Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................ 1 Qualifications ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1 Mission .................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Term ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Titles......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Areas ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Grand Lodge Strategic Plan ............................................................................................................................................ 4
District Deputy Grand Master.................................................................................................. 5 Bylaws ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Leadership ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Duties ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Talking Points....................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Equipment ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Orientation, Leadership Academy and Annual Communication ..................................................................... 8 Deputy Grand Master Orientation ............................................................................................................................... 9 Leadership Academy ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Annual Communication.................................................................................................................................................... 9 Area Committee ................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Area Meeting....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Reports ........................................................................................................................................... 11 Report Routing................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Fall Feedback ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Reports in Detail ............................................................................................................................................................... 13
Secondary Duties ....................................................................................................................... 14 Promote Grand Lodge Programs ................................................................................................................................ 14 Attend the Grand Master ............................................................................................................................................... 14 Organize and Hold Schools of Instruction .............................................................................................................. 14 Actively Promote Proficiency ...................................................................................................................................... 15 Recommend Your Successor ........................................................................................................................................ 15 Lodge Event Forms .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Grade Yourself.................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Installations of Officers .................................................................................................................................................. 16 Social Media ........................................................................................................................................................................ 16 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ceremonies & Protocol ............................................................................................................ 18 Introduction of Officers .................................................................................................................................................. 19 Introduction of the Grand Master .............................................................................................................................. 19 Grand Honors ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Expectations........................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Mandatory Events ............................................................................................................................................................ 20 Family .................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Electronics ........................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Attire ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Lapel Pins, Awards & Emblems .................................................................................................................................. 21 Events .................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Cornerstone/Public Dedication .................................................................................................................................. 22 Lodge Hall Dedication ..................................................................................................................................................... 22 Emblems ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22 PGM Grave Marker ........................................................................................................................................................... 22 Installations......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Grand Lodge Awards ................................................................................................................ 24 Grand Master’s Order of Merit .................................................................................................................................... 24 Distinguished Service Medal ........................................................................................................................................ 25 Ritualist Jewel .................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Master’s Achievement Award ...................................................................................................................................... 26 Trice-Robison Award ...................................................................................................................................................... 27 Outstanding Mason Award ........................................................................................................................................... 27
Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 28 Grand Lodge Contacts ..................................................................................................................................................... 28 Grand Lecturer ................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Website ................................................................................................................................................................................. 28 Grand Lodge Email Addresses..................................................................................................................................... 29 Calendar ................................................................................................................................................................................ 29 Important Dates ................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Appendix A Reception of the District Deputy Grand Master................................... 30
Introduction The title of District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) is an honor bestowed on Masons who have distinguished themselves by faithfully serving the Craft. However, appointment as a Grand Lodge officer is not merely a reward for past service; rather it carries with it increased duties to continue service to the Craft as an officer of the Grand Lodge of Kansas and the personal representative of the Grand Master. The Grand Lodge of Kansas recognizes both District Deputy Grand Masters and Area Deputy Grand Masters. The District Deputy Grand Master is subordinate to the Area Deputy Grand Master. Both are subordinate to the Grand Master and the Council of Administration which consists of the elected Grand Lodge officers, i.e. Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Wardens with the Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and the Grand Senior Deacon as advisors. The Deputy Grand Master typically selects District Deputy Grand Masters before the beginning of his term in the Grand East, and they are installed when he becomes Grand Master. This manual provides an overview of the responsibilities of appointed District Deputy Grand Masters.
Qualifications Kansas Masonic law provides that District Deputy Grand Masters “shall be a Master or Past Master and resident of his District unless otherwise approved by the Council of Administration.”
