Grand Commander's Messages 2007/2008

 

June 2007

We have started another Templar year and know we will have a good year filled with fraternal fellowship. My theme for the year is “WITH FAITH ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE” “IF YOU HAVE FAITH AS SMALL AS A MUSTARD SEED, NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU”. So if you have just a little faith in any thing you do, just be patient and it will work out.

The following is to get you familiar with “The new kid on the block”, Carlos Hugo Gonzalez, Grand Warder.

Carlos Hugo Gonzalez, was born in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina on June 14, 1958.    Carlos grew up in Buenos Aires and attended Public School and then transferred to a Catholic middle school where he completed his High School studies.  He then attended the University of Buenos Aires where he graduated with a Degree in Accounting and Business Administration in 1983.

During the early 1900 several Masonic Organizations were created in the city of Buenos Aires under Charters issued by Masonic Grand Bodies in England.  The main reason for this creation of Masonic Organizations in Argentina was to accommodate the many British masons who settled in Buenos Aires with contracts for the building of railways, meat packing plants and water and power plants.  Carlos was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in one of those Masonic Lodges located in Buenos Aires on July 2nd, 1981.  Saint Patrick’s Lodge No. 4210 chartered by the United Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of England in the District of South America, Southern Division.
This Lodge consolidated with Belgrano Lodge No. 3466.  Carlos remains a proud member of this Lodge to this day.

While in Buenos Aires, Carlos was Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Saint Andrew’s Chapter No. 3706 under the District Grand Chapter of South America, Southern Division of the Supreme Order of Royal Arch Masons of England on August 18th, 1981.  Carlos also joined Patron Saints Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 746 chartered by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and its Districts and Lodges Overseas.  He also joined Buenos Aires Lodge No. 481 of Royal Ark Mariners.

On June 4, 1982, Carlos became a Knight Templar when he joined San Martin Preceptory No. 191 of the Provincial Priory of South America of the United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta in England and Wales and Provinces Overseas.

In August of 1984 Carlos moved to Los Angeles and has joined several Masonic Organizations in our State.  He affiliated with Elysian Lodge No. 418, F&AM of California.  He is serving as Master in 2007 having also presided in 1999 and 2004.  He received his Hiram Award in 2003.  He served as High Priest of Signet Chapter No 57 in 1998 and affiliated with Van Nuys Chapter No. 135.  He served Omega Council as Illustrious Master in 2003.  Carlos joined the Los Angeles Scottish Rite of Freemasonry on July 25, 1987 and became a Noble of Al Malaikah Shrine in 1996.  His other Masonic affiliations include Santa Monica y San Juan Council No. 214 of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Brian Boru Council No. 38 of Knight Masons, Los Angeles USC Trojan Shrine Club, Glenwood York Rite College, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Los Angeles Priory No. 27 KYCH, St. Croix Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine and Southern California Past Masters Association. 

Carlos has also served as Inspector for Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter and Grand Orator for the Grand Council is currently a Deputy Grand Lecturer for the Grand Chapter.  He was also honored High Priest and Commander of the Year.

Carlos lives in Woodland Hills. 

Fraternally,
Paul McElwain
Grand Commander