To the Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master, Worshipful District Lecturer, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Past Masters, Grand Lodge Officers past/present, Brothers of Light of Elmwood Lodge #45 and visiting brothers, Good Evening. First and fore-most I have to thank God for allowing me the health and strength to stand before you this evening and before any major undertaking, a covering in prayer must be said.

Father in the name of Jesus, I come to you as humbly as I know how thanking for your grace, mercy, patience, and forgiveness. I thank you Lord for every blessing that you’ve bestowed upon myself, my wife, children, grand-children, siblings, parents, grand-parents, family, brothers, widows, friends and colleagues and I pray oh Lord that you continue to cover us all in the name of Jesus.

I pray for the sick/shut-in asking that you go by the bedside of the afflicted and heal them if it be thy will, ever remembering those who mourn. Comfort them lord, letting them know that you’re ever present, you’ll never leave nor forsake them and we’ll be careful to give you all the Glory, Honor, and Praise. These and all other blessings I ask in your son Jesus name, Amen. So Mote It Be.

Brethren, I stand before you humbled as the 92nd Worshipful Master of this, the greatest Lodge on the East Coast if not the world in Light of Elmwood #45 and I thank you for having the trust and faith to elect me for this position. I assure you that this isn’t something that I take lightly, so understand that I will do my level best to be a good leader of men and with the help of my pillars, line, and every one of you that when I step away, it is my hope that we as a lodge will be on better footing than when I stepped in.

I have many people to thank for me standing before you as Master beginning with my wife for her (permission) support. Had it not been for a young man living next door to someone whom I deeply respected, watching him heading out at least once or twice a month dressed in black/white, I’d ask, “Mr. Jimmy where are you going?” His simple response was “When you’re ready, you’ll ask again…”

It took about 8-10 years to ask again with the purpose of being ready for the answer he’d have to offer. PM James T. Counsel Jr, I thank you and PM Jeff Austin for finding it not robbery to think that I would have something good to add to this fraternity and sponsoring me. My masonic journey began on November 26, 2003 at this very alter.

Which brings me to the two brothers who are directly responsible for preparing me for this very moment. My Senior and Junior Deacons, PM Chris D. Ward Sr. and PM Jack M. Wilson. You two lead the BEST CLASS to walk this floor, The Charles T. Miller Class of 2003-2004, WWF. I thank you both for giving me (us) the tools and guidance to prepare for this moment.

One statement that was said to us at orientation, was “Look around you will find that you’ll be closer to some of these brothers than your own family” That day, I said yeah right… Never knowing just how true that statement would become. Jack, Chris, John, Kevin, John P, Fish, Vaun, Lloyd aka Goose, Monte just to name a few. There are many more and please don’t think because I didn’t mention your name that it was a snub, just an example of the truth in that statement. Love you brothers!

I am in my 19th year and served on-line from ’04-’09 before leaving never thinking that I would be standing here in this capacity. This is a true testament that all things happen for a reason and they never happen in your time but, in Gods time. I promise to make good with this opportunity as a start to put us as a lodge back on the level of what has garnered the reputation, and accolades we deservedly have earned over the years.

Brothers, there is a lot to be done to get our house in order and I am keenly aware that one year is not enough time to get all things done but, with a foundation set plus a strong line behind me, plus the support of each of you, it will have definitely been a course set in the right direction for when my time is finished.

My fellow pillars, we are the leaders of this lodge and will do so by example. Communication is an absolute must and the key to a successful administration. Our cohesion will trickle down to the rest of the line and hopefully inspiring them to stay hungry and progress to eventually ascend to the East.

With that said brothers of the line, the SW, JW, and I support you in your endeavors. All I ask is that you do what you say you’re going to do, always pay attention to what is in front of you, and most of all trust and support one another. To the Past Masters, I thank you in advance for your wisdom and support as your input is welcomed and solicited.

To the brothers as a whole, various classes all stood at this alter at different times. The commonality is that we’ve taken the same OB and that binds us. Sadly, many brothers have stepped away for many reasons. It is my hope that starting now, an atmosphere can be created to reclaim brothers’ interest, rededicate their time to their lodge, and most of all dwell together in unity. Peace and harmony are the strength and support of all institutions more especially, this noble and glorious one of ours. I (We) can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (us) Phil 4:13.

May God Bless us all with his grace and mercy for a successful year.

Fraternally Submitted,
Cedric D. Carter
Worshipful Master
Light of Elmwood #45