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Mission and Vision Officers of your local lodge have a duty to make their lodge a success. District Deputy Grand Masters are charged with carrying out the mission of the Grand Lodge of Kansas. We do this to achieve the vision of the Grand Lodge. Service as a District Deputy Grand Master is an opportunity, not only to repay the Craft for the benefits you have received in Masonry, but to lead the fraternity forward. The District Deputy Grand Master has many duties and with this increased responsibility comes a voice in the way forward. The District Deputy Grand Master is part of the leadership team in this Grand Jurisdiction. The Grand Master asks all appointees to make a commitment to share their time and talents in helping Kansas Masonry by supporting lodges across the state in achieving success.
Term All District Deputy Grand Masters serve at the pleasure of the Grand Master, just as appointed officers in a regular lodge serve at the pleasure of the Worshipful Master. These appointments terminate when the Grand Master’s successor is installed.
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Titles In Kansas, District Deputy Grand Masters, Area Deputy Grand Masters, as well as elected Grand Lodge officers, Grand Lecturers, and Grand Representatives, are entitled to be addressed as “Right Worshipful.” This title continues for as long as the District Deputy Grand Master serves in that capacity. Bylaw § 2‐131 states that when an Area or District Deputy “makes an official visit to any Lodge in their Area or District, he shall be received in the same manner and with the same ceremony as is prescribed by the usages and customs of the fraternity for the reception of elective Grand Officers other than the Grand Master.”
Areas The Grand Jurisdiction of Kansas is divided into Areas so that, ideally, every location can be served equally by Grand Lodge representatives, primarily the District Deputy Grand Master. The District Deputy Grand Master will have an assigned District Number, used primarily for tracking purposes. However, the District Deputy Grand Master will work within the entire Area as assigned by the Area Deputy Grand Master and not by District lines drawn on a map. Masonic Areas reflect the demography of Kansas Masonry, though borders drawn on a map, seemed to serve as some false identifier that the Council of Administration wants to see dissolve into the bigger picture of being Kansas Masons. This change provides flexibility for the Area Deputy in ensuring that all lodges within his jurisdiction are cared for appropriately. A printable version of the Area Map is available in the A/DDGM’s Web Portal in the members tab of the www.kansasmason.org website.
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Grand Lodge Strategic Plan Prior to 2010, each new administration discarded the majority of the previous Grand Master’s programs and implemented their own programs. Since then, that practice has been discontinued in favor of a unified strategic vision. In 2019, with “Vision 2020” coming to a successful end, a focus group containing a cross section of the Craft was consulted to determine the course of the Grand Lodge through 2030. The Mission of the Grand Lodge of Kansas: To encourage and support Freemasonry by assisting its Brothers and Constituent Lodges to achieve success and prosperity, as assets to their communities. The Vision of the Grand Lodge of Kansas: An ideal Masonic experience in every Lodge! Three Lanes to Success 1. Excellence in Membership 2. Excellence in Esoteric Work 3. Excellence in Communication Excellence in Membership examples: Quality Members Mentorship Program Community Focused through KMF Programs Benefits of Membership Set & Uphold Standards of our Craft Public Awareness Modernize Technology Bring back the Mystery Grand Lodge and Lodges enforce the bylaws Excellence in Esoteric Work examples: Set Standards for Lodges / Quality Modernize 1st & 3rd Degree Slides to PP for Lodges Grand Lodge lead by example Lodge Certification Increase number of Grand Lecturers & assign one to each area for study clubs, standards for cards, and enforcement of esoteric standards Excellence in Communication examples: Modernize (digital, written, text, written notes) Expand Social Media Preferred Communication (Email / Social Media / Text Message Use) Bring Digital Magazine with option for subscription Drive Technology usage Use “Our Lodge Page” for Chat More digital publications
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District Deputy Grand Master Being appointed District Deputy Grand Master means that the Grand Master believes the man can contribute to the betterment of the Craft. The days of District Deputy Grand Masters having only ceremonial duties have ended. Everyone must pitch in to help drive our programs forward and generate new initiatives to help our lodges. The District Deputy Grand Master, simply put, is a district manager. He represents the Grand Master personally in his Lodges and he oversees Grand Lodge matters within the Lodges he is assigned. He organizes and coordinates the District School of Instruction. In late spring, he provides the Grand Lodge with a report on the lodges to which he is assigned. While once a simple report basically stating if the lodge had meetings, the current iteration of the report is greatly detailed and is a much needed evaluation tool. In addition to the official duties of the office, we encourage all District Deputy Grand Masters to become involved in one of the many Grand Lodge projects. A review of the current strategic plan and projects can help determine where you can assist. For example, you might assist by leading presentations at Area Meetings, write or edit Grand Lodge projects, help with web design, or serve on a committee. All District Deputy Grand Masters should consider, accepting some additional duties to assist the Grand Lodge.
