This page was my real time collection of thoughts and impressions during the 2007 Grand Lodge Communication. course. I typed these items during the few moments I had in my room during the session. In some ways, it is a diary; in other ways it is a journal.
Wed. 9/19/07 Last night I loaded all the cookbooks (6 boxes anyway) into the truck, along with the stuff for the other new Grand Officers, my hat, my apron, and a bunch of other stuff. I did it last night since it was going to rain and I didn't want to do it in the rain and get the books wet. Well, I forgot all about using the truck to take the dog to the kennel, so this AM I took the stuff out of the inside and put in in the bed. (The rain was done.) Then I took the dog to the kennel, went to work for a few hours, came home, grabbed a few things, jumped on the motorcycle, and headed for Waterloo about 11:30 AM. Made it in record time, parked in the ramp, and got checked into the hotel in time to go to the Board of Trustees meeting. This was followed by a meeting with the Pension Administrators. These meetings took all day. I had brought three cookbooks along for the Trustees to Review, and sold all of them in the first five minutes of the meeting. I should have brought more. I also delivered two slide rule tie bars to the 2nd and 3rd brothers who made the required $100+ donation to Hope Lodge. (I got the first one. It only seems fair to me.)
During all this time, Carol had brought all our stuff up in the truck, delivered a bunch of food to the craft sale, and the cookbooks to the ladies in the craft sale and to the guys at Lodge Service. Sounds like they were pretty popular. I hope we sell all that we brought and don't have to take any home with us. In fact, I hope we get enough orders to sell out completely and force another order from the publisher.
Then we went to dinner with the 2002-2003 Grand Lodge Officers. Of course the eating establishment was filled with other GL folks, so it was hard to eat for all the talking. But that fellowship is one of our strengths, and Lord Knows I enjoy it.
Thur. 9/20/07 This was a busy day. Of course the GL school was in session, but I didn't get a chance to participate in that. I was invited to attend the Jurisprudence Committee meeting, which started at 9:00 AM. I'm not a member obviously, but as the "heir apparent" I was invited to sit in and be quiet.
One terribly somber note: MW Brother Glenn Brown, PGM fell during a break from the Jurisprudence Committee meeting. He hit his head very hard on the floor, and was taken to the hospital for treatment and observation. This evening he underwent brain surgery to reduce the swelling. He has had more than his share of health problems the past several years. Our thoughts and prayers are with MW Brother Glenn and his wife Carmen as they deal with this dangerous situation.
The Grand Master and I had to leave about 11:00 to go to the installation and jewel exchange walkthrough. Then lunch, and back to the Jurisprudence Meeting. Based on the meeting, one of the 14 pieces of legislation will be withdrawn. A part of another will be withdrawn.
Had a couple hours to relax in the room before the Grand Master's banquet. Had a chance to visit with some god friends from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota prior to the banquet. Had a great meal, much more than I could eat. I have a bit of steak in the fridge to eat for breakfast. The entertainment was by Faye Duddley. She sang some classic rock and roll numbers along with a bit of country. Quite a bit of audience participation. The Grand Master made a pretty decent Elvis impersonator. If you see him, you'll have to ask him about that scarf. Then back to the room for an hour or so of socializing with other dear friends. Now it's time to get ready for tomorrow.
Friday 9/21/07 To quote Charles Dickens, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." What a rollercoaster day. As I was getting on the elevator this morning, to go to the morning session, I met Tom Eggleston, who informed me that we had lost MW Brother Glenn Brown during the night. What a blow to the emotions, to the Fraternity, and to me personally. I have never known for sure, but I believe that MW Brother Glenn had a little something to my first appointment as a Grand Lodge officers. Of course, MW Brother Dean Johnson made the appointment, but I am certain that Glenn put a bug in his ear. Glenn has been a stalwart supporter over the years, and I have always enjoyed talking with him. This is truly a major loss the Iowa Freemasonry. I suspect that there will be a Grand Lodge funeral on Monday or Tuesday, but plans have not yet been announced. Certainly not the way I wanted to start my year as Grand Master.
The session itself went well. We had two wonderful presentations by brothers from newly revitalized lodges, lodges that had been nearly dormant, degree-wise, for years, but that are not busy and active. It was a testimony to the results that come from hard work, and a little public activity, to say nothing of the use of the pocket petition and an appropriate approach to a prospective member. We also had a presentation on fiduciary responsibility from an investment firm, information that all lodges need to have.
Oh yes, there was an election. I was elected Grand Master of Masons. Also elected were: Craig Davis SGW, Larry Shears JGW, Scott Johnson Grand Treasurer. Bill Crawford was reelected Grand Secretary. Denny Zahrt was reelected to the Board of Custodians. So I guess all is in order for an installation this evening, right after the banquet.
Installation. Wow, what a feeling. It's still hard to believe that I was really installed as Grand Master. Despite the two years of preparation, it still doesn't really feel real. It is really humbling to stand in the East, and realize that when someone is saying "Grand Master" they are talking to you. And then you realize what a responsibility that really is. What a combination of excitement and trepidation. But I am sure that every other Grand Master had similar feelings. And I am convinced that I can and will do a good job. That is definitely what I am committed to do. (Of course, the installation is not official until late tomorrow morning, but it surely is starting to feel real.
Saturday 9/22/07 The morning session went well. MW Brother Zahrt moved things along well. Even the legislation didn't take all that long to deal with. Here is a summary of the results:
Constitutional Amendment to allow All
Cornerstones to be laid on Sunday. PASSED
Modification to Lodge Service Committee FAILED
Modification to Proposal Filing Date Deadline PASSED
Clarification to Disallow amendments from the floor PASSED
Change to allow alcohol FAILED
Change to allow raffles FAILIED
Change to eliminate requirement of lodge approval to play cards or have a dance.
PASSES
Lodge Renewal Fund assignment to IMLMBEF WITHDRAWN
Change to Quorum requirement. PASSED
Order of Business Change PASSED
Name Change from Investigation to Visitors Committee FAILED (one item was
WITHDRAWN)
New Proficiency Requirement PASSED
Support for Hope Lodge Fund Raising PASSED
New Rowley Trust Agreement PASSED
And then it was time for the jewel exchange and proclamation. The installation was a ceremony. It was serious; it was fun; it was humbling. But having the jewel of office placed around my neck for real, being handed the gavel, and actually feeling that responsibility was indescribable. It helps you realize how small and insignificant a single person really is, and always will be. But yet, it was an indescribably GOOD feeling, all at the same time. But then, I guess that is what indescribable really means. And now the year starts. Wish me luck. Pray for me. And give me the support that I am committed to return to all of you.