Acting ProvAGDC - what to expect

[SWA]

Hi all,
I’ve recently been awarded my first Provincial Appointment, that of of Acting ProvAGDC in the Cheshire Province, and should be taking up this office in a few weeks. Obviously I’m delighted (and somewhat surprised) to have been given the honour of an Acting office as a first appointment. It’ll all be very new to me and I was wondering if any of the Brethren here have been in the same acting office, what to expect and how this has affected/improved their masonic life following time in active service.
Any thoughts or words of advice would be greatly welcomed….
Thanks!

 

[Bloke]

Congrats and hope it goes well for you. I am sure it will - especially if you make sure it does !

I assume you have been in Provincial Grand Teams before ? Oh - you have not. Double Congrats ! I've never been on a Grand Team before. They do A LOT if training here and I cannot commit the time and want to spend my masonic volunteering in other areas rather than Teams (That said, I have been a lodge DC and loves training MMs). You're unlikely here to become an AGDC unless you have been in one or two teams as a Deacon, and a Deacon is not a common first time appointment unless you are a real stand out. You sound like one !

EVERYONE I know who has been in Grand Teams have loved the comradery. They will speak of it for decades even if they have only been in one team. Make sure you turn up and be one of those reliable fellows - and if you get the chance, go to the socials. Here, it is probably where the partners of Freemasons really form a strong bond (but culture and practice vary from place to place).

How long have you been a PM ?
(And forgive me if it takes several weeks to reply.. but I do keep coming back).

 

[SWA]

Thank you for your response, and very interesting points you’ve made! For context I became WM for the first time in 2019 and stayed in that office for 3 years (thanks to Covid), was IPM for the following 2 years then went back in the chair in Oct 2024 for another couple of years, and now due to install a new light blue later this year as WM for his first time.

Any Provincial appointment would have been greatly appreciated but to get an Acting Office as first appointment was beyond any expectations I had, particularly with respect to not having been in any other Provincial Office previously as you say. Not too sure about being a particular stand-out either, I’m just a normal (but committed) member of the Lodge! That said, I’m taking the opportunity with both hands and will be fully committed to the Office in the ensuing year… and hopefully beyond!

Thanks again,

 

[Bloke]

Main thing is to enjoy and many Grand Lodge officers have the goal of turning up at Lodges, giving them a great show and leaving a favourable and lasting impression. If you do that, I think you can say you're a success.

The best GL officers are generous, instructive, supportive and helpful. The worst, rude and authoritarian.

"to inferiors, obedience and submission; to equals, courtesy and affability; to superiors, kindness and condescension". And sometimes that great masonic virtue - silence,
but above all,
be happy and communicate happiness to others !

Have a great year and a great future !

 

[Glen Cook]

Hi all,
I’ve recently been awarded my first Provincial Appointment, that of of Acting ProvAGDC in the Cheshire Province, and should be taking up this office in a few weeks. Obviously I’m delighted (and somewhat surprised) to have been given the honour of an Acting office as a first appointment. It’ll all be very new to me and I was wondering if any of the Brethren here have been in the same acting office, what to expect and how this has affected/improved their masonic life following time in active service.
Any thoughts or words of advice would be greatly welcomed….
Thanks!

Congratulations. I’m also a Cheshire Mason, PPrJGW/PPrGAlm.

I’m afraid I can’t give advice specific to the office. I would recommend you reach out to those currently acting.

Will you be invested at the October Provincial meeting?

 

[SWA]

Hi Glen,
Thanks for your kind words. The Province of Cheshire AGM will be on 29th September, at which the Acting Officers will be invested, myself included. Very much looking forward to the year ahead.