The North Carolina Mason

Ritual is lodge-based, and it's the responsibility of the local lodge officers and members to learn the ritual and all its esoteric facets in order to create the local, spiritual experience that is truly the core purpose of our lodges. The Grand Lodge cannot perform degrees, but we can provide the tools necessary to better educate our brethren on our rituals' meaning, the best method of delivery, and the means of transforming that experience into action that benefits our members and our communities. The camaraderie of our brotherhood is also a key component to the success of our fraternity. Like a regular lodge meeting, the Annual Communication is so much more than just a business meeting. While that's certainly a component of what it is, its true purpose is to reunite the men and Masons from all across North Carolina together to share ideas, to renew friendships, and to break bread together. To quote Grand Master Frazier, when I go to lodge, I want to see and feel some good ritual, learn a little something new, and take refreshment and partake in conversation with my friends and brothers. Nowhere in that sentence was there a concern for the light bill or concern for the lawn to be mowed, or the taxes to be filed. As your Grand Lodge Office has said before, our job is alleviate the lodges of as much business as possible so you can perform the true work of Masonry: building friendships and improving the world. As we move into 2024, we will continue to streamline and centralize, where possible and practical, the business of our fraternity so our lodges' officers can actually lead and our members can actually enjoy the fraternalism we say we foster. With your help, we will strive to sustain and enhance the aura, ritual, and camaraderie that are expected to be the hallmark of our Craft. Brethren, please know how much I appreciate the many kind words of encouragement our Grand Lodge staff and I received at the Annual Communication and in the weeks since. We take very seriously that you trust us to facilitate the often frustrating, boring, and mind-boggling business that is Grand Lodge. First and foremost, we want our operations to be open and transparent to each of you. We want to minimize your workload while restoring value to the experiences you seek and expect in Freemasonry. Do not ever hesitate to ask your Grand Lodge how or why we operate the way we do. The Annual Communication's true purpose is to reunite the men and Masons from all across North Carolina together to share ideas, to renew friendships, and to break bread together. FA L L 2 0 2 3 | 15

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