One of the greatest problems that will confront the average
Worshipful Master of today is to formulate a program that will maintain the
Brethren's interest in the Lodge on a high level. No Masonic Lodge can or will
run itself. Therefore, much of the success of holding the interest of the Lodge
membership depends upon the Master's abilities.
No Lodge will succeed if it devotes all its meetings to the
conferring of degrees. Ritual is necessary, but it is merely the vehicle that
conveys to the hearts and minds of men the great lessons of the Fraternity.
There is much, much more to Freemasonry than just ritual; namely, history, landmarks,
regulations, symbols, etc. To many men, fraternalism and companionship mean
more than ritual. They are so busily engaged in their occupational and civic
endeavors that they have neither the time nor inclination to perfect themselves
in the Masonic ritual. Therefore, these Brethren fail to enjoy Lodge meetings
where nothing but the conferring of degrees takes place. The Lodge that depends
upon ritualistic work, as its sole means of Masonic enjoyment, will soon learn
that it must either perform to empty seats or resort to other devices to stimulate
attendance. There are too many outside interests that must be confronted. Therefore,
Lodge meetings must be made more interesting and informative in order to be
competitive with those outside interests.
The Master should hold regular meetings with his officers,
where he should discuss the problems of the Lodge and secure the thinking of
others who work with him. Many times, this enables the Master to more easily
make his decision. Remember that the Master, alone, cannot do everything that
needs to be done.
If Freemasonry in Mississippi is to grow and prosper, we must
learn from the past, improve the present, and prepare for the future.
THIS IS THE CHALLENGE OF LEADERSHIP! WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT?
Worshipful Brother:
You have been elected and installed as Worshipful Master of
your Lodge. This office is one of great antiquity, of great honor, and of equally
great responsibility.
By your installation, you are invested with the Title of "Worshipful",
a title that you hold for life. While in office, you are an active member of
Grand Lodge. In your own Lodge, subject only to higher Masonic Authority, you
are an absolute ruler. Like a monarch, you alone are entitled to be covered.
The Master of a Masonic Lodge is not quite in the category
of a chairman of a club. He has certain special duties and privileges. He is
the direct representative of the Grand Master who takes his authority from immemorial
custom. As such, the Master is the complete ruler and not subject to the restriction
that may be imposed on an ordinary chairman.
He can, if he wishes, suspend a meeting; he can remove the Warrant (which is
entrusted to him personally); he can veto discussion. Ordinary processes cannot
displace him nor can one disagree with his rulings. In effect, what he says,
goes, but he would be a foolish Master who would try and force unpalatable decisions
on his Lodge where harmony is the prime consideration.
The main duty of a Master is to rule and direct his Lodge
and his special privileges do not release him from the need for knowing the
rules of debate. When we see fumbling and hesitation with whispered conferences
in the East, we suspect that the Master is not ruling and directing - he is
being ruled and directed - and if it becomes a habit, we doubt his fitness to
hold the office.
As Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge, you have multiple
responsibilities with distinct and separate duties to the Lodge over which you
preside, to the Grand Lodge under whose authority it works and to which you
owe allegiance, and to the community in which that Lodge is located.
These are broken into two general categories:
1. Duties and Responsibilities to the Grand Lodge
2. Duties and Responsibilities to Your Own Lodge.
1. TO THE GRAND LODGE
At your installation, you took an official obligation "strictly
to comply with the Constitutions and Regulations of the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of Mississippi." You also gave your solemn assent to those ancient
charges and regulations, which point out the duty of a Master of a Lodge.
These duties you cannot keep unless you are familiar with
the laws, which you have promised to obey. Accordingly, your first duty to Grand
Lodge is to study the "Constitutions and Standing Regulations and Decisions"
of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi (Williams Digest of Laws).
You should also familiarize yourself with the official Grand Lodge Textbook
and with the Annual Proceedings of our Grand Lodge.
Your responsibilities to Grand Lodge fall into two categories;
those that devolve upon you as a member of Grand Lodge and those that devolve
upon you as the presiding officer of a constituent Lodge.
As a member of Grand Lodge, it is your duty to attend the
communications of that body. This you have promised to do and you should make
every effort to keep that promise.
As a member of Grand Lodge, it is your privilege and duty
to vote upon all matters coming before that body and in the annual election
of Grand Lodge Officers. In casting your vote, the best interest of the Fraternity
should always be your guide.
