Thursday May 20, 2010

When I look at this week so far, it seems that not much has taken place, yet a lot of paperwork was completed.

Unfortunately, due to me taking some time off work in April, I was not able to attend the Grand Lodge of Michigan Annual Communication in Mt. Pleasant this week. The Grand Master, actually now the Junior Past Grand Master was a Past Potentate of Moslem Temple, and one of the finest gentleman you will find. I wished I could have personally attended. The other reason for attending was to finally see the end of my former masonic lodge. The lodge was officially and permanently closed this week, after a year long struggle with much animosity. It is so sad to see how members of our great fraternity, who have taken oaths of brotherly love, relief and truth, exhibit the exact opposite of said tenets. I once believed that increasing the membership of our lodges was the paramount issue a lodge must set its course. That, in doing so, quantity is more important than quality. Well I have learned that this is so far from the truth. If you sacrifice quality for quantity, you are sacrificing so much more. A few bad apples will destroy the entire mix, however, when everything was said and done, our organization's principles overcame this minor stepping stone to further light in Freemasonry. A sad chapter has finally ended, and we can move on with continuing our journey.

I spent most of the week in Southfield, catching up with all the paperwork that comes with being Potenate. I was able to speak with our commercial manager for a while and she expressed her optimism over the future bookings, a small sign that we may be on the road to recovery in SE Michigan.

I also have been visiting some of our sick Nobles, and am continuing this trend the next couple of days. We have way too many Nobles, their ladies, friends and family members who are ill. I can only pray to the Supreme Architect to place their health as a priority, and on the fast track to recovery.

The next week shows a little lull in Shrine Activities, which may be a blessing because the official Shrine Parade Season is 9 days away and all the Units are preparing for the season. I am so happy by the job of our new parade chairman and his team in securing the cities and afterglows.

Well I have some family plans this weekend, so if you don't hear from me, I am probably taking a little time for the Familia.

Much Love and until next time..............