|
The year 2002 is here and it is my hope that we can propel Pennsylvania Freemasonry to an even higher level of quality so that we can maintain our place of excellence that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has held for so many decades. How can we accomplish that? It is my vision that by working together, no matter what our respective positions are, or what our interests are pertaining to the Craft, we can and must excel. That is the basis of the theme I have adopted for 2002: "H.O.P.E. Helping Others Pursue Excellence." Whether we are busy in our Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite, the Shrine, and the other Masonic bodies, there is work in the Craft to satisfy everyone. In order to achieve higher standards in Freemasonry, we must commit ourselves to the task before us. I believe that all of our Masonic Brothers are good men and are striving to better themselves as family members, in their belief in God, in their work place and in their community. So, we must not forget those of our members who are not able to be at lodge meetings. I have heard it questioned from time to time, "If I can't be active, why belong or continue to be a member?" My Brethren, it takes every one of us to continue Freemasonry and to maintain the high standards that we need and, yes, deserve! Therefore, I am asking each of you - no, I'm challenging you - to renew your commitment so that we can see a better tomorrow in Pennsylvania Freemasonry. In this issue, you will find listed all of the committees for 2002, the chaplains and the ritualists who are vital for supporting the elected officers, district deputy grand masters, appointed officers, appointed leadership personnel of both the Grand Lodge and Masonic Homes, and key staff members who were presented in the special inaugural issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason. There are two areas where I feel this administration must pay close attention: In our Blue Lodges: As of the end of 2001, a number of our lodges have had to merge. It was not because they didn't have the assets or membership, but simply because there weren't enough members who were willing to serve in the stations and places to become Worshipful Masters. Brethren, we must turn that around and change the direction we are going. I know there are men who would make excellent Worshipful Masters. I know we can do it! Maintaining our membership: A completely new committee has been selected and appointed. More about the committee responsibilities and duties will be announced very soon, if it has not been done by the time you receive this issue. Also, we will pursue the strongest effort possible to contact our members who have not paid their 2002 dues. Sending certified letters is not enough. We must aim at our goal in 2002 of having zero suspensions. I know we can do it provided we are all together, striving hand-in-hand with unanimity. The Annual Communication was just wonderful. The banquet was successful with more than 2,200 attending. Its arrangement and staging was a great example of everyone working together. The attendance and fraternal fellowship among the brethren, guests, and their ladies was an outstanding example of everyone coming together as a fraternity. The month of September will be "Youth Month" in our Blue Lodges. Very soon, the District Deputy Grand Master in your district will inform you about all of the details. Also, plans are being formulated to hold a "Masonic Veterans Night" in our Blue Lodges. The month it will be held and details of arrangements will be forthcoming soon. Masonic Education will be pursued vigorously. We plan to maintain the Wardens Seminars. The only difference will be that we plan to send the Education Committee "on the road." By that, I mean the seminars will be held conveniently in the Regions across the state. Plans are being made to have charity golf tournaments in the eastern and western parts of the jurisdiction and, if enough interest exists, one also can be planned for the central area. Again, the tournaments will be for the benefit of the Masonic Children's Home at Elizabethtown. With everyone's support in 2002 and beyond, we will achieve and maintain the high level of excellence this jurisdiction so justly deserves. May you have smooth sailing in everything you do. And, God Bless America!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr., |
||
|
||
