My Companions, we have completed a successful 92nd Annual Convocation of the Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta. Once again, I have been elected to a
leadership role in Masonry; this time as Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter. I
feel very humble and yet proud and honoured to have another opportunity to serve my
Companions and Brethren again.
I am very grateful to those Companions who urged me to run for election 3 years ago; to
M.E. Companions Crawford, Harbin, Tetzloff, and Oslund, my most sincere thanks for
your encouragement and confidence. I think that I have previously related to you the
story of when I was preparing for my Fellowcraft Degree. A senior Past Master of my
lodge, a brother who knew me from childhood, said to me, “Terry, if you are asked to do
a job in Masonry, if at all possible, do it. You will never regret it.” How right he was. I
have had to on occasion decline, but I have never regretted taking on any task. I have
always received far more than I could ever have contributed.
Our Grand Chapter is small in numbers. Commitment by all our Companions, whether in
Grand Chapter or in our constituent Chapters is so important. We have so many
committed members who keep our Chapters going. We have been most fortunate in the
institution of a new Chapter, Stoney Chapter U.D. The commitment of the members of
that Chapter is to be complimented on their efforts to make this new Chapter a reality.
There seems to be a resurgence in Masonry, in our Craft Lodges and in our Chapters. We
have a commitment to our new Companions in doing our ritual work as best as we can to
impress our new members. We also have a commitment to educate them and stimulate
their curiosity and thirst for Masonic knowledge. We also have a commitment to support
our Chapter officers by making every effort to attend our Chapter meetings
To you my companions, I pledge my commitment to carry out my duties as your Grand
First Principal to the utmost of my ability.
“Commit thy way unto the Lord. Trust also in him and he will make it pass.”
Ps. 37, v. 5