Promises Kept: Leadership, Legacy, and the Masonic Heartbeat
- trevor3861
- May 7
- 5 min read
Reflections from MW Bro. Will Leano’s 2025 Mess Dinner Address
By Trevor Eliott (Mr Fancy Fez) - Author of Reviving the Heartbeat
An Evening of Fellowship and Reflection
On May 3, 2025, in the historic Brigadier James Curry Jefferson Armoury, the brethren of Griesbach Lodge No. 191 gathered for their 61st Mess Dinner—a night steeped in tradition, camaraderie, and the timeless fellowship that binds Freemasons across generations.
The guest of honor was Most Worshipful Brother Will Leano, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Alberta. His keynote address did more than entertain. It illuminated the enduring principles of leadership, the sacredness of promises kept, and the living heartbeat of Freemasonry in a modern world where such values are increasingly rare.
A Humble Beginning: Humor and Humanity
When first asked to speak, MW Bro. Leano responded with humorous protest.
"What the hell are you thinking?"— MW Bro. Will Leano
That candid moment drew laughter and set the tone for the evening. His humility reminded everyone that authentic leadership begins not with authority, but with connection.
Leadership begins not with authority, but with connection.
Energy: Leadership Beyond Obligation
MW Bro. Leano shared a story that demonstrated true Energy of Commitment. One evening, after handling complex work at a lodge meeting, he quietly slipped out to assist another Masonic body with a later degree.
This wasn’t required by his office. It wasn’t ordered. It was a personal dedication, reflecting the Energy that drives leaders beyond the call of duty.
Leadership energy flows from the will to serve.
The Craft’s vitality depends not on how much we do, but why we do it.
Too often, organizations depend solely on tradition and compliance. MW Bro. Leano’s actions reminded the brethren that true leadership energy comes from purpose, not obligation.
Mentorship: The Quiet Counsel of a Finger
Throughout his address, MW Bro. Leano paid tribute to the mentors who shaped his journey, especially Past Grand Master MW Bro. Ken Shield.
"I always get the finger from him."— MW Bro. Will Leano
"Whenever he does this, it means either I’m in trouble or he has something important to say."— MW Bro. Will Leano
Mentorship is the transmission of wisdom, not just knowledge.
This humorous yet poignant image symbolized the informal yet profound mentorship that sustains Freemasonry. It is often in quiet moments—a gesture, a word of advice—that the deepest lessons are passed down.
Every Brother, no matter how advanced, remains a perpetual apprentice in the school of life.
Visibility: Alberta Masons on the World Stage
MW Bro. Leano recounted the Alberta delegation’s participation at the Grand Lodge of the Philippines’ Annual Communication, which had over 5,000 delegates.
When Alberta’s delegation was announced, they were not only the largest but were described by the event’s protocol officer as:
"The most powerful delegation."— MW Bro. Will Leano
Visibility isn’t vanity. It’s the outward pulse of the Craft’s heartbeat.
That recognition wasn’t just about numbers. It affirmed that Visibility matters—not for ego, but to demonstrate vitality, inspire pride, and attract future brethren.
Presence signals relevance. Visibility inspires belonging.
Purpose: The Promise of Douglas MacArthur
The centerpiece of the evening’s address was a moving story about General Douglas MacArthur. In 1942, as Japanese forces advanced, MacArthur was ordered to evacuate the Philippines. Before leaving, he gathered sand from the beach—a silent promise that he would return.
In 1944, MacArthur fulfilled that promise, bringing the same vial of sand back with him.
"Promises made must be promises kept."— MW Bro. Will Leano
"Douglas MacArthur’s return to the Philippines was not mere military strategy. It was faithfulness to one’s word, even when the world burned around him."— MW Bro. Will Leano
This story illustrated the Purpose at the heart of leadership. A leader’s word, once given, binds him to a higher standard—even when fulfilling it demands sacrifice.
Leadership is not about position. It’s about conviction.
Dignity as Strength: Lessons from Post-War Japan
MW Bro. Leano described another profound moment: after Japan’s surrender, MacArthur greeted Emperor Hirohito not with dominance, but with dignity—choosing restraint and humanization over punishment.
When political noise tempts us to descend into pettiness, we must instead respond with the quiet power of maturity.
Dignity is not weakness, but strength under control.
By refusing to prosecute the Emperor, MacArthur helped stabilize Japan and foster democracy. This mirrored Freemasonry’s emphasis on mercy, wisdom, and building rather than breaking.
The EMVP Framework Embodied
MW Bro. Leano’s speech wasn’t just a collection of stories. It demonstrated the EMVP framework in action:
EMVP Element | Speech Example |
Energy | Dedication to multiple Masonic bodies beyond official duties. |
Mentorship | The counsel and influence of Past Grand Masters and Brothers. |
Visibility | Alberta’s strong international presence and recognition. |
Purpose | MacArthur’s promise and the dignity of principled leadership. |
Energy fuels action but must be guided by values. Mentorship ensures continuity. Visibility keeps the mission relevant. Purpose transforms effort into legacy.
The soul of Freemasonry lives in the promises we keep.
The Heartbeat of Freemasonry: Promises Across Time
As MW Bro. Leano closed his address, he charged the new officers of Griesbach Lodge No. 191 to lead with conviction and to embody the Masonic principles discussed.
"May the Great Architect chart your course for the year ahead, and may it be productive and successful." — MW Bro. Will Leano
But his deeper message resonated beyond the evening:
"When we give our word—to our brothers, our communities, and ourselves—we must return to the shore where that promise was made, bringing not just sand, but the enduring weight of fulfillment." — MW Bro. Will Leano
Leadership is not a destination, but a journey paved with promises.Promises to mentors.Promises to brethren.Promises to integrity itself.Promises to the next generation.
Conclusion: A Lesson for All Leaders
While MW Bro. Leano spoke to Masons, his insights echo across all fields of leadership.
In a world craving authentic leadership, his reflections remind us:
Energy must be rooted in values.
Mentorship is the lifeblood of continuity.
Visibility affirms vitality.
Purpose transforms action into legacy.
When the world burns around us, those who lead with Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose will keep the heartbeat alive.
In a time of noise and distraction, MW Bro. Leano’s Mess Dinner address was a clarion call to lead with principle, serve with dignity, and keep the heartbeat of Freemasonry—and of ethical leadership itself—resounding across generations.
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