Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! This reference to Psalm 133 of the King James Bible is well known to all Freemasons, and holds a special place in our hearts especially when we have an opportunity to come together in the bonds of brotherhood and make history at the same time.
The 27th Masonic District of Florida played host to M:. W:. John E. Karroum, Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida and his guest M:. W:. Ernesto Zamora, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Cuba, and their respective delegations, as they visited two Spanish speaking Lodges in the South Florida area. The visit came just days prior to the 190th Annual Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Florida.
On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, M:. W:. Zamora and his delegation from Cuba visited Luz de America Lodge No. 255 at the Scottish Rite Temple in Downtown Miami. The following evening he visited Renacer Lodge No. 410 at the Oleeta West Dade Masonic Center in Miami Springs, FL.
Masons from throughout the district and from neighboring districts came together to welcome M:. W:. Zamora during his first visit to Florida. The visit comes just months after both Grand Lodges extended mutual recognition for the first time in over 60 years. Relations between both Grand Jurisdictions had been strained since the mid 1960’s amid social and political differences. Decades later, terms for mutual recognition were once again met, thanks to the hard work and diligence of many Brothers on both sides.
Both Grand Masters delivered messages of hope and fraternalism, as well as an innate desire to foster a stronger relationship between both Grand Lodges. It is hoped that this new relationship will usher in a new era for all and help write a new chapter in the history of both jurisdictions.
