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Any advice for a lodge chaplain?

tantbrandon

Premium Member
I was nominated to be my lodges chaplain. And I am unopposed. Any advice or stories about this position as it looks like I will be it next year? Fraternal thanks and wishes to all.


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Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
In NM there are several prayers to learn; Invocation, Benediction, EA, and MM Degree-work. You might also be called upon for a Memorial service, though in my Lodge a PM usually does that.
Occasionally a Brother needs to talk, so it's good to have a big ear and soft shoulder at times.
 

tantbrandon

Premium Member
I was a Chaplain Assistant in the Army, so that was 80% of my job, just providing an outlet for people. That aspect I have no qualms, issues or worries about, I have a fairly good memory and won't have a problem remembering the prayers or circumnavigations, I've just been looking for some overall advice, tips, experiences or funny stories about the job. As Bill Cosby once said, I like to think of myself as an intellectual, which means I read everything I can about something before I start it. So here I'm just trying to satiate that. Again thank you for all of everyone's advice, experience, and attention.
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Here are a few bits for you. I'm the same way, love to read everything I can before beginning the job.

From Comments and Suggestions With Respect to All Lodge Officers:
"The duties of every Chaplain must begin with the essential characteristics of reverence for all that the mantle of charity means in such an institution as is ours. Acts of charity merit reverent care, and he who holds them in reverence and preserves the memory of them is a Chaplain indeed."
The prayers in our Ritual are given in the Monitor, but quite often the Chaplain is called upon to lead us in devotion at dinners, banquets, or public places. He should be careful to phrase his prayers, grace, invocations and benedictions in words acceptable to all faiths. All faiths believe in a Supreme Being, so it is safe to address his prayers to a Heavenly Father or Supreme Architect of the Universe. As Freemasonry is composed of men of various faiths, this should be taken into consideration particularly by the Chaplain.

From The Duties of Wardens and Other Officers:
It is the special duty of the Chaplain to conduct the devotions of the Lodge, and to present before the throne of Heavenly Grace the spiritual needs of the Brethren.

From The Duties (excerpts from Masonic Jurisprudence)
Reverend Brother______, you are appointed Chaplain of this Lodge. It is your duty to perform those solemn services which we should constantly render to our Infinite Creator. In this sacred work, point and lead the Brethren to God and duty by your life.

From The Charge, when Instituting a Lodge Under Dispensation:
Reverend Brother______, you are appointed Chaplain of this Lodge. It is your duty to perform those solemn services which we should constantly render to our Infinite Creator. In this sacred work, point and lead the Brethren to God and duty by your life.

From The Annual Installation of Officers:
Reverend Brother, you are appointed Chaplain of this Lodge, and I invest you with the Jewel of your office.
It is your special duty to conduct the devotions of the Lodge, and to present before the throne of Heavenly Grace the spiritual needs of your Brethren. In all your intercourse with your Lodge, it is expected that you will "point to Heaven and lead the way."
 

JJones

Moderator
My advice would be to try and learn at least one of the prayers.

Something our chaplin does this year is to read a little bit from the Bible each stated meeting. Mostly stuff related to the Ark of the Covenant or King Solomon's Temple.
 

cog41

Premium Member
I like that idea brother JJ.
However I would certainly limit the Bible reading to Solomon's Temple and or his contributions to Proverbs and maybe even Ecclesiastes.
It wouldn't bother me but venturing too far into other areas may be considered too sectarian by some. We certainly want to avoid the potential for open division in the lodge room.
 

tantbrandon

Premium Member
Thanks! As much as I like to read I can't believe I didn't think of looking for a masonic books with prayers. Lol. I appreciate the advice!


My Freemasonry HD
 

LBCutta

Registered User
Learn the prayers, send cards for anyone in sickness and distress, have a church service schedule and most if all provide and outlet for brothers that may be having a hard time and need to talk. Good luck
 

fasttito

Registered User
Good Morning Brother, check out this months issue of The Working Tools Mag, it has about three pages related to this topic. I downloaded to my iPad for the first time for $1.99, it's pretty good. I hope it helps have a great day...
 
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