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Grand Master's Diary

 

    


M. W. Bro. Campbell (John) Wallace

Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Tasmania


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The Grand Master's Diary

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Installations Roster
Grand Master's Address Grand Installation
Grand Master's Address August  2011 Communications
Grand Lodge Officers for 2011 / 2012

 



Grand Master's Address Grand Installation February 2011
 

GRAND INSTALLATION OF M. W. BRO. CAMPBELL JOHN WALLACE

25th February 2011.

M. Wor. Bro. Cooper, Fellow Grand Masters, Brethren and Guests.

Firstly, may I endorse the welcome extended to those who attended the Grand Master’s Reception last evening and on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania, extend a further welcome to all who have been able to attend the ceremony of Installation today.

It is gratifying to see so many who have travelled vast distances to be with us this week-end; particularly our Brethren and ladies from New Zealand, in light of the events which have occurred in Christchurch over the last few days. I believe I speak on behalf of all Australians present in saying, "our thoughts are with you, and all New Zealanders who have been affected."

The Installation of Grand Master is important to any Grand Lodge and I am humbled to adopt that role, for what is usually a three year term and will endeavour to emulate the successes of those Brethren who have travelled this path before me.

But, in order to attain these successes, we must also overcome the difficulties which face us. These difficulties of course, are not unique to Tasmania, but are similar to those which all Grand Lodges in our particular part of the world, are facing, or have faced for quite some time.

Without dwelling for too long on the negatives, I see our major task to be the retention of our membership at current levels and at the same time, introducing measures, which into the future, will see an increase in those levels. I say the introduction of measures, because fact suggests that what we have been doing in the past, hasn’t necessarily been right and change may be necessary to put us on the path to recovery. Remember, "If nothing changes – nothing changes".

I would like the Board of General Purposes to continue with the initiatives introduced by the former administration, such as (a). The upgrade of our Masonic Centres and (b), The Education Programme introduced by M. W. Bro. Yaxley and soon to enter its next phase.

Both of these activities are strongly allied to membership retention, because in today’s world, our newer members in particular, don’t want to spend their leisure hours in cold, unattractive buildings, with inadequate and sub-standard seating in drab surrounds.

We need to maintain the impetus provided by the former administration and in particular, M. W. Bro. Cooper. It would be too easy to take the foot off the pedal because of the successes we have achieved so far.

The Education Programme which was introduced by M. W. Bro. Yaxley during 2010, I commend to all Masons in our jurisdiction and in particular, the newer members of the Craft. The first segment wasn’t particularly well supported, so I urge the more established Brethren to get onboard and assist us by spreading the word and inducing those newer members to participate in what I see as a most valuable initiative. The second segment is planned for 2011 and details are available to anyone who may wish to participate.

Our Board of Benevolence has this year, a new President and I extend to V.W. Bro. McKenna, best wishes for an enjoyable and successful term of office. At a recent meeting of the Board,

M. W. Bro. Cooper launched an appeal for the relief of flood victims in Queensland, to which the Board has pledged generous support.

Brethren, there are people out there doing it tough, as a result of adverse weather events which have occurred during the last couple of months, not only in Queensland, but in every state, at varying degrees of severity. Invitations to subscribe to the appeal have been sent to all of our Lodges and I appeal to those Lodges and individuals, to give generous support, as their circumstances may allow.

I can’t let the moment pass without some words of gratitude. Firstly, I must thank the Freemasons of Tasmania for so readily accepting me when I made the move to Tasmania some ten years ago. The warmth of their welcome was overwhelming and I know that same sentiment is extended to our visitors on this occasion.

I must next express my sincere gratitude to M. W. Bro. Cooper for choosing me as his Deputy in 2008, but more especially for his patience and perseverance during that year, in what must have been seen as almost a nightmare with my faltering health. With his support and with the support of my friends in Masonry, I have now passed that trauma to be able to be with you today.

I also thank the organising committee for their tireless efforts in bringing this weekend’s activities forward. M.W. Bros. Kearon and Cooper met with me almost 12 months ago to start preliminary planning and we are now experiencing the fruits of their labours. Other behind the scene brethren have played their part magnificently and I also thank them for their participation. Without them, none of this would be possible.

I look forward to working with Brethren from all parts of the state, and with those charged with the administration of Freemasonry in Tasmania, in particular, with our new Grand Secretary, V. W. Bro. David Macrow, who brings to the office valuable skills and knowledge.