On those matters which have been laid over from a previous
communication or which have been referred to the Lodges for consideration, it
is entirely proper that you take the census of your own Lodge and be influenced
by this expression of opinion. However, you cannot be entirely bound thereby,
since the recommendations and discussions heard in Grand Lodge may throw a new
light upon the question concerned.
2. TO THE LODGE
As the presiding officer of a Subordinate Lodge, your duties
to the Lodge include the following:
1. Punctuality
2. Conduct business in an Orderly, Courteous, and Harmonious manner
in strict conformity with the Laws, Regulations and Edicts of The Grand Lodge.
3. Study: Williams Digest of Laws - See that the laws are obeyed.
See that there is Ritualistic Proficiency.
4. Follow Order of Business – Text Book. Exercise firm but
kindly control over Lodge Activities - Roberts Rules of Order
5. Don't leave things to last minute.
6. Set up Practice Schedules
7. Set up Degree Work Schedule.
8. Assign Instructor to Each Candidate
9. Follow up on Each Candidate
10. Attend Grand Lodge Annual Sessions
11. See that Grand Lodge Communications are read.
12. See that a Team is available for Masonic Funerals. Visit and
encourage members to visit Family and Funeral Home.
13. Visitation: Elderly Sick Those in Need
14. Set up Visit for Grand Master - See that All Arrangements are
made.
15. Plan Special Activities 16. Don't call on everyone to speak.
As the presiding officer of a Subordinate Lodge, you have
an especial relationship with certain officers of the Grand Lodge.
1. The Grand Master is your superior officer in Masonry. He exercises
powers and prerogatives dating from time immemorial. In the recess between Grand
Lodge sessions, he wields the full executive power of the Grand Lodge. In his
presence, your own authority ceases. To him you must surrender the gavel of
authority, not as a mere courtesy, but as an act of homage and fealty. You do
not invite him to preside. He presides over your Lodge by right. Needless to
say, his edicts and directives will receive your unquestioning obedience. To
you, as to all Masons within our Jurisdiction, his word is law.
2. The Grand Secretary's contact with your lodge is largely through
your Lodge Secretary. In all administrative problems, the Grand Secretary is
your best source of information. He knows more answers than any other person.
Do not hesitate to call upon him at any time.
3. The Grand Lecturer is the official Custodian of the Work in Mississippi.
A District Deputy Grand Lecturer in your Masonic District represents him. With
him, you should maintain the most intimate and cordial relations. He should
be notified and invited to your Lodge rehearsals. You should always feel free
to consult him on any ritualistic problem. Your contacts with the District Deputy
Grand Lecturer should be frequent and personal.
As Master, you should always be careful in your use of Masonic
titles.
The basic Masonic title is, of course, "Brother". Higher Masonic titles
are acquired by virtue of service in certain Masonic offices.
The Grand Master and all Past Grand Masters have the title
of "Most Worshipful". All other elective Grand Lodge Officers, past
and present, have the title of "Right Worshipful". Appointed Grand
Lodge Officers have title of "Right Worshipful" only during year they
serve. Once acquired, a Masonic title is held for life for those elected by
Grand Lodge only. In using these titles, it is perfectly proper to say either
"Worshipful John Doe" or "Worshipful Brother John Doe".
However, when only the last name is used, you should always say "Worshipful
Brother Doe",
never “Worshipful Doe".
The Senior Warden has progressed a step closer to the East
and, by this time, should realize that he is assuming even greater responsibilities
in preparing himself for the Master's station. It is the duty of the Senior
Warden to render great assistance to the Worshipful Master in the discharge
of his duties. Inasmuch as he is a future Master, by the normal law of progression,
he should prepare himself accordingly. The Senior Warden should be the exponent
of Harmony and it is his moral duty to insure that harmony prevails among the
Brethren. Wherever he finds existing differences, he should do his utmost to
reconcile them and, if he fails, he should report the facts to the Worshipful
Master who should take such action as might be deemed necessary.
His own life and conduct must reflect the principles of the
Masonic Order. If it does not, how can he expect the Brethren in the Lodge to
respect either him or those principles?
Having reached the station of Senior Warden, he cannot be unmindful
of what is expected of him during this year of service. He should be preparing
the program that he desires to place before the Lodge during his upcoming year
as Master. Far too many Brethren assume the Master's station without having
given any thought to what they expect to do for the Lodge during their term.
