I’m in the South in Occidental No. 72 in Ballard (Seattle) for similar reasons. Wonderfully talented younger brothers coming up who deserve the experience of the Deacons’ chairs before progressing through the principal chairs.
So a Past District Deputy in the South, a Past District Deputy in the West, and a dedicated Occidental Past Master doing his 4th (non consecutive) term in the East. Not sure whether the West or the East is in store for me next year, but getting our young lads ready for bigger roles is the main goal.
I'm glad to know that Occidental is doing something like this. Too many times in the past I've seen a new man become a Mason, and almost immediately be hustled up to a primary chair. Too much, too fast for a guy to get his bearings so that he can thrive.
Like when a WM who’d been a MM a little over two years appointed you to Junior Steward after your raising? ;-)
In all seriousness, by putting me immediately in the South, the wise brothers of Skykomish (a special interest Lodge focused on railroad history, with plentiful kind, active, and knowledgeable PMs, PDDGMs, and PGMs) protected me from being thrust too early into a principal officer role in another Lodge (with bigger problems) that might have crushed me early in my Masonic journey.
For those not in Washington State, our jurisdiction’s code prohibits being a principal officer (WM, SW, JW) in more than one Lodge simultaneously. A good rule in my opinion.
VW Karl Warren, VW Blackie Mosier, VW Cary Cope and others were most qualified mentors. I miss them and hear their voices still.
I hope to pass a portion of what they taught me to the young brothers coming up.
You did start me on this journey, but from there things got really weird! It all worked out great though!
Like you, I too have wonderful memories of our departed Brothers. I'll never forget the FC Degree lecture VW Cope gave me, and still talk about it from time to time as I still believe that it was the finest lecture I've ever seen. Likewise with VW Karl, from him I think I saw exactly what a Lodge needs to do if it hopes to grow and thrive.
A little side memory about VW Karl too. He was, as you know, extremely old and quite physically small when I became a Mason. He was though, one of the Ruffians for my Third Degree. I knew, from his voice, that it was him, but as he was doing his thing, I remember being shocked at the physical strength he retained. I never would have thought it.
I'm starting through the chairs in Overton Lodge #5 F&AM Tennessee. Yes, I have a project! The lodge is in a grand old building, with a wonderful kitchen and two separate dining rooms, (among other things) down stairs. (the lodge and E.S. meet upstairs) Well, somehow, the dinner before the meeting has devolved to someone bringing dominos or KFC... and of course, with that, the basket for the JW fund is left lacking. Then there's the matter of almost everyone, except the secretary, the treasurer, and the WM showing up in jeans and any old shirt.
This will STOP. As Steward, I'm making it my business to bring the meals up to the standards I held at Steadfast in WA. Next week's meeting is Smoked pork roast, and an Appalachian Pot pie called Pennies, Dollars and Gold. (black eyed peas, corn, collards, bacon, carrots, potatoes, pork, with a cornbread topping)
I can't do anything official with the dress, but I will Gods damn it show up in a suit, anytime it's less than 90 degrees out. If it encourages others to do the same, well, great, if not, I at least will make lodge the formal and significant thing that I believe it should be.
Thanks for this update Brother. I'm glad that you have jumped into a Lodge in your new home State.
I salute you, 100% for taking care of the meals and ensuring that they are good. Nothing sets a tone for a bad meeting like a bad meal beforehand. And of course the reverse is true as well, good meals make people want to attend, and that is a really fundamental step towards building an energetic and thriving Lodge.
I'm lucky in that Melinda has always been willing and eager to help me ensure that our Lodge is well fed. I think that will continue into the future, as we have a couple of young people who seem very interested in learning how to cook for large groups of people. Which is certainly a skill different from cooking for a couple.
At our next meeting we are trying something a little different though, as a twist of circumstances have us both working that day. So, instead of a Lodge provided meal, we are having a Lodge chilli contest with prizes and the whole thing. I think we've got some guys eager to give it a try, so hopefully it is enjoyed by all.
Not too many times, but the Lodge has, in the past, brought in catered meals from a local steakhouse. That seems to have been extremely well received, but due to the costs involved does require really firm RSVP's, which our Lodge isn't very good at getting accomplished.
