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Montana Freemason February 2013 Volume 86 Number 1
during the past year. One rumor that has circulated is There has been a great deal of misinformation,
that I was not prepared for this year. This is true, how presented on the web and through telecommunica-
could one be prepared for such events. I had made tions. I personally can counter any and all false state-
considerable arrangements for my occupation and ments by simply “standing up and hiding behind the
my family for the 2013-2014 year. These plans were truth”. Brother Reid and his son Daniel, our assistant
dismantled in an instant. I do not seek sympathy, secretary, have done a remarkable job in the past, and
only understanding that is ascertained by the truth. are doing an even better job presently. I wish to thank
them for their patience. Most importantly, I want to
Within my first correspondence last fall, I asked commend them for using their Masonic lessons to
the craft to begin the process of moving forward. It is make Montana Masonry better, especially when they
a difficult task, to say the least. I have asked that we have been improperly and unethically maligned by an
focus the excess of energy, created by the past year’s uninformed few. I want to make it clear to the craft;
events, on making more Masons by traditional degree the heinous designs of a few in Montana have not
work. In my mind, this is the only way to make our fooled the majority. Just like the lessons of the
jurisdiction stronger. It has to be done by mastering Hiramic legend the truth will always triumph and
our rituals and making Masons, one at a time. This there will be brighter days to come.
makes for a healthy local lodge. I will maintain my
position that Quality will yield Quantity, but not the I will come full circle with my position on Lux et
other way around. Honesty, Integrity, and Quality are Veritas. My design is to put forth the truth, no matter
the only tools I know to heal the wounds Montana how unpleasant or hurtful, to provide some light on
Freemasonry has suffered. However, I am confident these issues for all Montana Masons. I was reminded
these tools will work. by my nine year old son, when he sensed my tension
from frustration brought about by no sleep from
I would like to express that the person who has searching for a solution to help Montana Masons,
suffered the most during our trials and tribulations that right is right and wrong is wrong. Good behavior
(without pun) is our Grand Secretary, Reid Gardiner. is rewarded and bad behavior is to be reprimanded.
I have to thank him for his patience with me as My son also asked this question. “Isn’t being a Mason
I attempt to lead our state. Brother Reid has been about having honor?” To this inquiry I replied, “Yes.”
publicly fouled without even a single opportunity to He responded, “then they are not a Mason if they
speak on own his behalf. The actions of the Tribunal don’t have honor.” Brothers, if a nine year old fourth
mended the material assault he was forced to endure, grader can see the truth; we must also find our way
however, the intellectual effects are more difficult to to the light of truth. I will close this correspondence
sooth. It is a slow process to rectify this situation, by pressing the need for all Master Masons that are
without igniting a powder keg of emotion. I will state entitled to vote to attend Grand Lodge Session in
publicly, that there are grounds for further charges Butte and stand up for what is right and help me
against those who conspired against Brother Reid. defend the truth. As we pursue the tenants of Lux et
As there is no statute of limitations for these charges Veritas for our craft, may the Great Architect of the
or position of double jeopardy in Masonic code, time Universe guide our actions, clear our minds, provide
is a powerful tool for me. The greatest testament to for healing, and sow seeds for fruit of forgiveness,
Brother Reid’s position is the truth. And the truth is thereby allowing us to best agree and work together.
this: In the face of atrocious accusations, there has
never been one ounce of proof of any misconduct, Yours in Masonry,
nor did RW Duffy testify or present any proof of
such to the Tribunal. Well over six months after Thom Chisholm, MWGM
these ridiculous charges, no one has even offered any Grand Lodge AF & AM of Montana
evidence of malfeasance. The reason why is simple,
none exist.
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