Michael Hatley
Premium Member
Thanks for the kind words, Brother.
As this year's Senior Deacon, I think its safe to say that I'm serious business bordering on fire and brimstone during the degrees. I'm a speak from the diaphragm sort of fellow and they say they can hear me clearly clear into the lodge room during the preparation, and I take a firm hand during the degrees. I do this to viscerally instill in the candidate that, when the time comes that they need it, that they have a true, strong friend that they may depend who will stand tall for them.
In my mind it is not fear that we want the candidates to feel. It is gravity and dignity. If you don't break the ice somewhere in the runup for a brief time they can become frazzled and afraid. So if I make a goat joke over the meal, it is because I see they are picking at it and are nervous. I make a point to wink at him and say something like don't worry when he chuckles. Then for just a very brief moment become serious, look him in the eyes, tell him that if in doubt to listen for my voice and remember I will never steer him wrong. Then let the brief moment pass and ask him if he'd care for some iced cream. Works a charm, and when the time comes it is muscle memory that they are in the hands of a true friend that they can trust.
Sorry to ramble - I love the Senior Deacon role. Gives me a lot of pleasure, as does the memory work that follows.
As this year's Senior Deacon, I think its safe to say that I'm serious business bordering on fire and brimstone during the degrees. I'm a speak from the diaphragm sort of fellow and they say they can hear me clearly clear into the lodge room during the preparation, and I take a firm hand during the degrees. I do this to viscerally instill in the candidate that, when the time comes that they need it, that they have a true, strong friend that they may depend who will stand tall for them.
In my mind it is not fear that we want the candidates to feel. It is gravity and dignity. If you don't break the ice somewhere in the runup for a brief time they can become frazzled and afraid. So if I make a goat joke over the meal, it is because I see they are picking at it and are nervous. I make a point to wink at him and say something like don't worry when he chuckles. Then for just a very brief moment become serious, look him in the eyes, tell him that if in doubt to listen for my voice and remember I will never steer him wrong. Then let the brief moment pass and ask him if he'd care for some iced cream. Works a charm, and when the time comes it is muscle memory that they are in the hands of a true friend that they can trust.
Sorry to ramble - I love the Senior Deacon role. Gives me a lot of pleasure, as does the memory work that follows.