Independence Day
Brethren All,
Your Grand Lodge office wishes you and yours a happy and safe Independence Day Holiday. The Grand Lodge office will be closed July 4th and 5th. We will resume normal business hours Monday, July 8th.
Zachary Allen Holmes
Grand Secretary/Executive Director
Grand Lodge of Alabama, F&AM
Grand Bay Lodge Pew
Brethren,
Do you know of a masonic lodge or affiliated body that is in need of lodge furniture? If so, these pews are available free of charge, but must be picked up from Grand Bay No 767. Please contact Brother Mark Webster, Secretary of Grand Bay No 767, for more information.
Fraternally,
Zach A. Holmes, Grand Secretary
October 2023
To all my brethren in Free Masonry of Alabama.
It is again my pleasure to say hello to you all. October is the month of Halloween for children. Sometimes the month of October is for those who see cooler weather, even a thought of Fall in the air. It now becomes time for me to say get yourselves ready for Grand Lodge Assembly coming in November 2023.
I think it has been a splendid time to gather with families and have fun for the season. Please keep our children safe and happy. There may be sickness in the family but let us not forget the one who really makes all things possible. The Father of Lights wants us to remember that he is the true one who keeps us together.
This could be my very last time of posting for you all. I do, hope I have made this past year pleasant for you all. It has been an honor for me to bring prayer and peace toward you and your families.
I love you all. May God richly Bless you all.
Right Worshipful and Reverend
Ricky Kilgore, Grand Chaplain
Arrangements for MWPGM Charter Lee Nicholson, Sr.
Most Worshipful Sirs, Right Worshipful Sirs, Worshipful Grand Lodge officers and Brethren All:
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Most Worshipful Charter Lee Nicholson, Sr., Grand Master of Masons in Alabama 1982-83.
Arrangements for MWPGM Nicholson are as follows:
Most Worshipful Grand Master Rusty Beck will open the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alabama at 10am Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Nunn-Oden #398, 126 Sparkman St. SW, Hartselle, AL 35640.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 26 September 2023 from 11 a.m. – 1p.m at Peck Funeral Home, 1600 Hwy 31 SW, Hartselle, AL 35640, (256) 773-2541.
There will no service at the funeral home.
Masonic graveside rites will be performed at 1:30 p.m. at Forest Chapel UMC Cemetery, 250 Forest Chapel Rd, Hartselle, AL 35640, (256) 773-2730.
https://www.peckfuneralhome.com/obituary/Charter-NicholsonSr
All present sitting Grand Lodge officers are strongly encouraged to attend if possible. Please dress accordingly and remember to bring your apron, jewel, and gloves.
S&F,
Zachary Allen Holmes
Grand Secretary/Executive Director
Grand Lodge of Alabama, F&AM
2023 Grand Lodge Annual Communication
September 2023
Brethren All,
This is a month that we as Americans celebrate the Labor we put forth to make a living. We are told not to let Masonry interfere with our Labor. Making the family safe and serving them is a Masons desire. This month also leads us toward fall and the turning of leaves further north. God creates beautiful scenes.
One thing we can do in September is to attend lodge and join in some of the activities, that we as Masons do to help the community. What happens when we take a solemn obligation on the Holy Bible and blatantly fail what we swore to do? We have lied before God and man. What excuse do you use to not do what is ask of you?
There is coming a time that Masonry will go the route of the Church. It is going down and will eventually be no more. What will our worldly system be like then?
Do you know of people your lodge has helped? So, don’t you want to be a part of that work? Remember we are here for the fraternity not for our individual accolades. Learn one place of the work and help out by doing that place.
May God richly bless all my brethren. Let God be Praised!
Right Worshipful and Reverend
Ricky Kilgore, Grand Chaplain
Gold Mine Degree – September 16, 2023
4th of July 2023
Brethren All,
Today as we enjoy the freedom of Independence Day, it becomes more evident that our nation does not understand the price of this freedom. The wicked enjoy more freedom than ever. This nation allows more freedom to hate groups than it does to regular law abiding peoples.
The charter that was signed when this nation became free, as we know, was signed by more Masons than any other pure people. It is with great pleasure that I sit and think about this great act. I am proud that the men that signed this charter did it with great pride themselves.
When we look at our nation’s capital and the beautiful Glorious flag, we should salute with pride what all this means. As we look for strength in this nation is seems to be lacking. Let us all stand as Masons, stand with pride in the nation we fought for and loved dearly.
May GOD richly bless America in 2023 and draw his people back to him. In name of our Great Architect of the Universe may grow stronger.
Right Worshipful and Reverend
Ricky Kilgore, Grand Chaplain
Gettysburg Visit
I had the pleasure of paying my respects at the Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg National Cemetery this fine morning.
Amid the 1000’s of monuments in Gettysburg, the one that I believe touched my heart the most, the one that I’ve long sought visiting, was the “Friend To Friend, A Brotherhood United” monument.
“The monument depicts Union Captain Henry Bingham, a Mason and staff assistant to General Hancock, himself wounded, rendering aid to the fallen Confederate General. Armistead is shown handing his watch and personal effects to be taken to his friend, Union General Hancock Union General Winfield Scott Hancock. “
What is most meaningful, most striking about this monument is what it represents as a whole. Freemasonry doesn’t “instill” or “create” a bond. It is not something that can be pulled off like our aprons or rings. Freemasonry exists on our good days, and the bad days. It exists in peace, and at war. What this monument shows to the world is one man handing his last effects, the contents of his pockets to another.
What it means to Masons is that no matter what, good or bad, peace or war, there exists between them a bond that is inseparable. A bond of brotherhood, a bond of protecting a brothers life, a bond of protecting a brothers family, and most of all, an unwavering devotion and commitment to never breaking your word or promise to another brother.
It was my distinct honor and privilege to visit this solemn place of honor.
Zachary C. Grizzard
Right Worshipful Grand Historian
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F & A M of Alabama
