As we prepare for the Thanksgiving week-end this year, I would like to take a moment and let each of you know how very Thankful I am to be a part of our Great Fraternity. I am especially Thankful for all of the True Friendships I have developed with so many great Masons throughout the State of Alabama and beyond. As I travel from one end of the state to the other, I am constantly greeted by men who extend the hand of genuine Fellowship and Brotherly Love and welcome me into their respective Lodges. I am Thankful for all of the men who have mentored me, guided me, counseled me, and instructed me both in Masonry and in Life.

I am Thankful for all of the Brethren who serve as Teachers for our candidates. You are the unsung heroes of Masonry. Without each of you taking the time to instruct our newly made Masons, they would not be able to progress and we would not have new Master Masons among our ranks.

I am Thankful for the Brethren who serve as the Lodge officers throughout the State. Your leadership and dedication is greatly appreciated and allows our fraternal system to continue to operate smoothly.

I am Thankful for our District Lecturers. These men spend countless hours working with their lodges to ensure the Ritual is performed correctly and serve as an invaluable liaison between their Districts and your Grand Lodge.

I am Thankful for our Committee on Work. The Brethren who serve on this vitally important committee ensure our Masonic Ritual is preserved in its pure and correct form and is transmitted unimpaired to the next generation of Masons.

I am Thankful for all of the Brethren who have volunteered to serve on our many Grand Lodge Committees. It is within these committee meetings and the actions resulting from those meetings that the true work of Alabama Freemasonry is conducted.

I am Thankful for your Grand Lodge officers. These Brethren are providing the indispensable leadership for us as we prepare for our 200th Anniversary of our Grand Lodge.

And most of all, I am so very Thankful for each Mason in Alabama. It is with tremendous pride and pleasure that I stand with you as a Master Mason and I am most Humbled and Honored to serve you as your Grand Master.