I would like to thank the Brothers of Harmony for electing me as your Worshipful Master for the year 2001. In accepting your election, to serve you from the East, which should be the source of Light and Wisdom. I wish to Thank you heartily and say that I do so with great responsibility and hope. Installation night was one of the greatest highlights of my life so many friends and brothers came out. I hope everyone had as much of a good time as I did.

As we enter this new millennium many things need to be done to preserve our great fraternity, and to renovate our building. I have many things on my agenda. Most of these things are minor, however there are many which need the complete cooperation of the brethren. Here is a short summary of the things I would like to accomplish this year. 1st I have a modest goal of raising ten new Brothers. I realize I have no control over who petitions this lodge, but we need to be visible in the things we do and promote the goodness this fraternity represents. Through our deeds we can show the uninitiated what and who we are.

Fund Raising. Some of the things I would like to accomplish include a Fish & Chips Dinner in the spring, the last one in the fall was a great success, and I know we can make the next one more successful. I would like to raffle off a snowblower to generate some funds for Charity. Our regular fund raisers like a Pancake Breakfast, Spaghetti Dinner and Chicken BBQ are on the list.

Community Events. I would like to get started immediately, Child ID Day, this is a great way to promote the fraternity. A Computer recycle day, we can accept good working computers, refurbish them and donate them to needy kids. Blood Drive Program, Harmony Lodge was for many years No. 1 in the 1st District in getting donors; I would like to see this back.

Lodge Renovation. There are a few things I believe we need to consider, but not limited to are, a wheel chair ramp for the front of the building. Better lighting in the Reception and Preparation Room. Install a light going to the Organ. Clean up and paint Boiler Room. New windows for Lodge. Install a bathroom upstairs off the Cloak Room. Air Conditioning. Purchase new ladder, so we can replace lights safely. Additional speakers for the Organ. Hang some pictures in the Lodge Room.

As you can see I have quite an extensive agenda. Tha above is only part of what I would like to accomplish. I know it would be very difficult for me alone to get these things done, but I know with my brothers at my side I know we can do it.

May the blessing of heaven rest upon us and all regular masons. May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us.

Wor. James H. Vander Veer, Worshipful Master