MWSA Vision

EXCELLENCE BY VIRTUE: Lead with our HEARTS; Think with our HEADS; Work with our HANDS

MWSA Mission Statement

Through education and in consequence of our streamlined focus in pursuit of Masonic excellence, Masonic District No. 108 will work in harmony as a common mass to reinforce our District Lodges in support of the Grand Lodge of Texas.

President's Message

Brothers,

Your Masters, Wardens and Secretaries Association (MWSA) No. 108 last met on Tuesday, January 25^th at Waller Lodge for its quarterly business meeting. I regret that I was not able to attend due to illness, which turned out to be COVID-19. I am doing well and have since tested negative, but it reminds us that the pandemic remains a factor in our daily lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all as we continue to fight the impact of this lingering virus.

From the feedback I received, this meeting was well attended and received. Thank you, Vice President Michael Spencer, for leading in my absence. Brother Albert Davis also completed his series on masonic funerals by providing an overview and discussion of the Masonic Funeral Guide. This is a great resource for brothers to prepare for the inevitable but unknown departure from this life. It is a resource that can be used by family and a mason’s fraternal network to ensure that a brother’s final wishes are honored. Copies of the guide are available at the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gAO6L-ORH3jOuxSPMw5GUvsQ9t3d56Su/view?usp=sharing, and we stand ready to answer any questions that may arise in its use. As always, thank you Past Master Davis for a job well done in educating us.

Regarding our 2021 District Service Team, let me first congratulate them on a job well done. Former District Deputy Grand Master, David C. Berndt, District Education Officer Albert Davis, District Communication Officer Carter Sharbrough, and District Instructor Cody Cockroft deserve our praise, and we wish them well on their continued work in our great fraternity.

Looking forward, I extend a hearty congratulations to our 2022 District Service Team. Right Worshipful Christopher Bradley Ryland, District Deputy Grand Master, has been appointed by M:.W:. Billings to represent him in our District. For those of you who do not know him, he is a two-time Past Master of Brookshire and San Felipe Lodge and is currently serving as Junior Warden at Waller Lodge. This is not his first “rodeo” as a District Deputy Grand Master for Masonic District 108, and in speaking with him he is once again honored to serve in this capacity. M:.W:. Billings also appointed Stan Kitzman as our District Education Officer and Carter Sharbrough as our District Communications Officer. Cody Cockroft will continue to support our District with duties fitting of our Masonic Ritual as District Instructor. Brother Cockroft was also appointed by the Trustees to be the Chairman of the Grand Lodge's Education and Masonic Service Committee and was voted in to act as a Director of the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation. We know these are big commitments, and we wish all of you a superb and rewarding year as you serve in these important capacities.

On another note, I would also like to congratulate another District 108 brother on his appointment as District Deputy Grand Master at Large, Right Worshipful Aaron Wayne Tyksinski. This is an amazing fifth consecutive year as a DDGM, and it all began in District 108. Right Worshipful, we thank you for your ongoing service to Grand Masters of Texas and to our beloved craft.

As this changing of the guard begins, one of the important duties that face all Lodges is the reception of the District Deputy Grand Master and his service team. These visitations will begin in March, and Worshipful Masters are encouraged to begin to prepare their lodges for this important duty. As your MWSA strives to provide education in pursuit of Masonic excellence, I reached out to our District Instructor Cody Cockroft for some helpful guidance on this topic. Portions of the ritual are not included; however, he offered the following information for this reception:

• After Lodge is opened, DDGM will approach the altar and give the MM Sign. He will remove himself from the Lodge Room. Junior Deacon will open and close the door for the DDGM.

  • Note: timing of this is per the discretion of the DDGM.

• From outside, Tiler will knock three times on the outer door

  • Note: timing of this is per the discretion of the DDGM.

• JD will knock three times and open the door.

• Tiler will say, “Right Worshipful Christopher Bradley Ryland, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 108 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, is in waiting”.

• JD will close the door and report the following to the WM: “Right Worshipful Christopher Bradley Ryland, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 108 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, is in waiting”.

• WM will stand and gavel three times (to raise the Lodge).

• WM will direct the SD and JD to the door with their respective rods (in due form).

• WM will direct the SW and JW to remain in their stations and the Brethren to form two lines (in due form).

• WM will direct the Sr Escort and Jr Escort to receive the DDGM.

  • Note: Sr Escort is on the north side (facing the door)

• With no knocks, the Sr Escort opens the door and says, “Right Worshipful Sir, Lodge No. XXX is ready to receive you.”

• Sr and Jr Escorts conduct the DDGM to the altar. SD and JD follow behind with their rods in due form.

  • Note: SR Escort on DDGM’s left; Jr Escort on the DDGM’s right.

• DDGM, Sr and Jr Escort give the MM Sign. WM returns the MM Sign.

• Sr Escort then says, “Worshipful Master, it is my privilege to present to you and through you to the brethren here assembled, Right Worshipful Christopher Bradley Ryland, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 108 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas.

• WM directs the brethren to extend the Private Grand Honors.

• WM then asks the Sr Escort to conduct the DDGM to the East. At the altar, DDGM shakes the hand of the Jr Escort. In the east, DDGM shakes the hand of the Sr Escort.

• WM welcomes the DDGM to Lodge No. XXX and tenders him the gavel. No one sits until the DDGM gavels.

NO TALKING WILL BE PERMITTED AFTER THE DDGM’s MESSAGE

Our District Instructor truly has a servant’s heart, and is ready to assist if needed; however, it is imperative that you reach out to him and give him ample time to plan. He is planning to hold no less than two District Forums in 2022.

In closing, if you have topics you would like to have covered this year, please reach out to us for further discussion. We are here to Lead with our HEARTS; Think with our HEADS; Work with our HANDS. I hope to see you soon, and may God bless your work.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Chris Choat

eMail: chris.choat@comcast.net

Mobile: (713) 206-4242

Grand Lodge of Texas App

Do you have the Grand Lodge of Texas app? It contains copies of the current law book and monitor, as well as several years worth of Briscoe Workshops. It can also serve as a communications tool between Brothers. You may find the links to the app below:

Apple App Store - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/tx-mason/id1532889175

Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gltx.app