Official Visit Powassan Lodge #443 – Oct. 2, 2009
By R.W. Bro. Terry M. Hornibrook, DDGM

Whence Come I

Brethren, I present you this scenario: A man is sitting down for dinner. His stomach is churning. He can't eat. He feels that he is about to throw up. He is on edge. He tells his wife that he may not be able to go out later. His wife asks him why are you so nervous? She reminds him it is Lodge night and that he is the Master. He tells her that the DDGM will be visiting that night and that he hopes all will go well. Does this sound familiar? Why are these feelings present? I believe it is because we have the wrong impression of such a visit.

Tonight I thought that I would expound on the position of the District Deputy Grand Master and give some background history of our fraternity. In some quarters the official visit of the DDGM is looked upon with dread and trepidation. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In the infancy of our jurisdiction the Grand Master was responsible for the overseeing and guidance of the Craft. He was charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the ritual and aims of Masonry were followed and adhered to by all member lodges. Very shortly he found that he could not fulfill these duties adequately, as Masonry spread and travel to the more remote locations a trial. Accordingly, Grand Lodge started to form districts and appoint a representative to oversee that particular area. Shortly, these districts were given the responsibility of electing a representative who became the eyes and ears of the Grand Master and of Grand Lodge. Over time his responsibilities became more complex and demanding.

The DDGM is the liaison between the district and Grand Lodge. His primary duty is to report on the state of the Craft and to make an honest appraisal on the condition of Masonry within his district. . This forth rightness is necessary so that the talents and resources of Grand Lodge can keep our Fraternity strong and relevant to the members. Reports from official visits are to be sent in within 10 days. This allows for an immediate response and the incorporation of remedial measures before a situation becomes critical and terminal. You must remember that some of the brightest and most dedicated members of Masonry are your current Grand Lodge officers. They have the same love and dedication to the Craft that you feel. The difference is that they are demonstrating that commitment by taking an active part to ensure its survival. We all are on the same team.

When the DDGM and the District Secretary are observing, visiting and reporting it is with the honest hope that the state of Masonry in your lodge is meeting all criteria as outlined by the Grand Master and Grand Lodge. It is the mandate of all lodge officers to try to insure that all are doing the same work and following the same ritual. This allows a brother to visit another lodge within our jurisdiction and to feel completely at home; the same strictures are being followed even though lodges may be 2,000 miles apart.

I encourage all to have a look at your lodge. Do you have any questions, concerns or feel that you may like to know more? The varied programmes available have been developed to serve you and make us stronger and more meaningful. Thousands of hours have been spent preparing material; resource personnel are available to help. Brother 2 Brother, the Mentor programme, the Masonic Chip, Help to Hear, the Masonic Foundation, Youth Initiatives, Protocol and Etiquette just to name a few are available to aid us and provide more pertinent, meaningful education and direction at our meetings.

Grand Lodge officers are dedicated and caring brethren. They have one common goal, they wish to see our great fraternity survive and grow. They hope as we do that our children's children will have the opportunity to belong to the Masonic family.

We live in a fast paced and constantly evolving society, we need to keep current and take advantage of all available means to present ourselves as a vibrant and progressive organization. I am here to assure you that I am your friend and your representative. The DDGM's position is one of honour. You have elected me to be that liaison to Grand Lodge and I am following the mandate, which accompanies the position. Let me assure you that we have the same desires and goals, which is to insure that each does their best. We wish to see our Fraternity continue to be a meaningful part of our lives and our society. When all is said and done that is all that can be asked.

I leave you with this wish.

Live Simply
Love Generously
Care Deeply
Speak Kindly
LEAVE THE REST TO GOD.