Like you, I believe dress to be an important tool that can really strengthen a Lodge. But, I have rather odd ideas about what that looks like, and how it might be accomplished.
Too long to write out here, I believe that you have inspired the next Emeth post!
I look forward to reading it. My input, You dress up for things that are important to you. Things that are just 'the boys getting together' you don't.
Education night at the lodge? Not a ceremonial occasion. Not something to dress up for.
Movie or game night? ditto.
Formal lodge? that's a ceremonial occasion. Should you break the bank to get a good suit for it? NO, that would be mismanagement of your personal affairs.
But shower first, and get dolled up in your Sunday best? Well if you would get dressed to go to church, shouldn't you get dressed to go to lodge?
(Especially here in TN where it's much closer to a church atmosphere, complete to prayer circles, and getting together around someone who's headed for surgery to lay on hands and pray, something I found a might surprising. )
I've had the honor of attending a couple Prince Hall functions. Those brothers GET IT. I mean, the officers were in tux with white gloves, everyone else was in a good suit.
If the ELKS lodge can get everyone in suits, and the officers in tuxes, surely the oldest fraternity in the world can get everyone in at least a sports jacket.
I don't disagree with what you write, not the idea of 'sunday best' for ceremonial occasions. I suppose where my difference enters into it is in my thought that this idea can be joined by another, that of a uniform of sorts.
I will admit, the laying on hands during group prayer would have been would have been very far outside of what I'm used to, both as a 'left coast' Mason, and as a Catholic. But that is certainly one of the things that makes our Craft so great, our acceptance of our Brothers differences. Undoubtedly some of my own spiritual beliefs and practices would seem very foreign to others.
I appreciate the approach and care the Brethren of Centralia have applied in this shared journey, and the willingness to continue in roles to help provide stability for the Lodge. I am looking forward to our continued schedule of gatherings and fellowship throughout the year and helping however I am able. Keep up with the Great Work with the web based content and outreach, I look forward to continuing to read your thoughts as they post.
I greatly appreciate all of the assistance that you have provided to me since I stepped into the East. Centralia Lodge has a wonderful future because of your efforts, and the efforts of all our new Masons!
Interestingly enough, I will also be going through the chairs in my home Lodge. Same reason.
When I started my first term as Worshipful Master in 1999:
The current Worshipful Master was 3 years old. So was the Secretary. The Senior Warden was 11. The Chaplain and the Senior Deacon weren’t born yet. Aside from myself, only the Junior Deacon was an adult, being in his mid-30’s at the time. But he wouldn’t join the craft for another 6 years. It’s a sobering thought that I’m the “old man of the bunch,” but after 27 years, that’s the case. I’ve been a Past Master for more than half my life now. So I’ve been mentoring and helping this Lodge this year. Even last year’s Worshipful Master, who is a week younger than my father and has been a Mason since 1968, started getting active again 4 ½ years ago, and it was fun helping him out as well. This will put me in the East for the 2028 year. I’ve already had a few Grand Lodge Brothers ask me if I was out of my gourd. And on the surface, it’s a valid question! But the truth is the Brethren already knew my responsibilities at the Grand Lodge level, so my year in the East will be simply organizing and running the meetings, while the membership does the legwork. I warned them I won’t be able to get any more involved than I am now with events between the meetings, and they fully understand that. But they put me in the line for the same reason – as guidance for the new Brothers, and also so they don’t end up in the East prematurely.
How old was I when I was installed into the East the first time? 24. In the East prematurely. Fortunately, as I’ve mentioned before several times, my officers and mentors had known me since I was a little tyke, so it wasn’t a Trial by Fire, it was a solid, on-the-job learning experience.
Looking back, it is rather scary to realize how fast time flies, and how old we are becoming! As I was reading your comment it struck me that I left the Mayor's desk 23 years ago. Good Lord things move quick!
Ultimately, it is I think a very delicate balance for old fellows like you and me.
We need to guide, where guidance is wanted and needed.
But, we can't let our desire to help turn into obstructionism. We've got to let those behind us fly.
If we can retain that balance, well then I think we remain assets to our Craft.
