Speaking from the Secretary's Desk I must remind all that, unless I'm mistaken, it is indeed Grand Lodge Law that the minutes of
all stated meetings must be
read in
a stated meeting.
Not necessarily the the next stated, but a stated. I've received more than a few complements (and not at all to bag on past Secys of either lodge) because I read them with a little feeling and I read 'em FAST FAST FAST
Tips for an effective meeting:
1. Secy or Wm should prepare an agenda following the prescribed order of business.
2. Committee reports are just that:
reports! Do
NOT do committee work in lodge.
3. Start on time. Assist the Secy & WM in conducting business with dispatch.
4. Committee reports are just that:
reports! Do
NOT do committee work in lodge.
5. I've found it's appreciated to ensure that each principle officer has a copy of the agenda the day prior to the meeting and to have a stack of them on the Secy's desk for any brother who would like one.
6. Committee reports are just that:
reports! Do
NOT do committee work in lodge.
7. Keep in mind that fundamentally the business of a Craft Lodge is that of making Master Masons, all else, while certainly important, is secondary.
8. For all committee chairs, standing or otherwise, "We have none tonight, Worshipful Master," is in most cases a perfectly acceptable committee report. To wit, if your committee did actually meet since the last stated, the aforementioned is probably the most appropriate.
9. Levity is good, helps keep things moving, and any time the brethren can have a laugh with or even at the expense of a principal officer is a good thing too!
10. Oh, did I mention:
DON'T DO committee work in Lodge.
DISCLAIMER: all of the aforementioned are matters of my humble opinion only. Just little things that I have found work well for the lodges I am so honored to serve. It's really bad form to tell the Brother wearing the hat how you feel he should be running the meeting, most especially if that advice is unsolicited.
