MAGLJMacLeod
JOHN ANGUS MacLEOD 1965-
- MM 2012, WM 2017, Weymouth United Masonic
- Member 2019, Wampatuck
- Member 2022, Delta
- Member 2023, Euclid
- Member 2024, Norfolk Union
- DDGM, District 8, 2022, 2023
- Deputy Grand Master 2025
BIOGRAPHY
FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 2024
Grand Master, Most Worshipfuls, Right Worshipfuls, Distinguished Guests, Brethren All:
Good evening,
I stand before you today with deep humility and gratitude as the Deputy Grand Master of Massachusetts Freemasonry. This role is not only a great privilege but also a significant responsibility, which I embrace with commitment and dedication. Grand Master, thank you for your trust. I look forward to working closely with you and the brethren of our esteemed fraternity. Together, we will continue to uphold our cherished traditions, promote brotherly love, and make a positive impact in our communities. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and eager to serve you all.
Throughout my life, I have been truly blessed. Raised by two wonderful parents, I didn’t realize how deeply Freemasonry was woven into my upbringing until later. My father was raised in John Cutler Lodge, now Wampatuck Lodge, in 1965. He took great pride in his Masonic affiliations, embodying our fraternity’s teachings through his actions more than words, as he was a quiet man. Family, church, community, and friends—many of whom were brothers—were his priorities. He was busy but always made time for those in need, teaching valuable lessons through his example.
In my early twenties, I met my wife, Paula, the love of my life for over 37 years. Her unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my journey. Together, we have three wonderful children — Ryan, Sarah, and Evan — and two beautiful grandsons, Angus and Colm. I was raised in Weymouth United Masonic Lodge, and, not unlike many of you, I had some great Masonic mentors and role models, a few of whom are with us this evening. I am eternally grateful to have them in my life, and I am also very proud that both my sons are active, respected members of our fraternity.
Serving as Worshipful Master in 2017, I experienced the unique joy of having my sons as my Senior and Junior Wardens. It was a profound privilege to share the lodge with them as brothers and pillar officers. I was honored to be appointed and serve as District Deputy Grand Master of the Eighth Masonic District in 2022-2023, with my son Ryan as my District Deputy Grand Marshal. It goes without saying that I’m extremely proud that he succeeded me this past year as District Deputy Grand Master, with his brother Evan serving as his District Deputy Grand Marshal. Truly, this has become a family affair.
Today, however, I wish to discuss something I believe is crucial for the continued success of our beloved fraternity: how we can cultivate a vibrant lodge culture while embracing new ideas and honoring the traditions that have guided us for centuries. I hope this conversation sparks further dialogue long after we leave here today. Freemasonry is not merely a collection of rituals; it is a dynamic community that thrives on the engagement and commitment of its members. Let’s focus on developing a positive lodge culture, the foundation upon which our fraternity stands. It shapes each member's experience and influences our interactions within the community and beyond.
To foster this culture, we must create an environment of inclusivity, respect, and brotherly love. Every brother who enters our doors should feel welcomed and valued. Open communication and active participation in lodge activities are key to achieving this. By encouraging engagement, we strengthen our bonds and enhance our experiences. Moreover, we should celebrate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our members. Freemasonry encompasses a wide range of unique individuals, and it is within this diversity that we find strength. Let’s embrace this diversity to create a culture of learning and growth.
Every lodge possesses its own unique personality, shaped by the values we prioritize, the activities we engage in, and the relationships we cultivate. To nurture this personality, we must ask ourselves some essential questions: What do we want our lodge to be known for? Is it charity work, educational initiatives, social connections, or a strong sense of camaraderie? Whatever it is, let’s actively cultivate that identity to reflect our values as Masons. Consider hosting regular social events, educational seminars, and community service projects that align with our lodge's identity. By consistently engaging in activities that embody our values, we create a sense of purpose and pride, enhancing the experience for current members and attracting new ones.
We must also embrace new ideas. While traditions are the foundation of Freemasonry, adaptation is essential for growth. As the world changes rapidly, we cannot afford to stand still. Encouraging creativity and openness to new concepts is vital. This could mean reevaluating our lodge meeting format, incorporating technology, or finding innovative ways to engage with our communities. Embracing new ideas does not mean discarding our traditions; rather, it’s about integrating the old with the new to ensure our fraternity remains relevant and appealing to future generations.
As we navigate this journey of growth, maintaining a consistent tone in our communications and activities is vital. Our messaging should reflect our core values—Brotherhood, Integrity, and Service. How we present ourselves, both internally and externally, impacts trust and credibility. Whether through social media, newsletters, or community outreach, let’s align our messaging with the positive culture we strive to create.
The strength of our fraternity rests within our local lodges, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Freemasonry. I firmly believe in the concept that Freemasonry is local, as many of our leaders have expressed. By focusing on the growth and development of our local lodges, we contribute to the overall advancement of the fraternity. This requires us to take ownership of our lodge’s activities and initiatives. To attract new members, we must clearly articulate our value proposition—what makes Freemasonry unique? Why should someone choose to join our fraternity? We need to highlight the benefits of membership, whether personal growth, community service, or the bonds of brotherhood. This value proposition should be effectively communicated through our outreach efforts—personal conversations, social media, and informational events showcasing the transformative experiences that come with being a Mason and the positive impact we have on individuals and communities.
As we strive for growth, let’s not overlook the importance of quality. It can be tempting to focus solely on numbers, but true success lies in the quality of our members and the experiences we provide. We must protect the West Gate, ensuring our lodges remain places of meaningful engagement and personal development. By prioritizing quality over quantity, we create an environment where Masons can thrive and embody our values.
Finally, as we embrace new ideas and foster growth, let’s stay committed to preserving Freemasonry’s honored traditions. Our rituals, symbols, and teachings connect us to our past and remind us of our responsibilities to one another and the world. It is crucial that we honor these traditions while remaining open-minded. This doesn’t mean changing who we are; it’s about making our traditions relevant and accessible to new generations.
Brethren, The journey of growing our membership while stewarding our traditions is filled with opportunities and challenges. By developing a positive lodge culture, nurturing our lodge personality, embracing new ideas, maintaining consistency, and focusing on quality, we can create an environment that attracts and retains members who will carry the torch of Freemasonry into the future. Let us remember that the power to adapt and grow resides within each of our local lodges. Together, we can ensure that Freemasonry remains a vibrant and relevant fraternity—a beacon of strength, hope, and brotherhood in an ever-changing world.
Thank you all for being here this evening, and may God continue to bless our great fraternity. Thank you, Grand Master, for this wonderful opportunity to serve.
