“United and not divided in our endeavor to instill peace and sustain harmony within our jurisdiction”.
This year's theme is appropriate to that focus on the practice of true Masonry:
“United and not divided in all our endeavors to instill peace and sustain harmony among all of our Brethren.”
I see the theme fitting, having seen the many challenges and trials we face at this time… challenges that not only immediately face us today… but challenges that can continue to face future generations of Masons. As young Entered Apprentice Masons, we are charged to ever walk uprightly and we are instilled and equipped with the wisdom and working tools needed to “Build that temple not made with hands… eternal in the Heavens.”
Revitalize our Fraternity
In reviewing the history of our jurisdiction, we can find that overall Lodge membership reached its all time high in 1970’ with over 4,000 members. However, during the last 40 years we have been experiencing a 7% drop in membership per year. We are 1,648 members at present-- and we know that the number of active members is lower than that. It is time to realize and work toward ensuring that Freemasonry in Japan survives for our children and grandchildren.
Furthermore, in conjunction with sustaining and supporting Masonic education programs, which is the task of the Senior and Junior Grand Lecturers, I will form an ad hoc Monitor Committee to improve the Japanese monitor.
My aim is to have a newly revised Japanese monitor that is as close as possible to its English equivalent.
The newly revised version will be compiled under the supervision of Japanese Past Grand Masters and other designated members of the ad hoc Monitor Committee. I believe this effort will reinforce our common understanding and focus-- in both English and in Japanese-- of our Masonic tenets and obligation.
Provide More Leadership Training
The Masonic Education and Training Committee will be offering The Workshop to the leaders of the Lodges.
The first session will be offered in September in the country side of the Jurisdiction. The second session will be held during the Annual Communication in 2017.
Both sessions will be over night, participants to have fellowship the program is designed to provide information for the members in there positions but more importantly, promote our “Unity and Harmony” among brethren, lodges and Grand lodge.
Enhance our Public Relations
Masons must be visible in the community to demonstrate Masonic values in many aspects of their lives.
For this reason, I propose frequently holding a Grand Lodge Open House to raise public awareness and expand good public relations for the benefit of our Fraternity.
