Resources for the Worshipful Master to be

[JJones]

Hello brothers,

First I'll say that I hope this is in the right forum and that this topic hasn't been covered before.

I'm currently the SW of my lodge and there's a fair possibility that I'll get voted into the East next year. I've seen what a year with a bad worshipful master can be like and I don't want to let the lodge down if I get elected so I've been wondering what I can do to be as prepared as possible.

So I've got a few questions, if anyone will indulge me:

What personal advise do you have?

Are there any online resources you could recommend?

Any "Do's" or "Don'ts"?

Thanks in advance if anyone has any info!

 

[MDK728]

Worshipful to be

This is my first year sitting in the east and due to some brothers stepping out of the line this year i have found myself going from the south directly to the east. On top of that i am very young in my masonic career/education. Yet despite these circumstances i feel my lodge has made some amazing strides forward in the first few months of my term. We have already been forced to deal with some pretty heavy issues yet we have done so together in unity. The greatest resource i have found as a young master are the constitution of the grand lodge and the by laws of the lodge you are governing. Read them every night for ten or fifteen minutes until you are comfortable with them. Keep copies of both with you in the east. Don't be afraid to hold up a meeting to find a reference. Know the rules and adhere to them. It truly goes a long way in establishing peace and harmony. Especially if the craft knows that your doing your best to uphold our laws and traditions.

Secondly, current and past masters of your lodge and lodges around you.

I have found my ddgm to be an excellent resource!

Ive also found that if you make your mistakes transparent to the lodge. (Mistakes will be made...we are only human afterall) The brothers will respect your honesty and courage. As such they will rally to quickly remady whatever the issue may be.

At least this has been my experience thus far.

Mdk728@hotmail.com

 

[Blake Bowden]

Hello brothers,

First I'll say that I hope this is in the right forum and that this topic hasn't been covered before.

I'm currently the SW of my lodge and there's a fair possibility that I'll get voted into the East next year. I've seen what a year with a bad worshipful master can be like and I don't want to let the lodge down if I get elected so I've been wondering what I can do to be as prepared as possible.

So I've got a few questions, if anyone will indulge me:

What personal advise do you have?

Are there any online resources you could recommend?

Any "Do's" or "Don'ts"?

Thanks in advance if anyone has any info!

Start planning NOW. What do you want to accomplish during your tenure in the East?

Choose your Officers based on merit and willingness to serve. For example, having Wardens who are not active or willing to support YOU would stink. Remember, who you recommend is usually the one who travels to the East in the next year or so. Thankfully, I chose wisely, at least in my opinion, so my Lodge should be in good hands for at least the next 3-4 years. Don't worry about hurting anyones feelings. Your Lodge and it's future is what matters.

It's your time in the East, do what you please and ignore the criticism. I've already ruffled a few feathers, but my concern was the health of my Lodge and our membership vs. being a pushover that coasts along during my year.

Practice! Our little Lodge usually practices the opening and closing of various Lodges or the Q&A's, but not so much on voting, receiving the DDGM, calling down, etc. Having an EA, who hasn't been to Lodge in six months, suddenly show up 15 minutes before your DDGM's Official visit can throw you for a loop..lol

Form your committees. Make sure you ask those Brethren you have in mind if they're willing to serve beforehand.

Make a budget. Since we didn't have any changes, I used the one from the previous Masonic year.

Hold meetings that don't suck. Sure we have to do our typical bill paying and other business, but invite a guest speaker. Print one of the hundreds of articles, trivia or poems on this site and present them. How many of your Lodge members know what the checkered pavement represents? What about the beehive? EVERYTHING in Masonry has symbolism. Teach it. One of the things I've been doing is giving quick presentations during our dinners. The OES provides our meals, so I try to find history or trivia for them as well. Make people want to visit your Lodge because you offer something special. Something they don't get anywhere else. Will your attendance triple? Probably not, but those who show up will always leave with something.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Just because you have a pretty "G" above your chair doesn't mean you're Mr. Know-It-All. Up until recently, I didn't know it was customary for us to request help from our DI vs. expecting him to show up at each practice. Seek advice from PM's. In some Lodges there may be politics at play, but honestly our PM's have proven to be an invaluable resource for me. Remember, we're all on the same team.

Do the wives attend meals before the meetings? If not, why not make it a point for members to invite their wives and/or significant others to the dinners? When the ladies look forward to Lodge nights so they can chat, the better.

How many of your Lodge members have kids, especially young ones? Is your Lodge accommodating? Do you have hi-chairs available?

Invite members to do things OUTSIDE of Lodge. Hunt, camp, cookouts, movie nights, dinners, superbowl parties, etc. Masonry isn't just about making good men better, but building relationships that last a lifetime.

