Being installed as Grand Commander is the greatest honor that has been bestowed upon me. It is a very humbling experience and present a challenge for me to do the very best that I can for the Grand Commandery of Texas. It is with this thought that I extend that challenge to each and every Sir Knight in Texas to continue the improvement of Templar Masonry in Texas. During the past several years great strides have been made in turning around the decline in our Fraternity. We need to continue to carry the work started in a more productive mode. There will be several things that I will be doing this year to promote Templar Masonry, and I trust that the effort will be helpful to the constituent Commanderies. You will receive more information in the near future, and I trust that with the help of each and every Sir Knight we will accomplish our goals.

During my travels in Texas these past nine years, many Sir Knights have given to me a lot of ideas. It is my plan to formulate those ideas into workable programs that will be of benefit to each and every commandery.

You will be planning your fall and spring festivals. I encourage you to get the information about a festival to the editor that I have appointed for this year, Doye Sudduth, at his address of 671 CR 147, Tyler, TX 75703. He will need the information at least 60 days before the festival is to be held. You may fax the information to him at his fax number of (903) 509-2299.

Sir Knights, each of you please accept my deepest gratitude for you confidence in placing me in the position of Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Texas. I look forward to working with you this year and being with you at the 151st Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Texas in April 2004, to be held in Tyler, Texas.