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Bylaws Bylaw § 2‐132 (b) outlines the responsibilities of the District Deputy Grand Master: Duties of District Deputy Grand Masters are as follows. Each District Deputy Grand Master shall visit each lodge in his District at least once each year. He shall not be charged with ritualistic instruction, but shall be the personal representative of the Grand Master in his District and hold at least one general meeting each year at such time and place as may be designated by the Grand Master. At which meeting all of the Lodges of his District shall be invited. The principal purpose of this meeting shall be for instruction in the work. He shall make reports of his doings to the Area Deputy Grand Master of his Area, or upon request to the Grand Master or his designee, on blanks furnished for the purpose and additional special reports when requested by the Grand Master. These instructions form the minimum standard. The Grand Master remains free to define other specific duties of District Deputy Grand Masters as he sees fit.
Leadership Local lodges look to their District Deputy Grand Master to set an example. District Deputy Grand Masters should be prompt. They should not make it a habitual practice to arrive late for meetings that they have promised or planned to attend. Display a positive attitude. In addressing a lodge, whatever the content of remarks, they should be positive in nature. There is no instance that would call for negative comments. Enthusiasm in our Fraternity is necessary, as our membership looks to you as an example. A poor or lackluster attitude not only reflects badly on the individual, but on the Grand Lodge and the Grand Master, as well.
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Duties The District Deputy Grand Master is an executive leadership position, and his services are vital to the lodges in his jurisdiction. It is no accident that in districts where no one is willing to serve as a District Deputy Grand Master, the lodges are in trouble, losing members, unable to open, poor proficiency, shabby premises. By being part of the executive leadership of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, the District Deputy Grand Master is vital to connecting with and helping, if necessary, the lodges in his Area. The following are the primary duties of the District Deputy. • Attend the annual Orientation Conference, Annual Communication and the Leadership Academy • Conduct and official visit with each assigned lodge twice per year. • Prepare and submit a detailed report of each lodge before June 24 • Actively promote Grand Lodge programs and projects • Attend the Area Committee Meeting • Present feedback to the lodge before December 27 • Plan and host a School of Instruction Beyond those duties that are specifically required by the Bylaws, you should complete the following during your term of service: • Review and approve all lodge planned events in which Grand Lodge participates • Perform tasks at the direction of the Area Deputy Grand Master or Grand Master • Assist with and attend the Area Meeting • Superintend the Proficiency Program • Conduct Presentations as needed • Complete and return a self‐evaluation
Talking Points One of the main Duties of the District Deputy Grand Master is to ensure the programs of the Grand Lodge are adequately explained to the constituent lodges. You, as District Deputy Grand Master, are the liaison to the local lodge in bringing these programs and messages to the lodges which you serve. The Grand Master will provide you with talking points, which will aid you in preparing for your official visits to your lodges.
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Equipment District Deputy Grand Masters are issued the following equipment for their use during their period of service: • Apron, Apron case, and Jewel • Grand Lodge Manuals District Deputy Grand Masters should inspect this equipment to ensure it is in good working condition when received. You may be required to sign a document upon receipt of your equipment. At the conclusion of the term of service, these items must be returned to the Grand Lodge. In the event any of these items are worn out, lost, damaged, or stolen, while in your care, the Grand Secretary should be informed at once. Also, you will be issued the following item(s) which are yours to keep: • Name tag for you You will also be issued, from time to time, brochures and other material from the Grand Lodge to be distributed to the lodges in your district. Please ensure that the Grand Secretary’s office has your current address and contact information at all times.
