The end of an era...

Tomorrow is the installation of officers for Spring Lodge no. 1174 2012-2013. As the outgoing Worshipful Master, my final official duties will be to call to labor and close the Master Masons' Lodge of Sorrow, after reading the names of the brothers who have fallen this past year. After doing that, I will open the installation ceremony. Once opened, I will take my seat amongst the brethren, as a Past Master...a veritable "has-been".

Looking back on my Masonic Journey, to this point, I can hardly believe how far I traveled in so short a time.

I became a Mason in November 2006, achieving master Mason in March of 2007.

Three months later, the WM at the time asked if I would be willing to serve as an officer. I accepted the offer and became the Marshal of the Lodge in July 2007, serving the lodge as a peace-keeper and assistant to the WM.

The next year, I was promoted, by appointment, to Senior Deacon, (a jump over 4 positions) charged with scheduling rituals and events, and taking all new candidates under my wing for the start of their respective Masonic Journeys.

The following year, I was elected to the position of Junior Warden, being the second deputy to the WM, and keeper of Grand Lodge of Texas laws and Spring Lodge by-laws. During that time, I organized and supervised the Spring Lodge Golf tournament, proudly making it one the most successful in our 90 year history. I also oversaw Spring Lodge's pursuit of the Grand Lodge of Texas Vanguard Award for excellence in Masonry, and award we hadn't received since 1991.

After that, I was promoted, through election to the post of Senior Warden. Serving as the Chief Deputy, in the West, to the Worshipful Master in the East, I was charged with organizing and planning all fund raising activities for the year, as well as overseeing all esoteric studies and achievements.

Then, in June 2011, I was elected unanimously, to the position of Worshipful Master of Spring Lodge no. 1174. In just four and one half years, since joining the fraternity, I was elevated to the top most leadership position within our walls.

I served the Lodge and the Fraternity, with as much honor and integrity, as I possess, and tried to bring harmony to the forefront, and solidify our fraternal relations with neighboring lodges. I am proud to say that lodges in our district, through an effort shared by all members, have never been more strongly united in the promotion of Freemasonry.

When I began my journey (which isn't really finished) I never imagined that I would be able to achieve so much, personally OR for Masonry in general.

This year, and indeed, my entire Masonic experience has been wonderful, and truly humbling.

I have been an officer of this great Lodge for all but three months of my time as a Master Mason. I am looking forward to joining the ranks and getting involved as a member once more. But I would be lying if I said that it is a bittersweet feeling at the end of this era.

Fiat Lux