Brethren,

As one Masonic year ends, another begins. However, our Constitution and Bylaws are constant.

It was an amazing experience this past year serving as the Jurisprudence Committee Chairman. Over the past few years, I have learned so much regarding our rules and regulations. I couldn’t have done it without the help of RWB Kevin Fitzwater, he is a wealth of knowledge, and a credit to our Fraternity. I would also like to thank RWB Alex Cosby for his timely responses regarding legal matters and compliment him on his well-crafted opinions. It was also a great pleasure working with the rest of the committee, we all worked together weighing in on submittals received from the constituent Lodges.

Grand Lodge was awesome, and the committee reported their recommendations. Unfortunately, it was brought to our attention that several Lodges, five (5) to be exact, were not in attendance and have not represented themselves over the past few years. This is not good. So, at the request of the Grand Master please take note of the following:

Code 125. Forfeiture Of Charter.

When a Lodge fails to meet for twelve (12) consecutive months or fails to file the Annual Return on or before the 1st day of February for two (2) consecutive years or to pay per capita dues for two (2) consecutive years, or fails to have a voting member or proxy in attendance at three (3) consecutive Annual Communications, it shall there by forfeit its charter and it shall not thereafter resume labor except by the authority of the Grand Lodge or Grand Master.

Officers, please remember your obligations, and make every attempt to attend Grand Lodge and exercise your Lodges voting power. This is very important as decisions are being made that will determine our future, and your voice matters. Also, if you are unable to attend, please take advantage of assigning your voting privilege to an eligible proxy. It is important that each Lodge is properly represented.