12/06/2013
Most Worshipful, Right Worshipful, Worshipful Brothers, Brothers, Family
and Friends; Tonight, I am humbled by the mantel of responsibility
placed on my shoulders and will endeavor to take it up and lead Plains
Lodge in 2014 in a manner which will looking back make you proud.
The number of Brothers who have stepped forward not only from Plains
Lodge but from other constituent lodges and offered to help make 2014 a
success is astounding and really drives the point home that Masonry
truly embodies the essense of Brotherhood. There are a few among us who
have come out in support of their friends and family yet do not know
what Masons do behind closed doors. Rumours range from riding goats to
plotting the overthrow of the free world, well I will let you in on a
secret, the free world can rest easy.
We don't take things people say about us to heart because when you
have been around in one form or fashion since time immemorial and have
suffered as our brothers have under tyrants, kings and misinformed
church leaders you tend to develop a thick skin. I get more frustrated
with people who know what we do, yet do not support us than those who
dislike us for one twisted reason or another.
Masons are men who come together from all walks of life and have
chosen this path of self improvement and character building as one which
works for them. Our motto is "Making Good Men Better" and we do this by
providing opportunities for Good men to be with other Good men and in
lifting each other up when we slip, as we all do from time to time,
build trust in the bond which holds us together. Through the trials and
tribulations we face together we are strengthen and become more than
friends, we become BROTHERS. How many organizations do you know who can
proclaim with pride as many Kings, Lords, Prime Ministers, Presidents,
Church Fathers, Poets, Writers, Singers, Actors, Race Car Drivers,
etc... oh and ordinary men like me, among their ranks? I can't think of
any and believe me I have tried.
Now to my Brothers who have through their ballot selected me
Worshipful Master of Plains Lodge # 135 Free and Accepted Masons for
2014, I say to you, while we all know that in any lodge the real work is
done by the Secretary and Treasurer, I want to assure you that, as the
plaque sitting on President Truman's desk stated "The Buck Stops Here!"
If at the end of this term there are to be any accolades or praises to be given
they will have been earned by us all but any failures are to be placed
where they belong, squarely on this Oriental Chair.
I want to once again thank each and everyone of you for making this night special. Thank you and May God Bless You all.
David E. Carroll Jr.
WM Plains Lodge #135 F&A.M. 2014
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