District Grand Master's Address 12th January 2008

 

Brethren,

I find it hard to believe that a full year has passed since my Installation last January, and once again it is my pleasure to address you.

My first year in office has proved to be a busy and enjoyable term. I now have a better understanding of the challenges of my new post, and the beginnings of a closer relationship with our Lodges and Members.

My first official duty began in March last year when I had the most pleasurable task of representing our Order and the Mark District of Spain at the 25th Anniversary or the re-consecration of the (Craft) Grand Lodge of Spain.

That magnificent and emotional event was held in the beautiful City of Barcelona, with representations of most recognised Masonic Orders and Craft Constitutions from across the World. I must congratulate the MWGM of the GLE and lis organising team for hosting such a wonderful and historic event.

My travels and Lodge visits took me to many regions of Spain; Málaga, Mojacar, Murcia, Torrevieja, Barcelona and Madrid. I marvelled at some of the Masonic Centres you have built and adapted for your meetings. I became more aware of the travelling and commitment that many of you make to attend Lodge meetings, but above all, your obvious enthusiasm for the Order. It is true to say that on every one of those visits, my District Officers and I, were received with true Mark fellowship and overwhelming hospitality. Needless to say, I am really looking forward to visiting more of our Mark Distric Lodges this coming year.

We finished the year on a high note as well. On the 24th November last year we consecrated the Mojaca RAM (Keystone) Lodge, No.1877, to the District of Spain. I believe we have a number of the Founding Members present today.

The future for growh on our District remains optimistic with two applications for Mark Lodges in progress. We will keep you posted on Consecration dates accordingly.

Change and the way forward.

I am sure that it has not gone un-noticed that my first year in Office has seen a great deal of change; a closer association with the Craft, the re-organisation of our District Office and Administration, new District Logo, new Website, regular Official Visits, Newsletter, our own District Tie and Mark Token. Whilst we may still have some way to go to achieve perfection, I think you will agree that we have made a considerable start to bringing our Mark and RAM Lodges closer together with better communication and support.

Charity and Benevolent note.

I would like to thank those individual Members and Lodges who so generously supported our District Charity and Benevolent Funds last year, and the District Grand Charity Steward and District Grand Almoner, for promoting and administering the same.

I would also endorse the call from our District Grand Charity Steward, that we do need your recommendations, Brethren, for worthy local causes in your area. We can then distribute those funds quickly and effectively on a regular basis.

Honours.

The District of Spain last year saw no less than nine of its Members honoured with Mark Grand Rank and I send my personal congratulations to them all. In particular, to José Carratero who became a Very Worshipful Brother with the Rank of Past Grand Master Overseer, and our very hardworking ritualist and Past District SW, Danny Coburn, who also became a Very Worshipful Brother with the Rank of Past Grand Junior Overseer.

Today Brethren, is a special celebration for our District Honours. So my hearty congratulations to all those worthy recipients who I had the pleasure to Invest and Promote this afternoon, but I would like to remind them that their preferment today comes not only as a reward for past service and commitment to our Order, but is seen as an encouragement and expectation for a continuation of loyal service to the future of the Mark District of Spain.

My thanks now go to all my outgoing District Officers. My Past District Wardens for their support and contribution throughout the past year. To Rod Hales, PDist.GJW, whose skilful hands crafted the wonderful new District Pedestals as well as wands and other Ceremonial artefacts we are using today. My District Grand Director of Ceremonies, District Secretary and Treasurer for their service and continued support, and the rest of the District Team, and those many willing Mark Masons who helped organise and set up today's meeting.

Finally

Your support and attendance today in such vast numbers ensured our District AGM has become a special and memorable event for all attending.

I truly appreciate the considerable time, cost, and travel commitment that so many of you have willingly made to be be here and make this "a special day to remember".

It's your continued enthusiasm for the Mark Degree in Spain which drives our District forward. My promise to you Brethren is that I will continue to represent your best interest as we go forward with Honesty and Openness, striving to ensure our future is one of Happiness, Harmony and Accord.

Brethren, thank you for the attention you have given this address.

God Bless you all and Mark Well.

Robert L. Munday - District Grand Master