Reflecting on 2024

Another eventful year has come to an end. The first quarter of the year involved a lot of travel for work, the usual trip for Masonic Week, and I got a promotion at work. 

In April I was elected and installed as the Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Idaho. May and June were occupied with work trips and visitations as Grand Commander as well as dubbing several new knights. At the end of June, I took a trip to London where I played tourist and attended some Masonic meetings.

July was a hard month as I lost my grandfather and a dear Masonic Brother (and my predecessor as Grand Commander). In August, I attended the 69th Triennial of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar USA in SLC, UT, and the inaugural Midwest Regional SRICF Conference in Dayton, OH.

September brought trips to California for the 89th Annual Conclave of the Convent General of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor and to northern Idaho for the 157th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Idaho where a Past Master of my Lodge was installed as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Idaho. In October I attended the annual Northwest York Rite Conference in Spokane, WA, and the next week I attended the annual assembly of the Grand Court of the Masonic Order of Athelstan.

November was busy as I went straight from a work trip to the annual convocation of the High Council of the SRICF which was followed by a trip to Italy to attend the Annual Assembly of the Gran Concilio dei Massoni Criptici d'Italia.

With the first weekend of December came several Masonic meetings; I was honored to be elected and installed as Deputy Preceptor for Redemption Tabernacle No.XL of the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests. I also helped confer the degrees of Royal Arch Mason, Royal Master, and Select Masters.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and could spend time with those you love. All things, though, must end and the Chapter called 2024 must be closed.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all of my family, friends, Brothers, Companions, Sir Knights, Companion Knights, Fellows, Knights Companion, Cousins, Knights, Knight Priests, and Fratres around the world:

As we gather in the spirit of unity and purpose, let us remember the sacred occasion of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Logos Incarnate, the Blessed Redeemer, the Glory of the Father, and the True Light of the World. His arrival heralded a message of love, compassion, and redemption, guiding us to emulate His teachings daily.

In this season of celebration, let us reaffirm our commitment to uphold the values of faith, humility, and service that Christ exemplified. Let us extend a hand of kindness to those in need, embodying the essence of charity and goodwill.

As guardians of the innocent and defenders of faith, may we continue to shine the light of Christ's love in all we do, fostering peace and harmony in our communities and beyond.

Wishing you all a blessed and joyous Christmas, filled with the spirit of Christ's love and the warmth of fellowship.

Annual December Meetings

After a busy week of work in Virginia, I made it back home yesterday so I could prepare for today's Masonic meetings. This morning started with Tri-Valley College No. 178 of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America. In the afternoon, Redemption Tabernacle No. XL of the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests met and I was elected Deputy Preceptor for the ensuing year. Congratulations to Bud on being elected and installed as Very Eminent Preceptor, who also serves as Grand High Priest of Idaho. The last group to meet was St. Michael Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, and I was elected Recorder [queue dramatic music]. After this meeting, we traveled to a local steakhouse for an excellent dinner. Now to get ready for work in the morning.