Information & Announcements From the District & Lodge Instructor of Work

Lodge School Format
Fairfax No. 43 – Culpeper, VA

1. Always sign in on training sheet for the school, not the register book in the anteroom.

2. If you have to leave early please advise the instructor at the start of the class. This is so he will know how to schedule your training and provide you with as much of the needed information he can.

3. I like to teach in brackets. By this I mean if you are the Jr. Deacon, you will learn both the Jr. and Sr. Deacon rituals, and so on up the line. The Marshall will learn the JD’s roll as well. Some lodges have an unofficial appointed past master to fill in when a chair is empty, and this is good. What I like to see is that if the office in the chair above you is absent, then you move to that chair and the line moves up behind you, and the Marshall fills in the Junior Deacon’s place. This is subject to the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master of his lodge, and he has the final say.

4. A regular attendance to the schools will keep things going smoothly for each officer. The officers of a lodge are a team. When one member of a team is not present when the team is trained, their inability to keep the ritual moving smoothly along can and will cause a disruption in the rhythm of the ritual, thus causing the next person to falter and most times pass on the misspoken words or floor work. I know that some evenings are inconvenient and you may have problems, however, let me know and I will make an effort to meet with you and thus keep you up to par with the others. This is the exception, not the rule. My dance card is pretty full, but I will always try to make time for a brother that needs help.

5. Good communication is the key to success. In any business, fraternity, club, family, etc. It does not matter what it is that you are questioning, ask. There are no stupid questions. If you are having problems with the way the instruction is being given, let me know. Don’t just keep it in and weeks later tell me or someone you could not understand what we were doing.

6. Anyone that has suggestions on how the training could be bettered, please, please, let me know your ideas. If I am teaching in a manner you can not associate with, tell me. There are only five senses of human nature…I don’t have sixth sense or a crystal ball. If I don’t know there is a problem, I will just keep going the way it was, and no one gains this way. OPEN COMMUNICATION, PLEASE.

7. The Worshipful Master has planned his year on good ritual and training. My course is charted as your Lodge Instructor of Work in this endeavor. Do you remember when you were taking instruction to become a Master Mason, that you heard the term…”You will get as much out of Masonry as you put into it.”? This is part of what is meant. The more you learn and have the desire to learn, you will enjoy the fraternity more and not only have an understanding of what it is doing, but a working understanding, and you are taking part in the growth, strength, and future of your lodge.

8. The Lodge Education Officer will give classes on protocol, educational courses offered, and the History of Freemasonry. I, on the other hand, teach the unwritten ritual that sets us apart from other clubs, organizations and groups. Sometimes, what you will be taught will seem to be dry and tiresome, there will be times you will feel you will never understand what we are trying to teach, and of course, there will be times when you will hear the phrase…” We never did it that way!” Maybe they didn’t, but nothing is said the old ritual is totally written in stone….the Committee on Work , can and has made some minor changes through the years…what I am teaching is what they have instructed me to teach. Lord knows I am not perfect, and make mistakes just like everyone else. What will help correct these mistakes? OPEN COMMUNICATION. If there is a question, ask. If I can not answer it right then, I will find the right, and confer it in the correct form at the next school, or contact you with the answer. Remember…..what I am teaching and what you are learning is not written, and words can get put out of place. This is why good regular training and open communication will help to keep the ritual alive and as pure as we can keep it.

9. Training is just that, training. It is the time for questions and answers. It is the time and place for correcting mistakes and demonstrating correct techniques. The lodge room, when conferring degrees, opening and closing meetings and public appearances for funerals, events, and the like, are not the places for open corrections and bad ritual. We want to learn the best we can and perform the best we are. I was told once that there is no such thing as a “Perfect Ritual” and perfection should not be overly stressed. I totally disagree…my idea of perfection is: If any brother is doing the best he can with his delivery, floor work and is showing an effort to learn and advance…to me this is perfection! He was as perfect as he could be at the time, and the door is open to improvement. What does show badly, is when you know what to do, but don’t put for the effort and seriousness when it is needed. Staples has an “Easy Button”, Masonry does not. When words and phrases are allowed to be left out, phrases given wrong, levity becomes a major part of your delivery and the lodge allows this to continue, the ritual soon becomes endangered and is much harder to correct. Most of us have seen this somewhere or the other along our Masonic paths. My job is to try and prevent this from happening.

