Thanks to Brethren in Vermont and North Dakota

Killington Grand Summit Resort

I had a fantastic experience last week, traveling to address the brethren at the Grand Lodge of Vermont F&AM at their annual communication in the mountain resort town of Killington on Wednesday. Then Thursday, I flew to Grand Forks, North Dakota to speak to the Masonic College of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota AF&AM on Friday.

Grand Forks Masonic Center

I also had the opportunity to attend the ritual competition in Grand Forks on Friday at the beautiful Grand Forks Masonic Temple. The competition was narrowly won by Goose River Lodge No. 19, in Mayville, as both teams were equally excellent.

Many thanks to Most Worshipful Grand Masters Thomas Johnson, Jr. of Vermont and Michael R. Bakken of North Dakota, and to their officers for their kind invitations, their warm hospitality, and for making this trip work out logistically. Congratulations to both of these fine men for a great year (Tom is starting his second year term in Vermont, while Mike has been succeeded by Most Worshipful Brian Burkett for 2010-11).

Most of all, my deepest gratitude goes to all of the brethren who were so welcoming to me. I remain the luckiest guy in this fraternity to be able to travel and meet so many Masons all over the country, and I appreciate your kindness and friendship.

While I was in Vermont, it was announced that Right Worshipful Brother Cedric Lane Smith, Past Grand Master in 1985-1987, was retiring after spending 19 years of service as Grand Secretary. He and Indiana's Max Carpenter, who retired as Grand Secretary in January after 17 years, are among the longest serving grand secretaries in the country.