Brethren, it is both an honor and privilege to have served this lodge as Worshipful Master for the last year. I cannot stress enough the old saying “you get out of it, what you put into it”. When I first joined this lodge, I was new, inexperienced, and knew absolutely nothing about the craft. I decided to make it my goal to learn as much as I could about this fraternity and to get as much value from my dues as I possibly could. Little did I realize where that journey would take me.
Freemasonry has shaped me into a better man through various avenues. Becoming a guide helped me overcome my fears of public speaking, and helped establish trust with my fellow brethren. By becoming a mentor it helped me establish life-long friendships and essentially taught me the value of teaching others. Becoming an officer of this lodge solidified the importance of the oath and obligations of each degree, and reminded me that a Mason is true to his word.
These are just a few of the many things I have learned over the last 7+ years. My hope is that each and every one of you takes full advantage of everything this fraternity has to offer and seek the value of your membership dues. Thank you for allow me to be a Steward of this lodge, and for carrying on the traditions of Lodge No. 43. I offer my sincerest best wishes to my friend and brother, Brother Todd A. Bennicas as he takes the East. I look forward to everything he has planned for the future of this lodge and trust we are in good hands.
I wish you and your family the very happiest of holidays!
Your Humble Servant, L. Kenneth Bray III WM
“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for its better to be alone than in bad company.”
– George Washington