If no planning has been done as Senior Warden, he will not contribute anything
to Masonry, and it would be better if he had not advanced. Most Worshipful Masters
retire from office, wishing that they had done more for the Lodge. If more advance
planning is done, there will be less left undone. By all means, plan while you
are Senior Warden.
The Senior Warden should accept the chairmanship of a Committee,
3 to 5 members, to make a personal contact to each member that has not paid
his current year's dues.
The Junior Warden is the third ranking officer in a Lodge.
He is governed by the same rules and regulations as the Senior Warden. In the
absence of the Worshipful Master and Senior Warden, he succeeds to the duties
of the Master. The Junior Warden is charged with the superintendence of the
Craft "during the time of refreshment", otherwise meaning, the time
during which the Lodge is at recess. A liberal interpretation of this duty admonishes
him to look after the general welfare of the Craft. He should caution the Brethren
against infractions of both the Masonic and the Moral code and, in cases of
flagrant and repeated violations, prefer charges whether ordered to do so by
the Lodge or not.
But how can a Brother, who is not living by these precepts,
bring charges against one who has violated them? This is just one good reason
why we should be extremely careful as to who is elevated to this Station.
The Junior Warden should be thoroughly familiar with the Masonic
Law of Mississippi and if he is not, now is the time to begin a serious study
of its contents. No Lodge officer can properly fill his station or place without
a good working knowledge of the Code and this is particularly true with the
Junior Warden.
The Junior Warden should accept the responsibility of the
chairmanship of a 3-5 member Committee to contact Suspended members for reinstatement.
We will not dwell too long on the Treasurer and his duties, except to say that he should be the "watch dog" of the funds of the Lodge. He should receive them from the Secretary and pay them out on proper authority according to the By-Laws of the Lodge. He should keep an accurate record of all funds turned over to him and deposited in the Lodge's account; being certain that his deposits agree with the amounts received from the Secretary. It is also suggested that the Treasurer render to the membership periodic reports on the finances of the Lodge.
The Secretary is the recording and corresponding officer
of any Lodge.
While many may disagree with us, we feel that the Secretary is the most important
officer in a Lodge and too much care cannot be exercised in his selection. A
Lodge may get along with a poor or weak Worshipful Master.
However, an inefficient Secretary soon brings confusion and disaster.
Each Lodge should select the best Brother among its membership
for this
important and sensitive position. Often, it is a job that no one wants and some
Past Master must be prevailed upon to accept it for the good of the Lodge.
A Secretary should be courteous and tactful. He should make
a careful study of the best interests of the Lodge and be always ready to serve
the Craft. He should, first of all, train himself to obey the will and pleasure
of the Worshipful Master and Brethren. Frequently, Secretaries, who have long
years of service as such, tend to forget that the Master is the superior officer.
They proceed to do things on their own initiative without consulting the Master
and many times, this leads to trouble and ill feelings between the Master and
Secretary. The Secretary should remember that the Master is charged with the
responsibility of the Lodge and let his best endeavors be to serve as Apprentice
Masons did in former times: "With Freedom, Fervency and Zeal".
It is imperative for the submission of annual reports on time;
to answer all correspondences to the Lodge promptly, seeing that dues cards
are issued promptly, seeing that warrants and death certificates are issued
promptly, keeping the Lodge records so that others can understand them. The
records of any Lodge belong to the membership and each member is entitled to
see them, if he so desires.
Every Secretary should take pride in his work so that in fulfilling
the duties assigned to him, he enhances the reputation of his Lodge, especially
in the eyes of the Grand Lodge and Grand Master.
Yes, the Secretary is a most important cog in the machinery
of a good Masonic Lodge and the proper performance of his duties will contribute
to the success of his Lodge.
To you, with such assistance as may be necessary, is entrusted the introduction of visitors. It is also your province to attend on the Master and Wardens and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the Lodge, such as in the reception of candidates into the different degrees of Masonry and in the immediate practice of our rites.
As the "Sword" is placed in the hands of the Tiler
to enable him effectually to keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, see that
none pass or repass except such as are duly qualified and have permission of
the Worshipful Master; so it should morally serve as a constant admonition to
us to set a guard at the door of our lips, to post a sentinel at the avenue
of our actions; thereby excluding every unqualified and unworthy thought, word,
and deed; and preserving consciences void of offence toward God and toward man.
