Prophets, Ladies and Friends,

 We have been experiencing some amazing growth over the last few years and I am very proud to serve the fastest growing fraternal organization as its leader. This journey began, for me, during the 126th annual session held right here in New Orleans in 2016. Having driven to the convention, I had a long drive home where I convinced Lady Kelly that running for the Grand Line was the next step in my Masonic journey.

I was born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where I graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1978. During that time, I was very active in the band and in Boy Scouts achieving the rank of Eagle. I also started working afternoons and weekends for an engineering firm as a draftsman.

In 1984, I met the incredible Kelly Hamlin, and we were married in 1985. We have two children, Matthew (Lauren) Korb and Jerrica (Devon) Pawlus. Between the two of them, they have blessed us with four grandkids, Noah (11), Brea (9), Riley (7), and Cameron (4).

I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in December 1991 and initiated into Grotto in February 1992. I served as Monarch of Yusef-Khan in 2015, Master of Star Lodge #187 in 2017, and Commander in Chief of Akron Consistory, Valley of Akron of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, NMJ in 2019. I was elected to receive the Meritorious Service Award in June 2022.

Since the beginning of my campaign, I have been traveling the Realm and getting to meet the Prophets and Ladies and will continue to do so throughout my year as Grand Monarch. During these travels, I have witnessed the way our members “Grotto” in their regions, and it made me realize that there are so many ways to “Grotto” yet we can still all “Grotto” together! This year, Lady Kelly and I will be “Traveling at the speed of Grotto” and hope that you will too.

As you are reading this, I will be approximately halfway through my year and Lady Kelly and I have enjoyed all the traveling that we have done and meeting everyone that we have met. Your hospitality has been greatly appreciated. We can’t thank you enough for that! 

We are still in the midst of phenomenal growth, having instituted over 40 new Grottoes in the last four years. I have had the privilege of instituting three at the writing of this letter and I want to extend a warm welcome to Beradar Grotto in Monticello, AR, Ol-El Ra Grotto in Lansing, MI, and Sinbad Grotto in Oklahoma City, OK. By the time you are reading this, two more will have been instituted, Itakua Grotto in Asuncion, Paraguay and Tenasi Grotto in Rockvale, TN and our total membership will be climbing towards 11,000 strong. 

As we are in the Holiday Season, I ask that you stop and reflect on everything that you are thankful for. I am most thankful for my family, but I am also thankful for this wonderful fraternity and each of you for being who you are and the work you do within this great fraternity. Take a moment to let your loved ones know how much they mean to you. 

I would also like to remind you to remember those affected by the violent storms that happened just a few short weeks ago. While the weather may be calmer now, some of our brothers, sisters, and friends are still recovering from their devastating losses and it may be years before they completely recover. Please feel free to make any donations to the Hardship Fund so that we may help them.

Lastly, I invite you to join Lady Kelly and me at the 135th annual session of the Supreme Council in Worthington, Ohio this coming June 8 – 15, 2025. It will be epic. In fact, Ohio masons may  say it will “Be Legendary.” Wishing all of you the happiest of Holidays and a prosperous new year, 

Yours In Good Fellowship,

 

David A. Korb, Grand Monarch