DDGM Visit

[Blake Bowden]

Gonzales Masonic Lodge No. 30 will have our official DDGM visit next month. What does he look for and how can we leave a good impression? Any advice?

 

[Bill Lins]

He'll have a list of stuff his GM wants him to check- mostly the WM & Secretary's problem. I would advise that, even though he's a member of your Lodge & y'all know him well, be sure to address him as R:.W:. unless he asks you not to- shows respect both for the GM and to the office of DDGM.

I'd also advise y'all to practice receiving him- it's really nice to see it done properly. ;-)

 

[Blake Bowden]

You are correct, our new DDGM is a member of our Lodge. This is exactly why I want to up our game even more Personally I think it would reflect bad on him if his own Lodge failed to receive him properly and/or were not prepared. Our Secretary has had some health issues, so his attendance may be questionable. We'll do fine, but I'm open to any advice to pass along

 

[Bill Lins]

Might be wise for your WM to find out ahead of time what records, etc., the DDGM's going to need to see, & find out from the Secretary where to find them.

 

[Wingnut]

Be sure that nobody speaks after he does. When he finishes and turns the east back over, the WM should close the lodge.

 

[jwardl]

It is cool to have the DDGM as a brother from your own lodge. This was the case for us both last year AND this year. Absolutely he should be treated with the same respect as any DDGM unless he elects to wave it off.

Despite the comfort/familiarity factor, don't forget to address him properly, particularly when making statements at the stated meeting, when it's easiest to forget IME.

 

[Joey]

Absolutely he should be treated with the same respect as any DDGM unless he elects to wave it off.

I certainly plan on having him treated with DDGM respect.

 

[nick1368]

Our DDGM is a member of our Blue Lodge this year. He is also the DDGM for our Council this year as well. He is a great guy who will serve our district(s) well. You are right, to show him and his position we should address him as RW and the pressure is on to make sure we receive him properly...

 

[xxxxxxl]

I suggest that you practice opening and closing to perfection and make sure the reception is perfect as well. We also ask that all our officers are in coat and tie on the DDGM's visit.

 

[TexMass]

Whatever ritual is involved please be polished. In MA, our wording in receiving him is slightly different in his Official and his Fraternal visits. I was told that I was the only Master last year of seven lodges to get it right. I was later appointed to be one of his officers. Also, proper titles should always be used. In MA, if you are a DDGM your RW and will be even after you die. Out and about, if I run in to my DDGM I call him by his name but anything remotely masonic and I use his official title. I feel it shows respect.

 

[ravickery03]

Be sure that nobody speaks after he does. When he finishes and turns the east back over, the WM should close the lodge.

The old timers in Army use to talk about a Steward who always had to talk when the WM opens the floor to anyone. So when the DDGM would come and talk the WM would say that part super fast and than rap the gavel for the JD.

 

[Bill Lins]

When I was WM, I asked the SW, JW, Sec, & Brethren if they had anything to add BEFORE turning the Lodge over to the DDGM. After he was done, I went straight to the JD. Worked OK.