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From the West
This past October 8, 2006, I
had a chance to be at the Public Opening of the 157th
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of California in San
Francisco. It was another memorable experience that I will
cherish in my Masonic journeys.
I arrived early Sunday
morning with one of our very enthusiastic and supportive
brother who would like to remain anonymous. Prior to the
opening of the Annual Communication, we had a chance to meet
with a lot of the officers and members of other SoCal Lodges.
In addition, we were able to do a little shopping for Masonic
paraphernalia inside the reception area of Grand Lodge.
At the Grand Opening, we were
able to witness the introductions of Grand Lodge officers from
other jurisdiction such as the Grand Lodge of Arizona, Hawaii
and China to mention a few. Immediately after, we listened to
very touching messages delivered by the Masonic youth
organizations such as the Jobs Daughter, Rainbow Girls and
also the Master Counselors of the Order of Demolay from the
Southern California Jurisdiction and Northern California
Jurisdiction. Then Most Worshipful Fred Sorsabal gave special
recognitions to a lot of the public servants sectors such as
the California Highway Patrol, Firemen and Policemen. Also, we
had a chance to hear from one of the 9/11 survivors,
Firefighter Chief Richard Piciotto, author of the book titled,
“Last Man Down”, who received a Grand Master’s Medal of Honor.
Many other brother masons, who volunteered and responded to
the “9/11 tragedy”, also were honored and awarded the Grand
Master’s Medal of Honor.
On the same day, at around
6pm, we were picked up by a chartered bus to attend the Grand
Master’s Banquet where I had the chance to personally meet and
received a pin from the Most Worshipful Fred Sorsabal and also
meet Right Worshipful Mel Stein, Deputy Grand Master as well
as other Grand Lodge Officers. They served a great dinner,
which was coupled with a performance from the Oklahoma Indian
degree team who performed a dance to grace the special event.
Overall, we had a great time
and another wonderful experience. Having said that, we
encourage each and every member of our lodge to attend the
Annual Communication (ANCOM) at least one time if not every
year to be able to feel what I have felt and met so many
Masons throughout California and other Grand Lodge
jurisdiction as well. Remember the ANCOM is an event not
only for the lodge officers but also for the general
membership.
Fraternally,
Jesus Medina
Senior Warden
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