Brethren, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my thoughts on "Membership Retention and Development." As we live in this fast-changing world, when all of our time is precious, and our commitments to God, country and family allow little time to participate in any other activities, Freemasonry is needed more than ever.

Our craft is unique in that it allows our brothers the freedom to worship God by the religious faith they choose.

We are able to take men from all walks of life, socially, economically, and culturally and provide an atmosphere of impartiality, where they can feel free to develop themselves to their highest potential - to take good men and make them better.

When we are asked to replace ourselves in this Fraternity, it is my hope that you know that this task is almost impossible because of your own high standards of character as a Mason. However, I believe that, along the way, you have touched someone else's life enough to want to share the same Masonic journey with him. Our Friend-to-Friend program provides you with the tools to accomplish this gift to mankind.

When we all think of Bro. George Washington, we remember him in several ways. One way is that he was our first and one of the greatest Presidents we have had. Another is that he was the Commanding General of the Continental Army that sacrificed so much to provide us the freedom we now enjoy. When I think of all the great successes and accolades that are credited to his name, the one that stands out in my mind the most is his character. I am sure we all remember the story of young Washington cutting down the cherry tree, and when questioned about it, he indicated that he could not tell a lie. That story might not be true, but it represents the character of George Washington, the Mason that we all honor and revere.

Remember Freemasonry was never intended to be for every man. There is nothing wrong with our being selective, because accepting good men and making them better is the only way to fulfill our obligation as Freemasons in order to sustain the quality of the Craft.