The strongest ties which link our Fraternal and Masonic Organizations together throughout the Empire State and the Province of New South Wales are the ties of common feeling which bond the individual Mason one to another. These shared feelings of brotherly love and compassion that unite us in Freemasonry and the common altruistic work to which each member of the fraternity has consecrated himself for the relief of the distressed and indigent, are the strongest of these ties.

Masonic Benevolence is all-inclusive with charitable giving representing only one facet of this diamond we call Freemasonry. Many times an impromptu visit, a simple handshake, or telephone call with a gentle and caring word is all that is needed to uplift the spirit of a despondent neighbor, friend, or brother. One of the landmarks of this fraternity is our strong belief in the “Brotherhood of Man”. Remember the immortal words implored by Brother Voltaire during his discourse on Tolerance, “May all Men remember that they are Brothers!”

I cannot over emphasize our duty to offer aid and assistance to our fellow men. The Holy Book, which rests upon the Altar of every true Masonic Lodge, teaches us that you and I are indeed our “Brother’s Keeper”. It is indeed a special call from the Great Architect to be of service to the Craft and thereby to be of service to our communities at large. As my dear colleague, we as Grand Masters must be ever mindful of the care and brotherly love that we impart to each of our fellow craftsmen.

I implore you to take to heart the sage words of Brother William Cowper, Deputy Grand Master (1726) of the Grand Lodge of England, who had been central to the reformulation of Modern Freemasonry and the promotion of the 1723 Constitutions, he wrote “God moves in a mysterious way. His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill, He treasures up His bright designs and works His sovereign will. Your fearful Saints fresh courage takes. The clouds you much dread are big with mercy and shall break in blessings. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense but trust Him for His grace; behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.”

Although, I regretfully due to a prior engagement cannot attend your auspicious event, I am in spirit truly honored and proud to join with my fellow Officers of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York on this occasion to honor, proclaim, celebrate and congratulate you my dear friend and brother, the MWBrother Khristian Albano, the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, for a most successful and well-respected tenure in office.