Wednesday, February 21, 2018

An Update on my Father

Back in December, I posted the tragic news that my father has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. Christmas was both joyous and emotional for my family. The cancer had eaten at his pelvic bone, but with the radiation treatment he received in January, he does not require the use of crutches anymore.

At the end of January, people from Emmett came together for a Benefit Dinner and raised funds to assist my father with his medical bills. It was very moving to see my father go to the dinner to see the hundreds of people show up to show him their support. There are no words to describe the gratitude my family has for all of the support my father has received.

My dad is now in Week 5 of his target therapy drug and all would be well, but he is still fighting nausea.

Even if you cannot provide any financial support for #BackupForBrad, please keep my father in your thoughts and prayers.

Saturday, February 17, 2018

The Beacon Light

By Rob Morris


A city set upon a hill 
Cannot be hid 
Exposed to every eye, it will 
Over surrounding plain and vale, 
An influence shed, 
And spread the light of peace afar, 
Or blight the land with horrid war. 

Each Mason's Lodge is planted so 
For high display 
Each is a BEACON LIGHT, to show 
Life's weary wanderers as they go, 
The better way 
To show by ties of earthly love, 
How perfect is the Lodge above! 

Be this your willing task, dear friends, 
While laboring here 
Borrow from Him who kindly lends 
The heavenly ladder that ascends 
The higher sphere 
And let the world your progress see, 
Upward by FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY

Sunday, February 11, 2018

2018 Masonic Week

Well, Masonic Week was a blast and I look forward to coming back again next year. Masonic Week started with a red-eye flight to DC, landing on Wednesday and getting everything prepared. Thursday started with attending the annual meeting of the Grand Council of the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon of the United States of America.

At this meeting, Joe Manning became Most Worthy Grand Master with Matthew Dupee as the Most Eminent Grand Prior. Congratulations to those who received the Knight Humilitas and Knight Caritas this year. Once the meeting adjourned, the Grand Master's Council held a Festive Board for members and it was an ample meal.

After lunch, Potomac Court No.107 followed by the Provincial Grand Court of the United States of America for the Masonic Order of Athelstan held their meetings respectively. Paul Johnston from England, the Grand Master of the Masonic Order of Athelstan was in attendance and it was a pleasure to see him again. Once their meeting was done, I was initiated into the Universal Craftsman Council of Engineers.

Although dinner was hosted by the Masonic Order of Athelstan, I had dinner with some Brothers elsewhere. While I have been in the AMD for 4-years, I had not been too active, but tonight I went through the Royal Ark Mariner degree and St. Lawrence of Martyr degree. After that, it was time for some libations in the hospitality suites.

Friday morning brought with it the Grand College of Rites where the Ancient Toltec Rite was absorbed into the Grand College of Rites. Fellow D. Allen Surrat was elected Grand Chancellor of this research group and I wish him the best of luck in the next year. The Grand Registrar, Jerry Klein, was made an Honorary Past Grand Chancellor for all the work he does for the Grand College. The rest of the morning was a morning with an Idaho Frater about the next steps we need to take to get a College in Idaho established.

Following lunch the Order of Knights Masons where Bill Miller was elected Most Excellent Great Chief of the order and David Grindle was appointed Excellent Chief of Great Chief's Council. I had the rest of the afternoon off and it was nice to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. The 10th Annual Dinner of the Masonic Society with Brother Eric Diamond as the guest speaker was very enjoyable.

Saturday morning began with a meeting of the Philalethes Society followed by the annual meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor. At the Grand Chapter meeting, David Grindle was elected Grand Preceptor.

After lunch, the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) of the United States of America, of the Grand Conclave of the Secret Monitor, and of the Appendant Orders of the Red Branch of Eri and the Scarlet Cord met and which took up much of the afternoon. David Dixon Goodwin was elected Most Venerable Sovereign Grand Master of the AMD of the USA. The All Masonic Banquet followed.

The Masonic Order of the Bath convened after the banquet and, after initiating a new class of over 40 Masons, I was elected as Very Honorable Captain General (4th-in-command).

I always enjoy Masonic Week and not because of all of the meetings I attend. I enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship. I meet so many Brethren from so many places and the most enjoyable parts are outside of the meeting where great conversations are held.

Now after cleaning up and packing, it's time to get back to Idaho.