Grand Commander’s Message (February 2023)
Greetings Sir Knights,
Two and half months until Grand Conclave in Grapevine, Texas! Have you gone online to register? Made your hotel reservation? Everything is filling up fast, get in as soon as you can. We have added some fun things this year. A First Time Attendee’s function, a Social Hour with cash bar prior to the banquet and the cash bar will be in the room for your use during the banquet (please watch your alcohol intake). We will have live music during the social hour, and I understand the entertainment at the ladies’ luncheon will be amazing. I want to attend it! And to top off the great weekend, we will install a new and much better Grand Commander, Sir Knight Chance Chapman (should tradition prevail).
I have travelled to many parts of this great state during the last 10 months. Everywhere we go I see God’s hand. I see it in the men and women I meet, I see it in the trees, lakes and plains I drive past, I see it when a young Rainbow girl bends down to help a younger one, I see it in the work being done by you Sir Knights, and I see it when I simply stop and look around. God is everywhere. His signature is bold and bright, shining His light on everything. I see God using you to make the lives of others that much better. How is God using you? Do you realize just how much God uses you as an example to others? As a way to help others? God works through people to help other people. I am so proud of this fraternity and its members. You are making a difference. You are helping those that cannot help themselves. Because of you, the world is a better place.
As I drift off into the background in the next few months, I will treasure the times I spent with all of you. Because of you, I am a better person than I was last April. Anything we have accomplished this year is all due to you Sir Knights. You inspire, excite, and teach me more than anything we have done for you. God bless you and thank you. You are a bright light in Freemasonry.
Ritual teams, do not forget, opening and/or closing can be part of the ritual competition. Of course, it may not be, and this is all just a ruse.
I understand there are two new class D drill teams; Port Arthur and Fort Bend. That is awesome!
Commanders and Recorders, we desperately need to update the information on our website. We need meeting dates and times, mealtimes, current address, officer list etc. A lot of this comes from MMS, you really need to keep it up to date. If you do not know how to use it, you can be taught. Contact Right Eminent Past Grand Commander, Sir Knight John Elkinton or Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander, Sir Knight Chance Chapman and they will be happy to help.
All new members of your Commandery are required by statute to be Life Sponsors of the Eye Foundation. Be sure to collect it and send it in quickly.
We received many compliments and some questions when we (the Grand Officers) were received at Grand Lodge wearing our new officer collars. For full transparency, each officer purchased the collar themselves and is donating it to the Grand Commandery of Texas. I authorized the wearing of the collars and will soon issue the Grand Commander’s decision confirming that. You will see some legislation this year authorizing the wearing of these collars going forward. I trust this clarifies any questions that have come up in regard to these new collars.
When darkness comes and you find yourself alone, what thoughts come to your mind? What did I do today to make a positive difference? You did something and may not have even known about it. Ask God, how can I make a difference tomorrow? Our words, our actions, our overall demeanor all go into defining who we are, whether we are a positive influence or a negative one. It is easy to be negative. It is life changing to be positive. It changes your life and the lives of those around you. Be that positive glowing example of what a Christian Knight can be. Find the good in all things. Be positive, even while questioning a situation. We all want the same thing, to be good men, to live our lives by God’s code, to support our families and show others the way to salvation. A Knight Templar is the guidepost for all Freemasonry. Lead the way. Become the 12th Apostle. A Knight Templar does not shirk from harsh duty nor yield to negative influences. He is the foundation of Freemasonry, the rock of stability upon which the entire Masonic Fraternity leans upon for support and guidance. You are the example.
God bless each of you and God bless the Grand Commandery of Texas.
Richard R. Jernigan
Grand Commander 2022 – 2023