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Should i become WM?

vangoedenaam

Premium Member
Dear Brethren,

My lodge has had severe issues for the last years. Groups of brethren opposing eachother and quite a large group making the work of the WM hard. I was SW and did my best to never become part of any side. Part of the time, i was absent. Ive gone through a time of burn-out and related personal troubles, im on my way back.

Now the question has been raised wether i would be willing to be WM for the lodge. Im struggling with it. (We dont have progressive lines, so its not automatic)

I am still finding my strength back, slowly, so this comes just a bit too soon, i fear.
There arent that many other brethren left that could be a WM for all brethren rather than have this group thing clinging to them (or are willing to do it)
I am good at being a moderator, keeping harmony, being a brother for all.
I fear the amount of time and effort it will take is more than i could fit in my life. (Wife, kids, job)
I dont want to slow down my recovery or even fall again
I know some brethren are willing to help, but not sure if its enough.
I dont really want to be WM in times of trouble, and there isnt a guarantee the trouble will end when i sit in the east.
Im just so unsure.

Should i?
 

chrmc

Registered User
Do you want to? If you really don't, but just do it for the good of the lodge, it'll not be a success. If you have the desire it's a good step to start considering all the other things that you list. But desire has to be there as the first part.
 

BullDozer Harrell

Registered User
If you haven't been active in lodge affairs for awhile then you're out of the loop.
Your ascension to the East would not heal your lodge.
In fact, it would only cause you undue stress and hardly give you motivation to complete your tenure.

Wait!

Sent from my SM-N910P using My Freemasonry Pro mobile app
 

vangoedenaam

Premium Member
Well, i am very happy some of you actually responded with advice.

The point that hits home is: do you want to. And my answer is a definite yes. It would be best if i had 6 months more time to get fully ready, but i want to, sure!

I havent been out of the loop, but i missed a number of meetings. I have made all but one ritual.

I think i can be accepted in the position by a large majority of brethren, but its definitely good advise to talk to 'faction leaders' .

Thanks for making me think.
 
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rpbrown

Premium Member
I think that all who's 1st time in the East has apprehension. Lord knows I did. I too have a family and not just a job, but I own my business so I know what the time constraints can be. However, in Masonry as in life, you must set a time aside for yourself. That's what my time at lodge is for me, time for myself. As for the times of trouble, be a good leader as well as the good moderator. You will have the gavel. It will be up to you to drive the ship so to speak.
That leaves the last question, do you want to? If the answer is yes, and you feel you may can make a difference, then by all means accept it. You never know, you may be just what your lodge needs to come together.
 

Garrettsdaddy

Rev. Scott Kerschner PM
Premium Member
Becoming Master of a lodge can be much like parenting a bunch of children. There are some who can do the work needed with no asking. There are some who need to be guided in a positive direction. Then there are some who need a stern voice to direct them. If you can't wear those 3 hats the East will wear you down fast. In most lodges you will always have nay-sayers, your goal is to figure out a way,to make your goals for the lodge their idea.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
Becoming Master of a lodge can be much like parenting a bunch of children.......

We often say it is like hearding cats at my mother lodge..... the trick is learn how to (metaphorically) shake the food bowl so they all come running. Mine you, beer and food is a good way to get them in the same spot :)
 

Damian Avinger

Registered User
I know exactly how you feel. I am in that position now. If you are ready to endure the mental and emotional strain needed to rebuild the morale of your lodge then wait. There are days I am frustrated but I understood that taking on the challenge. Do some soul searching and maybe have a chat with your wife about your feeling and go from there.
 

vangoedenaam

Premium Member
Its happening. Ive been elected to be the next WM in December and will be installed feb21. Already doing most of the work.

Some of the brethren that were part of the problems left, the remaining group mostly wants to rebuild and enjoy masonry again. Wounds heal slowly, but there is a foundation to build upon. Im ready (i think). Its going to be an intense two year period. Its a mix of fear and fun feelings.


Sent from my iPhone using My Freemasonry
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
Its happening. Ive been elected to be the next WM in December and will be installed feb21. Already doing most of the work.

Some of the brethren that were part of the problems left, the remaining group mostly wants to rebuild and enjoy masonry again. Wounds heal slowly, but there is a foundation to build upon. Im ready (i think). Its going to be an intense two year period. Its a mix of fear and fun feelings.


Sent from my iPhone using My Freemasonry
Great! Best of luck and please keep us posted.
 
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