My theme for this year is “Follow our Forefathers”. Some where along the line we have drifted from that “line” established by our forefathers. From the Contributions of all our MIPGM’s, we owe them as to where we are today, but we have areas that need improvement immediately.

I have reappointed the District Instructors this year, mainly due to the fact that in my travels last year, I noted that many Councils could not open without the use of the Ritual Book. I also observed that even the floor work during the opening and closing was in some cases done improperly. The return of the District Instructors cannot eliminate all the problems, but I have instructed them to work very closely with their District’s constituent Councils and attempt to eliminate these problems. I will also be using the District Instructors and Committee on Work to concentrate on the Proficiency Card program established by MIPGM Richard Foreman. I think that this effort will reflect itself in the above mentioned Ritual problem. They will also aid in the issuance of the Circumambulation Cards.

There is another issue that we must face immediately and that is the NPD dilemma. We are in difficult times, financially and many of the NPD’s should not be occurring. Also there are other circumstances causing this problem. As I visit the Council’s in the state this year, I will be interfacing with the Recorders and Illustrious Masters as to what they are currently doing about the NPD problem and offer suggestions that may not stop this problem, but will definitely decrease the number dropped.

Last, but not least, let us not forget our Charity, the Cryptic Mason Medical Research Foundation. I am asking each Constituent Council member to voluntarily contribute $2.00 this year. Spread over a period of twelve months, this is but a pittance, and I hope all members will hear this plea and respond accordingly, making this another banner year for CMMRF.

Zealously & Fraternally,
Howard H. Gardner, MIGM

Related posts:

1. Our Goals for 2009-2010
2. Grand High Priest’s Directive #2
3. A Message from the Grand Commander
4. Council Visitation Schedule
5. Grand Council Institutes a New Council