From the North

By Paul Rodriguez-O’brien, PM

Brethren and Families,

I am deeply honored to be considered and balloted for the position of Worshipful Master for the year 2026 at our beloved lodge—Crow Canyon No. 551.

It has been a long-standing goal of mine to once again serve in the East. The last time I had the privilege of sitting as Worshipful Master of our lodge was during the challenging period before and after the Covid pandemic of 2020–2021. With a heavy heart, and out of concern for the safety of our Fraternal family, I—alongside your officers—navigated the mandated closure of our lodge in late April 2020 and the careful reopening for our July 2021 Stated Meeting.

If elected this November, my sincere hope is for a steady, uneventful year filled with meaningful activities and renewed engagement.

In step with Wor. Lyman Penning, I believe greater involvement with our Masonic Youth is essential. I hope to encourage more participation from our Brothers through fun and meaningful activities that strengthen our Masonic family. I also plan to make the process for securing Masonic grants easier, so more of our youth can take advantage of these opportunities. I am also passionate about strengthening our ties within the local community by supporting organizations that provide valuable education and services.

Additionally, I am excited to introduce what I hope will become a new lodge tradition: partnering with the American Red Cross to host blood drives. This effort will provide both Masons and members of the broader community with an opportunity to contribute to this lifesaving cause.

As is our October tradition, the incoming officers will exemplify their proficiency by sitting in their “Advanced Chairs.” This year, Wor. Penning will enjoy a well-earned breather as I take his chair for the evening.

With optimism and gratitude, I look forward to the possibility of serving once again as your Worshipful Master in 2026.