These introductory paragraphs may seem rather hard to some, and a welcome challenge to others. I have tried to keep them directed to the new Master Masons and yet hope they embrace the needs of the “older” officers as well. My brethren, my intent is purely out of love to the fraternity and the ritual. I have my directions from the Committee on Work and try to do what they say do. Once the ritual is understood, it will be like a second skin. You will be going to meetings at other lodges and hoping that they will need someone to sit a chair, and ask you. You will be looking forward to becoming an active part of the entire meeting, and giving your best to help open and close the lodge. Once you get this feeling, there is no stopping you. You, as a Freemason, may learn as much or as little as you want to, and still be as much a Master Mason as the next brother. For those that have agreed to sit in a chair, you have basically committed yourselves to learning and continue to learn. I will attempt to make it as much enjoyment as I can, and hope that I may one day address you as “Worshipful Sir” or higher.

Fraternally and Sincerely,
“Brother Dave”

David B. Carter, PDDGM
District Instructor of Work
Masonic District #7

 

OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Incorporated into Lodge School Training
Fairfax Lodge No. 43 Culpeper, VA

Greetings my Brethren,

As Fairfax Lodge No. 43 has progressed over the past years and efforts are being made to improve the appearance of the lodge building, both inside and out, we have been spending a lot of time and money on this endeavor. It has been successful and our lodge looks better now than it has in many years. This will be an asset when we bring visitors and prospective candidates to our lodge.

But, there is a deeper and more personal driving force in any lodge... the members. Remember that a lodge is the human factor, not the material building. We are the lodge. The quest to better inform all members is being done in many ways. First and foremost, OPEN COMMUNICATION is the key. We must keep each other abreast of what is happening and remember our widows and those brethren that have passed to a better life. We should not forget the brethren that have stopped attending, and those that are behind on their dues. Mostly, we should not forget our social and moral bonds to all persons that look upon us as a highly acclaimed fraternity of “special” interest.

You may now be asking yourselves, what has this information got to do with ritual training? This is simple, or maybe not so simple, as you will see.

Two valuable tools that we have to keep information current and the ritual pure are our Lodge Instructor of Work (LIW) and Lodge Education Officer (LEO). Additionally, it just so happens that both the LIW and LEO are Grand Lodge appointed District Officers that hold the Titles of District Instructor of Work and District Educational Officer. You should receive good and wholesome instructions for your duties. And now this brings me to the purpose of this text…your duties.

In lodge, you may hear someone ask an officer what their duties are, and they may answer in some form that is taken for granted as just a ritual answer. I am going to slip over the DIW line here for just a little bit and trespass into RW Brother Steve’s territory to help you understand what the ritual answer may or may not mean. To do this, I will address each office of the lodge of the elected and appointed offices.

TILER – This is not just an office, but one of great integrity. The office should be held by a knowledgeable Master Mason, most preferably, a past Master. This is not always possible, as in the case of Fairfax #43 this year. It has been a common practice in many lodges to choose a Past Master for this office, and he remains there for as many years as he wishes. In one I know of, the former Worshipful Master is appointed Tiler, so he will be outside during the ritual and thus, not induce any pressure on the new Worshipful Master. It is their practice and works for them.

As a Tiler, he is given instructions at the time of his installation. As it is for many, the instructions are not really remembered due to the ceremonies and nerves, if it is his first office. The Tiler has a great responsibility and must have a broad knowledge of Masonic law and procedures. The ritual that is taught for his office tells him some of what is expected of him, but it is much deeper than that. He must know how to recognize a visiting Brother, inform the Worshipful Master of the same, be able to keep the lodge room secure and know the procedure for introducing distinguished guest at the door and making sure everyone is made to feel welcome and yet, maintain a station of security and loyalty to Masonic law. A brother that has not yet served in the East will need a lot of assistance in his duties when he requires it. He must be willing to learn on his own, the depth of his responsibilities and the importance of why he is there. It is also directed to him that he should be regular and early in lodge attendance. It is the Tiler that brings forth the aprons and jewels that are used for each meeting and keeps a record of all who enter the lodge room (e.g., the register book).