Orientation, Leadership Academy and Annual Communication District Deputy Grand Master elects are required to attend the Deputy Grand Master’s Orientation under the provisions of Bylaw 2‐133. The orientation is the only opportunity for new District Deputy Grand Masters to receive training in their duties and for returning District Deputy Grand Masters to update their training and familiarize themselves with new concepts and programs for the coming Masonic year. The District Deputy is also required to attend the Annual Communication as a representative of his area and a part of the leadership team.
Likewise, the Leadership Academy has emerged as a significant statewide event, and District Deputy Grand Masters should not only attend, but actively plan to assist with presentations or organization of the event. The District Deputy Grand Master should encourage attendance by at least the Master and Wardens of every lodge in his charge.
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Deputy Grand Master Orientation The annual orientation session typically held the second weekend in February, is the only occasion for District Deputy Grand Masters to obtain the training necessary in the performance of this important position. You should clearly transmit to your successor, the importance of attending this session, and ensure that he is firmly committed to attending this session.
Leadership Academy The Leadership Academy is fast becoming the flagship Masonic education forum of the Grand Lodge. Held every fall, it features various breakouts or mini‐seminars that focus on aspects of the Masonic experience. The Leadership Academy should be promoted, and the brethren urged to participate in this valuable Masonic resource. As District Deputy Grand Master, your attendance at the Leadership Academy is expected and is mandatory if within the length of your cable tow. It takes the entire cadre of Grand Lodge Officers to make this event a success.
Annual Communication The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kansas is held on the third Friday in March. Installation of Officers, including District Deputy Grand Masters, takes place on Saturday morning following the Friday Grand Lodge session. The Annual Communication at the beginning of your term, is where you will receive your commission as a District Deputy Grand Master.
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Area Committee As District Deputy Grand Master, you should attend your Area Committee meeting. The Area Committee Meeting is designed to accomplish one thing. To help you as District Deputy Grand Masters with your reports and the feedback you should give the lodges in the fall. Think of the Area Committee meeting as a staff meeting where the District Deputy Grand Masters go through their spring reports to locate suggestions for problems facing the area lodges, from advice on financial management, to suggestions for improving meetings and boosting attendance. During this meeting you and the other District Deputy Grand Masters will rough out the feedback for each lodge to be given in the fall.
Area Meeting The Area Deputy Grand Master must conduct one general meeting each year. This meeting should occur in a lodge in the Area. The District Deputy Grand Masters and all of the Lodges of his Area should be invited and the principal purpose of the meeting shall be for carrying out the program of the Grand Lodge. The function of the Area Meeting is to inform the attendees of: • Grand Lodge projects • New initiatives • Program Aids available • Grand Master’s Schedule for when he is in the Area • Development of new programs and ideas • Strategic Planning As a District Deputy Grand Master you will play a significant role in facilitating and supporting this meeting alongside your Area Deputy Grand Master. In previous years, Area Meetings were largely supported by the Council of Administration. While they may be available to appear individually, the idea that they will be the lead players in the meeting is no more. You and your Area Deputy Grand Master must facilitate and plan this meeting for a successful endeavor.