As I mention to you, MWB Charles and others in our position in the Craft, I want to make sure that we all keep each other in check to prevent any “fiefdoms” from arising. If we don’t keep track of all situations, it can creep up on us without us realizing it. That’s a cool thing about the teachings of Freemasonry. In the 3rd Degree Charge:
“To your inferiors in rank or office, you are to recommend obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; and to your superiors, kindness and condescension.” But at the same time: “As a Master Mason you are authorized to correct the irregularities of your less-informed brethren…” This covers all the bases, and if followed correctly, those in the leadership positions won’t get a stranglehold on the management of a Lodge.
This is what the newer members of both Centralia and Tenino are looking for. It’s not like that damn “bullpen” idea that I hear here from time to time. The newer members want the mentorship from the older, wiser members, not to stuff them in a corner and tell them to speak up only when they’re asked to. In fact, I’ve been told by many of those younger members that the “Bullpen” idea is a poor one as well. But on the other hand, the Past Masters need to mentor properly and not obstruct, and also not to try to run the Lodge by ourselves. I think we’re doing well with that in our Lodges.
One of the things I think we sometimes overlook is that Masonry is a team sport, intended to help us to work together and to learn to trust others with the tasks we cannot ourselves accomplish. Particularly as we progress in life, or the degrees. Imagine if GMHA was too busy shaping Ashlars to prepare a trestleboard?!? I think it is part of the process of development for a Lodge. The development of humility, character, and trust.
Thanks for this message. When I first moved to Everett Washington, the Master of Everett Masonic Lodge No. 137 advised me to visit a few Lodges before asking to join Everett Lodge.
After a few visits to Everett Lodge and other Lodges, I asked W.M. Sam Roberts if I could present my membership in NY's Webster Masonic Lodge No. 538, and be considered for membership here.
I was voted in, and then asked to step out of the meeting. As a PM of my Lodge in NY State, I was voted into the open chair of JW in Everett Lodge (there was a desire that each WM of Everett Lodge be a new WM there (no repeats)!
Thanks for the mention of MW Sam. He has always served as an inspiration to me, and up to this day when I envision a Grand Master in my head, he is the image and the man that comes to mind.
I’m in the South in Occidental No. 72 in Ballard (Seattle) for similar reasons. Wonderfully talented younger brothers coming up who deserve the experience of the Deacons’ chairs before progressing through the principal chairs.
So a Past District Deputy in the South, a Past District Deputy in the West, and a dedicated Occidental Past Master doing his 4th (non consecutive) term in the East. Not sure whether the West or the East is in store for me next year, but getting our young lads ready for bigger roles is the main goal.
God’s speed my brother!
I'm glad to know that Occidental is doing something like this. Too many times in the past I've seen a new man become a Mason, and almost immediately be hustled up to a primary chair. Too much, too fast for a guy to get his bearings so that he can thrive.
Like when a WM who’d been a MM a little over two years appointed you to Junior Steward after your raising? ;-)
In all seriousness, by putting me immediately in the South, the wise brothers of Skykomish (a special interest Lodge focused on railroad history, with plentiful kind, active, and knowledgeable PMs, PDDGMs, and PGMs) protected me from being thrust too early into a principal officer role in another Lodge (with bigger problems) that might have crushed me early in my Masonic journey.
For those not in Washington State, our jurisdiction’s code prohibits being a principal officer (WM, SW, JW) in more than one Lodge simultaneously. A good rule in my opinion.
VW Karl Warren, VW Blackie Mosier, VW Cary Cope and others were most qualified mentors. I miss them and hear their voices still.
I hope to pass a portion of what they taught me to the young brothers coming up.
You did start me on this journey, but from there things got really weird! It all worked out great though!
Like you, I too have wonderful memories of our departed Brothers. I'll never forget the FC Degree lecture VW Cope gave me, and still talk about it from time to time as I still believe that it was the finest lecture I've ever seen. Likewise with VW Karl, from him I think I saw exactly what a Lodge needs to do if it hopes to grow and thrive.
A little side memory about VW Karl too. He was, as you know, extremely old and quite physically small when I became a Mason. He was though, one of the Ruffians for my Third Degree. I knew, from his voice, that it was him, but as he was doing his thing, I remember being shocked at the physical strength he retained. I never would have thought it.