If a member of your Lodge has an issue with a fellow Brother, don't ignore it. 99% of the time the issue can fester or escalate. We're ALL BROTHERS. Sit them both down and do the best you can to mediate it, otherwise things can go from bad to worse.

Well I could go on but it's late and my grammar probably stinks Make Lodge fun. Make Lodge a place of learning Masonry, which many fail to do.

 

[Mac]

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Just because you have a pretty "G" above your chair doesn't mean you're Mr. Know-It-All. Up until recently, I didn't know it was customary for us to request help from our DI vs. expecting him to show up at each practice. Seek advice from PM's. In some Lodges there may be politics at play, but honestly our PM's have proven to be an invaluable resource for me. Remember, we're all on the same team.

I've been thinking about this... Do you know if you have to request a dispensation or similar paper trail if I want to present our new PM with a lodge-specific PM's jewel (looks like a regular officer's jewel, but with a PM's emblem hanging from the collar)? Some people make the new PM Tyler, others send him to the sidelines. I want to keep him up near me when he's up for it.

Do the wives attend meals before the meetings? If not, why not make it a point for members to invite their wives and/or significant others to the dinners? When the ladies look forward to Lodge nights so they can chat, the better.

I guess for me, the main reason my family doesn't come for dinner is it requires a drive across town, and in separate cars. If couples come together, then the woman is left to sit in the dining area during the meeting, and some lodge meetings can run decently long.

 

[Bill Lins]

In 2001 the Committee on Masonic Education & Service produced the Worshipful Master's Manual, which was distributed at the Wardens' Retreats. It is an excellent resource. You might check with the Committee or the Grand Secretary to see if it is still available. Alternatively, you might check to see if any Brother you know might have a copy you could borrow.

 

[JJones]

Thanks for all the feedback so far. If you brothers would further indulge me, I'd like to bounce a few ideas off whomever is willing to offer feedback:

- Throwing a lodge Christmas party, or Feast Of St. John. Our MWSA usually throws Christmas parties for the district but they've allowed them to become more stagnant each year. This idea is really a much more local alternative but I'm not sure how much support the idea might get.

- Start a quarterly trestleboard. It'd just be a short publication of one or two pages that we'd mail out to members that'd allow the WM to keep everyone informed. I'm leaning towards sending out actual mail instead of email because people would be more likely to read it (I doubt I'd read my Knight Templar publication if it was just emailed).

- Hold regular meetings with the officers and committee heads. I know committees are supposed to give reports during stated meetings so I don't know if it's really necessary...the idea is that it'd help everyone stay on the same page though.

-Education. It goes without saying that most lodges don't offer enough, if any, masonic education. The goal is to offer some sort of presentation every stated meeting.

- Statements of availability. Basically a signup sheet where brothers can clearly state what chairs and committees they'd be willing to take on. The idea is that it better empowers the brethren to elect officers based off their merits instead of it simply being their turn.

Anyhow, I'd really like feedback, like I said. Has anyone tried any of these things with (or without) success? I'm really interested in what works and what doesn't, as well as how they'd best be implemented.

 

[Timothy Fleischer]

Brother,

Having twice been WM of my Lodge and having been active in it for over 15 years, I would like to offer some 20/20 Hindsight.

1. Pick One Thing. Make it memorable. Work toward that one thing throughout your year and bring the brothers with you.
During my second time around, we had a "historical" marker dedicated at our Lodge on the Fourth of July. It brought the local historical society into our old lodge (which we had to clean up and spruce up in order to host them). After the marker dedication, we were the keynote speakers at the Fourth of July picnic, talking about Freemasonry and the History of the revolution and History of Texas Revolution. Whatever project you may choose, make it something that will take the work of several brothers and will involve the community outside the Lodge. Here are some ideas: Take Time to Read, Clean Up of areas in need in the community, Raise funds for one group that needs help (school groups beyond the Booster Club and Band are always in need of money). Last year, our lodge of 15-25 active Brothers raised over $2,000 with a 2-hour chili supper and gave all of the proceeds to the fledgling Soccer program that had no $$ and little help from the Boosters. Each year, we pick a different school group or community group to donate money and then sponsor a fundraiser for them. It gives our Lodge a lot of public support.

2. Find good coaches and good players. Turn to the Past Masters and give them roles to perform and let them go! If they are busy, they will not have any time to think of ways that you suck and that they were the most awesome Master ever! If they are head of the Public School Week committee, all of their concentration will be on making this year the best PSW ever! Get out of their way..... Don't forget to team the PM with Young Guns in the Lodge. The Freedom, Fervency and Zeal of that combination can be one of the best things to happen.... And don't forget to pat them on the backs.

