Sir Knights,
I hope this message finds you well. True to the theme of our lives, January has passed in the blink of an eye. I pray that each of you was able to stay warm through the recent cold snap. I regret that we were unable to gather for our first Stated Conclave of the year, but safety must always remain our priority. I look forward to seeing you at our meeting on February 23, 2026.
In the meantime, I ask that you continue working to learn your parts for the opening and the Order of the Temple.
Since we missed our initial meeting, I would like to outline a few goals for our Commandery here. Service is a central aspect of my life, and I want us to focus on charitable acts this year. Thanks to some valiant Sir Knights, we have already made a toy donation to Buckner’s Children’s Home. I intend to organize support for the other two children’s homes in Lubbock as well.
Additionally, I plan for us to serve a meal with Lubbock Impact at their “soup kitchen” on a Tuesday evening. I will be contacting them soon to coordinate how we can best assist. I would also like to organize a clothing drive—perhaps in conjunction with the needs of the children’s homes—and a blood drive, similar to the successful event PC Goolsby organized for the Lubbock Masonic Bodies. These initiatives allow us to fulfill the Commander’s duties: to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and bind up the wounds of the afflicted.
Spiritual Reflection
During my Bible study this past week, I was struck by Psalm 139:12: “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” With Jesus, darkness has no place to hide; He is the Truth and the Light. As Freemasons and Sir Knights seeking the light of truth, we know this Light to be our Lord and Savior. We may face periods of darkness where we cannot see the path ahead, but Jesus knows what we do not. I encourage you to continue studying the Great Light in Masonry, remembering the lessons from the Bible lecture in the Past Master’s degree.
Upcoming Events & Reminders
Please keep the following York Rite events in mind:
• February 6–7 (Fri-Sat): A festival in Midland to assist their York Rite with degree conferrals.
• February 26: Next Chapter Stated Meeting. We will welcome R.E. Bob Brunk, Deputy Grand High Priest of the Great State of Texas.
• February 27: Conferral of the Royal Master and Select Master degrees on five Companions. Please consider when we might schedule the Order of the Red Cross and Order of Malta for these same Companions.
• March 21: The annual Clay Shoot. If you know of a company willing to sponsor, please reach out to them.
This Month in Templar History
• February 13, 1130: Hugh de Payens, the first Grand Master, visited England to establish the Order’s presence and secure support from King Stephen, expanding Templar influence across Europe.
• February 22, 1300: Records show Templar leaders in France gathered for strategic planning as pressure mounted from King Philip IV. These winter councils often occurred early in the year as the Templars braced for scrutiny from secular authorities.
• February 25, 1312: Pope Clement V convened the Council of Vienne. The discussions held here set the stage for the eventual dissolution of the Templars in March; the accusations debated were among the most pivotal moments in our history.
Johnny D. Davis
Eminent Commander
Lubbock Commandery No. 60