Good read worshipful,
I'm starting through the chairs in Overton Lodge #5 F&AM Tennessee. Yes, I have a project! The lodge is in a grand old building, with a wonderful kitchen and two separate dining rooms, (among other things) down stairs. (the lodge and E.S. meet upstairs) Well, somehow, the dinner before the meeting has devolved to someone bringing dominos or KFC... and of course, with that, the basket for the JW fund is left lacking. Then there's the matter of almost everyone, except the secretary, the treasurer, and the WM showing up in jeans and any old shirt.
This will STOP. As Steward, I'm making it my business to bring the meals up to the standards I held at Steadfast in WA. Next week's meeting is Smoked pork roast, and an Appalachian Pot pie called Pennies, Dollars and Gold. (black eyed peas, corn, collards, bacon, carrots, potatoes, pork, with a cornbread topping)
I can't do anything official with the dress, but I will Gods damn it show up in a suit, anytime it's less than 90 degrees out. If it encourages others to do the same, well, great, if not, I at least will make lodge the formal and significant thing that I believe it should be.
Thanks for this update Brother. I'm glad that you have jumped into a Lodge in your new home State.
I salute you, 100% for taking care of the meals and ensuring that they are good. Nothing sets a tone for a bad meeting like a bad meal beforehand. And of course the reverse is true as well, good meals make people want to attend, and that is a really fundamental step towards building an energetic and thriving Lodge.
I'm lucky in that Melinda has always been willing and eager to help me ensure that our Lodge is well fed. I think that will continue into the future, as we have a couple of young people who seem very interested in learning how to cook for large groups of people. Which is certainly a skill different from cooking for a couple.
At our next meeting we are trying something a little different though, as a twist of circumstances have us both working that day. So, instead of a Lodge provided meal, we are having a Lodge chilli contest with prizes and the whole thing. I think we've got some guys eager to give it a try, so hopefully it is enjoyed by all.
Not too many times, but the Lodge has, in the past, brought in catered meals from a local steakhouse. That seems to have been extremely well received, but due to the costs involved does require really firm RSVP's, which our Lodge isn't very good at getting accomplished.
Like you, I believe dress to be an important tool that can really strengthen a Lodge. But, I have rather odd ideas about what that looks like, and how it might be accomplished.
Too long to write out here, I believe that you have inspired the next Emeth post!
I look forward to reading it. My input, You dress up for things that are important to you. Things that are just 'the boys getting together' you don't.
Education night at the lodge? Not a ceremonial occasion. Not something to dress up for.
Movie or game night? ditto.
Formal lodge? that's a ceremonial occasion. Should you break the bank to get a good suit for it? NO, that would be mismanagement of your personal affairs.
But shower first, and get dolled up in your Sunday best? Well if you would get dressed to go to church, shouldn't you get dressed to go to lodge?
(Especially here in TN where it's much closer to a church atmosphere, complete to prayer circles, and getting together around someone who's headed for surgery to lay on hands and pray, something I found a might surprising. )
I've had the honor of attending a couple Prince Hall functions. Those brothers GET IT. I mean, the officers were in tux with white gloves, everyone else was in a good suit.
If the ELKS lodge can get everyone in suits, and the officers in tuxes, surely the oldest fraternity in the world can get everyone in at least a sports jacket.
MNSHO, your milage may vary.
V/R
Br. William Lehman
I don't disagree with what you write, not the idea of 'sunday best' for ceremonial occasions. I suppose where my difference enters into it is in my thought that this idea can be joined by another, that of a uniform of sorts.
I will admit, the laying on hands during group prayer would have been would have been very far outside of what I'm used to, both as a 'left coast' Mason, and as a Catholic. But that is certainly one of the things that makes our Craft so great, our acceptance of our Brothers differences. Undoubtedly some of my own spiritual beliefs and practices would seem very foreign to others.
I appreciate the approach and care the Brethren of Centralia have applied in this shared journey, and the willingness to continue in roles to help provide stability for the Lodge. I am looking forward to our continued schedule of gatherings and fellowship throughout the year and helping however I am able. Keep up with the Great Work with the web based content and outreach, I look forward to continuing to read your thoughts as they post.
Have a Blessed one and safe Travels!
I greatly appreciate all of the assistance that you have provided to me since I stepped into the East. Centralia Lodge has a wonderful future because of your efforts, and the efforts of all our new Masons!
