The following was delivered by the Worshipful Master, W.·. Kenneth R. Gibson during the officers installation on Monday, May 11^th, 2009.

"First of all I'd like to thank all the Brothers of Masters Lodge No. 5 for electing me as Master of the Lodge for the ensuing year. It is your trust in me to take on this responsibility which will give me the strength and wisdom to perform my duty to the best of my ability.

"The main reason I am here as a Mason is my father. My father became a Mason soon after his arthritis forced him to retire early. He mentioned to me many times that the Masons were the best fraternal organization out there. I really had no idea what "the Masons" were, but I had numerous contact with uncles, friends and neighbors who were Masons. My father discussed the "one-day" class with me and, at first, I was hesitant to join. I was never a "fraternity" type of guy. I decided I would join because it would mean a lot to my parents and so I could see what Masonry was all about.

"My father submitted the petition for me and talked to RW.·. Rob Walenta. The only request I had was that I wanted to join an older historic Lodge. Bob discussed with my dad that there was an older Lodge, but that I would probably be a better fit for Masters Lodge.

"The one-day class was long. My father was my mentor for that day as I took all three of my obligations with him holding my Masonic Bible. It was to be the last important thing we did as father and son.

"My first Masonic funeral service was to be my father's. I remember all the Brothers who showed up to give their respects and say goodbye to my dad. I was deeply moved by the ceremony and moved to meet the Brethren who had previously come to my parents' house to mow the grass, to paint the fence, to blow the snow out of the driveway (which is a giant task in Central Square), or were just there to call and visit when my dad or my mom were sick. To me, this is what Masonry is all about. I have gone from being an only child to being blessed in knowing many good men whom I can call Brother.

"My direction to the Brothers of Masters Lodge is 'Let's have some fun!' As we all know, degree work is important. But, I think we have strayed by neglecting the fellowship aspect of our fraternity here at Masters Lodge. I want us to utilize the Albany Temple. Let's watch Monday Night Football together; take the covers off those pool tables, bring back the tradition of dining at Jack's Oyster House for our District Deputy Grand Master's Dinner. I also want to hold meetings that place an emphasis on Masonic education instead of just degree work next year. At this time, I have scheduled only one set of degrees.

"I will be calling on the Brethren this summer to help with these and other tasks and challenges that our Lodge will face. I want to thank all of you for your support now and in the future to accomplish these goals for Masters Lodge."

Fraternally,
Ken Gibson.