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Reports The formal spring visit by the District Deputy Grand Master is used to convey the various programs and activities of the Grand Lodge (as reviewed at the annual orientation session and Annual Communication). In addition, the spring visit is used to gather information about the lodge in a detailed “DDGM Report” available in the A/DDGM’s Web Portal in the members tab of the www.kansasmason.org website. Your spring visits and reports must be completed prior to the Feast of St. John the Baptist, June 24. This report must be completed online only, and a copy will be forwarded to the Area Deputy Grand Master automatically when submitted. Area Deputy Grand Masters are charged with reviewing the reports of the District Deputy Grand Masters, and filing a summary report of his lodges to the Grand Master and the Council of Administration. These reports are critical in allowing the District and Area Deputy Grand Master to assist in evaluating the lodges’ strengths and weaknesses. In order to adequately gain the required information in advance of your visit, you will have to communicate with local lodge officers at each lodge to which you is assigned. A template for this communication named the “Spring Letter” is available in the A/DDGM’s Web Portal in the members tab of the www.kansasmason.org website. You should then visit the lodge, observe it at labor, retire, and be formally received. At the appropriate time, you should bring greetings from the Grand Master and then make appropriate remarks about Grand Lodge programs and activities as well as any other pertinent information. At an Area Committee Meeting, the Area Deputy Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Masters will discuss individual lodges’ strengths and weaknesses. Together they will identify solutions to any problems facing the lodges before the fall visit.
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Report Routing The Area Deputy Grand Master will supply each District Deputy Grand Master paper report worksheets for each of the lodges assigned to the District Deputy Grand Master. These forms are for the District Deputy Grand Master to use during his official visit to make appropriate notations for completing the online report. The online “DDGM Report” is available in the A/DDGM’s Web Portal in the members tab of the www.kansasmason.org website. Once the report is completed and submitted, it will be automatically forwarded to your Area Deputy Grand Master for his review and the data will be archived for future reference. The Area Deputy Grand Master will review this data. He will also complete a summary of the lodges within his Area for the Council of Administration to review. This Area Summary report, will contain information related to strategic planning, strength, and weaknesses, extracurricular activities, proficiency ratings, and leadership. Essentially the summarized report for the Area gives the Council of Administration a snapshot of the current state of the lodges to track problems and improvements.
Fall Feedback In the fall, District Deputy Grand Masters will return to the lodges with the results of their report and with feedback from the Area Committee meeting, candidly reviewing the lodges’ strengths as well as any problem areas. You should present the lodges with any suggestions or problem‐ solving information you have obtained after the Area Committee meeting. Lodges should understand that these are suggestions only. They are not required to adopt any recommendations but if they choose to, they should know that the Grand Lodge is ready, willing, and able to assist, if called upon to do so. Fall visits must be completed before December, but every effort should be made to complete them by the end of October.
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Reports in Detail By Law 2‐132 charges the District Deputy Grand Master with assembling information and data from lodges and districts to which he is assigned in such a manner and form as shall be determined from time to time by the Grand Master or the Council of Administration, to include necessarily but not be limited to summary of findings for report to the Grand Master, Council of Administration or their designees. Reporting forms have been developed consistent with that Bylaw. Your Area Deputy Grand Master will provide you with paper worksheets, and the online “DDGM Report” is available in the A/DDGM’s Web Portal in the members tab of the www.kansasmason.org website. District Deputy Grand Masters must complete the online DDGM Report no later than June 24th. A printed worksheet for each lodge in your charge will be provided to you by your Area Deputy Grand Master. This paper copy is only to aid in preparing for your report, and it is not the official report. The purpose of the report is to give us an accurate assessment about every lodge in the state. This information will allow us to identify strengths of every lodge as well as what problems they might face, Grand Lodge can then provide help and advice to assist them in becoming the lodge they want to be. Even so, some lodges will resist providing information. Regardless of the reason for this, District Deputy Grand Masters, are to collect as much information as possible on the lodges through direct personal observation and from the inspection of the lodge records. It is vital that the District Deputy Grand Master communicates with the Lodge Secretaries and Masters well in advance of your visit. Early communication is not only important for setting the date of your visit but also allows the lodge time to provide the information you will need from the lodge to complete your report. Some lodges, will resist efforts to collect this information. This can make for some uncomfortable interaction between the District Deputy Grand Master and those lodges. If a lodge refuses to provide any information, that should be noted in the report. Rather than being a passive observer, the District Deputy must objectively evaluate the lodge and submit a completed report. If we do not candidly assess the health and vitality of our lodges, even the grandest Grand Lodge programs may come too late to prevent some lodges from going dark forever. When a District Deputy encounters these types of hardships, it is up to the Area Deputy Grand Master to help guide both him and the Lodge membership through the process for full effect.
