Brothers near and far.
Seems only yesterday I was signing off as your AGL but it was actually 4 years ago. Now we start a new Masonic year with a new Grand line, new DDGM and Staff Officer and myself and Shawn Tuff as the Oswego District AGLs.
As I wrote at the beginning of my first term as AGL, we will approach this job as an opportunity to help our lodges with ritual in any way we can. As Assistant Grand Lecturers, our primary responsibility is to help the brothers of the district understand and present the Standard Work as set forth in the 'Little Blue Book'. Shawn and I are not the 'Ritual Police'. We do not carry sticks or clubs, nor do we have forked tails. It is our job to make it easier for the Masons in the Oswego District to perform high quality ritual and maybe help them to understand why it is important to them and to the perpetuation of our beloved fraternity. We are not here to embarrass any brother but rather to 'whisper wise counsel' when appropriate and especially to issue praise for a job well done.
You should expect to see Shawn and myself regularly at your meetings. It is my feeling that the more familiar we become, the easier it will be for you to call on us for help. We will also be supporting the district's Degree Practice Sessions. I have been involved in this district program since its inception and see real value in its continuation.
As I wrote upon starting my first go-around at this job, I do not know all the answers but I will do my best to get them for you. I look forward to challenge and am grateful for the opportunity to serve our district as one of its AGLs. Do not hesitate to contact either myself or Shawn with issues or questions.
Hope to see you soon in Lodge.