Grand Master, Lodge Master, or any other Brother with a special title pretty much means that they get to run the meeting until the next presiding officer is elected. In all other respects we're all on the level ... the same level. Of course, elected officers have experience from which they are able to provide valuable advice, but that doesn't mean that they're any better than any other Mason, nor do they have all of the answers. My perspective on this issue probably tweaks some titled Masons but I can't, nor do I try, to do anything about that.
Strength. If one Brother is deemed to be the know-all-see-all then the rest of us have no reason to pursue our search for our individual perfect ashlar.
When I explain Masonry to "seekers" (men who are interested in becoming a part of our Fraternity), I explain the we are a Brotherhood of like-minded men, seeking to improve our communities through self-improvement. No single one of us can--nor should speak for *all* of Freemasonry. I speak only for my Lodge and myself. The "secret" of Freemasonry is what happens in *your* heart, your soul, and how you react to that feeling. Yes, the Grand Master is a powerful central figure, but even he cannot speak for all of Freemasonry. He provides guidance and an example for the rest of us to emulate. There is no Supreme Grand Master--ruler of all Masons, wheresoever dispersed. ALL of us should try to be examples of what Freemasonry is, diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. When I "wear the brand," I want the public to see a man who is worthy of respect and emulation. I try my best to make my small part of the world just a little better, every day. Just my thoughts...
If our Craft is working in the heart of a Brother, then he will do his best, in humility, to represent our Craft, and the Light will find its way into his words. If a Brother seeks titles and to be seen as an expert on the Craft, he will well represent his own ambitions and darkest demons. Most of the worst conspiracy theories that haunt us are propigated by our own brothers.
Then what would you call a GrandMaster?
Every lodge has a patriarch.
Perhaps we don't notice it, because we each have our own sphere within our home lodge.
Grand Master, Lodge Master, or any other Brother with a special title pretty much means that they get to run the meeting until the next presiding officer is elected. In all other respects we're all on the level ... the same level. Of course, elected officers have experience from which they are able to provide valuable advice, but that doesn't mean that they're any better than any other Mason, nor do they have all of the answers. My perspective on this issue probably tweaks some titled Masons but I can't, nor do I try, to do anything about that.
I agree with your sentiment. But also admit my bias, most especially as a young mason.
A Grand Master's authority extends only so far as his Jurisdiction and its Masons.
Strength. If one Brother is deemed to be the know-all-see-all then the rest of us have no reason to pursue our search for our individual perfect ashlar.
The history channel seems to think a hand full of people can speak for all of masonry.
We do not conform ourselves to the vision of Masonry laid out by any authority. Rather, Masonry is revealed differently through each of us.
When I explain Masonry to "seekers" (men who are interested in becoming a part of our Fraternity), I explain the we are a Brotherhood of like-minded men, seeking to improve our communities through self-improvement. No single one of us can--nor should speak for *all* of Freemasonry. I speak only for my Lodge and myself. The "secret" of Freemasonry is what happens in *your* heart, your soul, and how you react to that feeling. Yes, the Grand Master is a powerful central figure, but even he cannot speak for all of Freemasonry. He provides guidance and an example for the rest of us to emulate. There is no Supreme Grand Master--ruler of all Masons, wheresoever dispersed. ALL of us should try to be examples of what Freemasonry is, diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. When I "wear the brand," I want the public to see a man who is worthy of respect and emulation. I try my best to make my small part of the world just a little better, every day. Just my thoughts...
If our Craft is working in the heart of a Brother, then he will do his best, in humility, to represent our Craft, and the Light will find its way into his words. If a Brother seeks titles and to be seen as an expert on the Craft, he will well represent his own ambitions and darkest demons. Most of the worst conspiracy theories that haunt us are propigated by our own brothers.