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Secondary Duties Promote Grand Lodge Programs In the past, each Grand Master announced special projects during his term of office, often replacing those of the prior administration. This led to confusion in the Craft and supported the perception that there was no consistency in Grand Lodge planning. This is no longer the case. This year, we will promote the same programs as last year, building on those programs with new goals as the need arises. You should actively promote these goals. Furthermore, as the personal representative of the Grand Master, it is an unpardonable breach of your duty to criticize or neglect these programs.
Attend the Grand Master As the Craft’s liaison to the Grand Master, the District Deputy Grand Master, should stand ready to assist with and be present at any appearance of the Grand Master in their jurisdiction. In general, the District Deputy Grand Master should be familiar with the Grand Master’s itinerary, and make every effort to appear when the Grand Master visits his jurisdiction. The Grand Master’s itinerary is published on the Grand Lodge website calendar. The District Deputy Grand Masters are also the first step in the approval process for Grand Lodge Event planning for their local lodges.
Organize and Hold Schools of Instruction The District Deputy Grand Master is responsible for organizing the District School of Instruction pursuant to Bylaw § 2‐132, by fixing the date, coordinating the venue, contacting the lodges, and securing the services of a Grand Lecturer to teach the class. Starting in 2018, all Schools of Instruction will be held in the fall, roughly September 15 to December 15. The “District School of Instruction Request Form” can be found in the A/DDGM’s Portal. While final date selection of the School is up to the Ritualistic Committee, the District Deputy Grand Master should coordinate with his Area Deputy Grand Master to avoid any conflicts. Additionally, District Deputy Grand Masters should provide Lodge assignment for the work being covered at the school. Programs for the school must be requested using the “District School of Instruction Program Builder” in the in the A/DDGM’s Portal. After the District School of Instruction, District Deputy Grand Masters are asked to fill out the “District Meeting and Grand Lecturer Evaluation Form” which is also found in the in the A/DDGM’s Portal under the members tab at www.kansasmason.org.
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Actively Promote Proficiency As the District Deputy Grand Master, you are charged with actively promoting and administering proficiency in your lodges. Proficiency in the work in our lodges is absolutely necessary, and you should encourage brothers in your lodges to study and challenge the proficiency examinations. The requirements for each level of proficiency is covered in detail in Bylaw 3‐616. The names of these proficiencies have been changed in recent years. Formerly known as “B”, “A”, “Master” and “Unlimited”, now known as Ritualist, Advanced Ritualist, Senior Ritualist and Master Ritualist. These proficiencies are covered further in the “Ritualist Jewel” section of this manual. The “Proficiency Qualification” Form is available in the A/DDGM portal to transmit the results of a proficiency exam to the Grand Secretary. This form must be completed online and attested to by the District Deputy Grand Master. You may be asked to arrange a proficiency exam in one or more of your lodges. If you have difficulty in arranging proficient brothers to conduct the exam, contact your Area Deputy Grand Master, or the chairman of the Ritualistic Committee for assistance.
Recommend Your Successor No one knows the talent available in a particular district better than the District Deputy Grand Master. For this reason, each District Deputy Grand Master is asked to recommend his replacement. The District Deputy Grand Master should complete the online “Local Lodge Master/Past Master Recommendation for Consideration for District Deputy Grand Master” form no later than June 30th.
Lodge Event Forms Lodges who wish to have participation in a lodge event by officers of the Grand Lodge, should complete an event request form. This form is available in the “Downloads” section under the “Members” tab of the www.kansasmason.org website. This form has been used for a number of years, yet some lodge event coordinators are unaware that they are required to submit this form for Grand Lodge officer participation in a local lodge event. You should make the secretary in each of your lodges aware of the form, and assist the event coordinator in completing the form if necessary. The form must be approved by the District Deputy Grand Master and Area Deputy Grand Master before being submitted to the Grand Lodge for processing.
