Well, what can I say...2018 was a bad year for me and my family. I entered this year with my father's cancer diagnosis and with uncertain prospects. Yes, there were some great moments, but I am ready to leave this year behind. I can only hope that 2019 is better than 2018, but that won't take much for the New Year to be an improvement.
In January I was advanced to the VII° in the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (SRICF). In February I attended Masonic Week in Crystal City (just outside DC). In April I was elected and installed as the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho.
In mid-August, I attended the inaugural Rocky Mountain SRICF Conference and then the 67th Triennial of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA. I left early from the Grand Encampment to be with my father who passed away at the end of August. I was glad to be home with him in his final days, but it tore at my soul to watch him degrade day by day. While I will miss him to the end of my days, I am glad he is no longer in pain.
In September, I attended the 151st Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge AF&AM of Idaho where I represented the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho and was happy to see that the Grand Lodge officially recognized the SRICF.
In October, I was at the founding of Star Garnet Council No.560 of the Allied Masonic Degrees, and the Northwest York Rite Conference. At the end of the month, I attended the Lewiston Chapter of Royal Arch Masons who had not conferred the Capitular degrees in several years. In November I attended the High Council of the SRICF and the Idaho Rose Circle of the SRICF was formed; I was designated as the Celebrant.
At the beginning of December, I was appointed Prelate of St. Michael's Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine. I spent the rest of the month attending officer installations and Christmas Observances around the state of Idaho. On the winter solstice, I attended a convocation of the Utah College of the SRICF. It was nice to be with family for Christmas, but it was still strange to have Dad not there in person in his role handing out the presents to everyone. Now, I'm getting ready to attend a New Year's Eve Party.
God bless you all and have a prosperous New Year.
I am sorry for the troubles of your year, but rejoice with you for the positive moments. May God spread his grace upon you and yours and I pray that you will have a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. I will always be your friend and try to have your back.
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