Grand Master’s Message

“Haaaaay”!!!

Welcome to the installation of officers for the 2024 -2025 team.

I’ve always wanted to say this so “Live from Wenatchee it is Saturday Night”!

I would like to start off by thanking the craft for the honor to serve you as your Grand Master for 2024-2025. It is truly my honor to serve you. To the installation Team for the continued support and excellent installation. You really are amazing.

To the tech committee for all their work and for continuing to make us look good.

To our concordant bodies. Your contribution to making the world a better place is amazing and I look forward to continuing to support your efforts. We hear that our youth is our future. For me they are our inspiration to do better, attend more and to be a constant advocate to support their efforts. This is not about our money. It’s about getting our butts in a chair, leaning in and as MW Steve said “Be all in” as each and every one their members deserves our earnest support.

Special thanks to my family, without them and their support I would not be able to serve you.

To my dad (who is watching me from above with my grandfather (who’s apron I was wearing for installation that will be placed in the apron memorial later this year with military honors) and I know they are smiling and guiding me with every step I take.

To my mom, you did everything for Kathy and I and we truly are the people we are today because of both you and dad.

To my sister, having a big sister wasn’t always easy (aka cats and dogs in the same kennel) but as we grew up, I found my best friend and confidant. Someone that we can talk about anything and in the end come out stronger knowing no matter what life has in store for us we will always have each other to get through it together. To my Brother-in-law. Your love for my sister makes her shine, remember to keep that going as “I know people”.

To my wife Kim, when I say you are my everything that doesn’t do it justice, I knew from the moment I looked into your eyes (when you were passing me on the way to the dug out at a co-ed softball game and detailed how you would put the bat I was using to hit home runs where the sun doesn’t shine if I hit another one over your head in left field) I was Hooked, you have enhanced my life in so many ways I cannot begin to express how blessed I am to have you by my side, be my everything every day.

To our Daughter, you are the most amazing gift we could ever ask for, you have enhanced every day since the Doctor placed you in my arms and continue to amaze and inspire mom and I every day, to Josh refer to what I said to George “ I know people” We see how much you cherish Elle and we are grateful  to have you as part of our family.

To the craft. Hold on for the ride, each and every one of you continue to impress me with your commitment to the craft and exemplifying being “all in” and you continue to select our leadership that accent’s what was done prior as we continue to move our craft forward.

We have a busy year and one that is filled with exciting events. Please continue to check my Calander for updates and attend as many as possible.

My charity for this year is Washington Masonic Services, Youth Scholarship that will be combined with MW Steve’s to allow for a larger impact to our youth and the community.

Mark your Calander for September 28^th for the “Grand Masters Gala”.

My theme for the year is “Empower, Enlighten and Uplift” this is something that’s stuck with me since I first heard it in 1998 when I started my journey in Masonry, if everything we do in the craft and in the outer world empowers, enlightens or uplifts someone we have had contact with we will continue to let our light shine and make a difference in the world around us.

Thank You,

M⸫W⸫ James C. Norton Jr., Grand Master

Grand Master