Brethren – Join me in a heartfelt thank-you to Worshipful Master Frank R. Kodrich III as he concludes his two-year term. Frank led this Lodge with steadiness, humility, and resolve. During his tenure, we celebrated our 100-year anniversary, continued to advance candidates, preserved harmony (and fun) in our meetings, and upheld the dignity of our work amid rising costs and challenges. Leadership is rarely glamorous and often thankless. Frank bore that responsibility honorably, and our Lodge is better for his service.
I am honored and excited to serve as Worshipful Master for a second term. This year represents another opportunity to repay what Freemasonry has so generously given me.
2026 will be a transformational year for our Lodge. Change is not something we can afford to avoid or fear. It is time for an honest appraisal of our strengths and weaknesses. A central focus is financial stewardship and revenue generation. We have concepts in place to reduce our tax burden, improve our investment returns, and reimagine how we use our greatest asset – our Lodge building. With that blessing comes responsibility if we wish to assure generational continuity in the face of growing costs and dwindling membership.
Equally important this year is membership growth. If you know a man who may make a worthy candidate, do not simply tell him what Freemasonry is, show him. Demonstrate through your conduct what you have learned as a Mason.
We are also blessed to begin this year with a strong number of candidates ready to start their Masonic journey. This is both a privilege and an obligation. If we are proud to be Freemasons of this Lodge, then we must commit our time and energy. Attend. Participate. Encourage. Teach. For many of them, what they experience in the coming months will shape their understanding of Freemasonry for a lifetime. You will never be judged by how much you give, only that you choose to give.
