Grand Commander’s Message (January 2023)
Greetings Sir Knights,
Christmas is now behind us. Or is it? Christmas shouldn’t just be a day. Christmas is a state of mind. Let us vow to try and keep that Christmas state of mind all year. Now I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions but maybe we should make one this year. Maybe resolve to treat each other how Jesus admonished us to; to love one another. Love one another no matter our differences. There is no reason why, no matter our differences in political thinking, in race, in religion or branch of Christianity we follow, in education, in financial means or the place we live, that we cannot love one another. If society followed this one simple guidepost, what could we accomplish? If we let go of avarice, jealousy, and hatred and replaced it with respect for one another, there is no end to what we could do. I know, I know, it is a pipedream. Just like my resolution to get in shape. I started this year on December 26, 2022, so I don’t have to call it a resolution when I fail miserably. But if by making ourselves aware of the need to love one another we make one less hateful comment on Facebook, one less rude comment behind someone’s back, we listen to the “other” side, then I think we have moved one step closer to the Kingdom of God here on Earth.
A new year, a new set of Commandery Officers, new ideas for seeking our common goal of growing this Order of Christian Knights and making the world a better place. Very exciting. All our Commanderies have a group of what we often call the “old guard” (no doubt the group in which I belong). We also have a group of new younger Knights just beginning to take over leadership roles.
My unsolicited advice: Old Guard, listen to the ideas of the young members. Advise them, mentor them, warn and praise them, but in the end, let them be who they are. They will do things in a manner you would not. That does not make them wrong. Let them try things their way. Some of their way may not work out, a lot of it will. Changing how we do things is progress. Progress has gains and losses. The hope is the gains outweigh the losses. When presented with a new idea or a new way, be cautious in your response. Find the good in what they want to do. Coach, love them as Jesus directed and help them work through their new ideas.
Young Leaders: seek the advice of the Old Guard, they may be stuck in their ways but that does not make their ways wrong. Listen to their advice, weigh what they have to say against what you want to accomplish. Their input may just make your idea better. Do not be frustrated if they always want to change what you are trying to do. You both have the same goal in mind. If they respond harshly, do not respond in kind. Remember, this is your day, in the end, your Commandery will follow what you wish to do. Temper your enthusiasm a touch. You have been thinking about your ideas for a long time. They are new to others. You must give them the time to process what you want to do and how you want to do it. Follow the example of George Washington, listen to everyone, consider their input, give them time to absorb your thoughts, then make the best decision you can.
We are working through the issue of all members being 100% Life Sponsors with Eye Foundation that I mentioned last month. We have found some exceptions to what we wanted to do and are still considering options. Jurisprudence has given us some sound advice and I am sure we will have a solution soon. In the meantime, if you have Knighted someone, had someone join by affiliation or reinstatement or however, the statutes require that Knight to pay the Life Sponsor Fee. Please collect it and forward it to the office quickly so our records can be accurate. Thank you for your assistance.
Grand Conclave will soon be upon us. Rooms and tickets are going fast so please register as quickly as you can. Registration can be done from our website. There is also a link to reserve your hotel room at a very reasonable rate. Bring your family, there is lots to do in Grapevine.
Ritual competition: As a reminder to all the teams, the ritual competition can include some opening and closing of the Order. You might want to look that over.
Sir Knights, you have given me a great gift this year. As you know, I have travelled a few miles on behalf of the Grand Commandery. You have allowed me to do this. It has given me the opportunity to meet hundreds if not thousands of you that I may never have been able to. You inspire me, you leave me in awe, you have made me better than I was. The excitement you have brought to Templar Masonry this year is amazing. Your enthusiasm has spread throughout the state and your accomplishments are second to none in the Grand Encampment. You are the Knights Templar of Texas, and I am humbled and proud to be a part of what you are doing.
God bless each of you and God bless the Grand Commandery of Texas!
Richard R. Jernigan
Grand Commander 2022 – 2023