My Brothers all:

Two weeks have passed since my last article and a little more than two months since we have could attend a Lodge meeting. I never thought I would say this, but now more than ever, I and, no doubt, many of you are looking forward to attending a Lodge meeting and maybe even a Master Mason Degree soon. June 1st is around the corner marking the expiration of Directive #4. Our Governor started allowing the economy to open; however, uncertainty on the impact to our fraternity still lingers along with what our new Grand Master allows as we move forward. Please follow future editions of the eNews as this is where we share plans in moving forward. Please know that we will follow the appropriate guidelines in place as we move forward.

The start of the second half of 2020, subject to change, marks our first meeting on June 26th. This meeting is an open meeting and our Deputy’s official visit. Our July 24th meeting is also a public meeting to honor our flag and all that it represents. The National Sojourners and the American Sirens will provide a patriotic program. During our August 28th meeting, Ill. Edward M. Sexton, 33⁰, and his team conduct the Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal, typically scheduled for March. On September 25th, we celebrate the Feast of Tishri, and October 10th and 11th mark our Fall Reunion. Now is the time to get with those Brothers you have been talking with to submit their petitions. They will join those petitions from our Spring class and become a 32° Master of the Royal Secret.

In this edition of the eNews is an article written by Ill. Carl Gilmore, 33° who is currently serving as the Master of Kadosh in the Valley of Tampa. We reprinted the piece with his permission, and you are encouraged to read it. Ill. Gilmore looks at our past and present, offering thoughts on our future and acknowledges the need to blend both tradition and innovation. After you read this article, please share your opinions with me at kingca1@excite.com.

Thankfully, I know of very few infected with COVID-19. If you have experienced this, please know you are in our prayers for a return to good health, enjoying life to the fullest. To all Brothers and their families, please follow the guidelines suggested by the Governor, wash your hands multiple times each day, and continue social distancing.

Until next time, remember the many things for which you are thankful!  Be safe in your travels; “whisper wise counsel in the ear of an erring brother;” and respect the dignity of all, as it makes you and our fraternity stronger one action at a time.  We want to ensure that what we are enjoying today will be reliable for those who will follow. Simply stated – “We lead the way today, so those who follow us can lead the way tomorrow!”  Thanks for your continued support and participation, and may the “Spirit of Fraternity” reign supreme within our “Valley of Orlando!”

Fraternally,

Ill. Chester A. “Chet” King, 33°
Personal Representative

“People forget what you say, and forget what you do, but forever remember how you make them feel!”