Congratulations David.

Of course we must also acknowledge the retirement of our esteemed Grand Secretary, R.W. Bro. Allan Sangwell, who has held that position for the 10 ½ years I have been in Tasmania and for quite some considerable time before that. He has always been a pillar of strength in that role and I’m sure his presence will be sorely missed. However, his successor can be assured that assistance is only a phone call away if needed.

Congratulations Allan.

I will now close this address by pledging myself to a faithful discharge of the Office of Grand Master, while also acknowledging that I too will need the assistance of these brethren and the support and friendship of every Mason in Tasmania and the supporting Grand Lodges of Australasia.

Thank You.

M. W. Bro. C J (John) Wallace

Grand Master

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Grand Master’s Address to Communications – August 2011

Most Wor. Bro. C. J. (John) Wallace  

Brethren, 

Thank you for your attendance, and your support of this session of Grand Lodge Communications.

It is now six months on from the Grand Installation and probably time to review what has occurred during that period.

At the Grand Installation I proposed a couple of modest goals for the Freemasons of Tasmania to work towards; modest but achievable.  They were (1). Membership Retention (2). Masonic Education and (3). Masonic Centre Upgrades.

M.W. Bro Yaxley has submitted a report, advising that the second stage of the Masonic Education programme went ahead as planned, with mixed results.  Brethren, if you want more in the form of Masonic Education, please remember this is a two-way street, and suggestions and requests are welcome.  At present M.W. Bro. Yaxley is using material which was formulated in Victoria for their membership, but I’m sure we can modify what we are doing to cater for Tasmanian needs if it is deemed necessary.

The upgrade of our Masonic Centres is proceeding, with some work completed; some work underway, and plans and requests for other work before the Board of General Purposes for their consideration.  I must remind the respective Lodges that requests for funds must be accompanied by acceptable business plans and paperwork.  The Board of General Purposes is handling money which belongs to all Tasmanian Freemasons and it remains paramount that the activities of its members remains transparent.

Membership retention is not a new subject and of course the most difficult.  The assertion by some Masonic Speakers that there appears to be a turn-around in the loss of numbers certainly doesn’t hold well for all of our Lodges.  I don’t have figures for individual Lodges but state-wide, the twenty-one (21) Initiates recorded between the 1st January and the 24th August this year is overwhelmed by three (3) Exclusions, forty-two (42) Resignations, and thirty-one (31) Deaths.

I don’t wish to be alarmist or to cause panic, but it is obvious that this situation is untenable and must be reversed if we are to survive.  Our current membership stands at 1320 members, with a large number in the 70+ years age-bracket.  However, in our haste to attract more members, we must remember our need to be selective in whom we recommend for membership.  Membership for the sake of numbers should be our last, if a consideration at all, a reason for bringing a name forward.  We, as an organisation, cannot afford the publicity which accompanies a poor choice and this is further highlighted as our numbers deteriorate.

I mentioned in the magazine the possibility of further Lodge consolidations and I stress the necessity of each and every Lodge to plan towards a future.  Failure to plan well, could easily cause further losses and I again quote, “A short term gain may cause long term pain”.  Brethren, operational costs are ever-increasing, and failure to plan towards this may well be the reason a Lodge has to return its Charter.

Mentioned in the Board of General Purposes report, was the proposed “Open Days” for selected Masonic Lodge Centres and I refer to the Grand Lodge Exchange Notice dated 27th July, in which Expressions of Interest were sought for Brethren who may be willing to be involved in showcasing selected centres throughout the State on a mutually acceptable day.  It was originally thought that Tasmania Day would be an appropriate date, but this may cause problems in the north of the state, with a public holiday scheduled for that weekend.  Brethren, I see this as a worth-while project and I seek members who would be willing to undertake some part in the planning and operations of the event to indicate their interest to the Grand Secretary.

I endorse the remarks of the President of The Board of General Purposes, regarding our new Grand Secretary.  V.W. Bro. Macrow has settled into his role with professionalism and has made my task as Grand Master so much easier than what it could have been without his guidance.

Brethren, despite some of the negatives I have detailed, I believe we are still travelling okay; however, attention to those areas of concern is necessary.

