FROM THE EAST - JULY

As I write my initial “From the East” message, I cannot help but reflect upon the fact we are embarking on a time of significant transition for Hillcrest Lodge. As we prepare to relocate, I hope we would all remember that it is not the brick and mortar that bind us together but something stronger. McKinney Avenue was not our first home, of course, but it’s all our current officers have known. Many of our members vividly remember our days on Hillcrest. As we see new faces being drawn into Masonry and Hillcrest Lodge, their experiences will be different still. But the common thread will be a belief in the Divine and the desire to open one’s heart and mind to internal discovery and enlightenment. This leads us down a well-trodden path towards personal growth and improvement while recognizing a commitment to our brothers, our community and to those who may be suffering or in need of assistance.

I transition to the East with a thorough and heartfelt understanding of the significance of the tasks ahead of us this year. It is difficult to embark down a path without a clear understanding of where it may lead. But this is what we face. We are never privy to what the future has in store for us, but we must not let that deter us from our continued efforts to do what we feel is right, to face and then overcome any challenges in our path. As we enter a new year, I am heartened by the knowledge that we have a special group of men at Hillcrest that, as our most recent Past Master stated in last month’s Beacon, epitomize Friendship and Brotherhood.

As we build upon the foundation laid through the efforts of so many farsighted and hardworking brothers, it is truly exciting to realize we all have a special opportunity ahead this year, an opportunity to move Hillcrest Lodge into the next phase of its life, an opportunity to strengthen the Lodge, an opportunity to position it for continued growth.

If you have not attended Lodge recently, please make an effort to come back and visit. Rest assured you will always be welcomed. The knowledge, experience and guidance I know you can offer are invaluable resources that can only strengthen our efforts during the coming year. If you cannot attend, we will keep you apprised of our efforts through our communication programs, which include The Beacon and Hillcrest’s website (www.dallasfreemasonry.org).

Hillcrest Lodge continues to be blessed with a wonderful mix of experience as well as youthful exuberance and energy. Being the Worshipful Master of Hillcrest Lodge is a deep and humbling honor. I recognize it is a stewardship bestowed upon me; a responsibility to do my best to live up to the efforts of those men whose images look down upon us from the wall of our Lodge Room. All I ask from you are your support and prayers. With these I am confident we will have a successful year.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Gregg Yates
Worshipful Master