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Resolution proposals for next GL session

Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
Brethren,

Out of curiosity: What are some potential resolutions you would like to see sent into Grand Lodge for the next session?

I guess an example of one that caught my attention previously was the one requesting that we be allowed to publicly recognize our new EA's, since we currently can't.
 

Brother Mark

Registered User
I wouldnt mind having all Masonic teachers have a class "c" certificates. That way they have been ok'd by the committee on work.
 

JJones

Moderator
I was thinking about this lately actually, and I have two:

1. Drastically decrease the amount of masons needed to form a new lodge.

2. Allow Master Masons to be able to vote and have a voice in Grand Lodge, removing the requirement to be a past master.

Just my .02
 

Larry Burks

Registered User
Well, I find there is already problems with the Grand Master's recommendation that pasted last year, so I think a recommendation to change it is in order - actually I am working on that already. Seems the only people who can sit in the East are ones who have a certificate, and completed the LIFE PROGRAM or Warden's retreat. What about the small lodges who are going back though their Past Masters? Shouldn't there be a provision for their experience? What about our District instructor? Past Master, Certificate holder, but has not attended a Warden's Retreat and not completed the LIFE program, has been a mason for over 50 years, and though it would be unlikely he would be asked to set in the East for a full year he can't because he will not complete the LIFE books, and I don't blame him. Anyway that is one resolution I think needs to be made.
 

Larry Burks

Registered User
2. Allow Master Masons to be able to vote and have a voice in Grand Lodge, removing the requirement to be a past master.
JJones, I have thought about this for some time. I believe that gaining membership into the Grand Lodge, being able to vote and make decisions that affect all Texas Masons is the most important part of sitting in the East. I know there are others who disagree, but that should be an incentive to each member of the lodge to get into the chairs. I do respect your opinion, and this is just mine. Have a great day, and may your pathway always be lit by the Great Light.
 

JJones

Moderator
Bro. Burks, I'd offer a counter point but that might lead to us derailing this thread. :p

In regards to the requirements to going to the East I agree with you but I'd like to elaborate a bit also. The recommendation would work very well if good ritual were to equal good leadership but that isn't always the case. Good ritual is important, don't get me wrong, but we really need are better leadership programs IMO.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
JJones, I have thought about this for some time. I believe that gaining membership into the Grand Lodge, being able to vote and make decisions that affect all Texas Masons is the most important part of sitting in the East. I know there are others who disagree, but that should be an incentive to each member of the lodge to get into the chairs. I do respect your opinion, and this is just mine. Have a great day, and may your pathway always be lit by the Great Light.

My issue with this is that it is the responsibility of the sitting Worshipful Master to vote per the desires of the lodge as a whole. Thereafter, he can vote as he pleases.

By letting all MMs vote you are reducing to minimal the wishes of those members who are prevented to attend Grand Lodge due to work, age, and / or monetary reasons.

I cannot support the right of all master masons to cast a vote in Grand Lodge proceedings. Masonry was never set up as a democracy. Rather, it is a representative form of government. On some issues, an oligarchy at best.
 

dpteskeys

Registered User
Jjones, why would you want to decrees the amount needed to start new lodges? Do you think we need more lodges?
 

JJones

Moderator
Let's just say I'm a fan of a lot of the Tradition Observance ideas...

Smaller lodges make more sense to me, when a lodge gets to be a certain size then it can split. You deserve a better explanation but my brain is a bit tired tonight.

I know there are lodges out there that are barely running, we have a few near where I live, but that doesnt mean there still arent lodges booming the next town over that are getting too large.
 

Brother Mark

Registered User
The recommendation would work very well if good ritual were to equal good leadership but that isn't always the case. Good ritual is important, don't get me wrong, but we really need are better leadership programs IMO.

I couldnt agree more with that statement.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Seems the only people who can sit in the East are ones who have a certificate

Art. 276a does not require a prospective WM or Warden to have a Certificate- all it requires is that the Brethren in question demonstrate their ability to open & close the 4 Lodges to the satisfaction of the Lodge, in addition to either attending a Warden's Retreat or completing the LIFE program.

he will not complete the LIFE books, and I don't blame him.

Why won't he? It's hardly an onerous requirement. Even those who have previously served as WM can use a refresher, especially since our Laws have changed so much over the years.
 
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dpteskeys

Registered User
Myself being the charter master of the new Fort Worth Stock Show Lodge #1460 I would love to have some of the members from these BIG lodges instead of starting new ones. New lodges should be started for other reasons other than membership being to large
 

dpteskeys

Registered User
While I am on the box,, lol. To respond to the ritual topic of WM. How many of us have gone to other lodges who could not open or close properly? Stock Show Lodge 1460 voted Saturday that all Sr officers must have at least a B certificate to serve in those positions. Set the mark high and keep it there.
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
While I am on the box,, lol. To respond to the ritual topic of WM. How many of us have gone to other lodges who could not open or close properly? Stock Show Lodge 1460 voted Saturday that all Sr officers must have at least a B certificate to serve in those positions. Set the mark high and keep it there.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this have to be amended to the Lodge by-laws, which in turn has to be approved by Grand Lodge? Would this even be enforceable?
 
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owls84

Moderator
Premium Member
You cannot add that to your by laws, but can add it to the minutes as a gentlemans word.

I have not heard of this. This would be a violation of the article Bro. Bill referenced above and not allowed even if it is a wink wink deal this per the GL law. Now if a few people want to just raise that standard without saying you can't progress without it it may be fine but that is going to be a tough sell to everyone. Seems someone could get upset if they get passed over for that reason.

Plus as anther brother has stated there is much more to the leading of the lodge than the ritual. He needs to be a good manager financially and personnel wise. This is what you touch on in the LIFE and wardens retreat are about.
 

Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
Are there any other ideas anyone has for revisions? I agree with an above poster as to why giving all MM's a vote in GL would be a bad idea (diluting a lodge's vote and giving larger groups the greater voice).

I was thinking about this lately actually, and I have two:

1. Drastically decrease the amount of masons needed to form a new lodge.

Let's just say I'm a fan of a lot of the Tradition Observance ideas...

I'm in the same boat as brother Jones. When I looked into the possibility of creating a local lodge that followed either a European Concept or Traditional Observance style, I found out that in a city with a decent population and at least one already-operating lodge, you need something like 50 brethren to open a new lodge. EC/TO Lodges are focused more on quality than quantity. I think if you can find 20 brothers of a like mind, they should be a sufficient core group with which to open a new Lodge.

Plus as anther brother has stated there is much more to the leading of the lodge than the ritual. He needs to be a good manager financially and personnel wise.

Amen, brother.
 
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