06/02/2026
ICYMI - A Message from the Grand Master: Dear Brother, Opportunity is rarely convenient. It does not wait until you are ready. On the path of enlightenment, we seek to build ourselves into receptacles who may recognize wisdom when it is before us, and when it arrives, we must act. Many years ago, my dear friend shared this quote with me, attributed to William Hutchison Murray, and the last line he added from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!” It is a powerful truth, and when you find yourself on the edge of something that seems too big to handle, or an endeavor that seems overwhelming in its scope, it reminds us that our only concern needs to be the next step. Every journey is accomplished one step at a time. We can change our stars, and we can become better than we ever imagined. We can build incredible things; we can be all that we admire and all that we desire. However, we must begin it. Freemasonry offers us the tools to take the next step, and then the step after that. You are a Master Mason, and you now have within your heart a secret weapon to break the chains of whatever is holding you back. We are now traveling men, on a journey to the East, where for our labors Plenty, Health and Peace lie in wait. My Brethren, look well to the East! Sincerely and fraternally, John A. Bridegroom, Grand Master, 2026-2027
