Brethren:

Welcome back to the 2005 Fall Masonic Season. I know many lodges have kept busy through the summer with degree work, and I commend you for your dedication. A few comments for the fall season:

1. Our DGM Jim Woodward underwent a triple bypass heart operation on August 23. The operation went well and Jim is recuperating at a fast pace. He thanks you all for your support and prayers. Nothing like a good tune-up prepare for the coming year!!. He wishes the same could be said for his Cadillac.
2. MASTER BUILDER’s PROGRAM – As you start the fall Masonic season, please assess your chances of qualifying for the Master Builder’s Award. This program is an incredibly important tool to use as a guide to a well run lodge. If you don’t have a copy of the program, contact the Grand Lodge office.
3. The Masonic Model Student Assistance Program (MMSAP) is set for October 26, 27 and 28. Several lodges have sent in contributions of support for this program and we thank you for that. It isn’t too late to talk to your school boards about sending teachers, administrators, social workers, etc. to this program. This program, costing between $300 to $600 per person to put on, is paid for by Utah Blue Lodge Masonry. If you need brochures or a speaker on MMSAP, let us know.
4. NUTS – That time of year again. The Grand Lodge Ladies are again sponsoring the sale of nuts to raise money for Masonic charities. The pricing on the nuts will be sent out in about two weeks. Enclosed is a letter and order form (without pricing) for your information.
5. Freemason’s Universal Tartan – cloth and finished products (ties, cummerbunds, scarves, etc.) are in inventory and available through the Grand Lodge of Utah. Contact our Grand Treasurer Richard Loomis for details at 801- 544-0742. Wear a Kilt – Become popular with the ladies …..Aye!
6. PRICE PARADE – On July 30th, the Grand Lodge, the two Price Blue Lodges, the Yorkrite and Job’s Daughters joined El Kalah Shriners in the Price International Days Parade. Utah Masonry made a great showing and the residents of Price seemed genuinely pleased to see us out in force. My thanks to Worshipful Masters John McCurdy and Norm Smith and the members of our Price Blue Lodges for planning and supporting an All-Masonic effort in the parade. My thanks also to Mike Roshek, Potentate of El Kalah, who has provided tremendous support for the Unity of our Masonic Family. The Grand Lodge was honored to be able to join Mike, the Divan line and the clubs and units for a great day with a TEAM effort.
7. WARDEN’S RETREAT – As you read this, the Warden’s Retreat will have already come and gone. I hope your officers enjoyed it and learned something – as well as got to know their counterparts and members of this jurisdiction around the state. My sincere thanks to WB Loyd Davis, Chairman and MWB Bob McKenzie, vice chairman, MWB Bruce Betts, committee member and original founder of the retreat, and all the others who worked hard to put on the program. Those lodges who did not have any representation at the Retreat missed a valuable opportunity. I hope they will be attending next year.
8. COMMENTS – Brethren, this craft is experiencing a lot of good publicity and interest from the outside world. I have no doubt every lodge can grow if we make it known what we stand for and how to join. Those lodges who have sponsored open houses to share Freemasonry have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of interest there is in our craft. I do fear, however, that some of our new and old members are not active because of a lack of direction in our lodges. Please remember that men join Masonry because they are looking for something – Fraternity, education, friendship, personal growth, whatever. Our lodges must be prepared to provide substance and purpose. The most important focus should be education – primarily Masonic education. Spend time planning educational features on Masonry. You can choose from an almost infinite variety of topics, you can bring in outside guest speakers, you can produce a year’s worth of programs using a common theme or you can bounce around. What you shouldn’t do is leave it up to chance that your membership will want to support your lodge with their attendance if you don’t provide at least a basic amount of fellowship and education.

I wish you a full, fun and rewarding fall Masonic season.

Fraternally,
Ridge Gilmour, Grand Master