Greetings Brethren,
The time has come for me to relinquish my gavel and pass it onto the next Master-Elect. As I reflect upon the last few years, I can’t help but feel a mixed bag of emotions.
We have been through so much as a Lodge. COVID certainly was unexpected and caused a severe disruption in our daily lives. Freemasonry had to keep moving forward and it did. The group of brethren from the Lodge that tirelessly gave all they had to ensure that we continued our ancient traditions, made the bond between the brethren that much stronger, and we never lost the high standard that we hold ourselves and our Lodge to.
Through all the emotions, I leave the Chair in the East with a sense of happiness and accomplishment. During my time in the Chair, we accomplished a great deal including initiating the Candidates’ Series and more recently laid foundations for future partnerships by co-hosting degrees with Doric. Seeing the dedication of newly initiated Masons and so many interested and potential candidates, I can’t help but feel joy and my outlook is very positive regarding the future of the Lodge.
I would like to thank all of you for your support and I hope that support will continue for the years ahead. We have our work cut out for us but I am certain that with the dedication and love for our beloved Craft, we will persevere in the adversity we are facing.
Our new Master-Elect is very capable, and has great ideas that will help the Lodge flourish, as well as build on the foundations we have laid for the future. I look forward to sitting in the Past Master’s Chair, to provide guidance and support where I’m needed and to continue my amazing journey in Freemasonry which I hold so dearly in my heart.
“Let us remember the four cardinal virtues in word and in practice and how they can assist us in our daily endeavors”.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.M. Elias Lakkis 2019-2023