My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Annual Lodge Elections

TX_Traveler

Registered User
Well,

It's that time of year again and we recently completed our Lodge elections for Masonic year 2011. Things went smooth and we only had to do a paper ballot for one chair. We had plenty of qualified candidates for the JW & SW but we had to "recycle" for the WM spot due to not having any qualified folks for that position this year. It's sad that out of 200 + members in a small Texas town Lodge that we really only have maybe 30 people that actively show up to participate weekly. I was ready to go in the lineup but refused because I'm supposed to move toward the end of the year and didn't want to take a position when I knew I couldn't complete my term. :SNC: S W B
 
H

Huw

Guest
One of the differences between how you do things in Texas (and generally throughout the US) and the way we do it in England, is in elections. Over here, the Master, Treasurer and Tyler are elective offices, but everyone else is appointed by the Master.

The Master has sole authority in making the appointments, but of course a sensible Master seeks the opinion and advice of his Brethren. If he insists upon making an unwise or unpopular choice, then he can do so, but in future years he'll be dependent on the goodwill of future Masters if he wants any position himself, so a Master who upsets everyone with his choice of appointments will pay the price of getting the cold shoulder when he's a Past Master ... and they all know this, so most Masters are careful to make justifiable appointments. And of course, if it looks likely that a prospective Master is going to make unacceptable appointments, then the Brethren might elect someone else as Master instead.

Usually, the outcome is that junior officers progress through the line to the Chair, but sometimes a Master will drop someone instead of promoting him. Most often that's because a Brother has himself asked to be relieved of duty, but occasionally someone will be unwillingly sacked for inadequate performance. However, in the case of someone being sacked, it'd be highly unusual for a Master to do that without first checking that the PMs and other senior members agree that the guy isn't cutting the mustard. So in general, we end up with the same results as would have resulted from elective officers.

T & F,

Huw
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
It's sad that out of 200 + members in a small Texas town Lodge that we really only have maybe 30 people that actively show up to participate weekly.

It is sad, but actually y'all are doing better than most Lodges, which would be happy if they could get 10% of their membership to show up regularly.
 

TexasAggieOfc1273

Registered User
It is sad, but actually y'all are doing better than most Lodges, which would be happy if they could get 10% of their membership to show up regularly.
Amen! It is my understanding that a lodge here in NE Texas is installing a fella that has been raised since the first of the year as their new WM.
 

Papatom

Premium Member
Premium Member
I'm not sure that's even legal per Grand Lodge Laws. I'll have to consult my book.
You are correct. A brother has to have been a Warden of his lodge or a Master of any lodge, and passed certificition and the L.I.F.E. program.
 
H

Huw

Guest
Hi Papatom.

You are correct. A brother has to have been a Warden of his lodge or a Master of any lodge, and passed certificition and the L.I.F.E. program.

The first part of that is the same as the rule here in UGLE: a Brother must have served as a Warden (or have already been a Master) to be eligible for election as Master.

However, we don't have certification requirements over here ... but perhaps we should, I've occasionally seen Masters here who were embarrassingly clueless.

T & F,

Huw
 

Dave in Waco

Premium Member
I've occasionally seen Masters here who were embarrassingly clueless.

Sometimes it's not so much the Master. It is my understanding that the hat disable the nerve paths between a Master's brain and mouth. LOL

I have been elected as my Lodge's new Junior Warden.
 

TexasAggieOfc1273

Registered User
Well brothers, I can't independently verify the story I was told, hence why I didn't ID the alleged Lodge... but some of our Lodges are getting placed in that kind of position with declines in both membership and and participation.
 

JBD

Premium Member
Might as well pipe in here - I really am drain bamaged - I am now (as of last Thursday and in order of installation)

All are in Ft Worth Texas

WM - Cook-Peavy Lodge #1162
High Priest in Texas Chapter #362
Thrice Illustrious Master in Texas Council #321
SW - Panther City Lodge #1183
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Soooooooo, what do you do in your spare time? :wink:

Seriously, congratulations on your preferment.
 

MedMan7

Registered User
I was installed and the Junior Warden at Wells No. 915 this year. I am honored to be asked to hold the position and hope that I do it justice. We had an excellent installaion this year and I look forward to a great year with my fellow officers. We have a great little lodge! If I could I would post a group picture. Waiting on a good copy though!
 
Top