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Progressing in the Line

Ripcord22A

Site Benefactor
Ive been seeing a lot of threads about being elected/appointed to a chair and as I am happy for all Im a little sad as well......
I cant wait till I am more stable in living arrangements (read not having the Army move me every other year!) so that I can progress in the line. In my mother lodge I was appointed as SD right after my raising, and would have just completed my year in the east if I hadn't moved. In my lodge here took me a year of attending and then was appointed as the SS, this year the incoming WM wanted me as the SD but I am supposed to be moving again soon so I turned it down. I also had a few brethren vote for me as Secretary and even one, who as a sign of respect/joke, balloted for me as treasurer. He was elected treasurer. Those votes as I was told after were more of a nod to all I have done for the lodge and New Mexico Freemasonry then to actually get me elected. While it warmed my heart that the brethren thought so highly of me it also hurt that I couldn't do more for my adopted lodge and will hurt even more when I have to ask for a Demit when I move(don't ever plan on coming back to NM). Also speaking with brothers from my home lodge it hurts even more as the officer line is regurgitating itself. The outgoing WM was elected JW. I have just a few more years till im out of the Army and can really get involved!
 

Carl_in_NH

Site Benefactor
It will all happen in time, my Brother. I think your course of action is best given your circumstances. Accepting a chair and then having to move would put both you and your lodge in a hardship situation. That said, you can always learn the various ritual and floor work of the chairs you will be taking at some point in the future. Although you'll be likely changing jurisdictions and details will change, often much of the flow is very similar.

You're doing what you can to support you lodge - and the other Brothers recognize that. As Senior Warden in my small lodge I can say that's always appreciated. The more Brothers that pitch in and help, the easier it is on the line - especially when they need someone to fill in for a vacancy. Do what you can with what you have available for time and opportunity now and when it comes time to jump into line for the full ride to the East you will have at least partially paved your own path. That will result in less time spent learning mechanics of the chairs, and more devoted to your governance priorities. You'll be making your own breathing room.
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
I'm glad to hear my Cerrillos brethren honoured you. You have definitely become one of them. I'm sad that the one time I made it back you were gone.
On a side-note, I was elected Treasurer of my lodge again.
 

rpbrown

Premium Member
My son was elected to JW and gladly accepted as his classes were on off meeting days. Then, 2 months in his class schedule changed and he in not able to make stated meetings now. Fortunately he graduates in May so he can stay in JW or move up to SW if elected.
 

Benjamin Baxter

Moderator
Premium Member
Well I hope that one day you life and vocation will allow and you will enjoy the traveling of the chairs, my brother. I have learned at least one thing at each meeting while I have been and officer. I see some start in the line too quickly after being raised. If a brother is not ready it really hurts other aspects of the lodge such as the ritual, the openings and closings, etc....
Sometimes they shouldn't be in a chair yet but little lodges run out of fresh meat and push them through regardless. Some Brothers that are ritualist sometimes don't make good officers some do and vice versa. Anything can be learned with enough practice. It take dedication to practice. I know when your stable you will grab it by the horns and be ready!


Sent from my iPhone using My Freemasonry
 

Ripcord22A

Site Benefactor
Im currently working with the newly appointed SD on his parts for an upcoming EA we have at the end of Jan. Luckily for him we have a FC before that, that the out going SD is going to perform so he will get to see the floor work as its pretty much the same.

Sent from my LG-H918 using My Freemasonry mobile app
 

Bloke

Premium Member
Hi Rip

I think its pretty simple; its not always easy to do the right thing, but doing the right thing is what we should always do. Well done for acting in the interest of the lodge and not for your own personal ambitions. That said, I think you would make an awesome WM now... and where there is a will, there is a way. I'd move our installation to give you the chance to get through the chair - because I know it would be good for you, but more importantly, good for the lodge.
 

Ripcord22A

Site Benefactor
Hi Rip

I think its pretty simple; its not always easy to do the right thing, but doing the right thing is what we should always do. Well done for acting in the interest of the lodge and not for your own personal ambitions. That said, I think you would make an awesome WM now... and where there is a will, there is a way. I'd move our installation to give you the chance to get through the chair - because I know it would be good for you, but more importantly, good for the lodge.
I appreciate that Brother!

Sent from my LG-H918 using My Freemasonry mobile app
 

Randy81

Premium Member
I feel your pain. I will be the MC for 2017 as I don't have enough stability to even begin working through the chairs.
 
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