will uphold the trust reposed on you.  Carry yourselves with dignity and grace.
• For those of you in attendance at the Grand Master’s Night, we met a promising young lady who will surely succeed in her chosen career.  She only has a grateful heart for Freemasons for helping her realize her dreams.  We can help more by supporting the noble objectives of our Masonic Charities, the Alberta Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund and Masonic Foundation.

For years, we had a united and happy Grand Line. One that works, supports and travels together.  This is what I saw and experienced with my worthy predecessors and undeniably see the line coming up (with Chuck, Michael and Gord)

MW Bro. Terry Murray has proven that harmony is the strength and support of our fraternity.  MW Bro. Chris Uchman has succeeded in strengthening the foundations of our lofty Order that we may continue to build the Craft.  And MW Bro. Kyle Scott has emphasized that by squaring our work and actions, we will be able to convey such, not only within the Fraternity but radiate it outside our lodges, for the benefit of the public.

It is now time to celebrate whatever gifts we have been graciously bestowed. It is now time to celebrate our Fraternity……

I remain your Brother Will.  Titles and ranks are but fleeting, past positions are consigned to the books. But what endures is the legacy one humbly leaves the Craft and the love that is earned long after leaving office.  And that like in any masonic endeavour, such an opportunity must be taken and tasks must be performed to the best of expectations right to the end.  As all brothers do, we must return to the multitude as we have always rightfully done.

May we be forever grateful to our masonic forebears and be inspired by the examples they have set out for future generations to emulate. Let us live our lives in the honorable traditions of Freemasonry, nurture worthwhile friendships we’ve built within the Craft, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, perform our rites and ceremonies with exuberance, and rear exemplary men. 

Let us then forge ahead and celebrate Freemasonry.