"If you build it, he will come"
MW Bro. Dean Elliott, Grand Master, 2022-23
This month’s Annual Communication in Saskatoon marks the end of my term as Grand Master. It has been an incredible journey over my five years on the Grand Line as I attended Lodge meetings and special events, Masonic conferences and Board of General Purposes meetings along with travel to various jurisdictions. A highlight of the five years has been renewing old friendships and establishing many new ones.
It is evident that the state of Masonry in Saskatchewan is overwhelmingly positive; most Lodges have returned to a normal schedule of meetings, invitations for fundraising events and other celebrations abound and many Lodges are busy initiating new candidates.
Unfortunately, distressing actions by some members have the potential to undermine Freemasonry in Saskatchewan. These actions led me to form a Grand Master’s Special Committee to investigate bullying and hazing in the fraternity, which I will report on further at the Annual Communication. A key takeaway from the work of the committee has been the need for more education to help clarify the process by which we bring men into our Fraternity and how we mentor them throughout their journey.
My last two examples of my theme, “if you build it, he will come,” highlight the need to help our members, new and old, understand the essence of Freemasonry, which goes far beyond memorized ritual to a focus on how we choose to live and act towards one another within the Fraternity and with society in general.
- If we desire that the individual Mason build his own worthy structure and arrive at its summit through Faith, Hope and Charity, we must help him interpret our system of morality that is veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.
- If we provide moral instruction and social intercourse, as outlined in the General Charge, then through the former he will be given a space and tools to learn how to become a better man, and through the latter he will build a stronger sense of fellowship with his brothers in Masonry by participating in stimulating conversation and exchanging of ideas.
I offer my heartfelt thanks to all who supported me during the past five years. I look forward to continuing to serve the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan in various ways for many years to come. Lastly, I wish you all well on your own Masonic journeys.
Grand Master’s challenge coins are still available for a minimum donation of $20 to the Masonic Youth Leadership Camp. Please contact me at dean.elliott@saskmasons.ca if you wish to obtain one or more coins.
"If you build it, he will come”
MW Bro. Dean Elliott, Grand Master, 2022-23