Your early and punctual attendance will afford the best proof
of your zeal for the institution.
As Steward, the duties of your office are to see that the tables are properly furnished at refreshment, that every Brother is suitably provided for, and generally to assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their duties.
In his selection of appointive officers and Lodge committees, the Master should appoint only those Brethren whom he feels will be loyal to him, the Lodge, and Freemasonry in general. The appointment of personal friends should be avoided unless those individuals are well qualified for the appointment for which they are being considered and in those cases of line office positions, they should exhibit the type of dedication needed to, someday, govern the Lodge from the Master's station. The Master should have the courage to remove from office any appointive officer or committeeman who does not fulfill his obligations to the position nor attend Lodge meetings as he should. Too often, Brethren are allowed to remain in the appointed line and advance regularly, merely because to remove an erratic Brother would disturb a previous Master's appointment. If the Brother is not performing his duties, he should be admonished as to exactly what is expected; and if there continues to be no improvement, he should be replaced for the good of the Fraternity. This is the only manner by which the Lodge can maintain a strong line of officers and continue its growth. It is human nature to hesitate to remove an appointed officer; however, if during your year as Master, it becomes necessary REMEMBER - IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!
One of the most important duties of a Mason is to take his assignment on an Investigation Committee seriously. The Committee on Investigation should inquire into everything affecting the qualifications of a Candidate, including whether the Lodge has jurisdiction over him. Is he of sound mind and members and does he come under the tongue of a good report? What about his character and family life? Remember that the typical Freemason is a responsible member of his community; busily engaged with his domestic, social, vocational and civic obligations. Will the candidate measure up? Do not neglect the questions and include the family in the discussion.
There shall be appointed in each Lodge by the Master, immediately
after installation, a committee to be composed of three discreet members, to
be known as the Committee on Complaints and Offenses.
Their duty shall be to take notice of all offenses by Masons,
whether members of the Lodge or sojourners, including the suspended, against
Masonry, good morals, and society, which may either come under their own observation
or of which they may be informed by any person or through any source. Without
delay, they are to fairly and impartially investigate the same, and if they
deem that the welfare of Masonry or the protection of the weak and defenseless
demands such action, to report any misconduct of such Masons to the Lodge.
Their report may or may not be accompanied by charges and
specifications as they shall think best. They are not to bring the good name
of the Mason under disrepute unless there is well-founded ground for believing
that he has so misconducted himself as to require the Lodge to discipline him.
On the other hand, they are to be zealous in protecting the good name of the
Craft and in seeing that it is unstained and untarnished by the misconduct of
those who are unworthy of being countenanced by Masons.
It shall be the duty of Masters of Lodges, at each regular meeting, to appoint a committee of three to serve until the next regular meeting, or until their successors are appointed, whose duty it shall be to ascertain who are sick and who are destitute within the jurisdiction of the Lodge, and it shall be the duty of the committee so appointed to report cases of destitution to the Master of the Lodge, and to appoint a suitable number of Brethren daily to visit and nurse the sick, if necessary, and it shall be the duty of the Brethren so selected to discharge this duty unless excused for reasonable cause.
The Lodge Education Committee should be composed of three
to five Past Masters who are well informed about the History of Freemasonry,
What Masonry Is, How you Become a Mason, and What Masonry Does. The size of
the committee depends on the membership of the Lodge.
Members who are knowledgeable and informed that are not Past Masters may be
added to the Committee.
The responsibility of the Committee is as follows:
1. Meet with each newly raised Master Mason and see that he is informed
about Masonic History and traditions.
2. Review the brochures provided by the Educational Committee of
the Grand Lodge available from the Grand Secretary's Office. Following the respective
Degree, present the new member with a copy of each brochure available.
The following brochures are available from the Grand Secretary's
Office produced by the Educational Committee of the Grand Lodge:
First Word to the Candidate
Instructions for Entered Apprentice
Fellowcrafts
Master Masons
Questions & Answers
Questions and Answers On Freemasonry and Religion
Inactive Mason-Not So!
A Personal Message To A Special Friend
What Masonry Is/What Masonry Is Not
Things You Can/Cannot Talk About With A Non-Mason
Freemasonry and Religion/What Masonry Is
Masonry Does Not Make Perfect Men/Emblem Known World-Wide
I Am Freemasonry/Masonic Membership Card
The Master shall, at the stated meeting for the election of officers, appoint a committee to examine and audit the books and accounts of the Treasurer and Secretary. The committee shall make its report, including a statement as to the condition of the treasury, on or before St. John's Day (December 27th), and prior to the installation of the officers-elect.