MARSHALL – The Marshall holds an appointed office by virtue of the Worshipful Master. Many think that this is just a title position, and really does very little. This is far from true. The Marshall is responsible for leading the lodge in public ceremonies, and when requested by the Master, within the lodge. As we no longer “present the Flag of the United States of America”, and pledge our allegiance while it is stationed in the East, there are some very important “ceremonies” for which he is responsible. He must be an officer that is willing to give his time, and willing to learn the ceremonies for which he is responsible to lead. The two that are most common and must be performed with true dignity and respect, are the graveside funeral service and memorial service. The master will be very busy getting his responsibilities together and it should be up to the Marshall to see the craft in due form and order for the ceremony. These last offices paid to a departed Brother, are just what they are…last offices. There is no room for anything except the best we can do to perform these ceremonies as best we can.

STEWARDS – For many, it has been the general idea that the Stewards furnish refreshments, see to the meal of the lodge and to the comfort of the members. This is true, and much more. They may be ordered by the Worshipful Master to assist the Deacons in taking up the word…and they are charged with assisting in collecting dues and subscriptions. They are also charged to keep an account of the lodge expenses. Most lodges have the expenses kept by the Secretary, Treasurer and chairmen of the committees that use lodge funds. However, your charge will give great relief to the Secretary and Worshipful Master when trying to locate and collect from Brethren that are past due. This is also a great opportunity to talk with the brethren in this situation, see if they need relief or assistance of the lodge. This duty is not that of a “collection agency”, but more of a personal outreach and could and has saved a brother from demit or suspension. The personal touch of the Steward in performing his duties is very important, and carries a strong responsibility. The Worshipful Master may also order other duties in the lodge if needed.

CHAPLAIN – The Chaplain has a very intensive role within the lodge. Most see him as memorizing and opening and closing prayer and draping the charter for a deceased brother. His well is much deeper. He must know the procedure and the prayers for each of the degrees, His office is referred to as sacred, and he must uphold the dignity thereof. As Masonry is not a religion, it is so far interwoven with religion to pay that rational homage to Deity, and for this purpose, among others, the Chaplain is held in high esteem in lodges.

DEACONS – The Deacons are the first elected officers in the list of Subordinate Lodge Officers. Both have duties far beyond the simple ritual answers for their places. The Junior Deacon must know how to tactfully correct a brother when found not correctly attired for the meeting (e.g. aprons), and assist a known brother in certain words and signs. No brother need ever to embarrass another in lodge. He must know the ritual to properly tile the lodge and report the same. This office goes far beyond this, so if anyone thinks the Junior Deacon has “it made”, they have never served in the full sense. It is the Junior Deacon that must make the trips and see if everything is correct, he must understand the alarm and how to acknowledge it, correctly reporting to the Worshipful Master. He must be able to function under pressure, such as in the case of receiving the Grand Master of Masons, expected or unexpected. He must know how to announce late Brethren and how to correctly admit them to the lodge. He answers to the Senior Warden and serves as a Proxy for him when needed in the active duties of the lodge. He also performs duties as directed by the Senior Warden when needed. If the Junior Deacon, Tiler and Senior Deacon work closely, the Worshipful Master should always be knowledgeable of his guests and visitors. This Deacon also plays a part in several degrees and must know the ritual for the same.

The Senior Deacon has a further step. He also must know the ritual of all degrees, and he performs the duties ordered by the Worshipful Master when needed. He acts as proxy for the Worshipful Master in the active duties of the lodge when so needed. His charge, when installed, is that to accommodate visiting Brethren and introduce them. He is also charged to receive and conduct candidates in the degrees of Freemasonry. This is the first elective office that requires lengthy and correct ritual where oral delivery is done. He must know how to receive each candidate in each degree, the correct way to conduct them within the lodge and make proper reports to the Worshipful Master when asked. As he is charged with the introduction of visitors, it is his responsibility to get a list of the attending Brethren, search them to see what titles may be present and dignitaries that visit. It is the Sr. Warden that the Master may call on the orally introduce these Brethren in lodge, and it is the Sr. Warden that should have the Master informed of each visitor, so if protocol requires, they may be received in due form.

SECRETARY – It seems rather clear as to what the duties of the Secretary are. Keep records of each meeting, called or stated, keep minutes in readable form, etc, etc…well again his duties go far beyond the reading and writing at the meetings. He is responsible for the records, bylaws, correct reporting to the Grand Lodge, see that bills are presented and dues are billed and collected…now you see where he may use the help of the Stewards. He is the custodian of the Lodge Seal, records and Archives. He spends long hours behind the scenes researching dates for Masonic Birthdays, Veteran Certificates, and must maintain an open communication with the Grand Secretary. The Secretary of a Lodge has a great deal of responsibility, and should always be a past Master and have an excellent working knowledge of Masonic Law.