 

At this point I now ask you to rise with the sign of fidelity while I read the names of those of our brethren who have passed to the Grand Lodge above since our last meeting:-

V.W. Brothers

J Vaessen                            St Andrew Lewis Lodge

S J Taylor                             Lodge Heather

W. Brothers

M J Walley                            Dorset Lodge

S S Palnitkar                        Lodge Esk

G Edwards                           Launceston-Lawrie Abra Memorial Lodge

H W Steele                            Kingston Lodge

G R Grave                             Nugara Lodge

H Hamer                                Burnie Masonic Lodge

C J Skirving                         Lodge Esk

D J Riley                               Kingston Lodge

E J Kean                               Lodge Pembroke

C Webb                                 Derwent Valley Lodge

J L Roberts                          Devonport Masonic Lodge

R M Collins                           Launceston-Lawrie Abra Memorial Lodge

L R Atkins                             Meander Lodge

Brothers

A C Anderson                      Launceston Daytime Lodge

E G Carter                             Lodge Heather

K D Heyward                       Pacific Lodge

A C Padgett                          Lodge of Hope

D T Bonner                          Lord Carrington Lodge

W G Stellmaker                   Nugara Lodge

J Copeman                          Nugara Lodge

D G Finegan                        Tas Union Lodge

S C Knight                           Lodge Bowen

T H Barker                           Launceston Daytime Lodge

D B Espie                             Launceston Daytime Lodge

P G Lay                                 Burnie Masonic Lodge

R G Hooper                          Darcy Wills Memorial Lodge

E T Connolly                       Launceston Daytime Lodge

M G Darcy                            Hutchins Old Boys’ Lodge

I G James                             Derwent Valley Lodge

 Brethren,

May they be remembered for the good they have done and the endearing friendships they have made in their journey through our Masonic Fraternity.

 C. J. Wallace

Grand Master

 

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Grand Lodge Programme

  Installations Roster

GRAND LODGE PROGRAMME   to August  2012

February 2012
Tuesday 7th. City of Glenorchy 91 Rt. W. Bro. J. J. Caulfield GMOH PDGM
Wednesday 15th. Derwent Valley 27 Rt. Wor. Bro. D. S. Ferguson PGW
Saturday 18th. Dorset 17 M. W. Bro. C.J. Wallace GM
Saturday 25th. Grand Lodge Communications (North)  
March
Saturday 3 Phoenix 92 R. W. Bro C. A. Duncombe ODS, PGW
Saturday 10th Meander 12 R. W. Bro. C. P. Edwards PGW
Saturday 17th. Mt. Lyell  24 M. W. Bro. C. J. Wallace GM
Monday 26th. Hobart Lodge of Research 62 R. W. Bro. D. J. Hyland PDGM
Saturday 31st. Poulett 18 R. W. Bro N. E. Bugg PGW
April
Saturday 14th. Lord Carrington 22 R. W. Bro. P. J. Radford PGW
Tuesday 17th. Scotch College 80 M. W. Bro. C. J. Wallace
Thursday 19th Pacific 5 R. W. Bro. P. Howard PGW
Saturday 21st. Nugara 32 R. W. Bro. K. Grave ODS PGW
Saturday 26th. Darcy Wills Memorial 85 R. W. Br. A. J. Sangwell ODS DGM
May
Monday 7th. Dulverton 66 M. W. Bro. C. J. Wallace GM
Saturday 112th. Devonport 90 R. W. Bro. M. J. Roche PGW
Thursday 26th. Launceston-Lawrie Abra Memorial 2 R. W. Bro. A. J. Sangwell DM
June
Saturday 16th. Launceston Daytime 51 M.W. Bro. C. J. Wallace GM
Tuesday 19th. Loyalty 40 M. W. Bro. C. J. Wallace GM
Saturday 23rd. Tasmanian Union 3 R. W. Bro. A. R. Patmore PGW
July
Thursday 5th. St. Andrew Lewis 6 R. W. Bro. J. W. Slore PDGW
Saturday 7th. Macquarie 87 M. W. Bro.. N. R. Cooper PGM
Wednesday 25th. Hutchins Old Boys' 48 M. W. Br. C. J. Wallace GM
August
Saturday 11th Army & Navy (Anzac Meeting) M. W. Bro. C. J. Wallace GM
Saturday 25th Grand Lodge Communications (South) To be held in the Ross Town Hall
Special Visits by the Grand Master and/or Grand Lodge Officers
April 2012
Thursday 19th.` Roland 36 (Anzac Meeting M. W. Bro. C. J. Wallace GM
Wednsday 25th Army & Navy 50 (Anzac Meeting ) R. w. Bro J. R. Skeggs PGW
 

