2024 MECHANICS DAY MESSAGE FROM THE
Rt. Hon. ERROL G. COLLINS
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER
Rt. Hon Errol G. Collins
Most Worshipful Grand Master
Of the Grand Council of the Independent United Order of Mechanics,
Friendly Society, of North, Central, and South America Island of the
Seas, and the entire Western Hemisphere, Incorporated.
Fr. Alonzo Q. Cox, Pastor of St. Peter Claver, Rev. Kino Vitet, M. Div. Director St. Marks Anglin Episcopal Church. Rt. Hon. Glenver R. Jones, Grand Deputy Master, Executive Grand Councilors, Past Most Worshipful Grand Masters, Life Members, Rt. Worshipful District Grand Masters, Venerable Patriarchs, Venerable Deans, Venerable Scribes, Venerable Past Grand Masters, Brothers and Sisters, Families and Friends,
Greetings:
Today, I am graciously privileged as the Most Worshipful Grand Master
Of the Grand Council of the Independent United Order of Mechanics, Friendly Society of North, Central and South America Islands of the Seas
And the entire Western Hemisphere incorporated; that I greet all Mechanics, Families, and Friends in the spirit of LOVE and UNITY!
· Today we are celebrating the enduring tradition of Two Hundred Sixty-Seven Years of Mechanism Since (1757). And
· The transfer of our Grand Council to 65 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238, U.S.A., from the United Kingdom, marks a significant milestone in our history. SINCE, September 1st, 1941
I invite you all to join with us in this celebration and make it a memorable one.
Let us not forget our pioneers, whose shoulders we now stand on. Their legacy is a weight we must carry, and it is crucial that we remember them. May their soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon them.
Mechanism comprehends every branch of useful knowledge and learning, making its influence universal. It stamps an indelible mark of pre-immense on its genuine professors, which neither chance, power, nor fortune can bestow.
When its rules are strictly observed, Mechanism becomes a reliable foundation of tranquility amid the various disappointments of life; a friend that will not deceive but will comfort and assist in prosperity and adversity, a blessing that will remain with all-time circumstances and places, and to which recourses may be had when other earthly comforts sink into disregard.
The Independent United Order of Mechanics is non-political and non-sectarian. Its teachings embody a simple gospel of significant spirituality, conveying to us the basic principles of man’s survival. Such exemplifies us as one of the world‘s foremost fraternal organizations.
Ancient in form, we are based on strict rules and obligations regarding how we conduct ourselves among each other and in the environment in which we exist. Our aim and objective are to comfort our members and their families, strengthen the bond of unity among our brothers and sisters, and ensure that through the teachings of Mechanism, the light of wisdom will illuminate the hearts and minds of all people.
“BACK TO BASICS”
The teachings of Jesus, which we refer to as 'mechanism ', are about Friendship. Jesus says, "Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:12 – 13).
He also says, "You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my father, I have made known to you.”
Mechanism is about Love; "Jesus says, love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22: 37)
Mechanism is about Truth, Jesus says. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." This freedom is the ultimate empowerment that comes from living by the truth.
Therefore, my fellow Mechanics, as we gather here today, I beseech you individually and collectively to let us practice what we preach. Let us love each other, be respectful, and be kind to one another, for in doing so, we will be following the Example of the great Architect of this vast Universe.
The Independent United Order of Mechanics, Friendly Society Western Hemisphere, Incorporated is a home for all who believe in a supreme being, regardless of their faith. Our aim and objective is to make good men better men; in so doing, our community and the world will be a more loving place where we all can thrive.
The bundle of sticks, a powerful symbol of unity, teaches us that when we stand together, we are stronger. Just as a single stick can be easily broken, but a bundle of sticks is unbreakable, our unity is our strength.
“BACK TO BASICS”
I hope that we will leave today with a different perspective of Mechanism, which is all about getting to know ourselves and loving and respecting our fellow human beings.
On behalf of the Executive Committee of Grand Council and Mechanics and Families worldwide, we wish you an enjoyable Mechanics Day. May the Lord continue to watch between us when we are absent one from another, and may He continue to bless the Independent United Order of Mechanics. Go in peace and serve the Lord.
Fraternally yours,
EG.Collins
Rt. Hon. Errol G, Collins
Most Worshipful Grand Master