Interestingly enough, I will also be going through the chairs in my home Lodge. Same reason.
When I started my first term as Worshipful Master in 1999:
The current Worshipful Master was 3 years old. So was the Secretary. The Senior Warden was 11. The Chaplain and the Senior Deacon weren’t born yet. Aside from myself, only the Junior Deacon was an adult, being in his mid-30’s at the time. But he wouldn’t join the craft for another 6 years. It’s a sobering thought that I’m the “old man of the bunch,” but after 27 years, that’s the case. I’ve been a Past Master for more than half my life now. So I’ve been mentoring and helping this Lodge this year. Even last year’s Worshipful Master, who is a week younger than my father and has been a Mason since 1968, started getting active again 4 ½ years ago, and it was fun helping him out as well. This will put me in the East for the 2028 year. I’ve already had a few Grand Lodge Brothers ask me if I was out of my gourd. And on the surface, it’s a valid question! But the truth is the Brethren already knew my responsibilities at the Grand Lodge level, so my year in the East will be simply organizing and running the meetings, while the membership does the legwork. I warned them I won’t be able to get any more involved than I am now with events between the meetings, and they fully understand that. But they put me in the line for the same reason – as guidance for the new Brothers, and also so they don’t end up in the East prematurely.
How old was I when I was installed into the East the first time? 24. In the East prematurely. Fortunately, as I’ve mentioned before several times, my officers and mentors had known me since I was a little tyke, so it wasn’t a Trial by Fire, it was a solid, on-the-job learning experience.
Looking back, it is rather scary to realize how fast time flies, and how old we are becoming! As I was reading your comment it struck me that I left the Mayor's desk 23 years ago. Good Lord things move quick!
Ultimately, it is I think a very delicate balance for old fellows like you and me.
We need to guide, where guidance is wanted and needed.
But, we can't let our desire to help turn into obstructionism. We've got to let those behind us fly.
If we can retain that balance, well then I think we remain assets to our Craft.
As I mention to you, MWB Charles and others in our position in the Craft, I want to make sure that we all keep each other in check to prevent any “fiefdoms” from arising. If we don’t keep track of all situations, it can creep up on us without us realizing it. That’s a cool thing about the teachings of Freemasonry. In the 3rd Degree Charge:
“To your inferiors in rank or office, you are to recommend obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; and to your superiors, kindness and condescension.” But at the same time: “As a Master Mason you are authorized to correct the irregularities of your less-informed brethren…” This covers all the bases, and if followed correctly, those in the leadership positions won’t get a stranglehold on the management of a Lodge.
This is what the newer members of both Centralia and Tenino are looking for. It’s not like that damn “bullpen” idea that I hear here from time to time. The newer members want the mentorship from the older, wiser members, not to stuff them in a corner and tell them to speak up only when they’re asked to. In fact, I’ve been told by many of those younger members that the “Bullpen” idea is a poor one as well. But on the other hand, the Past Masters need to mentor properly and not obstruct, and also not to try to run the Lodge by ourselves. I think we’re doing well with that in our Lodges.
One of the things I think we sometimes overlook is that Masonry is a team sport, intended to help us to work together and to learn to trust others with the tasks we cannot ourselves accomplish. Particularly as we progress in life, or the degrees. Imagine if GMHA was too busy shaping Ashlars to prepare a trestleboard?!? I think it is part of the process of development for a Lodge. The development of humility, character, and trust.
Well said, Brother.
MWPGM BAILEY,
Thanks for this message. When I first moved to Everett Washington, the Master of Everett Masonic Lodge No. 137 advised me to visit a few Lodges before asking to join Everett Lodge.
After a few visits to Everett Lodge and other Lodges, I asked W.M. Sam Roberts if I could present my membership in NY's Webster Masonic Lodge No. 538, and be considered for membership here.
I was voted in, and then asked to step out of the meeting. As a PM of my Lodge in NY State, I was voted into the open chair of JW in Everett Lodge (there was a desire that each WM of Everett Lodge be a new WM there (no repeats)!
Thanks for the mention of MW Sam. He has always served as an inspiration to me, and up to this day when I envision a Grand Master in my head, he is the image and the man that comes to mind.