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During the first four months of this year, I have been where Masonry is really alive in Blue Lodges across our state. In every lodge we visited, rural or urban, small or large, brotherhood reigned, fellowship prevailed, and the pride of being a Mason was predominant. It has been a fraternal inspiration and a very satisfying experience for me and for the Grand Lodge team to be among the Brethren in their lodges. Seventeen of those visitations were to present new District Deputy Grand Masters in their home lodges. Together as Brethren, we watched and heard each new Deputy accept the solemn charge of his office and we recognized the magnitude of his commitment to serve and his dedication to the Fraternity and we appreciate it. At the same time, we said "thank you" to those who "retired" after years of service and became Past District Deputy Grand Masters. Theirs was a job well done. During the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge on March 6, I announced a decision that petitions now may be accepted from applicants 18 years of age or older. That decision is of great interest to many worthy young men, particularly the young adult leaders of DeMolay, students matriculating into colleges or starting out in the business world, and men going into their country's military services. The next Quarterly Communication will be on Wednesday, June 5, in Corinthian Hall of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. It would be my pleasure to greet you there. Membership growth is our biggest challenge, both in welcoming worthy new members and keeping the Brethren that we have. As I say every chance I get, "We're capable of meeting the challenge and we will succeed." Our new Membership Committee hit the ground running with a two-pronged program, called "Operation Rescue/Recovery" (for story click here) that calls upon personal contact to get the job done. Committee members in the Lodge will "rescue" Brethren in jeopardy of suspension, recently suspended, or considering resignation. To spur "recovery" of our membership status, lodges will host Friend-to-Friend get-togethers to tell friends, neighbors, and relatives "who we are, what we are, and what we are all about." Every Mason can help and I ask you to do so -- by speaking Brother-to-Brother when you know someone is delinquent in dues, and Friend-to-Friend whenever someone asks about the Fraternity. Two Grand Master's Charity Golf Outings that are in the works for the Fall will provide excellent Brother-to-Brother and Friend-to-Friend opportunities. In Western Pennsylvania, the Grand Master's Charity Golf Outing to Benefit the Masonic Village at Sewickley will be at Diamond Run Golf Club on Sept. 16. In Eastern Pennsylvania, the Grand Master's Charity Golf Outing to Benefit the Masonic Children's Home at Elizabethtown will be at Lulu Country Club on Sept. 23. Thank you Brethren for your support.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr., |
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