Brethren of No. 15,

As I was preparing to write all of you to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, the events halfway around the world – in Mumbai, India – seem to have interrupted my pleasant thoughts.

Watching footage on television of this violence and devastation has reminded me of the complex world in which we live. As Freemasons we have been taught how to use the tools of our Craft for noble purposes and are charged with making better men of ourselves.

In contrast, however, there are also others in this world who would prefer to use their tools of terror to commit acts of violence and murder for destructive purposes.

Let us never forget that the forces of darkness have yet to disappear from this earth; and also that it is always much easier to destroy something, in comparison to just how much effort it takes to build something of significant value. No one ever said being a Mason was supposed to be easy.

However, I have always believed that there is nothing so wrong in the world that cannot be overcome by what is right about Freemasonry …and although my time in the East is almost complete, I am feeling very optimistic about the future of the Craft and our Lodge in particular.

This past month our Lodge had the pleasure of initiating five new Masons – all of whom I believe will make fine members of No. 15.

In addition to the current group of EAs, we also have five Fellowcrafts that will soon be receiving the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on January 7th.

Time marches on, yet the Lodge continues to grow. Those of us who now labor for its advancement will pass but I am comforted in knowing the capable men who will continue to carry on the work.

On December 3rd, at our next Stated Communication, we can all look forward to seeing the officers of Benjamin B. French No. 15 in their new places and stations following the Installation Ceremony — one which has taken place for over 150 years … and is still going strong.

Also, on December 13th, I am excited to witness another one of our own – and the second in a row for those keeping track, like MWB Charles Iversen – be installed as the next Grandmaster of Masons of the District of Columbia … that would, of course, be none other than Right Worshipful Brother Kwame Acquaah and this promises to be a very historic day for our Craft.

If it is within the length of your cable-tow, please mark down these dates on your calendar and join me in attending these upcoming events because I am very much look forward to sitting BESIDE you in Lodge when next we meet.

It has been a great experience to serve as Master of such a fine Lodge and I am extremely grateful for so much support that I have received from so many this year. Thank you all!

In fact we should ALL be very thankful for that and never forget just how fortunate we are to be members of Benjamin B. French, where the light shines so brightly.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.

Sincerely and fraternally,

2008 Master
Benjamin B. French No. 15