WHAT SHOULD I DO

[BrotherPHA]

Greetings all,

I am BrotherPHA, I’m a Master Mason going on two years now under the Prince Hall umbrella. My lodge is fairly small and we don’t have much members to fill offices. In order for us to open the lodge we normally get help from brothers of neighboring lodges. My dilemma is each time we have elections for office my WM would appoint new members to an office and surpass me. Members that came in to the lodge after me. The first year I let it slide because I was new myself but there were vacancies he could have assigned me too. The last election ended and he did the same thing. I’m starting to take it personal now, and I’m not really feeling the brotherly love in the lodge anymore.
so I ask the question what should I do?

 

[MarkR]

First of all, you should ask to meet with him privately. Ask him why you've been passed over. If his answer isn't one that restores your faith in your lodge, perhaps you need to look for another lodge in your area that's a better fit for you.

 

[RWRCLARKNJ66]

My Brother, unfortunately, TITLES always seem to dictate who a True Mason is, but, this is not necessary. Being present and accountable for your Lodge, be it, visiting the sick, maintaining your building, doing much-needed committee work, or being part of the Degree Team, are some great ways to get noticed, and will give you a greater appreciation for the Craft. Don't be discouraged, and remember, absent the tiniest cog, no machine can operate properly. We all have a place in this Great Fraternity. Peace

 

[BrotherPHA]

First of all, you should ask to meet with him privately. Ask him why you've been passed over. If his answer isn't one that restores your faith in your lodge, perhaps you need to look for another lodge in your area that's a better fit for you.

Thank you Brother, I appreciate your reply

 

[BrotherPHA]

My Brother, unfortunately, TITLES always seem to dictate who a True Mason is, but, this is not necessary. Being present and accountable for your Lodge, be it, visiting the sick, maintaining your building, doing much-needed committee work, or being part of the Degree Team, are some great ways to get noticed, and will give you a greater appreciation for the Craft. Don't be discouraged, and remember, absent the tiniest cog, no machine can operate properly. We all have a place in this Great Fraternity. Peace

Thank you Brother, I appreciate your reply

 

[Spiro D'Estini]

How'd it go? Been a while now

 

[Bloke]

My Brother, unfortunately, TITLES always seem to dictate who a True Mason is, but, this is not necessary.

What makes a mason for me is how he acts and what he says and how he says it. Nothing to do with titles, that's often about rank and not the man. I will also say this, we have several MWPGMs who I think are much better masons now than they were when they were Grand Masters. Great to see; that even a GM can (and should) develop himself more.

 

[BrotherPHA]

Brother thank you, I appreciate you input

 

[jjasper]

Looks like this is an old thread. Nonethless, I wanted to put this out there anyways. Just to make a simple statement, elections are held by the Lodge members themselves. As a matter of fact ALL positions are up for "grabs". They are voted on one-by-one by nomination and count. So, it shouldn't be the WM bypassing or looking over you. He doesn't appoint anyone during elections. It is by nomination. So i would question the methodology. But if you are referring to him apointing someone to hold a position during a Regular business day meeting, then maybe there lies your concern. Fortunately it isn't about tenure. But just like mentioned before, have a talk with your WM and assess what you think is going on. If you don't have enough Lodge members to open, you have plenty of opportunity to sit in a seat to obtain the knowledge of the position(s). Your WM should be willing to allow you to do that. It is imperative for members to know EVERY position in a Lodge. I could go on, but at least have the conversation and check your By-Laws on how elections are held for your jurisdiction.

 

[Winter]

Looks like this is an old thread. Nonethless, I wanted to put this out there anyways. Just to make a simple statement, elections are held by the Lodge members themselves. As a matter of fact ALL positions are up for "grabs". They are voted on one-by-one by nomination and count. So, it shouldn't be the WM bypassing or looking over you. He doesn't appoint anyone during elections. It is by nomination. So i would question the methodology. But if you are referring to him apointing someone to hold a position during a Regular business day meeting, then maybe there lies your concern. Fortunately it isn't about tenure. But just like mentioned before, have a talk with your WM and assess what you think is going on. If you don't have enough Lodge members to open, you have plenty of opportunity to sit in a seat to obtain the knowledge of the position(s). Your WM should be willing to allow you to do that. It is imperative for members to know EVERY position in a Lodge. I could go on, but at least have the conversation and check your By-Laws on how elections are held for your jurisdiction.

It's jurisdictional. In bot the Grand Lodges I belong to, only the Master, Wardens, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected. The rest are appointed by the WM.

 

[jjasper]

Ok, so as mentioned, check your bylaws for the election process. Correct, It is jurisdictional. That is interesting, though! But hey, it is what it is. Nonetheless a conversation should be had.