R\H\Jay Rodgers

District Instructor
The THUNDERING 17th Masonic District

R:.W:. Jay Rodgers                                               

District Deputy Grand Master                                   

Thundering 17th Masonic District                           

 Phone:  (321) 427-2598                                                          

jayphc318@gmail.com

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Brethren,

      It is indeed a distinct honor and pleasure to serve the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Robert J. Lambert, as his representative to the Thundering 17th Masonic District.  The Grand Master's motto this year is "Journey to the Future" and his message reflects it quite well.  Our future is ours to determine and the time to start planning for and enacting change is now.  The district has seen great success with the social media program and that program is continuing through the next Grand Lodge year and hopefully many to come.  Our fraternity has always placed square and compasses on our buildings and vehicles, we further placed ourselves out there through the 2B1ASK1 campaign, and now the social media program is an extension of these by putting ourselves in front of the faces of young men where they spend most of their time.  While this campaign is great in generating knocks at our door, we must still remain vigilant in our investigation procedures and always guard the west gate.  The success of the social media program is only one example, of one new idea, that one lodge was willing to try, that turned out to be successful through their diligence, was put into action across the state, and has now changed Freemasonry for the better by allowing lodges to revitalize themselves through fresh faces.  What will your Lodge's next new idea be?  

    My personal vision is to see the lodges of district 17 enact long term planning.  Our lodges, and the fraternity as a whole, are like a big ship sailing through the ocean.  It doesn't turn on a dime, it takes planned and calculated maneuvers to traverse the open and ever changing waters.  Ascending to the East and steering the boat hard right or hard left at the last moment will not get you where you want to be. While the situation may present itself as necessary it will only get you, at best, near the mark of where you want to be.  It's only by planning ahead and setting yourself on the right course early that you hit the mark exactly.  Junior and Senior Deacons, where do you see the lodge in the next 4 or 5 years?  Junior Wardens, how will you gain support for your plan so the lodge is successful in the next 3 years?  Senior Wardens, how will you enact your plan and facilitate its success in the next 2 years?  Worshipful Masters, now that your plan is in full motion how will you guide it to the finish line?  And have you been helpful and supportive of those behind you so that the lodge continues smooth operation after your time as Worshipful Master has reached its end?  Our Lodges are bringing in new members and seeing the return of old ones like never before.  Let's not lose this momentum because we failed to plan.  

      In closing, I would like you all to know that I am looking forward to and excited about the year to come and working with you.  Don't forget about the Grand Master's Official Visit on September 24th, 2022 at Azan Shrine. God bless Freemasonry, God bless the 17th Masonic District, and God bless the United States of America.

 Fraternally,

R:. W:. Jay P. Rodgers

District Deputy Grand Master

17th Masonic District

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Next Masters & Wardens will be at Melbourne Lodge No. 143, Feb 4, 2023

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