From The East - Worshipful Master Jeffery McLemore

Brethren,

It has truly been a pleasure to serve you and our lodge over this past year. This definitely marks one of the highlights of my life. With the months having flown by it has only been just recently that I have comprehended the fact that my tenure is almost over. And with this kind of realization usually comes reflection. Over the past year I have learned a great many things about masonry, my lodge, my brothers, and myself.

Seeing masonry from the East is like looking through a kaleidoscope. You see what you have always seen but it becomes almost mystical. Each new responsibility hurled at the Worshipful Master requires him to know more about the mysteries and philosophies of the craft and thus requires his diligent study. Through this study I have begun to unravel the true magnitude of the knowledge of the fraternity. I don’t presume to have some feeling of enlightenment but rather a feeling of excitement. The excitement comes from the changes brought on by personal growth through the power of the teachings of masonry.

About my lodge and my brothers I have discovered a wealth of support that I knew existed but had not had the opportunity to need. But as a person ascends up the ladder of responsibility he is constantly reminded that he cannot do this on his own. He tries, unsuccessfully. And when he hits the ground the brothers are there to support him and to pick him up. This year has brought many trials along with its many pleasures…trials of patience, trials of perseverance, and even trials of faith. But the greatness of the organization lies in its ability to lift one up. A brother’s welfare and a reliance on our Almighty are the great responsibilities that we as masons have. I am proud of our lodge and my brothers who have not only demonstrated a love for others but also a commitment to each other.

A few weeks ago I was reflecting on my year as Worshipful Master and I decided to go to the lodge. It was early evening and no one was there. As I walked through the dark building my emotions became overwhelming. A deep sense of contentment filled my heart. Sure, I am saddened by the ending of my tenure but am so very pleased at what the lodge has accomplished. It has been a wonderful and humbling experience and I am most grateful to our Great Architect for having designed this fraternity and for having seen fit to place me as your Worshipful Master. Thank you to all who have supported me and supported Jackson Lodge 45.

With Grateful Thanks,

Jeff McLemore

Worshipful Master

Jackson Lodge 45