DDGM Messages for 2010-2011

Brethren

I have over the past 5 official visits geared my remarks to getting back to the basics, so we are uniform in our Work, teach the same meaning, so we all understand and learn correctly. In order for our Brethren in the future to be able to enjoy the benefits and comradery of Masonry that we enjoy today, and as our predecessors have done for centuries.

As a majority of the Lodges in Brant are getting ready for elections and Installations over the next couple of months, I would like to touch on one particular area, regarding the readiness of the Master-Elect.

The information for this topic I have obtained from the books, Towards the Square, Meeting the Challenge but mostly from my own personal experiences.

In all fairness to the Masters-Elect are they fully ready to assume the Great responsibility they are about to undertake. The book of constitution states in section 251 that no Brother shall be installed as Worshipful Master unless the examining Board reports that he is familiar with the Duties of a Master.

He is to know how to open and close in all 3 degrees as well as know the work in all 3 degrees. This becomes very evident by how many times the letters W.M. show up in the book of the work. It also states at the beginning of the Ceremony of Installation and Investiture that in order to pass this examination given by three Installed Masters that the Master Elect is to be familiar with the book of Constitution, the portions that relate to the Duties of Master, which are sections 173 tot 383. By the Master making himself familiar with these sections of the Constitution he will be better prepared to give an answer or render a decision with little or no hesitation on matters that may arise his Lodge.

Yes in most cases we have a fairly long journey on the road to becoming Worshipful Master of our Lodge, and yes there should be plenty of time for a Brother to prepare and ready himself for this high position. But Brethren, how many of our Wardens have been instructed on what to study and what duties will actually be required of them in order for them to prepare for what will most likely be the biggest step in their Masonic Career. Or do we just simply assume they should know and leave them on their own?

I have stated in earlier remarks this year about the duties we owe to our Candidates. On the need for Mentoring them to ensure a smooth transition to the next degree, in order to lessen the stress and make sure that transition is meaningful and pleasant. The feeling of pride achieved in knowing your ready for that next step, and looking forward to the challenge and excitement of that journey.

Brethren, are we not still Candidates, even after we achieve the sublime degree of a Master Mason? While advancing through the offices of the Lodge do we not require further education, coaching, Yes Brethren in other words Mentoring. As with our newly admitted Candidates, continuous Mentoring is required for us to move on to the next level successfully with pride and confidence. Do we not owe it to our Elected officers the benefit of Mentoring as well? We must not simply be placed into the chair for convenience, we need to have the skill set and desire to advance. All to often as with our Candidates we fail to give them the tools and assistance to motivate them for advancement.

The evening we hold elections, 3 installed Masters are elected to examine the Master Elect. This committy must have the skill and knowledge required to give this examination. My question then becomes, should their duties end after the examination. Would it not be prudent to have them assume the same duties to Guide, Teach and Mentor the Senior Warden, so he to is ready for that transition to the Chair of King Solomon. Both for his benefit and for that of the well running of the Lodge.

Think how smoothly not only installation will go when the Master Elect is fully ready to assume those duties, with no reluctance, no hesitation no regret. Imagine how well the Lodge will operate when a Master is prepared for almost every circumstance. This knowledge and confidence can not help but radiate throughout the Lodge and help encourage all that are willing to put forth a little effort to be able to experience those great memories and rewards on the journey to the East.

Brethren, my remarks this evening were in no way meant to point fingers, condemn any ones ways, practices or reasons. But on the contrary, they are made from the heart in hopes that by spending a little extra time in Mentoring our Masters-Elect, in making sure they are ready and have the confidence in order to assume this new role, so that it becomes more of a pleasant and positive experience rather than wondering what did I just get myself into.

I chose this topic tonight because elections bring back many fond as well as somewhat scary memories for me. On my journey thus far in Masonry I have had that deer caught in the headlight look more often than I cared to. I know that with a little more preparation on my part, and a little more Mentoring, from the seasoned veterans of my Lodge, my Journey to the East would not have been just a little less stressful.

Brethren my wish for the Lodges of Brant is not only Longevity, but to experience the pride in knowing that the Future Masters of our Lodges have benefitted from the assistance of caring and knowledgeable Mentors and that they have a true desire to become the next leaders of our Lodges, Our District, Our Jurisdiction and even our Community’s.