Greetings, Sir Knights! We are 59 days before the start of the 69th Triennial Conclave in Salt Lake City, Utah. I hope you all have made plans to attend or, if a dais officer, ensured your vote is there by proxy. Also, a note that these messages are now available in Serbian for our Fratres in our Commandery under dispensation, Saint Sava Commandery, UD.
As we approach the election of officers for the 70th Triennial, I believe it is important for you to know what I see as a mission and vision statement to guide our Order, should you elect me to the office of Deputy Grand Master. This week, I’d like to present my mission statement and some commentary on it for your consideration and reflection.
Mission Statement
The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA is dedicated to upholding Christian chivalry and Masonic principles by fostering integrity, obedience, and courage. We strive to support our members and communities through charity, fellowship, and leadership while embracing modernization to stay relevant. Our mission is to inspire and empower future Knights Templar, preserving our heritage, and adapting to contemporary challenges.
Commentary
Rooted in the rich tradition of Christian chivalry and Masonic principles, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity, obedience, and courage. Our mission is to provide every Christian Freemason the opportunity to extend his Masonic journey through a transformative chivalric experience, fostering a community of men committed to faith, service, and brotherhood.
Integrity: Commitment to our values and teachings, holding to our core values and teachings before the challenges and happenings presented by the world around us.
Obedience: Faithfulness to the teachings, principles, and guidance set before us by our predecessors–both the historical Knights Templar from whom we model ourselves, and the the Masonic fraternity.
Courage: Willingness to stand up for what is true and right, but also acknowledge when change is necessary and to make those changes in a manner that maintains our integrity and our faithfulness to those who have travelled before us.
In the spirit of our forebears, we strive to exemplify the virtues of charity, fellowship, and leadership in our communities. We are devoted to supporting the needs of our members, their families, and the wider society through various charitable activities, including medical research, educational assistance, pilgrimages for Christian clergy, and community outreach.
As we move forward in the 21st century, we embrace modernization and innovation, ensuring our Order remains relevant and impactful. We aim to inspire and empower the next generation of Knights Templar, preserving our noble heritage while adapting to contemporary challenges.
Together, we will continue to be a beacon of hope, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and the Masonic fraternity.
Next week, I will share my vision for our Order as we look into the second quarter of the 21st Century. To make this interesting, the first five who reply to this message with their thoughts will receive a special token of my appreciation. We have a lot to do in the next few years, but working together and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we will certainly be successful.
I appreciate your time and would also appreciate your support and vote to be the next Deputy Grand Master when we gather in Conclave in August 2024.