When is the last time you went to visit a Lodge?  Not your home Lodge, the one across the District or maybe across the State.  This is one of the most rewarding benefits of being a Freemason, the ability to drive into a community, knock on the door of the Lodge, and be welcomed as a Brother. 

I have, as your Grand Master, had many very similar experiences traveling across Mississippi and to other Grand Lodge jurisdictions.  Brethren, our Masonic Brothers from all over this Country have shown me Brotherly love at its finest.  So far I have had the privilege to travel to the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, the Grand Lodge of Alabama, the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, Southeastern Masonic Conferences in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, North American Grand Masters Conferences in Indianapolis and South Dakota, as well as Scottish Rite Sessions in Washington DC, and York Rite Conferences in Florida.

Everywhere I go I meet Brethren who are all a whole lot more like us than are different.  The Masonic tie immediately provides the glue for lasting friendships.  The fact that a Brother may be from up North or out West truly does not matter.  What matters is that he is a Mason, and that bond transcends political differences and in some cases different religious beliefs. 

The opportunity you have given me can never be repaid.  The friendships I have made will last a lifetime, and mean more to me than I can say.  Brethren, thank you for this opportunity and allowing me to be your Grand Master.

Jason Jefcoat, Grand Master
Grand Lodge of Mississippi F&AM