GRAND LODGE
OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

Grand Master's Address

at the Grand Communication - 21 April 2004

Can I first say, after last year’s health problems, how delighted I am to be here with you this evening!

I am still firm in my resolve to continue my goal of 'good governance' in our organisation. Sometimes these goals take a little longer to achieve than desired. 

We are getting closer to finally upgrading the membership database on our computer system. Our thanks and appreciation are extended to the United Grand Lodge of Victoria for their ready compliance in giving us access to their established processes. A little engineering is required to allow us to continue to provide services to Mark and Royal Arch Masonry.

The Education Committee has commenced a review of their strategies and shortly a new approach to Masonic education will be developed.

Tonight I will be installing R.W. Bro. Paul Bear as Assistant Grand Master. Paul brings special qualities to this office and part of his job description will be to provide support to the Director of Asset Management, the Grand Registrar and lodges in establishing good corporate processes in managing properties.

The incoming Grand Director V.W. Bro. Tony Wilson and I have commenced researching the probability of establishing a ‘Warranted’ Lodge of Instruction. If our research establishes that the proposal will be supported by our membership I am sure it will be beneficial to the Craft.

For some time it has been considered that the Board of Installed Masters is an integral part of the Installation ceremony. After canvassing the idea with my peers and at some District Meetings it has been decided to encourage lodges to hold a Board of Installed Masters on every occasion of the Installation ceremony. A circular is imminent advising lodges of this.

It is with sadness that in recent times we have lost two of our Grand Lodge Officers. V.W. Bro. Bryan Alford, Grand Almoner and W. Bro. Bob Cooper, Grand Standard Bearer both passed to the Grand Lodge above. Condolences are extended to the family and friends of both brethren.

It does not seem too long ago when the success of a lodge was measured by the number of members (160+). In today’s environment there are many lodges with small memberships and with regularly attending members that are quite successful and happily exist with lesser numbers.

We must still remain vigilant in attracting new members to our lodges. With a range of options available, including Daylight lodges, Dining lodges, lodges that meet bi-monthly and conventional lodges, there are ample opportunities to meet the needs of prospective members.

I commend the Masonic Foundation and their Executive Director V.W. Bro. Robert Clyne for their ongoing activities in being the face of Masonic Charity in our community. I am delighted to advise you that the proposed ‘Country Sportstar Scholarship” is progressing well and will be established in the near future. I convey grateful thanks to the members of Prospect lodge in their generous support of this project. Barossa Lodge and Lodge Baden Powell have also contributed to the endeavour.

The Masonic Homes are embarking on further developments; I have been advised that a rebuilding program will commence this year at a number of their locations.

I was hopeful of being able to give advice tonight regarding the sale of this building. The Board of Management and others have been working extremely hard to achieve a result which will benefit Freemasonry. I assure you brethren we are close, but until the ‘money is in the bank’ I will remain cautious.

The refurbishment of our properties is progressing extremely well and an accreditation policy is almost in place. Once lodges receive their accreditation they will receive signage for their buildings at no charge. You will find a sample outside in the anteroom.

I must also pay tribute to the Grand Superintendent of Works, V.W. Bro. Jim McCartney for the sterling work he has done in providing lodges with the necessary guidance to bring our buildings to a standard expected in today’s community.

Brethren, don’t forget the forthcoming Grand Installations in Queensland in July and New Zealand in November. Details have been issued to all lodges.

In past years Communication Day lunches were always a feature of the day, and an opportunity to fraternise with fellow Freemasons in a relaxed atmosphere. At my request the Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers Association have re-established this function. Today’s lunch was only average in attendance. I am sure that brethren will give this endeavour their support and I look forward to a greater attendance next year.

Finally, I wish to thank the Deputy Grand Master for his ongoing support, the Grand Wardens for performing their duties at Installations with distinction, and the Grand Director, V.W. Bro. David Booker who over two years has never backed down from the dedication, responsibility and commitment to his task. Well done David.

Thank you to those Grand Lodge Officers and Stewards who have also filled their roles with enthusiasm.

My thanks to you, R.W. Bro. Hedley Grix who has presided over the Board of Management for the last three years, 

I extend my thanks to the Grand Secretary and his staff for their support during the previous twelve months.

Rob Casson
Grand Master

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