MWSA Vision

EXCELLENCE BY VIRTUE: Lead with our HEARTS; Think with our HEADS; Work with our HANDS

MWSA Mission Statement

Through education and in consequence of our streamlined focus in pursuit of Masonic excellence, Masonic District No. 108 will work in harmony as a common mass to reinforce our District Lodges in support of the Grand Lodge of Texas.

President's Message

This Masonic Year is coming to an end, and lodges are entering the final stretch of completing the many duties planned back at the beginning of the 2021-2022 year. This often includes such undertakings as scholarship and teacher honorariums, community awards, Past Master’s recognition, and the honoring of our special ladies whose husbands have laid down their working tools in days gone by. After going through many years in officer lines, I know this period can be stressful. You are not alone. I encourage the officers of our lodges to persevere through strength toward the finish line knowing that the work you do is important and meaningful.

In finishing your year strong, I encourage the officers of all eight District 108 lodges to consider pursing this year’s Vanguard Award. The Vanguard Application is now available on Grandview under Resources, and you can also download the application from this MWSA 108 newsletter. The word “vanguard” refers to a group of people leading the way in the development of ideas. It also refers to the foremost part of an advancing army or naval force that represents the best-of-the-best. What an appropriate name for this prestigious award.

The Vanguard Award is a worthwhile venture. It should be viewed as a tool to help guide officers through a masonic year to ensure the right things are being done to make lodges productive and healthy. It is broken down into generally required and elective elements in the following six major categories:

1. Lodge Administration – Items that should be done to keep the lodge in good order.

2. Community Involvement – Activities that demonstrate community presence and commitment driven by HEARTS, HEADS, and HANDS of caring lodge members.

3. Member Service – Efforts that continually inform, honor, and uplift members and their and families especially during times of necessity.

4. Masonic Education – Lessons to strengthen the knowledge through a variety of topics including masonic ritual, decorum and etiquette, history, laws and statutes, philosophy, symbolism, and self-improvement.

5. Fraternalism – Events that promote fellowship and strong social interactions that span across the entire masonic spectrum.

6. Grand Master’s Emphasis – Undertakings in support of our Grand Master’s priorities for his time leading our great fraternity.

Although a significant portion of the year has transpired, there remains sufficient time to complete the necessary activities to achieve the award. Start by assembling the officers the lodge together and review the requirements to determine what has already occurred and what remains to be undertaken. Develop a written plan identifying each requirement or elective to be pursued, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines for completion. Once there is agreement, set the plan in motion and do not forget to monitor and report results at your stated meetings. Monitoring and reporting are critical to staying focused for achieving the desired outcome.

Ultimately, know that you are not on your own. Half of the lodges in District 108 were Vanguard recipients in 2021, and I am confident that the brothers of these four lodges (Morton No. 72, Rosenberg No. 881, Sugar Land No. 1141, and Katy No. 1439) are willing to share their knowledge and experience. We are also blessed to have a District Instructor (Brother Cody Cockroft) who is the Chairman of the Grand Lodge’s Education and Masonic Service Committee that is responsible for encouraging “participation in the Lodge Vanguard Program, and to establish the rules suitable for recognition of Lodge achievement in the program.” Finally, the officers of MWSA No. 108, including myself, would love to be of assistance. In fact, our April 26, 2022 meeting at Brookshire Lodge No. 1066 will have a presentation to reinforce these opportunities. We hope you will take advantage of one or more of these avenues for assistance, and all stand ready to support the lodges of our outstanding district.

Have a great month, and I hope to fellowship with you at some point in the near term.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Chris Choat

eMail: chris.choat@comcast.net

Mobile: (713) 206-4242

Grand Lodge of Texas App

Do you have the Grand Lodge of Texas app? It contains copies of the current law book and monitor, as well as several years worth of Briscoe Workshops. It can also serve as a communications tool between Brothers. You may find the links to the app below:

Apple App Store - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/tx-mason/id1532889175

Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gltx.app