It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 2 for the past two years. I am forever grateful to all of you for trusting me with presiding over such a venerable institution, and I hope that I have done right by it. As someone who has studied this Lodge’s history, it will always be amazing to me that I have served in the long line of masters that began with Bro. George Brooks in 1757.

For centuries, Freemasonry has had a connection to the armed forces of many nations around the world. From great commanders to common soldiers, Brothers of the Craft have been serving in the defense of their homelands for centuries. Indeed, placing one’s life on the line in the defense of others is perfectly in line with Masonic virtues. On frequent occasions throughout history, Brethren have been placed in the unfortunate position of ending up on opposite sides of the same conflict.

As Freemasons, it is sometimes tempting to lose ourselves in our forms and ceremonies. Our rituals are obviously important and carry immense weight, but they are not the core of what Freemasonry is truly all about. It is our core obligation as Masons to serve our Brethren and our communities at large.

I hope you had a good summer! It’s been an extra hot one this year, so please remember to stay hydrated and sunscreened if you’re spending a lot of time outside. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for our Brethren who met in the years before air conditioning – I can understand why they would call off from labor for July and August!

This month, we celebrate the 264th anniversary of the founding of our Lodge. We are the oldest lodge in Pennsylvania and one of the oldest active Lodges in the world. For over two and a half centuries, this Lodge has served the greater Philadelphia community, providing friendship and brotherly love to fellow Freemasons and Masonic charity to our neighbors. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Worshipful Master of such a historic institution.

Although COVID is (hopefully) largely behind us, and things have mostly returned to normal, that does not mean that we aren’t going to hit a few bumps in the road. As you probably know, Philadelphia has been the first major city to reinstate its citywide mask mandate based upon rising case numbers. As a result, the Grand Lodge once again requires proof of vaccination to enter the Masonic Temple.