Brethren,
      Happy New Year! I hope all of you had a terrific holiday season and that you and your loved ones were able to bring in the New Year together. I again want to thank all of you for your support, patience and encouragement during my term as Master of this great Lodge. The Oriental Chair is an honorable place for any Mason to sit, but I feel especially honored to have followed some truly great Masons in Burbank Lodge, but especially under the guidance of my father and brother, Worshipful Bill Cunningham. Masonry has had a tremendous impact on my life, both in family and friendships. From the first time I asked, “How do I become a Mason?” to today, the craft has continued to mold my life and way of thinking. To become a Mason truly means to become a better man. So, to all of you who have become Masons, whether you are an Entered Apprentice, FellowCraft or Master Mason, come to Lodge and see how Masonry will effect you. The path of Freemasonry is different for everyone, but even if it has been a while since you’ve been to Lodge, you’ll always find a brother willing to stretch forth a hand of brotherly love.
      This past year has been very challenging for me. Like other Masters who have preceded me, I have had to juggle my personal, professional and Masonic lives. I am lucky to have had a great core of officers, Past Masters and brothers help and support me in times of need. We have had some fun events this year both within the Lodge walls and without which have brought many of us closer together as friends and brothers. The Dodger Night, Cruise to Ensenada and Building Dedication Ceremony were the highlights of the Year and events that I know we can improve upon. Many of you have asked to bring back family involvement to the Lodge and I am confident events like these will continue to help. The Lodge has also had to endure some difficult decisions with the sale of the property on Glenoaks and Olive to a purchase of a new one on Victory. I see this transition is almost a metaphor to how our Lodge needs to change along with Masonry, from the older generation to the younger. Newer ideas are being expressed to all of us from the younger members in our Lodge, some good, some not so good. And, while I know it might be scary to change, in order for us to maintain the “light” of our Lodge, we will need to adjust.
      Congratulations to Master-Elect Tim Halm and all of the officers for 2005. Brother Halm will be a great leader of this Lodge. He is determination, hard work and dedication will no doubt be a formula for a solid Masonic Year. Brother Ken, although your culinary expertise will be missed in the kitchen, I know you will put the same energy into your duties as Senior Warden and your rise to the East. Brother Brennan, you will have some big shoes to fill in the kitchen as I think Ken has set the bar pretty high, but I am confident you will do just fine. All of you are all truly great Masons and I am excited to see what this year has planned for the Lodge, just remember to work together as a team and I know you will succeed.
      I would like to personally thank our Secretary, Worshipful Norm Furman. I know sometimes your efforts are overlooked and underappreciated, but I would like you to know that you have been a great asset to this Lodge for the past several years. Thank you for your commitment and hard work this year, I could not have done it without you.
      Lastly, I would like to say THANK YOU to all the brethren of this Lodge for bestowing such a great honor to me with a gift of a Life Membership. I will do my best to uphold the values and integrity we have built in Burbank Lodge over the past 90+ years we have been chartered. Each of you holds a special place in my heart, and I will never forget it.
      Please make sure to continue to pray for our soldiers fighting here in America and abroad in the world. The men and women of our Armed Forces are fighting to protect the freedoms we practice in this Lodge and this country, and they deserve all the love and honor they can get.
      Have a great 2005!
      God Bless,
Jason Cunningham,
Worshipful Master