10/22/2025
Steven C. Moss
Grand Master of Masons in West Virginia
2025-2026
GRAND LODGE of AF&AM of WV
October 14, 2025
Unless one has stood in this spot, one cannot appreciate the precariousness of this position. On one hand, there is the obvious exhilaration and gratification of being elected and installed as the Grand Master of Masons in West Virginia. For one Masonic year I will be allowed to lead the fraternity I love so dearly. I will open and close its Communications, lay its cornerstones, speak on its behalf to the general public, guide its course, and conduct such business as may come before it. On the other hand, failure on my part will cause confusion among the Craft, bring the good name of Masonry into disrepute, and disappoint those who have placed their trust in me. To avoid such a calamity, I require three things. The first is the blessing of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, for the Holy Scriptures tell us that "… unless the Lord bless the house, the Mason labors in vain." The second is the advice and counsel of the learned gentlemen sitting on my left, who, having occupied this office before me, know well its joys, as well as its pitfalls. And lastly, I must have your cooperation and assistance. There is a prevalent misconception that our subordinate Lodges exist only for the benefit of the Grand Lodge. Nothing could be further from the truth. All of these fancy aprons and exalted titles exist for one purpose, and one purpose only: to serve you. Somewhere during our conversation, my question will always be: “What can I do for you today?”
Some acknowledgements are, of course, necessary: First and foremost, is my wife Kathy, whose involvement in the Order of the Eastern Star led to my interest, and eventual participation, in Freemasonry; Bros. Virgil W. Burgess and Gerald R. Greene, who signed my petition; James L. Boothe, who was my coach; James P. Allen, Jeff E. Davis, Charles R. Dobbins, and H. Paul McGraw, who taught me the Ritual; MW Gary L. Gilkeson who appointed me Grand Representative of Bahia, Brazil; MW Harry F. Robinson who appointed me a District Deputy Grand Master; MW Sam M. Ash who appointed me to the Committee on Finance; MW Charles A. Louk who nominated me to the Board of Trustees; MW Dale C. Wanner who chose me to be his Grand Pursuivant; MW Danny W. Garber who nominated me to the office of Junior Grand Warden and started my journey to the East. I mention all these names for two reasons. Firstly, no man arrives at this lofty position by his own devices. In my 46-year sojourn from petitioner to Grand Master I was taught, corrected, educated, inspired, molded, and refined by these gentlemen. Sadly, the all-devouring scythe of time has cut the brittle thread of eleven of these good men, and they are not here to witness the fruits of their labor. The recent unexpected death of PGM Charlie Louk is a somber reminder to us all of the uncertainty of human life. Secondly, somewhere in this Grand Jurisdiction we have recently raised a future Grand Master. I don't know who he is, or even what Lodge he belongs to, and neither do you. That means that we must treat every newly raised Master Mason as if he could become a Grand Master someday. Let us encourage, involve, teach, correct, educate, inspire, mold, and refine him so that when he is asked that most important question that sets him on the path from the South to the East, he will not only be willing, but ready and able to lead our gentle Craft.
In reviewing the reports of our District Deputy Grand Masters, I find that the majority of our Lodges are in good financial condition. However, some of our smaller Lodges are struggling with ever-increasing utility and insurance bills, often with little means to generate income other than to raise their dues to a prohibitive level. This usually results in a shabby looking Lodge building and presents a poor image of Masonry to the public. Freemasonry has always prided itself on being a self-supporting organization. The increasing pressures of our declining economy make it harder and harder for our smaller Lodges to maintain this philosophy. Brethren, we must find a way to allow these Lodges to help themselves so that they will not fade into history, and the Masonic presence in their community be forever lost. If we are to be relevant in the world, we must be visible to the world.
I also wish to see a resolution introduced at our next Annual Communication which would reduce the ‘Lawful Age’ for a Petitioner from twenty-one to eighteen. Some will say that these young men are too immature at that age, but that is a generalization not applicable to an entire generation. We allow these young men the right to vote - to participate in the election of our national, state, and local leaders. We arm them with the most modern weaponry and order them to defend our country against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. We give them a badge and a gun and ask them to protect us from the lawless elements of society. We place our very lives in their hands when they become EMTs and other first-responders. Brethren, I can think of no better place to instill in these young men the moral and ethical values they need to stand fast against a world rife with hypocrisy and corruption than in a Masonic Lodge.
Finally, Brethren, I believe it is time to revise our attitude toward to our appendant Masonic bodies. While formal recognition may still be years away, or even if it is never asked for or granted, we should at least acknowledge and embrace their contributions to Freemasonry, and extend the hand of fraternal friendship, rather than just a begrudging nod of acknowledgement. I believe that the Third Degree is not the end of your Masonic journey. In reality, the Third Degree is the magic key that unlocks the door to a world of Masonic knowledge, understanding, and symbolism that reaches far beyond the ‘Blue Lodge’ for those who wish to seek it. (Ask each appendant body to stand & be seated in order: SR, RAM, KT, NMS, OES.) As you can see, most of us wear many hats. When we disparage these men for their dedication to an appendant body, we forget that we are disparaging a Brother in violation of our obligation. We are all, first and foremost, Master Masons, brethren in the greatest fraternity in the world, and we all deserve to be respected and treated as such. Instead of bickering amongst ourselves, let us work in unity to add to the common stock of knowledge and practical philanthropy.
Therefore, let us resolve that we will go forth from this place and make our Lodges stronger by perfecting our Ritual, and by strictly adhering to the Law on every occasion. Let us resolve to increase our attendance by seeking out those who once occupied our sidelines, but for some reason no longer attend. Let us resolve that will improve our membership by reaching out to those Brethren who are in danger of suspension before that fateful vote is taken. Let us resolve that from this day forward we will live our lives agreeably to the tenets and cardinal virtues of our Institution, and obligations we have taken at the altar, so that the world at large may be convinced of our good effects. To these ends, I promise to support you with all of my wisdom, my energy, and my skill.
May God bless each of you here today, and may He keep you safe until we meet again. May God bless this Grand Lodge, and may all its worthwhile endeavors be successful. May God bless the great State of West Virginia, and may we help guide her to a brighter tomorrow.
Thank you.
Steven C. Moss
Grand Master of Masons in West Virginia
