Companions:
As your elected Grand High Priest for 2008-2009, I feel a very humble and honored Royal Arch Mason.
Never in all my wildest dreams, since taking my first three steps in Masonry in 1983, Did I ever expect to attain the position in which I find myself today. It is only through your guidance and assistance over the years since, that I feel able to accept it.
It is a position of responsibility and trust, and it is my ardent wish that throughout the coming year, with God's help, I can maintain the trust you have placed in me.
I have no doubt that it will be a challenging but fulfilling year. I cannot meet those challenges alone, nor do I intend to try. It is only through your continuing support and assistance to myself and the office that I now hold that we can all look toward the end of the year with a feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment.
My message or theme for this year will be "Remember Our Past and Look to the Future". "Remember Our Past" in that we should ever recall the traditions, history and precepts of the Royal Craft, that our forefathers have passed on to us. "Look to the Future" in that we should ever strive to pass on to those who follow, better than we received; therefore, we must accept the changes of time, but continue to uphold and maintain all that was given to us, and improve on it whenever and wherever we possibly can.
I would like to take this moment to thank all the Grand Officers for accepting the duties and responsibilities of their respective stations. I look forward to working with you all in the future.
Most important of all, I most sincerely, humbly and from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for the faith and trust you have placed in me this day. God bless.
Fraternally,
James E. Taylor Grand High Priest