Worshipful Master's corner

Greetings and Salutations,

I extend my sincere appreciation to you for visiting the High Marine Masonic Lodge No. 12 website.

My name is J. Willie Burton, and I am deeply honored to have been selected once again to serve as Worshipful Master for the 2025–2026 Masonic year.

Leadership, to me, has always been an act of service. It is both a privilege and a duty—one that I approach with respect for our principles, our heritage, and the profound legacy entrusted to us.

I want to express my gratitude in advance to the officers, brothers, and fellows of the Craft for their continued support and dedication.

This year’s theme is: “Adapt, Evolve, Succeed.”

Adapt – To adapt is to endure.
Evolve – To evolve is to excel.
Succeed – To succeed is to triumph.

For High Marine Lodge No. 12, this means:
• ADAPT: Endure hardship, embrace change, and remain steadfast in your obligations.
• EVOLVE: Strengthen our presence, uplift our community, and build the Lodge through committed action.
• SUCCEED: Labor together as one, for united work will always yield united success.

Our Masonic interpretation of the Motto:
• Adapt to the challenges placed before you on your journey.
• Evolve through the lessons, symbols, and teachings imparted by the Craft.
• Succeed in the work entrusted to your hands, ever walking uprightly as a true Craftsman.

As we move forward, let it be known that we shall uphold the principles of accountability and responsibility in our collective effort to adapt, evolve, and ultimately ensure the success of High Marine Lodge No. 12.

Motto: God, Family, Masonry

We aim to show the world what true Masonic brotherly love looks like.

We will introduce new avenues to educate, engage, and empower both our membership and the broader community. Our website will reflect the world in which we live—modern, informative, and accessible.

It will serve as a platform for Masonic education, historical insight, leadership development, and community engagement.

We will broaden our perspective by instituting programs that uplift our community and by embracing technology and proven modern methods that advance our mission.

We remain committed to building a Lodge rooted in social awareness, unity, and service.

I will seek the partnership and support of our community as we pursue these goals.

In closing, I ask for your continued support as we strive to lead this organization to greater heights. Like the many who have walked this path before us, we bear the responsibility of passing forward the torch of hope and the legacy of our history. 

Through challenges and triumphs alike, we have endured—guided by faith and strengthened by perseverance.

"Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” — Nelson Mandela

Fraternally Submitted,

J. Willie Burton
Worshipful Master, 2025–2026
High Marine Lodge No. 12