Brethren:

When I think back to the first time I saw the WS on the web, I can't believe how far we've come. It was back in 2005 or 2006, and on the Northern Jurisdiction site, I learned there were some Alberta brethren thinking of starting a Chapter.

Unfortunately, I didn't know how to contact them then, but the next time I went to the site in 2006, they had met at the Edmonton Bike Show, around a Square and Compass drawn on a napkin I believe at a restaurant across the street from Rexall place.

When I found out this was happening, I was able to get an application printed off the website and made my way over, that night, to Strathcona #77 to meet Bro Jelle Spijker: who has received most of the petitions to date...think on that. Though I missed lodge, I made the festive board and we had a nice chat and was made a WS at the next meeting, which was held in his living room! (We've come a ways since then...) From that point on, I have never had a negative experience in the Sons...

Our webmaster Adam Pigeon has kept the world in the loop about us (as we learned at the AGM on October 25th, the "world" is not an overexaggeration).

The work we did on the iHuman youth shelter building was the first time we worked together on a "sweat equity" project in Edmonton. We arrived just when the previous crews were leaving and, by the next morning, they came back to see the worst of the job done. WE got rave reviews for that one.

The High Twelve chapter formation meeting in Drumheller...where we discussed at length patches and lost some and gained others Brothers...but all with the fraternal respect.

I had a Sons escort (okay, a small one...but memorable) to my Past Master's investigation at Britannia...and again had several members come to my Installation. It was extremely special to be surrounded by Brother WS's at the event.

The individual Brothers who have served meals for Sally Ann (Glazebrook Sr., & Jr.), cleaned grafitti off Freemason's Hall (Martini), brought over bags full of clothes for homeless shelters (Jay), took Tammy for a ride (thanks for organizing that, Adam)...unbelievable.

The North South Rides made me understand what a group ride can really be. And the hospitality of BK (steaks after a long ride...heaven...) and the Montana boys...amazing. That was also the first time I rode with Brother Nic Good (first, NOT last)and saw what great Road Captains and Tail Gunners really mean.

The support from WBro Reg and other Sons during a campaign to raise money for Lydia's cystic fibrosis vest was unbelievable and took our visibility to an all new level in Alberta.

The ride for MWBro Bob Drury was sacred.

The ride for MWBro Brian Shimmons was spectacular and another good time.

And we have HOW many sitting masters this year? There are going to be some lucky Craft lodge brethren if they bring the WS mentality into their mother lodges.

Masonic Spring Workshop and the Widows Sons synonymous with a good time? Its beginning to feel that way...

Potentate Gogal's big BBQ bash...awesome hospitality and fun.

And now we have a meeting where we charter two new chapters after supporting Bro Nic in his time of need.

All this and I KNOW how much I've missed over the years. If you've missed more than me...well, I think you can see what you're missing out on!

Brethren:
If you can show me another association that has done so much in so short a time I would be surprised...and thankful that others like us exist.

But that's just one guy's view. And there are how many of us now????

I'd love to hear some more highlights from different Brethren before some of these great memories fade into obscurity...