My first duty is to express sincere thanks and appreciation for the honor and confidence that you have reposed in me by electing and installing me as the Most Illustrious Grand Master for the 2009/10 Cryptic year.

As I appreciate the honor, I am deeply conscious of the responsibilities of the office and I can assure you that I enter upon my duties with no light heart, but with an earnest desire to further interest of this Grand Council, and to walk worthily in the steps of the Most Illustrious Grand Masters who have preceded me.

With the understanding and encouragement of the Most Illustrious Past Grand Masters; the support of my colleagues in Office; and the loyalty and good will of the Companions of the constituent Councils, this Grand Jurisdiction will grow from strength to strength under my leadership.

M. I. Comp. James Loudermilk, Most Illustrious Installing Grand Master and M. I. Comp. Roger Firestone, Most Illustrious Grand Installing Master of Ceremonies, I am indebted to you for accepting to be the Installing Officers and for having executed your responsibility with dignity and proficiency. Both of you have been my secrete mentors. Excellent Sirs, I thank You for a job well done!

Of the many companions who have facilitated my Masonic growth I have to single out M. I. Comp. Victor Adegbite and M. I. Comp. Robert Bussler. Both of you have always been a source wisdom as well as encouragement. Working very closely with you over the years was not only educational and inspirational, but also, a source of pleasure. I have always enjoyed being in your company.

My Grateful thanks to M. I. Comp. Victor Adegbite and M. I. Comp. Robert Bussler.

Last but by no means least, I owe a debt of gratitude to my wife, Matilda in particular, and the rest of my family in general without whose constant support and encouragement progress would have been extremely difficult if not impossible. I have had all the encouragement from an understanding and supportive wife.    A Big thank you Matilda!

Grateful thank also to our children: Alwyn, Tilda, Adeneke, Iyatunde, your spouses and our grandchildren for your support over the years. I am particularly pleased that Alwyn Jr. his wife Ann and their children Grace-Ann and Alwyn have been able to grace this occasion. Also here with us is our daughter Tilda. I greatly appreciate your prtessence.

My Father-in-law, Bro. Gilbert Jarrett of blessed memory was my sponsor when I petitioned for membership in Lodge Delco No. 1624 SC in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He was a wonderful teacher who helped me to understand and love masonry. In appreciation of his effort in laying the foundation on which I continue to build, I would kindly request all of you to rise and observe a MINUTE SILENCE in his memory.  

May his soul, and the souls of the faithfully departed, rest in perfect peace!  
Please be stead.

 
Companions all, once more, I thank you for the honor and assure you of my sincere desire to serve the Grand Council worthily.

Thank you for your kind attention and thank you for coming!