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Newly Appointed Junior Deacon

Keith C

Registered User
We had our monthly ritual instruction night at our lodge last night. We were preparing for the official visitation of our DDGM along with all the elected officers of the lodges in our district. I was basically just hanging out to learn. The two Wardens were huddled up with the WM and 2 PMs and then they came over to me with "That look" in their eyes.

It seems the person appointed Junior Deacon for this year has not showed up to any meetings, nor communicated to anyone why. Apparently the JW called him and asked what was up and he said "I probably won't make many meetings." So, now I am the Junior Deacon.

While they were there asking me if I was willing to take the appointment (to which I of course said yes) they also suggested that it would be a good idea if I started memorizing the charges for the three degrees, as the first step towards moving through the chairs.

I am very excited and a little apprehensive!
 

Carl_in_NH

Site Benefactor
Congratulations!

This can be a little daunting at first, but commitment to learning the work and a steady and purposeful effort will win out. I have every confidence that you'll do just fine, my Brother.
 

Ripcord22A

Site Benefactor
We had our monthly ritual instruction night at our lodge last night. We were preparing for the official visitation of our DDGM along with all the elected officers of the lodges in our district. I was basically just hanging out to learn. The two Wardens were huddled up with the WM and 2 PMs and then they came over to me with "That look" in their eyes.

It seems the person appointed Junior Deacon for this year has not showed up to any meetings, nor communicated to anyone why. Apparently the JW called him and asked what was up and he said "I probably won't make many meetings." So, now I am the Junior Deacon.

While they were there asking me if I was willing to take the appointment (to which I of course said yes) they also suggested that it would be a good idea if I started memorizing the charges for the three degrees, as the first step towards moving through the chairs.

I am very excited and a little apprehensive!
Question....when the master instructs the SW to inform the JW that the lodge is going to close/open does the SW tell the JD and then the JD tells the JW?

Sent from my LG-H918 using My Freemasonry mobile app
 

Keith C

Registered User
Question....when the master instructs the SW to inform the JW that the lodge is going to close/open does the SW tell the JD and then the JD tells the JW?

Sent from my LG-H918 using My Freemasonry mobile app

When opening and closing in "Ancient Form" essentially yes. The WM tells the SD who tells the SW, who tells the JD who tells the JW.

The WM has the option to open and close in "Ancient Form" or in "The Short Way." In "The Short Way" the Deacons are not involved in sending the messages and the various descriptions of what officers are where and what they do is eliminated. The Charges are also optional when using "The Short Way."
 

Carl_in_NH

Site Benefactor
Jurisdictional differences are always interesting to understand. In mine, we have no option of short or long form - it's always the same form. Deacons are not involved in any message passing - although for the JD 'carry messages' and 'carry orders' for the SD are part of their official, recited duties. Stations and Duties, and Charges are never optional here in openings and closings.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
We had our monthly ritual instruction night at our lodge last night. We were preparing for the official visitation of our DDGM along with all the elected officers of the lodges in our district. I was basically just hanging out to learn. The two Wardens were huddled up with the WM and 2 PMs and then they came over to me with "That look" in their eyes.

It seems the person appointed Junior Deacon for this year has not showed up to any meetings, nor communicated to anyone why. Apparently the JW called him and asked what was up and he said "I probably won't make many meetings." So, now I am the Junior Deacon.

While they were there asking me if I was willing to take the appointment (to which I of course said yes) they also suggested that it would be a good idea if I started memorizing the charges for the three degrees, as the first step towards moving through the chairs.

I am very excited and a little apprehensive!

Congrats Bro Keith, that's awesome.

Can I make a suggestion? Call the appointed JD, and tell him you'll be covering his position so he doesn't have to worry about that but you wanted to check he was okay... then get ready to listen.... it might be a weird 30 second call or one of an hour+ ...in two years time when he resigns or after 20 years of non-attendance , you might hear of a sick child, rudeness or rough treatment, lost job, illness or other disaster.... and he felt the only interest in him was paying dues and showing up to work in a situation which unexpectedly became beyond his cable tow. Even if he says nothing, your 30 second call might prove to be the most important made in your lodge this week. Such calls can save not just members, they can save lives.

I challenge you to be a great officer filling in, but to try to be a great brother to the guy you're filling in for. He might lack character, judgement or be completely in distress, see if you can help him in someway, even if only to communicate you care.

Fraternally
B
 

Matt L

Site Benefactor
Bro. Keith, Bro. Bloke gives very sound advise. Give the Brother a call. Congrads on your new responsibilities, I know your lodge is better for having you there.
 

Keith C

Registered User
I have never met the missing JD and the JW is a close friend of his and was the one who contacted him, prior to the SW and JW approaching me about it. I was told that he did not mention any issues in particular other than being busy. I think I will take your advice and reach out to him anyway. Thanks for the input!
 

Keith C

Registered User
May this help you in some measure. Congrats.

http://www.masonsmart.com/freemason-ritual.html

Thank you! That is a very helpful article. Even though I have only been a MM for 4 months I have already seen and heard vast differences in the way the words are spoken and imparted from person to person. Some who have "Better memorized" the words do not get them across as effectively as others who may get stuck on a word or miss a word or two. Both aspects are equally important to me, but emotionlessly reciting the exact correct words "feels" less effective than expressively giving the message imperfectly.
 

Ripcord22A

Site Benefactor
Both aspects are equally important to me, but emotionlessly reciting the exact correct words "feels" less effective than expressively giving the message imperfectly.
Exactly! Especially during a degree! The candidate has no idea what is supposed to be said amd as long as youndont skip an important part or completely bongle it you will be fine



Sent from my LG-H918 using My Freemasonry mobile app
 

rpbrown

Premium Member
Congratulations on your appointment. There is no doubt that you will do fine or the officers would not have put you in that position.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
Congratulations on your appointment Brother!
we have no option of short or long form - it's always the same form. Deacons are not involved in any message passing - although for the JD 'carry messages' and 'carry orders' for the SD are part of their official, recited duties. Stations and Duties, and Charges are never optional here in openings and closings.
Same here in Kentucky.
 
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