We learn from our History. Pick up the "First 100 Years of Utah Freemasonry". All of this happened before and all of this will happen again. The Time is Now....
That's all,
JL PM
12 October 2010
02 October 2010
Masonic Entitlement not mine but a great post....
by Tim Bryce,
PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
“A foot soldier for Freemasonry”
A common lament in our society today is that our youth have developed a sense of entitlement whereby they believe they are entitled to a cell phone, a computer, an education, a car, or whatever. For some reason, they believe they have a God-given right to such things as opposed to working and earning them. I also see evidence of this in Masonic Lodges where some young officers believe that by simply attending Lodge and wearing a tux, they are entitled to the next chair in the officer rotation. On too many occasions, in too many Lodges, I have seen such officers skate through their responsibilities and accomplish nothing. They still do not know their ritual work, they still do not capably perform the responsibilities that accompany the office, yet they feel entitled to move up in the Lodge. Actually, such people are capitalizing on those Lodges struggling for membership and participation. The mindset tends to be, “If they don’t like what I’m doing, then fine, I’ll leave and they won’t have anybody sitting in a chair.” This is extortion no matter how you try to rationalize it. If this approach is successful, incompetence is rewarded.
I don’t buy such a scenario and have never voted along such lines. I vote for the person I believe is the most competent to hold the office, not the least, and I’m beginning to believe I’m an anomaly in this regards.
In my jurisdiction, there is no real prerequisite for becoming a Worshipful Master other than being a Master Mason in good standing. You do not need to pass any tests, earn any proficiency cards, attend any training, or know any ritual. Heck, you don’t even have to have earned your white leather apron. I have seen quite a few people who have rotated to the East without such qualifications; they just happened to be warm available bodies who can sit in a chair. As an aside, I have never met a person with such a background who was successful as a Worshipful Master. The Lodge simply muddled through his year and stagnated.
It is my understanding that in California, there are “District Inspectors” who review the capabilities of the Lodge officers. If they can pass the muster, they can proceed to the next chair if so elected. The point is, before they proceed to the next chair, they must be properly trained and understand their responsibilities. To me, this is forward thinking.
There is an unwritten rule that a Worshipful Master should prepare his junior officers for moving up if they are so inclined. This is why I think Masonic Education is so important, including the development of administrative and management skills. Unfortunately, today’s Worshipful Masters are facing resistance from the junior officers because of the entitlement issue. Frankly, I see Masonic entitlement becoming worse before it gets better. If people are unwilling to step up to the plate and assume responsibility, or are unwilling to put their best foot forward, maybe its time to think about closing the Lodge and moving on to one who has its act together.
All we can ask from our Lodge officers is one thing; that they at least TRY. I can assure you they won’t be 100% successful. Undoubtedly they will make mistakes along the way, but you’ll be surprised what can be accomplished simply by trying.
Just TRY!
Keep the Faith!
PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
“A foot soldier for Freemasonry”
A common lament in our society today is that our youth have developed a sense of entitlement whereby they believe they are entitled to a cell phone, a computer, an education, a car, or whatever. For some reason, they believe they have a God-given right to such things as opposed to working and earning them. I also see evidence of this in Masonic Lodges where some young officers believe that by simply attending Lodge and wearing a tux, they are entitled to the next chair in the officer rotation. On too many occasions, in too many Lodges, I have seen such officers skate through their responsibilities and accomplish nothing. They still do not know their ritual work, they still do not capably perform the responsibilities that accompany the office, yet they feel entitled to move up in the Lodge. Actually, such people are capitalizing on those Lodges struggling for membership and participation. The mindset tends to be, “If they don’t like what I’m doing, then fine, I’ll leave and they won’t have anybody sitting in a chair.” This is extortion no matter how you try to rationalize it. If this approach is successful, incompetence is rewarded.
I don’t buy such a scenario and have never voted along such lines. I vote for the person I believe is the most competent to hold the office, not the least, and I’m beginning to believe I’m an anomaly in this regards.
In my jurisdiction, there is no real prerequisite for becoming a Worshipful Master other than being a Master Mason in good standing. You do not need to pass any tests, earn any proficiency cards, attend any training, or know any ritual. Heck, you don’t even have to have earned your white leather apron. I have seen quite a few people who have rotated to the East without such qualifications; they just happened to be warm available bodies who can sit in a chair. As an aside, I have never met a person with such a background who was successful as a Worshipful Master. The Lodge simply muddled through his year and stagnated.
It is my understanding that in California, there are “District Inspectors” who review the capabilities of the Lodge officers. If they can pass the muster, they can proceed to the next chair if so elected. The point is, before they proceed to the next chair, they must be properly trained and understand their responsibilities. To me, this is forward thinking.
