Grand Master's Report of the Semi-Annual Communication

Congratulations to the brothers who were elected to lead the fraternity upon my retirement in March: Gary W. Arseneau, Most Worshipful Grand Master; Simon R. LaPlace, Deputy Grand Master; Thomas M. Maxwell, II, Grand Senior Warden; Donald W. Dean, Grand Junior Warden; Charles C. Maxson, Grand Treasurer; Robert G. Fitzgerald, Grand Secretary; and MW Stanley S. Sheldon, Jr., Grand Trustee for three years.

The semi-annual session was successful, productive, and an opportunity to provide a report to the Grand Lodge members on the status of actions taken this year to improve and update the operations of the Grand Lodge.

I have previously enumerated in this column the refocus of the Grand Lodge officers to concentrate on the management of the fraternity with a vision towards the next ten years, as well as the change in the authority and responsibilities of the District Deputies. It is continuing to be apparent that the refocus is working well and additional advantages have emerged. There are many tasks being addressed on a regular basis and a Grand Lodge officer has direct staff responsibility for maintaining a vision on each of these tasks in order to manage the functioning of the Grand Lodge. This process has provided each Grand Lodge officer a more complete insight into the many facets of operating the fraternity. My report elaborated on the list of tasks under review and oversight by the Grand Lodge officers.

The report also covered the new responsibilities of the District Deputies, along with their Associate Grand Marshals, and the results of their refocus thus far. In my opinion the DD’s are doing a great job and their increased responsibility has made them more aware of the situation of the lodges within their districts and what is needed to assist them. The entire focus of the evaluation system is to provide a vehicle for the lodges to improve themselves.

The Connecticut Freemasons Foundation report was given by Deputy Grand Master Arseneau, who informed the members of changes in the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. He also reported that the Board was going to begin raising funds to increase the endowment. My Grand Master’s Appeal this year is one of the efforts being used to raise funds for the Foundation. The Appeal letter also includes a survey concerning our Strategic Plan. The Strategic Planning Committee has worked diligently since the district forums last April. This survey is another important step in that process.  The committee needs your input. Please complete the survey and return it along with any amount you can provide to the appeal.

RW Steve Bowen provided an update on the new insurance program. Lodges are urged to contact Steve, the Grand Lodge office, or the insurance carrier to obtain a quote on insurance for the lodge or building. It does not cost anything for the quote process and you will determine if your lodge is already covered by the Grand Lodge policy, if your insurance is adequate, and if money can be saved.

RW Michael Dodge informed the members of new awards programs and a number of “Perfect Ashlar Awards” were presented to new Masons. The “Perfect Ashlar” program recommends 18 things a new Mason can do to improve himself and learn more about the fraternity. After he has completed 10 of these, he is eligible for a “Perfect Ashlar” certificate.

WB Johnnie Miller reported on the Open House program, which appears to have been very successful. He will have a further report after he is able to assemble more information. The lodges I visited on October 15 all were extremely well organized and everyone appeared to be enjoying the day. A number of brothers have approached me with reports of numbers of visitors and interest in the craft. A vigorous “well done” to all!

There were a couple of items that I did not have a chance to cover at the session because of the press of time. The first is non-payment of dues – ‘NPD’.  We are doing well on membership applications and are maintaining positive growth against deaths and demits; however, when we take NPDs into account, we are not doing as well. I have asked the Grand Secretary to provide information to all lodges regarding the proper way to notify brothers in arrears on their dues. I ask all Worshipful Masters to closely monitor the process. I have found, in many cases, that the main problem with these brothers is a feeling of “no one cares.” I agree that we, as Masons, should all maintain contact with our lodges; however, the lodge also needs to provide its brothers with a reason for belonging and attending. Trestleboards and web sites help, but they must be educational, informative, up to date, and provide information that will make the brother proud of his lodge and Masonry. The District Deputies will assist me in monitoring the NPD process. Please give it a top priority in the next 60 days.

Lastly – investigations. RW Ken Greenhill and others have been providing excellent lectures regarding the importance of investigation of petitioners. I recently attended lodge and reports were submitted on five candidates. The leader of one of the investigation teams, WB Sandy Lunt, Associate Grand Tiler, gave an excellent report. I was impressed because he indicated that the team enjoyed speaking to the petitioners and their wives. I had asked WB Lunt to make a presentation to the Grand Lodge but, unfortunately, time interfered. Please see Sandy’s presentation elsewhere in this issue.

My brothers, this has been an exciting and rewarding six months. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this Grand Lodge. I will continue to do my best.