…presented at St. George Lodge No. 243, St. George, April 5, 2005.

First of all brethren I must thank R.W.Bro. Dan Dawson for standing in for me tonight as I am at our head office in Winnipeg until Friday braving the lovely spring weather on Portage Avenue . Dan's better looking than I am anyway!!!

In a few months my term of office will be over, all being well, and it will cumulate a tremendous Masonic experience being your DDGM. We have tried in a positive way to highlight the themes promoted by our Grand Master, specifically being communication and letting your light shine. In the most recent communiqué from the Grand Master he highlights his experience at the North American conference of grand masters held in Calgary and he feels assured that we continue to be on the cutting edge insofar as programs and initiatives especially the correspondence course for prospective DDGMs and the DDGM orientation program. Just as grand lodge officers need special help so do all masons as they move along in their Masonic journey. One of the most talked about areas of concern in masonry for many years has been membership.

In our district we have shown a fair bit of growth this year with some lodges having 2, 4 and one even 5 new applications. This is very encouraging and bodes well for the future.

To make "good men better" we must first start with ourselves. We individually have to be better. We must lead by example and let our own light shine first. Don't get caught in rumor and innuendo, be honest and fair with your brethren, families and co-workers, act with dignity and class, but show true humility and gratitude. This is not an easy task and we don't have an easy road, but masonry has taught us to overcome by having a direct relationship with the most high, being spiritual and Christian individuals.

Remember the gift of gratitude can't be bought. Anyone can have it, it's free for the asking and the choosing. Thank each person you love for who they are.

Finally thanks again for the participation of this lodge, St. George Lodge in the district project and for contributing to the ongoing success of Brant District . My thoughts prayers and best wishes are with you tonight, and if you can remember, say a wee prayer for your DDGM and our past DDGMs too. God bless.