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Grand Lodge Officers for 2011 / 2012
 

Grand Master                                      Most. Wor. Bro. C. J. Wallace

Deputy Grand Master                      Rt. Wor. Bro. A. J. Sangwell

Senior Grand Warden                      Rt. Wor. Bro. K. D. Salter

Junior Grand Warden                      Rt. Wor. Bro. R. V. Edwards

Grand Chaplain

                    South                                      V. Wor. Bro. P. W. Calvert

                    North                                      V. Wor. Bro. M. G. Turner

                    North – West                         V. Wor. Bro. M. J. Ritch

Grand Treasurer                               Rt. Wor. Bro. P F Oddie

Grand Registrar                                Rt. Wor. Bro. A G Shott

Presidents:

Board of General Purposes           Rt. Wor. Bro. E. C. Cummins

Board of Benevolence                         V. Wor. Bro. R. J. McKenna

Grand Secretary                                V. Wor. Bro. D. J. Macrow

Grand Inspector of Lodges

                    South                                     V. Wor. Bro. A. V. A'church

                    North                                     V. Wor. Bro. P. J. Wise

                    North - West                        V. Wor. Bro. G. N. Deacon

Grand Director of Ceremonies

                    South                                    V. Wor. Bro. L. H. Garbett

                    North                                    V. Wor. Bro. B. Emmerton

                    North - West                        V. Wor. Bro. K J Wallace

Senior Grand Deacon

                    South                                    Wor. Bro. A. Burton

                    North                                    Wor. Bro. R. G. Frost

                    North - West                       Wor. Bro. W.  C. Paterson

Junior Grand Deacon

                    South                                     Wor. Bro. G. D. Reid

                    North                                     Wor. Bro. M. Smith

                    North - West                        Wor. Bro. L. A. Tilley

Grand Superintendent of Works   Wor. Bro. R. W. G. Lowe

Grand Sword Bearer

                    South                                       Wor. Bro. M. J. Freeman

                    North                                        Wor. Bro. H. R. Fairley

                    North – West                          Wor. Bro. D. J. Greisbach

Grand Standard Bearer

                    South                                    Wor. Bro. G. R. Cleeland

                    North                                     Wor. Bro. G. G. Reddish

                    North - West                        Wor. Bro. P. J. Radel

Grand Director of Music                 R. Wor. Bro. D. B. Niel

Grand Organist                                                

                    North - West                        Wor. Bro. K. G. Chambers

                    South                                     R. Wor. Bro. J F Millington

Grand Pursuivant

                    South                                   Wor. Bro. J. A. Clear

                    North                                   Wor. Bro. R. J. Hesline

                    North - West                       Wor. Bro. R. A. Knowles

Grand Tyler

                    South                                 Wor. Bro. C. P. Deane

                    North                                  Wor. Bro. K. J. Tunks

                    North - West                     Wor. Bro. G. S. McGlone

Grand Trumpeter

                    South                                  Bro. W. A. Bell                               

                    North                                   Wor. Bro. G. G.  Reddish                                

                    North - West                     V. Wor. Bro. R. B. Ker                                   

Grand Stewards

                    South                                 Wor. Bro. R. J. Mitchelmore, Wor. Bro. B. L. Masters

                    North                                  Wor. Bro. A Kusnezow                                                       

                                                                                   

Board of General Purposes  

The number following the Board member’s name, indicates the number of years to serve.

South M. W. Bro. N. R. Cooper (1), R.W. Bros. E C Cummins (1),  B W Curtain (1), and W. Bro. J A Clear (2).

North R.W. Bros. S R. Zichy-Woinarski (1), W G Johnston (1) and  V. W. Bro. R Chell (2).

                    North – West R.W. Bros. J Hamilton (1), B G Waters (1) and D L Kay (2).

Ex-officio Members: Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master

Board of Benevolence:

                   South V. W. Bros. L A Brown (1), P W Calvert (2) and P E C Page (1).

                   North V. W. Bros. M P Turner (1), P J Wise (1) and W. Bro. M Smith (2).

North – West V. W. Bros. M J Ritch (1), R J McKenna (2)

J W Packham and W. Bro. D Cheshire (1).

                    Ex-officio Members: Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master

 

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