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Speech of Sovereign Grand Commander for Germany 
M:.P:. Bro:. Friedrich Wilhelm Schmidt, 33°

 
Brethren, we are gathered here today to inaugurate the Supreme Council for Latvia according to the provisions of the Grand Constitutions of 1786 as subsequently amended by competent authority.
 
On an occasion like the present it is important to realise the immense responsibility we are taking on ourselves, both we, the inaugurating officers, and you, the first Members, in the formation of a new Supreme Council. We are bringing into existence a fresh sovereign Supreme Council - for the sake of an ideal which is a very high one.
 
There are three thoughts that we should like to lay before you.
 
The first is that in doing this, we are acting not for today or for tomorrow only, but for all the days to come. This young branch of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is capable of lively expansion. It is growing from a mighty tree to which its roots give strength since centuries. May the new branch contribute to the future prosperity of the whole. It is reason not only for pleasure, but also for some pride to see that our Rite is flourishing, in territorial sovereignty, in a country where its people had to make such sacrifices until its independence. The present day shows us that the Rite made its contribution to the culture of Latvia and to the friendship among the nations around the Baltic Sea.
 
The second thought which we should like to highlight today is that the Latvian Masonic Brethren worked, with admirable patience and perseverance, for more than ten years to bring about this day. In building up the Scottish Rite in Latvia, they spared no pains to go the long ways to Germany in spite of language problems and accomplished considerable results in their own country. On this day we express our thanks to all these pioneers and all German Brethren and institutions giving their support. We hope and trust that the seed which is being sown today will continue to bear fruit long after its present planters and cultivators, indeed all who are now present, shall have passed away.
 
The third thought is that it will be your duty to train both yourselves and your Brethren that you may all aspire, however humbly and afar off, to virtue and a much higher standard of life. This work may lead to action and deeds serving all human beings in this country and for the benefit of mankind.
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