There is an unwritten rule that a Worshipful Master should prepare his junior officers for moving up if they are so inclined. This is why I think Masonic Education is so important, including the development of administrative and management skills. Unfortunately, today’s Worshipful Masters are facing resistance from the junior officers because of the entitlement issue. Frankly, I see Masonic entitlement becoming worse before it gets better. If people are unwilling to step up to the plate and assume responsibility, or are unwilling to put their best foot forward, maybe its time to think about closing the Lodge and moving on to one who has its act together.
All we can ask from our Lodge officers is one thing; that they at least TRY. I can assure you they won’t be 100% successful. Undoubtedly they will make mistakes along the way, but you’ll be surprised what can be accomplished simply by trying.
Just TRY!
Keep the Faith!
17 August 2010
Committees, committees and committees
Grand Master work can be tedious but it's all good.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.3
26 April 2010
The Master Mason Charge...Hmm?
In my capacity as a Grand Lodge officer I was asked to read the Master Mason Charge in Progress Lodge for their new candidate of the Sublime degree. The words echo in my ears....
My Brother: Your zeal for our institution, the progress you have made in our mysteries, and your steady conformity to our useful regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for this peculiar mark of our favor.
Duty and honor now alike bind you to be faithful to every trust, to support the dignity of your character on all occasions, and strenuously to enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience to the tenets of Freemasonry.
Exemplary conduct on your part will convince the world that merit is the just title to our privileges, and that on you our favors have not been undeservedly bestowed. In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the irregularities of your less informed brethren; to fortify their minds with resolution against the snares of the insiduous, and to guard them against every allurement to vicious practices.
To preserve unsullied the reputation of the Fraternity, ought to be your constant care; and, therefore, it becomes your province to caution the inexperienced against a breach of fidelity.
To your inferiors in rank or office you are to recommend obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are zealously to inculcate; and by the regularity of your own conduct, endeavor to remove every aspersion against this venerable institution.
Our Ancient Landmarks you are carefully to preserve, and not suffer them, on any pretense, to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from our established customs.
Your honor and reputation are alike concerned in supporting, with dignity, the character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist, whom you have this evening represented.
Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and worthy of the confidence we have reposed in you.
It's good to read such things and remind yourself and others of such things.
I'm glad they asked me.
That's all.
S&F,
JL PM
My Brother: Your zeal for our institution, the progress you have made in our mysteries, and your steady conformity to our useful regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for this peculiar mark of our favor.
Duty and honor now alike bind you to be faithful to every trust, to support the dignity of your character on all occasions, and strenuously to enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience to the tenets of Freemasonry.
Exemplary conduct on your part will convince the world that merit is the just title to our privileges, and that on you our favors have not been undeservedly bestowed. In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the irregularities of your less informed brethren; to fortify their minds with resolution against the snares of the insiduous, and to guard them against every allurement to vicious practices.
To preserve unsullied the reputation of the Fraternity, ought to be your constant care; and, therefore, it becomes your province to caution the inexperienced against a breach of fidelity.
To your inferiors in rank or office you are to recommend obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are zealously to inculcate; and by the regularity of your own conduct, endeavor to remove every aspersion against this venerable institution.
Our Ancient Landmarks you are carefully to preserve, and not suffer them, on any pretense, to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from our established customs.
Your honor and reputation are alike concerned in supporting, with dignity, the character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist, whom you have this evening represented.
Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and worthy of the confidence we have reposed in you.
It's good to read such things and remind yourself and others of such things.
I'm glad they asked me.
That's all.
S&F,
JL PM
14 April 2010
26 February 2010
Wow I made it on Chris Hodapp's Freemasons for Dummies Blog..
Freemasons for Dummies
Honestly though I love Chris and his "reality look" on Freemasonry...
Chris you da man...
That's all.
JL DGM
Honestly though I love Chris and his "reality look" on Freemasonry...
Chris you da man...
That's all.
JL DGM
22 February 2010
George Washington's birthday...
Today is George Washington's birthday. He our first President the rock that held against the storm in the American Revolution. The Man the Freemason. Today I had the opportunity to attend the George Washington Masonic Memorial annual meeting as part of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America. Today it really hit me. I am priveledged to have been elected by my Brethren as Deputy Grand Master and represent my Grand Lodge in DC at this conference. I was able to speak, make friends, break bread and celebrate Freemasonry. Today was my first visit to the Memorial and it is awesome. Today more so than ever I realize the honor I feel to represent Utah. Today was truly humbling and I wish I had the words to share it with my Utah Brethren. Today Brethren, today..Freemasonry more so than ever has been reafirmed in my mind as something great that brings men of different faiths, ethnicity and country together under one Brotherhood. All I can say is Wow.. I uploaded some of my photos from my iPhone to my Facebook page please take a look at some of the great things inside not to mention the gavel and trowel used by George Washington in dedicating the nations Capitol. Also I posed with my friend and Brother the Author Chris Hodapp.
That's all for now.
JL DGM
PS I do know and recognize I wrote a post call "George Washington is dead, deal with it"....
That's all for now.
JL DGM
PS I do know and recognize I wrote a post call "George Washington is dead, deal with it"....
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