On the Occasion of Sisters’ Day

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Rt. Hon. Glenver R. Jones, Grand Deputy Master,

Executive Grand Councilors,

Past Most Worshipful Grand Masters,

Executive Life Members,

Rt. Worshipful District Grand Masters,

Venerable Patriarch, Deans and Scribes of the College of Past Grand Masters,

District Grand Masters Emeriti,

District Deputy Grand Masters,

District Grand Lodge Officers,

Priests of the Independent United Order of Mechanics,

Illustrative Grands and Past Illustrative Grands,

Illustrative Matrons and Past Illustrative Matrons,

Brothers and Sisters of the Craft,

Greetings:

It is with profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation that I address you on this

meaningful occasion. On behalf of the Executive Committee of Grand Council, I extend

warm welcome to each of you, whether gathered here in person or joining virtually from

across our Jurisdiction, as we celebrate Sisters’ Day within the Independent United

Order of Mechanics.

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Most Worshipful Grand Master and the Executive

Committee of Grand Council, in their collective wisdom, proclaimed April 12, 2025, as

the inaugural Sisters of the Independent United Order of Mechanics Day, to be observed

annually on the second Saturday of April. Today, we honor that proclamation for the

second time, and we do so with even deeper conviction of its importance and enduring

impact.

On behalf of the Executive Committee of Grand Council, I extend my sincere thanks to

the Rt. Worshipful District Grand Masters and their respective District Committees for

their unwavering dedication in making this observance a resounding success.

Throughout Scripture, women are affirmed as bearers of God’s image, equal in dignity

and value, and endowed with distinctive qualities of wisdom, strength, and nurturing

grace. The Bible presents powerful examples of women whose faith and courage shaped

the course of history:

Deborah — The only female Judge recorded in Scripture, Deborah served as a

prophetess, a military strategist, and a trusted advisor to the nation of Israel. Her

leadership was decisive, her judgment unwavering.

Ruth — A loyal Moabite woman whose steadfast devotion led her to embrace the

faith of Israel. Through her marriage to Boaz, Ruth became an ancestor of King

David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ, a testament to the enduring power of

faithfulness.

Mary Magdalene — Among the most devoted followers of Jesus Christ, Mary

Magdalene stood faithfully at the foot of the cross and was the first to witness the

risen Lord. Entrusted with proclaiming His resurrection to the apostles, she

earned the honored title, “The Apostle to the Apostles”.

My worthy Sisters of the Independent United Order of Mechanics, Friendly Society, of

the Western Hemisphere, Incorporated: it is an extraordinary honor and a distinct

privilege, on behalf of the Executive Grand Councilors of the Executive Committee of

Grand Council, to say to you—Well done, thou good and faithful servants.

May your example serve as an indelible guide to the Sisters who follow in your footsteps.

May the Great Architect of the Universe continue to surround you and your families

with His mercies and His boundless love. May He also continue to bless the

Independent United Order of Mechanics, Friendly Society, Western Hemisphere,

Incorporated.

Fraternally yours,

Rt. Hon. Errol G. Collins

Most Worshipful Grand Master