Terry L. Bowman
Most Worshipful Grand Master
2011-2012

Right Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers, Most Worshipful Past Grand Masters, Worshipful Appointed Grand Lodge Officers, Worshipful District Deputy Grand Masters, Masters, Wardens, Brethren, Families and Friends.

This is indeed a very humbling experience to stand before you as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. How time has flown by. It only seems like yesterday that I was elected Grand Junior Warden. But, as they say, time flies when you are having fun and that has truly been the case. I look forward to continue working with Brother Chris, Rick, Tom and Joe and to our newest elected Grand Lodge Officer, Grand Junior Warden,Wilson Wilder. I sincerely offer my congratulations on your election and look forward to working with you as well.

While observing the several Special Committees of the Grand Lodge for the past three years, I have decided to eliminate many of them. So, if you have not received a Letter from me by now, you where probably on one of those Committees.

There are several things that we have chosen to promote in Kentucky Freemasonry in the coming months.  Candidates must receive all Sections of all Degrees and return complete proficiencies. We are short changing the Candidate if these do not happen. Get involved in your Community. Attend the District Meetings and Educational Conferences and continue your Widows Program. Also, especially to the Lodge Officers, dress for success. I include this last one because of a story I was told by a young Brother when I was Grand Junior Warden.  Having received his Entered Apprentice obligation and being brought to Light, there stood the Master of the Lodge in a tee shirt, shorts and flip-flops. He said he was so disappointed that he almost walked out of the Lodge Hall. Brethren, we must do better as members of the most honored and celebrated Fraternity the world as ever known. We should set ourselves apart from everyone else.

We should also work with the peace and harmony that characterize Freemasons. Brotherly Love must prevail in our Lodges, for if not, we have failed God and our Brethren in taking our Oaths and Obligations. Brotherly Love is the tie that binds us all together. When one of us is hurt, we all hurt. You have my back and I have yours. No matter what position I may hold in the Lodge, an Appendant Body or my worldly status, I am no better than you are. These Tenets of our Institution, as well as meeting on that common level has allowed us to survive these many Centuries.

Brethren, the outlook for Kentucky Freemasonry is very exciting. We are seeing many young men joining our ranks and participating in our labors and privileges. Several of them are taking part in their Lodges and helping wherever needed. We must mentor to them and encourage them to share their ideas and make them and their Families feel welcome.

Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Donald H. Yankey, the years working with you have truly been a pleasure. You have taught me allot and have graciously guided me to this moment. You and your Lady Janice have represented our Grand Craft and the Commonwealth of Kentucky with honor and distinction.

Again Brethren, thank you so much for this great honor and let us remember to pray for each other for we are as ONE.

Fraternally Thine,

Terry L. Bowman

Grand Master 2011-2012