Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren Ladies, and Guests Good Afternoon.

The subject of today’s talk is “Freemasonry it’s about Commitment”.

I consider myself a very committed Freemason, as I am sure many of you here in this room do.

Once a wise Past Master and friend told me that, “Freemasonry is a wonderful volunteer organization as long as you are not the only volunteer”.

In our travels in Grand Lodge we have had the opportunity to meet many brethren and their families in varied and diverse communities throughout the state.  And we are fortunate in that we are not alone in our hard work and Masonic Labors.

Today we meet with three Lodges that I believe embody this “spirit” of commitment.

Corrine Lodge was the “Mother Lodge” or sponsor of Harmony lodge in Logan and Amity Lodge in Brigham City.

The trials and tribulations of the railroad industry have pockmarked the history of this community in general and the waxing and waning of the membership of Corrine Lodge more specifically.

One interesting point was that at one time Corrine was a “Moon Lodge” so that Brethren could more easily attend guided by the light of the full moon traveling by horse, buggy or funny enough by railway car.  That took commitment.  Think about it traveling from Brigham City by moonlight pumping one of those old railway cars. The spirit and the drive were there. These Masons so loved Freemasonry and wanted it to succeed that they went to any method then available to attend.  That “spirit” still survives in the present day membership.

Harmony Lodge has a core of officers that work their tails off initiating men into our gentle craft making Masons out of them only so that when their time at school is finished they are again off into the world.  This does not deter the Brethren of Logan.  They work hard making Masons because quite simply somebody has to do it and they are the Lodge that will.  I bet they could have one heck of a Homecoming Dance by the way.

In a visit to Amity Lodge there you will find a core group of Masons that hold that small and dedicated lodge together.  It was a strange turn in my Masonic travels when Past Grand Master Curtis Lancaster played the part of Senior Deacon and introduced me to the Worshipful Master.  Amity lodge is small but healthy and manages with the help of these other Northern Lodges to put on a great barbeque each year after the Peach Days Parade and celebration.

Further we should think of all the other Shrine/Masons that took time away from their families and weekend to travel north and join us here today.

This is the spirit of commitment that makes Freemasonry survive in the north part of the state of Utah.  Without this “spirit”, without this hard work from our seasoned membership there would not be a legacy for younger Masons to inherit nurture and grow.

All too often though I think we the Masons overlook the most committed part of our memberships.

That would be the commitment our spouses and partners.

They are not there to tote the barge and carry the heavy load but they do bear burdens.  They support us in our odd hobby where we wear funny hats and spend time away from home.  They stand by our sides, attend dinners and sometimes although not seen, if it wasn’t for their efforts behind the scenes we would not be able to put on such a successful public face.

In reality if it was not for that “spirit” of commitment Freemasonry in Utah would surely perish.

I have to thank Brothers’ J. C. McLaughlin and John Elwell both Past Grand Masters who provided me with some of the historical data I used today.  The job of Grand Orator can sometimes be daunting specifically at 2 o’clock in the morning whilst staring a blank computer screen.

However usually at this time is when you find a nice tidbit in a Lodge History provided to you by a friend and Brother that you can write about.

It seems at one time the Corrine Lodge building had a problem with wasps and unfortunately for a candidate he was stung on the forehead during his initiation.  He kept quiet and steadfast continuing through his degree no doubt in much discomfort.  Apparently he must have mistaken this misfortune as part of the evening’s ceremonies.

Talk about commitment.

Usually at this time of year is when we would renew our ties to the fraternity after having taken some time to ourselves over the summer break.

Things though are different now.

Throughout the summer many lodges have continued to work.  Many lodges have not gone dark and to their credit have added value to their traditional summer events of picnics, barbeques and steak fry’s.

It is an exciting time for the Masonic Family in Utah.  Persistence and dedication is paying off.  Autumn is upon us; keep up the hard work because after all in Freemasonry it’s about commitment.

Thanks for listening and enjoy the rest of your weekend.