Sir Knights,
Yesterday was certainly an emotional day for me. This year has been a whirlwind, and I refuse to lie to my Brothers, Companions, and fellow Sir Knights. There were times throughout the year when things were so hard that the thought of giving up crossed my mind. Yet each time, I was reminded,by ritual, by the Great Light of Masonry, or most importantly by a fellow Knight, that giving up and surrendering is not an option for a Templar.
As I look back on the year 2025, I know its success was less about me and far more about us. My plans were never the priority; the needs and desires of the Commandery always came first. Everything we accomplished was done with the goal of tightening our formations and strengthening our lines.
We began the year with the Clays for Vision Gun Shoot. We raised money, had a great time, donated to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, and learned valuable lessons that future Commanders can build on year after year. My first call to action as a Past Commander will be to rally the other Past Commanders and form a Lubbock Commandery team to compete in the 2026 Clays for Vision.
With the help of the greatest Prelate, Patriotic Committee, and General Committees, we observed every Christian and Patriotic holiday. We honored our veterans, planted flags at two local cemeteries, honored our Grand Master, and presented the flags at his Annual Communication. Lubbock Commandery was present in the community.
Throughout the year, several Sir Knights and I visited Blue Lodges to offer our support wherever it was needed. Lubbock Commandery was represented by four Sir Knights at Grand Conclave, where, through the efforts of Sir Knight Jeff Goolsby, we received multiple awards and competed in the Ritual Competition. We were also represented at the Southwest Conference and Masonic Family Day.
Sir Knights across Texas, and even across the nation, know Lubbock Commandery and recognize the success we have achieved. Our digital footprint continues to grow, and we are often asked, “How did you do that?”
This leads me to my favorite part of this year’s success, growth. We continue to grow because we continue to knight new members into this great and magnanimous Order. We stand together when times are difficult, we handle business when the work is hard, and above all, we honor our members and remember our past.
We preserve our past, engage in the present, and build excitement for the future, and I am eager to see where Eminent Commander Johnny Davis will lead us next.
Before I close, I want to thank those who supported me throughout the year.
To the Sir Knights of my Dias, Dustin Delano and Johnny Davis, I refused to make any major decision without your counsel. Your guidance meant more to me than you know, and I thank you both for standing by me, especially during the difficult moments.
Sir Knight Jeff Goolsby, thank you for keeping my year organized and my plans grounded. It was an honor to work with you, and even more so to learn from you.
Sir Knights James Clark and Jeremy Hogan, the roles of Senior Warden and Junior Warden in Commandery are unlike any other offices in Masonry. You took the time to truly learn your parts and to do the work those positions require. Thank you for that dedication.
My Excellent Prelate, Sir Knight Justin Glosson, you will always be my Prelate. Thank you for your prayers, your service, your love for this fraternity, and your friendship.
Sir Knight Chris Bates, you got me into this mess. You mentored me, guided me, challenged me, and I’m fairly sure you tried to make me just as bald as you. Thank you for pushing me to be a better Knight.
To all the Sir Knights who went above and beyond, Allen, JW, Bob, Ethan, Ronny, and so many others, thank you. I love you all.
And to our new Sir Knights: from day one, I was eager to bring you into the fold. Thank you for your patience, loyalty, and desire to become Knights among us. I hope you feel that we gave you everything our cable tow allowed, and with your help, we will only make this Commandery stronger.
I know this message is long, and I’m sure James is rolling his eyes as he posts it. But I am excited for the future, and I remain here to help in any way I can. In particular, I want to offer my support and mentorship to the newer Knights who have taken on officer roles. I want to teach you the tactics and assist you as you transition into higher offices.
I will not be seeking a second term as Commander of Lubbock. I am merely a placeholder, but while I am here, please allow me to serve wherever I am needed.
I am forever grateful for the lessons I have learned at Lubbock Commandery.
In Hoc Signo Vinces
Past Eminent Commander
Sir Knight Zakary W. Wyatt