District Deputy Grand Master Ronald B. Carson, P.M.

By now, twelve o’clock noon on December 27th has passed and we now have new leadership throughout our Fraternity. Brother Raymond T. Deitz, Right Worshipful Past Grand Master has turned over the gavel to Brother S. Eugene Herritt, Right Worshipful Grand Master at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.  Upon the installation of Brother Larry A. Derr to Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, the District’s leadership was also transferred, and it affords me great pleasure to accept this new role as the District Deputy Grand Master for our District, the First Masonic District.  Brother Jeffrey S. Moyer, a Past Master of Lodge No. 43 and Past Regional Instructor of Region No. 2 have accepted the Principal position of the School of Instruction for our District. Our Officers in our ten Lodges have been installed and have accepted new responsibilities and roles.

These changes, changes that have been occurring since the inception of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, are the key to our success in the past as well as the future.  Although change is hard to accept for most of us, it is imperative for our survival.  With new leadership come new ideas and initiatives which we should accept, or at least support for the benefit of affecting the outcome in a positive manner, realizing it is “not the way we use to do it,” but for the betterment of our Fraternity.

2017 was a wonderful year for our Lodges, our District, and our Fraternity (300th Anniversary). The Worshipful Masters and Officers of our ten Lodges accomplished many goals and led their respective Lodges in a positive direction with many new ideas and initiatives.  Congratulations and thank you to all of the Officers and Members who participated this past year to make it a success.

I am looking forward to the School of Instruction for 2018, now led by Brother Jeffrey S. Moyer, PM, Principal and assisted by Brother Joshua D. Parmer, Past Master, Brother Jason A. Martin, Past Master, Brother Todd A. Bennicas, Senior Warden, and Brother Scott D. Koons, Past Master. Please continue to support the School of Instruction as I am sure it will continue to be fun while learning and perfecting our ritual and mechanics.

I am also looking forward to leading our District as your new District Deputy Grand Master.   If we live each day with what we were taught in our Blue Lodge Degrees, continue to work hand in hand with one another without any animosity, and most importantly have fun and enjoy Freemasonry, there is no goal, objective, nor vision that we cannot overcome or achieve.  Your support in the past has been incredible and I will look forward to it in the future as we work together to achieve greatness.

As we move forward with the next year, in an attempt to achieve better communication between myself and the members I am asking you to follow the First Masonic Districts website.  It is my intention to post upcoming events or important activities that you may not want to miss on a bi-weekly basis, very similar to the Trestle Board you receive from your Lodge, but one from the District Deputy Grand Master.  You will also receive emails from me from time to time to keep you updated on special events, activities, or some general information which you should know.

On Saturday, January 13th, at 8:00 am we will have our first District Workshop at the Manheim Lodge No. 587.  We will be discussing the new Right Worshipful Grand Masters ideas and initiatives for the next two years. I will be also discussing what my expectations and ideas are for our District.  I am looking for input during this meeting, regardless of position in the Lodge, therefore anyone is welcome.

I have depended on your commitment in the past and ask for that same commitment in the future.  I promise to work hard for you and our Fraternity with the upmost respect and consideration for our District and its Members.  Let’s not look back and wish we did something, let’s look back and be proud of what we accomplished, together.