TREASURER – This is another office that requires some skill and knowledge of investments, bank procedures and assessments on the lodge. He is responsible for the funds of the lodge and that bills are paid in a timely manner when ordered to do so, either by the Worshipful Master of vote of the lodge. He has a further duty that has been forgotten in some lodges and still practiced in others. He is responsible for the furniture of the lodge as well. One lodge in our district still follows that practice and the jewels and aprons are kept behind the Treasurer’s desk, and it is his responsibility to see they have all been returned and in their place after each meeting.

JUNIOR WARDEN – For a station that has little to say in lodge, it has some pretty strong responsibilities. First, no lodge may open without one Stationed Officer Present. This means that if the Worshipful Master and Senior Warden are absent, for whatever reason, he must be present in order for the lodge to open. He may assume the East or appoint a Past Master to open and conduct business for him. The charge that gives him the duty to see that no brother is in intemperance or excess during refreshment hours, may mean to keep from overeating, drinking, etc, but it goes deeper. It is the Junior Warden that is charged with the responsibility to write the charges to be brought upon a Brother for unmasonic conduct. Any brother may request the charge via proper channels, but it is the Jr. Warden’s responsibility to reduce them to writing and state the charges. This is a deep responsibility and not needed very often, but he must be prepared to do so if ordered by the Worshipful Master. The Junior Warden must also have received the Past Master’s degree from a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons prior to being elected and installed to his office.

SENIOR WARDEN – This station carries quite a bit of oral delivery during the rituals of the lodges. Any Brother that has reached this station, should by now, be fully versed in the duties of the lodge and the stations below him. By the station of his authority, he will take charge of the lodge when the Worshipful Master is not in attendance or appoint a past master to act in his place. This is a station to prepare him for his next year in the East and he plays very important rolls in the degrees. He too, must have had the past master’s degree conferred upon him as well. The two Wardens are the extended arms of the Worshipful Master.

WORSHIPFUL MASTER – This is an office of trust, strength, and leadership. He rules his lodge at his will and pleasure. This station holds a tremendous amount of power and the future of the lodge may well lie in the decisions he makes while in office. This station is so extremely elevated with responsibilities that to correctly explain all or at least most of the duties of this office you should refer you to section 2.48 of the Methodical Digest. Other information may be obtained during the Educational classes offered by the Educational Officer.

In summary, Brethren, you can see that there is no unimportant job within a lodge. The lodge officers are a closely bonded team, being guided by the principles of Freemasonry and directed where so needed by the Methodical Digest. It is a team that must keep communication open at all times and work for the good of Masonry and the Lodge. Each office I have herein covered is an important one. You each hold a piece of the future of Fairfax Lodge No. 43 in your hands. You have choices. Nothing is ever asked of you unless it is of you own free will and accord. You may take this responsibility and toss it to the side, glide along each year and maybe one day you will be advanced to a higher office or you may take the responsibilities, study them, improve on your performance of the same, and mold them into working and useful ideas and plans for the future of Masonry. When I was a police officer, there was a saying…”So many of them, and so few of us.” Look around Brethren, the saying seems to hold true for Freemasonry as well. It’s up to us, all of us, to put forth our best efforts. If you take this approach, you will give all that could ever be asked of you for the craft, become a mentor for others, and have them follow by your example.

The enemies of Freemasonry today may fool you. You may think that it is Religious pressure from the Church, Political pressure, being ashamed to be a part of a fraternity that builds itself on morality, brotherly love and truth. To some extent maybe, but I will venture that the following holds more to the truth…TV, home entertainment, Sports, Wives, long drives from jobs in areas away from home, fishing, hunting...and the list goes on. Today I feel our biggest enemy is that of having an easy button for responsibilities. I am not saying to put family, jobs, church and friends aside, but we need to budget time for more responsible things in our lives, than sitting at home napping on the sofa and watching a TV program. You can be at a lodge activity, degree, visiting a sick brother or friend and strengthening the inner person in you to make you returns in life more worth while. Each of you knows of a good person, someone with the qualities of a Mason. As you learn and advance, let your light shine on these people, and maybe you will have gone one more step to strengthen the craft, and keep a petition in your pocket.

Fraternally and Sincerely,

“Brother Dave”

David B. Carter, PDDGM
District Instructor of Work
Masonic District #7