…presented at Reba Lodge No. 515, Brantford, March 9, 2007.

Right Worshipful Sirs, Very Worshipful Sirs, Worshipful Sirs, Distinguished East and Brethren all.

Tonight, I would like to congratulate the members of Reba for the teamwork that they have shown. Their goal was to bring the lodge from St George back into Brantford in order to serve the growing population here for new members and for their established member. Thank-You for a job well done.

In order to succeed at this task, a great number of barriers were smoothed out with the help of Grand Lodge and their committees.

My goal tonight is to point out the various committees of Grand Lodge and encourage the members of Brant District to use their expertise in order to attain our goals with as few bumps along the way as possible.

I received a lengthy email from the deputy grand master outlining the various reports from these committees.

The Lodge Buildings Advisory Committee is a group recently familiar to three lodges of Brant district. Those lodges received help to understand the guidelines so that our lodges would have the same layout throughout Ontario . The results of this committee are all around you this evening.

Thomas Siemiernik is always trying to improve and promote the blood donors committee. This has been a long time project of Masons in Ontario . I would like to thank Brother Jim Arrindell for his work at the blood donor clinic sponsored by Reba Lodge. Just a reminder that time passes more quickly if you're with a friend and brother.

The Library Museum and Archives committee's jobs include lending our books to our brethren, receiving new books, lending extra books to other Masonic Libraries, and is looking at expanding their services via the internet. They are compiling an exhibit to be tentatively displayed at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa set for 2010.

Long Range Planning seems to be the latest buzzword from Grand Lodge. This committee covers Finances Members buildings and amalgamations in order to have a stronger footing in masonry. Remember a plan is needed to ensure success in all of our endeavours.

The Public Relations headed by John Green Oversees the International ploughing Match held at Keene . A meet and Greet with the Grand Master and the collection and distribution of names of prospective men interested in Masonry. This committee is now working on the 2007 ploughing match in Athens , Ontario .

Computer resources are headed by Brian Bond. Oh how far we as masons have come in accepting the computer into the lodge. All the secretaries of Brant District now are computerized. The next step is to make them all email capable in order to save the secretaries' time and the lodges DOLLARS every month. Remember Brethren for every notice sent by email the lodge saves at least 60 cents. The secretary and his assistant save time to compiling them. Another plus for emailing your lodge summons is that each and every brother of the district could be on your mailing list thereby improving communication throughout the district and beyond.

Masonic Education committee is headed by Right Worshipful Brother Ray Daniels. Brethren, Brant District will be able to hear Brother Raymond Daniels speak at St George lodge's official visit in April. Please try to attend. Remember Knowledge is Power.

Although the E-mail regarding the Committees was lengthy my talk tonight won't be. If you'd like to hear about more Grand Lodge committees please join me at Brant Lodge on Tuesday and King Solomon in Jarvis Mar 20. Or for more information check out the Grand Lodge Proceeding 2006.

Brethren Thank-you for the kindness you have afforded me this evening and I close with these words of wisdom I heard on the radio this morning:

There was a young Executive, his first day on the job, in his new office when there was a knock at the door. The young executive quickly picked up the phone to look busy. He said "Come In" to the person at the door, and continued talking for a few moments. "Can I help you?" he said to the tradesman who had come in. "I'm here to hook-up your phone."

Remember the truth always comes out.