Not even our Installation Ritual outlines much in the way of duties for The Marshal, beyond leading the processions.
But it is radically different with our Grand Marshal here in Washington. The job of Grand Marshal is, in my opinion, just as big, just as important, and just as involved as our elected Grand Lodge Officers.
Critically, the very best Grand Marshals handle communications and keeping everything on schedule.
I receive an email at least once a week from our Grand Marshal. Letting me know about all the upcoming events, where and when they will be held, what the dress code will be, who to contact for more information, and any other little details that might be helpful. And how cool is that? Some Grand Marshals even include ‘past performance’ as a part of this, to show us where we could have done better, and where we did really well.
It seems to me that in an awful lot of our Lodges, the biggest problem we face is a lack of effective communication. Worshipful Masters and Secretaries do their best, but proper communication is a big job that involves email, phones, messaging, and social media.
So, as I type this, I have to wonder…
Shouldn’t a Lodge put The Marshal in charge of communications?
Sure, the Secretary and Worshipful Master could continue on with their own communication efforts as normal, but I’ll bet that they, and the Brothers, would appreciate having someone who was really focused on that vital task.
But that’s just one idea.
I’m hopeful that with this series of posts we can brainstorm ideas about how each and every Lodge Officer can do their part to ensure that a truly Legendary Lodge Experience is had by all.
It might be a bit different from Grand Master to Grand Master here, but here (to the best of my knowledge) the Grand Marshall isn't the keeper of the Grand Master's calendar, the GM does that himself, with the nagging of the Grand Secretary perhaps.
But, the Grand Marshall is the fellow who sends out and advertises that calendar. He's the one that lets everyone know where to be and all the other details.
Other than that, I think our Grand Marshall does all that yours does.
We do use the Lodge Marshall in Installations similar to what you mention. But not any of the other duties you list.
Here the lodge’s Marshall only “works” when we do installations.
We did not have a Grand Marshall until 2019, and I was appointed to that office the following year. Here he has a sash with baldric in addition to his apron and baton. I received lots of grief over the attire. I was know. As “The Sash” but didn’t travel as much as planned due to Covid.
Our grand communications are ran by the GRand Sec. but our current Grand Librarian does assist with putting degrees on the calendar.
I believe that purposeful planning like you’re advocating makes for a legendary experience.
Seriously though, I've thought about this for a few days now, and discussed it with some Brothers while driving to Lodge, and I think that asking the Marshall to be a part of a Lodge communications team, perhaps the point guy of that team would be super helpful. It would free up the Worshipful Master and Secretary to some extent, and likely improve communications for everyone.
That might well be an excellent idea, but I fear that I can't comment on it intelligently, because I don't have any experience with a director of ceremonies or what that office entails.
Perhaps someone from a Jurisdiction that has such an office can enlighten us?
We have a Grand Sword bearer. And when choosing someone for that office, the GM has to pick a big guy, because our Grand Lodge sword is huge, and hugely heavy! Our Tylers at both the Lodge and Grand Lodge levels have swords too, but those are much more manageable in size, generally sabers. We don't have a Grand Flag Bearer, but we do have a Grand Standard Bearer to carry our Grand Lodge banner.
It might be a bit different from Grand Master to Grand Master here, but here (to the best of my knowledge) the Grand Marshall isn't the keeper of the Grand Master's calendar, the GM does that himself, with the nagging of the Grand Secretary perhaps.
But, the Grand Marshall is the fellow who sends out and advertises that calendar. He's the one that lets everyone know where to be and all the other details.
Other than that, I think our Grand Marshall does all that yours does.
We do use the Lodge Marshall in Installations similar to what you mention. But not any of the other duties you list.
Here the lodge’s Marshall only “works” when we do installations.
We did not have a Grand Marshall until 2019, and I was appointed to that office the following year. Here he has a sash with baldric in addition to his apron and baton. I received lots of grief over the attire. I was know. As “The Sash” but didn’t travel as much as planned due to Covid.
Our grand communications are ran by the GRand Sec. but our current Grand Librarian does assist with putting degrees on the calendar.
I believe that purposeful planning like you’re advocating makes for a legendary experience.
I need me a sash! That would be cool!
Seriously though, I've thought about this for a few days now, and discussed it with some Brothers while driving to Lodge, and I think that asking the Marshall to be a part of a Lodge communications team, perhaps the point guy of that team would be super helpful. It would free up the Worshipful Master and Secretary to some extent, and likely improve communications for everyone.
Here in Washington we don't have directors of ceremonies, perhaps put those duties on the marshal, at least to make it a more involved chair?
That might well be an excellent idea, but I fear that I can't comment on it intelligently, because I don't have any experience with a director of ceremonies or what that office entails.
Perhaps someone from a Jurisdiction that has such an office can enlighten us?
https://www.somersetfreemasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Lodge-DCs-Guide-2017final.pdf
Excellent! Thanks!
I don't think we have that in the UK
But we do have a provincial rank of sword bearer also flag bearer.
We have a Grand Sword bearer. And when choosing someone for that office, the GM has to pick a big guy, because our Grand Lodge sword is huge, and hugely heavy! Our Tylers at both the Lodge and Grand Lodge levels have swords too, but those are much more manageable in size, generally sabers. We don't have a Grand Flag Bearer, but we do have a Grand Standard Bearer to carry our Grand Lodge banner.
Banner bearer : )