My name is James Bungard better known to many as “Master Chief” as I served almost 30 years in the USN and retired as a Command Master Chief. My Masonic tenure spans nearly 42 years. I am extremely humbled, blessed and honored to be afforded the opportunity and be appointed by Most Worshipful Grand Master Tom Schenk to serve the Grand Lodge of New Mexico as the Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico for the ensuing year 2023. 

The principal duties of the Junior Deacon are to serve the Worshipful Master and to attend the Senior Warden, and carry messages to the Junior Warden. In addition, he is also responsible for guarding the inside of the main door of the lodge and ensuring that the lodge is “duly tyled”.  

I believe the progressive/traditional line both at the local constituent level and at the Grand Lodge level does serve a purpose: to train and prepare brethren for leadership positions in the lodge while giving the other members ample time to determine if a brother is, or will ever become, leadership material. Just as we have to be physically qualified to be made masons, so should brethren be mentally qualified to become leaders. 

As I embark on this new endeavor/opportunity. I am committed to serving and executing my duties as Junior Grand Deacon to the absolute best of my abilities and to represent each of my brethren on this new journey.