The duties of this Committee are:
(1) To visit the sick.
(2) To visit shut-ins.
(3) To visit elderly
(4) Attend Funerals of Members and Families.
The qualifications of a District Deputy Grand Lecturer are
very exacting. He must be a Master Mason that is or has been Master of a Mississippi
Lodge. He must be in possession of or show definite inclination to possess the
adopted ritualistic work. The adopted work is that which is determined to be
by the Grand Lecturer and Board of Custodians and ultimately approved by the
Grand Lodge. He must be well regarded in his community and be generally acceptable
to the Lodges he is to serve. He should be familiar with the regulations that
govern Lodges and be able to counsel judiciously with Lodge Officers and individual
Brothers. He should be courteous to everyone, attentive to all needs, and above
all possess a high quality of leadership. His personal behavior should be commendable
and his moral conduct without question. He should be punctual in all commitments,
reliable in his instruction and dependable when his services are needed.
There are 30 Districts in Mississippi; likewise there are
30 deputies, each having approximately 10 lodges; however this varies somewhat
as some are assigned more and some less than 10, but the average is about 10.
The main purpose and function of the DDGL is to teach the
adopted work and to encourage the Lodges in his care to creditably do the work
in each of the 3 degrees.
His training consists a great deal on his own efforts. He
has to spend considerable time with well-informed Masons and repeat the wording
many, many times until he is confident he knows the work. He must memorize from
the textbook that which pertains to the degrees and avail himself the opportunity
to do the work on candidates, thereby proving his capability.
The Deputy is to encourage good property care, prudence in
finances, adherence to Masonic Law, and study the laws as are inculcated in
the William's Digest.
There is but one Deputy for each district. The Grand Lecturer,
under the auspices of the Grand Lodge, appoints him, having met or assumed to
have the capacity to meet the criteria mentioned above.
Itinerant lecturers are prohibited and for good reason. The
commissioned Deputy is required to attend well-organized schools on an annual
basis where his work is carefully observed by the Grand Lecturer and members
of the Board of Custodians. This practice has proved extremely worthwhile and
has resulted in uniformity of the work throughout the state.
The Lodges should utilize the Deputy for instruction in all
phases of the work, but never be dependent on him for doing the degree work.
The Grand Lodge pays for one day's service and it is strongly suggested that
a full day be arranged in order for the Lodge to get the full benefit of this
important and valuable service. Every Lodge, regardless of size and location,
is in reach of a competent instructor and a willing helper in the District Deputy
Grand Lecturer. Initiative and effort on the part of a Lodge, large or small,
and the utilization of the District Deputy along with taking advantage of composite
knowledge within the Lodge in frequent and systematic practice sessions, will
enable every Lodge to do its own work with credit and pride.
It is necessary and urgent, regardless of present proficiency
or history of your good work, that your Lodge keep in close touch with your
Deputy and use him to the fullest extent possible.
JANUARY: Installation of Officers
- Open Meeting - Refreshments
FEBRUARY: Sweetheart/Widows Banquet - Open Meeting - Covered Dish
MARCH: Special Degree Team - Entered Apprentice Degree
APRIL: Special Degree Team - Fellow Craft Degree
MAY: Special Degree Team - Master Mason Degree
JUNE: Annual Lodge Fund Raiser
JULY: Patriotic Speaker - Family and Guest - Covered Dish
AUGUST: Joint Meeting Masons, Eastern Star - Ice Cream Supper
SEPTEMBER: Grand Master’s Visit
OCTOBER: Past Master's Night
NOVEMBER: Family and Friends Special Thanksgiving Program
DECEMBER: Christmas Party - Gifts For Needy Children/Food For Needy Families
1. Masonic Sunday - All Members attend church as body, Sunday before Easter
and Christmas.
2. Take part in good activities of community such as Parades, Veterans Day Programs,
General Public Programs, Help in Fund Raising Endeavors, Heart, Cancer, Crippled
Children; Toys for Tots, Christmas and Thanksgiving Food Baskets, etc.
3. Lodge Anniversaries
4. Father and Son Night
5. Flag Day
6. Roll Call Home Coming
Publicize Your Meetings By Mail, Newspaper, Radio, and TV.