The Grand Master's Message

M.W. William Berman, G.M.
Grand Master of Masons of the State of New Jersey

Brethren,

My tenure as your Grand Master has reached its midpoint. Many things have been done; many more remain to do. The support and assistance of so many of you have raised my spirits and reinforced my firm beliefs that Freemasons are the best of all men.

The first half of this Masonic year has seen the implementation of several “firsts”- the first training seminar specifically for District Deputy Grand Masters and District Ritual Instructors, the first Grand Master’s Golf Outing to be held at Sea Oaks Country Club, which was also one of the most successful in raising monies for our Masonic Home, and the first “Grand Master’s Pistol Shoot” which supported the Hero Scholarship Fund.

Work continues on upcoming “firsts”, such as the College One Day Class that will focus on the opportunity for men in their early twenties to become Masons, the first “Masonic College Club” which will be instituted at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, and the first participation by Freemasons as a group in a Polar Bear Plunge which supports the Special Olympics.

I have traveled extensively throughout our state, visiting lodges, Valleys, Shrines, and other appendant and concordant bodies. No matter whether among brethren, companions, nobles, or O’Sciots, the common thread of harmony and collegial acceptance is amply apparent.

In addition, I have represented the Freemasons of New Jersey at many other Grand Jurisdictions within the United States. From California to Delaware, it is well known that New Jersey Freemasonry is among the premier Grand Lodges anywhere.

My personal charity this year is the Hero Scholarship Fund, which raises college tuition funds for the children of police officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical technicians who are severely injured or killed in the line of duty. The generosity of many brethren, lodges, districts, and the Order of Eastern Star had brought the total donations to well over $10,000 so far, with more coming in all of the time. A check will be presented to the Hero Scholarship Fund in February, in the name of our extended Masonic family.

As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Charity Foundation of New Jersey, I am extremely proud to share with you the good news about the future of our Masonic Home in Burlington. For many, many years, spending at the Home had outpaced revenues by millions of dollars. Recognizing that this could not continue, steps were taken beginning in 2007 to ensure that the Home would be on firm financial ground. I am happy to say that the value of the Charity Foundation’s investments is today more than $64 million, which is $6 million more than last year at this time and, please remember, that includes an entire year of expenses for the Home. This amazing turnaround is without comparison in today’s economic climate. My thanks to the Board of Trustees, its president, R.W. David A. Dorworth, PHS partner Anthony Argondizza, Masonic Home Administrator M.W. Douglas R. Policastro, and many other brethren and staff for helping to ensure that our Masonic Home will perpetually be there to be the shining star of our Masonic charity.

These are just the highlights of the adventure with which I have been associated so far this year. As I complete one page in this book, I turn to another new and exciting opportunity to experience the joy and purposes of our great Craft. With your continuing support and the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe, we will, together, complete this year’s journey for the betterment of our wonderful fraternity, our communities, and mankind in general.

Fraternally,

M.W. William H. Berman,Grand Master