Grand Commander’s Message (March 2023)
Greetings Sir Knights,
“Into each life some rain must fall”, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1842 poem “The Rainy Day.” In this poem, Longfellow is telling us that for the cycle of life to continue, death must occur. Because through death, life is renewed. This lesson can also be applied to the coming to an end of a year of service or the changing of one group of leaders for a new group. Our fraternity experiences this death and renewal every year. Fortunately for us, it is not actual death but the changing of leadership. The retiring leader remains a part of our Fraternity and is expected to continue his service to others, just in another way. Past Grand Commanders, Past Commanders, Past Grand Masters etc. all step aside and should become teachers, advisors, and examples of true leadership by graciously bowing to the leadership of their replacements. It is human nature to want to continue to be in a position of influence and decision-making once you have experienced that responsibility. We need look no further than George Washington as an example of how an outgoing leader should conduct themselves. Upon leaving office, Washington warned that love of power will tend to create a real despotism. He then retired to his personal business and did not interfere with the new administration. Remaining, as always, a humble and respectful leader and now follower of the next leader. How many times in your experience have Past Commanders or Past Masters continued to try and run the Commandery or Lodge from the sideline? While it is always good to offer your advice, when sought, it is never a good thing to try and undermine or continue to wield authority when none exists. I have often seen a group of past leaders attempt to run things from the sidelines. This stifles growth in the long run. It acts like an umbrella and prevents the rain that must fall for new life to take hold. I admonish you, as you step aside from office, consider the future, consider the example of George Washington, and graciously step aside and become the respected advisor and teacher within you.
This line from the poem can also mean each of us will experience difficulties during our lives. I am experiencing this right now. Recently my computer systems were compromised, and unscrupulous individuals gained access to private information. They then attempted to extort money from me by threatening to make things appear as if I were guilty of some horrific behavior. As a result, I have locked down some of my social media accounts and stayed away from posting for a couple of weeks. I did not adhere to their demands and instead decided to fight back. I hired a Digital Forensics company to investigate them and expose them to the authorities. I am pleased to say they were successful at doing so. This does not mean I am free from being accused of these acts. I apologize to all of you for allowing this threat to appear and for not coming forward immediately (I was advised by the investigators not to). I did inform a select few of the situation and they were very supportive and kept their promise as a Master Mason to keep it on the square. I am in their debt forever.
I have said in many of my talks, we are all guilty of unknightly conduct from time to time. If we ask God for forgiveness and repent those actions our slate is clean. We are not guilty. Ours is a forgiving organization. While actions sometimes can have dire consequences, so long as we kneel before God and thank Him for His Son and seek His forgiveness, we are spiritually whole. For He will never leave us nor forsake us. That is His promise.
The Embassy Suites Hotel is sold out for the Grand Conclave. If you need a room, we have listed on the Grand Commandery website several nearby hotels we think will serve your needs well. The banquet is approaching a sold-out position as well. If you want to attend what I believe will be a great banquet experience, get your tickets now.
In MMS it shows the following counts for Knightings from April 1, 2022, to February 27, 2023: McKinney – 21, Garrett – 15, Worth and Lubbock – 10. Recorders, if you do not get your new Knights entered in the system, they will not count for the competition to see which Commandery will create the most Knights. I know San Marcus Commandery has at least 11 new Knights because I just Knighted them on February 25, 2023. I am sure they will appear soon. The final counts will be due in MMS on March 31, 2023.
Life on Earth is short, life is eternal. It changes form, it does not end. We have ahead of us a glorious eternity. God is waiting for us. His Son showed us the way. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. We are armed with whole armor of God and so long as we believe, nothing can defeat us. Satan, you are warned.
God bless each of you and God bless the Grand Commandery of Texas!
Richard R. Jernigan
Grand Commander 2022 – 2023