3. Education: Every Lodge has the Ritualist, the Philosopher, the Historian. Give each of these type brothers advance notice and freedom to make a presentation at the end of the meeting. You do not have to bring in outside speakers every month. Bring in an outside speaker once or twice a year, if necessary, otherwise share the load. Have an education officer who will put together the programs three or four months out.

4. PLay together. If you like cigars and scotch, have one night of cigars and single malts with a handful of brothers. Have another night of barbecue. Do it in homes, restaurants or other areas away from the Lodge building. Our lodge is so small that our social get togethers take place outside of the meetings, not before.

5. Institute YOUR OWN Tradition. At the end of each meeting, just before closing, I would call on one member, or maybe a visiting brother, to stand up for a minute or so and share "Why I am a Mason, who influenced me, what it does for me." I would pick different types of brothers each month: A newbie, A 50-year, a Past Master, a Steward (the guy who cooks and cleans but could not put on a degree if his life depended on it). They would not know until that meeting that it was their turn. I think it brought our lodge together. Do one thing different than you predecessor.

6. Criticize in private, praise in public. If a Brother comes in to Lodge and is not dressed, or improperly dressed, address the situation quietly. If Brother stands up after the DDGM speaks (which has happened to me TWICE this year), the Master should address that situation after the meeting. Unless it is offensive and egregious, wait until after the meeting and do it in private and with kindness. You can save a Brother from future embarrassment and keep him as a Brother by doing it in private.

7. This is last and may be the most important, depending upon the circumstances of the Lodge. Do not let the Secretary run the Lodge. Too many times, the Secretary never changes and Master's all look desperately to their left without a clue as to what the next item on the agenda is or what is the protocol for handling a circumstance. Take Charge of the Lodge. It is yours for the year. You have been elevated and entrusted to care for it. And when you are done in the East, keep serving. (Carry the cheat sheet on voting at your podium so that you do not have to ask your secretary "Do we vote with hands on this? or secret ballot?" It is much better for you to announce, Brothers, we have so-so and this is how we do it," than turning to the left constantly. The Secretary serves the Lodge by serving the Master, not by upstaging him.

 

[Blake Bowden]

Politics...in many Districts it's inevitable.

I've been in communication with Brethren who've felt scorned, under appreciated, etc. IMO, it doesn't matter who's right or wrong, but acknowledging any issues they have and welcoming them back to Lodge with open arms can make a difference.

Another issue to think about is Brethren who or are in sickness and distress. I would estimate that 75% of those who need to be in our thoughts and prayers, don't ask, much less divulge what they are going through. I've had Brothers seeking treatment for Cancer, but don't want to be on the sickness or distress "list". In those cases, I contact them directly to let them know that I'm thinking about them...

Small acts can make a difference.

 

[Brother Mark]

One of our past masters told me that when he was made the worshipful master. He asked all the living past masters to have a meeting with him. There he asked them what they wanted to see, how the lodge should be lead, etc. He learned alot from that meeting. Now he is viewed as one of the best we have had.

 

[Blake Bowden]

There he asked them what they wanted to see, how the lodge should be lead

It shouldn't be about their vision of what the Lodge should be, but his.

 

[chrmc]

If you want some good reference texts, check this link http://www.masonicrenewal.org - they have a lot of good info on leadership, running the lodge etc.

A do and don't could be not to bring politics into the lodge. Even if it's only via a signature on a message board

 

[JJones]

Thanks again everyone, this is all appreciated.

Thank you for the link Brother. As for my sig, I haven't seen any harm in it...if it's unappreciated by the brothers I'd be fine with removing it though.

 

[chrmc]

I'm new to the board, though I've been lurking for a while, so I'm not the one at all to set the standards around here. It is a private message board after all. However I will admit that I've been surprised about the political section of the board as well as some of the various political signatures.
One of the main things that I personally find appealing about freemasonry is that it in fact is non political and non religious. We are all brothers no matter what our opinion may be. In some senses I almost find that to be a cornerstone of masonry.

But alas, we digress and this is not at all what this discussion should be about. Sorry for hijacking the thread. I do find your initiatives to looking into becoming a better WM very positive, and wish you the best of success you in your upcoming year.

 

[Mac]

As for my sig, I haven't seen any harm in it...if it's unappreciated by the brothers I'd be fine with removing it though.

Just speaking as another poster and brother, your sig's fine in my opinion. You don't bring it up and wave it around as part of every discussion in which you participate. It's just like a bumper sticker on a car parked outside the Lodge. We all see it, but we're focused on talking about more important stuff here.

 

[Timothy Fleischer]

Some resources for the incoming Worshipful Master... none of which I offered in my earlier monologue/sermon/diatribe/meander...

From the Grand Lodge of Texas
The Officer's Handbook: a little yellow booklet available from GLoT.

