Grand Lodge Of Manitoba

Brothers:

I cannot believe that I am entering into the final month
of my term as Grand Master in the Grand Lodge of
Manitoba. The time has passed so quickly. When I
started my term I had hair. Look at me now. As I look
back I actually started my training in the position of D.D.G.M.
in 2003-2004. I have served under eight Grand Masters who
became my mentors and teachers. I watched how they
succeeded and failed in their projects. During those years I
carefully chose three main projects to learn from and serve the
Craft. The first being Masonic Education, the second being
Membership and the third being the Masonic Family
Concordant Bodies. I was determined to hit the ground running
as soon as I became the Grand Master. We at the Grand Lodge
of Manitoba had determined that we should work a five-year
Strategic Plan. I carefully studied the gifts of each Grand Lodge
Officer. Each one of the Grand Lodge Officers took
responsibility for his part of the five-year Strategic Plan. By
using their gifts they were able to oversee and work their part of
the plan.

R.W. Bro. Allan Hadley J.G.W. - Grand Lodge Education
Programs. I was very pleased to see a seminar including Lodge
Chaplains this year. We are seeing some Leadership Courses
starting up. In the area of Education we are in the process of rethinking
how we deliver our Educational Programs. We have
much work to do. Thank you to the Education Committee and
R.W. Bro. Bernie Gross (VC). Great work!

R.W. Bro. Chibu Uson S.G.W. - Youth Work & the
rebuilding of the Grand Lodge web-site &
communications. Our membership in our youth programs
has grown and there is much renewed interest in their work.
Well done to all who give leadership to our youth and youth
programs. Our web-site has been rebuilt. Thank you, Bro. Scott
Wiles. Great job!

R.W. Bro. Kris Goodmanson D.G.M. - "Just a Buck
Campaign" and auditing the Grand Lodge office
practices, procedures and staff. "Just a Buck Campaign" is
doing very well. We are around $17,000.00 in donations so far
this year with more committed in the near future. This is very
good for all Masons in Manitoba. There is a new plan in place
for the Grand Lodge office. We are looking forward to this plan
in the year 2010-2011. Great work, D.G.M., R.W.Bro. Kris
Goodmanson and all the Brothers who are working with him.
Thank you for a wonderful job this year as Chairman of the
Board.

M.W. Bro. David G. Love Grand Master - Masonic
Foundation of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, Masonry in
Manitoba, Membership concerns and Development of new
Lodges. Our Masonic Foundation has done very well this year. We
were able to meet our goal. I have been able to meet with the
Masonic Foundation and enjoy a very good relationship with them.
We have purchased two new vans for the Canadian Cancer Society
and continue to supply many man hours driving patients back and
forth to their appointments in the province. Thank you to all who
have given of their time and serve! The Special Projects Committee
under the leadership of R.W. Bro. Doug Webster (Ch) and
R.W. Bro. Stano Spina (VC) have started the new exciting
campaign for the 2010 year. We have put out a "New Masonry in
Manitoba" this year. Great work R.W. Bro. Phil Zubrycki, M.W.
Bro. Donald W. Beattie, and R.W. Bro. Ludolf R. Grolle.
Exceptional job! Membership continues to be a concern. The
Membership Committee continues to work hard under the
leadership of R.W. Jack Hooper. Each year we bring in about 100
new members but lose 250 brothers through deaths, demits and
suspensions. We must remember the three R’s: Recruitment,
Retention & Restoration. We have two new Internet Lodges this
year. I have issued a warrant for Templum Sion Lodge No. 186
under M.W. Don Beattie and Bro. Walt Nillson to entering into
talks with the University of Winnipeg regarding Masonic
Education. Unity District is working on the development of a new
Lodge in the southern part of St. Vital. I was able to appoint two
new younger members to the Board of General Purposes. We have
continued to visit most of the Lodges in our jurisdiction and it is
hoped that by the end of my term we will have completed all of the
visitations. I would like to thank all who have worked so hard in
supporting the Grand Lodge and myself this year. Special thanks to
all D.D.G.M.’s for their hard work. Without the help of the
Grand Secretary, M.W. Bro.C. Rae Haldane-Wilsone and
Executive Secretary, M.W. Bro. Steve Kane, this year
would have been very difficult. Thank you Brothers. I hope
that all of us have learned many valuable lessons from this year. I
know I have. It should be noted that we worked with 14 Grand
Lodge Committees with 63 members on the Board who have
worked very hard this year. Also, the City of Winnipeg is trying to
expropriate our land. Our Temple Board has been working overtime
dealing with the City of Winnipeg. Thank you all on behalf of
Grand Lodge. I am pleased to say that each one of the Grand
Lodge Officers & Committees have made good progress in their
areas of responsibility.

Fraternally,

DGL