Engaged Leadership Should Be Expected
I have great admiration for Jeff Bolstad. He is a man of strong faith and character. However, it’s essential to acknowledge our differences, both as members of the clergy and fellow Knights. I didn’t originally embark on my campaign for the office of Deputy Grand Master for the Grand Encampment with this goal in mind. As I’ve mentioned numerous times publicly, I only took on this seemingly ambitious endeavor after careful consideration, prayer, and thoughtful conversations with others. I felt compelled to take on this role because it became evident to me that our organization needed significant change.
During my time as Grand Prelate, I had a unique perspective on our leadership team. I observed a team that emphasized the importance of faith and faithful living, but unfortunately, excluded the Grand Prelate from crucial discussions on issues affecting the Grand Encampment. This included matters like how to handle religious observances such as Easter Sunrise services. I also know of a few instances where even the Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer were left out of decision-making conversations. These behind-the-scenes issues are part of the reason I am advocating for change in our Order. There are seven officers—six elected and one appointed—who hare responsibilities across the Grand Encampment. If you choose to elect me to be among them, I can assure you that I will include all of my team members in conversations of importance, because seven heads are always better than one, and I never want to be the smartest man in the room.
Our elected and appointed officers have the responsibility to offer counsel to the Grand Master. If elected and installed as your Deputy Grand Master, I assure you that I will offer such counsel as necessary, even if it might seem detrimental to continuing to serve in office. Should I believe the Grand Master is acting in a way detrimental to our Order and this great Fraternity in general, and does not heed the counsel of his officers, I would rather forfeit my office than my integrity.
In September 2021, the duly elected Deputy Grand Master was removed from office for actions he took at the direction of the previous Grand Master during the previous Triennium. What transpired was unprecedented and deeply concerning. It set a dangerous precedent that could have led to the removal of officers for actions they took years ago. In this case, the Deputy Grand Master at the time was removed for following the orders of the previous Grand Master. Almost immediately after installation, the new Grand Master, who had disagreed with those orders, took steps to remove the Deputy Grand Master. The then-Deputy Grand Master’s actions were entirely in line with Masonic and knightly conduct, and did not conflict with the Constitution, Statutes, and Decisions of the Grand Encampment. In fact, the result of his assigned staff work resulted in a decision by the Grand Encampment members assembled in Conclave. The actions taken cannot be described as “just following orders” as an excuse to perform an unlawful act, because the action to conduct discussions and prepare a report is not an unlawful act. Unfortunately, there appears to have been little objection raised, and even statements offered by some elected officers at the Special Conclave seemed “too little, too late” to some in attendance.
In my travels across the continent, meeting Knights and listening to their aspirations for our Order, I’ve had the opportunity to observe our elected Grand Encampment officers at work. It is vital for our Grand Encampment officers to be present and engaged in our Conclaves. After all, while they are in conclaves 30-40 weeks of each year (or more), a Grand Commandery gathers one or, in a few cases, twice a year. Therefore, every minute together is important, and we should expect our Grand Encampment officers to be present and attentive when the Conclave is in session, ready to offer appropriate comments, advice, and even correction when necessary. Our Order faces serious issues that require engaged leadership willing to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work. I believe that moving the Grand Encampment forward necessitates these qualities and commit to you that when you elect me to serve as a Grand Encampment officer, I will be present with you in your Conclaves as well as Department Conferences, attentive and when appropriate, engaged in our common work.