LIFE Program. Your lodge SHOULD have a LIFE counselor or education counselor. You should have already gone through the training for JW and SW.

PASS IT ON: A new program from GM James F. Brumit designed to help Lodges in attracting, educating and keeping quality Masons... I like this program and I am working to implement in my Lodge. Warning: I am the District Deputy Grand Master under Grand Master Brumit, so I may.... may.... be a little predisposed in favor of it. Your Lodge should have a copy and other printed copies are available for $5 per. CHEAP!


These may not be from the GLoT, so please do not take them as having ANY authority of the GLoT. Regardless, in my opinion, if something is worthwhile, it is worthwhile. They are attached to this message.
PLEASE, before taking anything from outside GLoT into consideration, make sure that it does not violate any of the Laws of the GLoT (particularly regarding ritual, "recruiting," etc.).

 

[Timothy Fleischer]

View attachment 2349View attachment 2350Here are two more files that I find to be interesting reading about the future of Masonry. Written long ago in a galaxy far, far away (north of Fort Worth)......

 

[JJones]

Awesome Brother Fleischer, I'll be sure to have a look through all of these links!

One thing I find curious though, is you sound as though you like the Pass It On program as well as the ideas behind Guarding the West and Laudable Pursuit. I've read the Pass It On Booklet as well as Laudable Pursuit and I almost find the ideas presented in both of them to be a bit conflicting. The impression I got from Pass In On was quantity over quality while Laudable Pursuit and Guarding The West seem to lean in the other direction?

I ask because when I read the Pass It On Booklet I was a little disappointed by the direction I perceived it was taking and I lean more towards striving for quality other than quantity. Maybe I was mistaken but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.

 

[Timothy Fleischer]

Awesome Brother Fleischer, I'll be sure to have a look through all of these links!


I ask because when I read the Pass It On Booklet I was a little disappointed by the direction I perceived it was taking and I lean more towards striving for quality other than quantity. Maybe I was mistaken but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.

Brother Jones,

Thanks for sending me back to those documents to read them again. I have not gotten as much work done at work or at home and I hold you to blame!

Seriously, I did go back and read Dwight Smith's "Whither are we traveling," and "Laudable Pursuit" by the Knights of the North and re-examined PASS IT ON. I do not find Pass it On in much conflict with these.

Here's why:
Throughout Pass it On, the emphasis is on finding ways to reach out to quality men that we know would make good Masons. I did not see anything in there about one day degrees, reduced proficiencies, accepting anyone, pooh-poohing our job on investigation committees. Instead, what I read is reaching out to quality men, informing them about what Masonry means to us and leaving them to make a decision. if they decide to ask that all-important question, then Pass it On is intended as a program of Mentorship whereby we educate the candidate, the EA, the FC, the MM on Masonry. PIO is intended to build that one-on-one bond between Mentor and Mentee (horrible term... but whatever). Pass it On outlines a program for close, personal instruction at each step of progress. This sounds like Quality.

I argue that you can have Quality AND Quantity. If we find a way to talk to our brothers, sons, dads, neighbors, church members about what Masonry means to us --- without overstepping into Recruitment -- then we may see our Lodges grow with good, quality Masons. AND if we educate those Masons from the moment they petition throughout their career, we will have BETTER Masons. And better men.

Speaking to Smith's premise on charity (as well as the Knights): I think we should have the close, personal charity of paying for a brother's dues when he is down and out (and not telling anyone about it). I think we should also have the Fish Fry charity... the kind where we raise money for scholarships for down-and-out kids who deserve a chance. We should also have the Hospital charity. How can it be bad as Masons to see our dollars -- even if it is a hastily written check once a year -- save kids lives? How can it be bad as Masons to see our dollars -- even if it is just a check in return for some Masonic bling likely to be easily lost -- go towards a retirement home for poor and penniless brothers? We can have personal charity AND checkbook charity. Both are needed and one kind of giver should not denigrate another kind.

Reading the treatises of Bro. Smith and the Knights of the North, I think that these Brothers must be members of large metropolitan lodges. I am not. I belong to a small lodge of tight-knit brothers who are doing a lot of good things both inside the walls of the lodge and in the community. Maybe some of the Lodges with 500 brothers would be better served by breaking up into small lodges where close ties are easier to make? I don't know, because I do not belong to a large lodge. I do hear Brothers who do belong to big city lodges grumble about degree mills and politics and etc. etc. Maybe the Lodges are too big, not the Fraternity?

Anyway, thanks for causing me to go back and review/reread those booklets. And for causing me to think more deeply about the Fraternity and the Brothers that I love.

Tim

 

[JJones]

Brother Fleischer, thank you for clarifying this for me. It looks as though I'm really the one that may need to go and re-read everything.