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Grade Yourself Part of the District Deputy Grand Master’s responsibilities includes grading their performance, therefore, to evaluate their service more fully. The self‐evaluation online form is available on the A/DDGM portal under the members tab at www.kansasmason.org website and should be completed as early as possible during the month of January.
Installations of Officers For many years, installation ceremonies varied. A standardized ceremony named “Lodge Officer Installation Ceremony” is located on the Downloads Page under the members tab at www.kansasmason.org website.
Social Media Social media is now a part of everyday life for many. Many districts within the Grand Jurisdiction of Kansas have Facebook pages to promote lodge events within your district, share ideas, and even to communicate. If your district has a page, please visit with the outgoing District Deputy Grand Master who should give you Administrative rights to maintain the page. If your district does not have one, please consider setting one up and using it to promote your lodge’s events. If you need assistance, contact your Area Deputy Grand Master. Not only is Facebook popular with our younger members, many of our more mature members are on Facebook. Facebook is not the only social media in common use. Twitter is becoming increasingly popular and should also be considered. Photos from Lodge installations, emblem presentations, picnics, Cancer screenings and special events, when published on social media, give many who would not normally be exposed to Masonry a glimpse into the world of our fraternity. Also social media is a great way to promote events such as the District School of Instruction and the Area Meeting. Items of interest to a wider audience, should be forwarded to your Area Deputy Grand Master and if of statewide interest, to the Administrator of the Kansas Grand Lodge Facebook page. Keep in mind that everything on social media is open to the public. This being the case, even private remarks from a Grand Lodge officer, can reflect on the Grand Lodge. During your term, please refrain from posting anything on social media that you would not be appropriate for any audience. Political and secular remarks should not be posted. Profanity, racial remarks, or anything that would divide or cast a poor light on the Grand Lodge should not be posted.
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Conclusion District Deputy Grand Masters, you are the personal representative of the Grand Master in your lodges, and a member of the executive leadership of the Grand Lodge of Kansas. You must become familiar with all the programs promoted and endorsed by the Grand Master, but more than that, you should understand the strategic direction of the Grand Lodge itself. The old days, when Masonry attracted men left and right, allowing our officers to be no more than figureheads, are long gone. If we don’t actively lead the way forward, Masonry will fade into insignificance. That said, if you have reservations about a particular program or strategic direction, bring those concerns to the Council of Administration. Never allow yourself to be publicly critical of any Grand Lodge program and under no circumstances should you ever criticize the Grand Lodge to the Craft. Bear in mind at all times that you are the personal representative of the Grand Master to the lodges assigned to you. You are, in fact, far more than that, to the local lodges, YOU are Grand Lodge. You are also charged to promote peace and harmony among all Masons, especially within your assigned lodges, and to help coordinate the activities of the lodges on the local level. You are to work in close collaboration with the lodges to which you are assigned. To accomplish this effectively will require patience, understanding, sensitivity, and cooperation on your part to the needs and problems of the individual members and lodges under your care. Never criticize or correct an officer or member publicly, wait until you can explain his error, privately, that he may be spared any embarrassment. In the unlikely, although not unheard‐of, event that your visit to a lodge turns sour, your role should not be confrontational. Instead, take note of the specific complaints of the brothers concerned. Seek out their names, and promise them that Grand Lodge will be advised of their complaint. Turn this over to the Area Deputy Grand Master for action. Finally, you have been afforded a high honor in your preferment as District Deputy Grand Master that only a select few in our fraternity will ever receive. Be faithful to your duties, and always convey the warmest fraternal greetings of your Grand Master to the brethren in your travels. Above all else, enjoy your opportunity to serve the Craft, and have fun with your duties in your year in office.
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Ceremonies & Protocol As a representative of the Grand Master, and therefore an officer of the Grand Lodge, local lodges will look to the District Deputy Grand Master as an authority on the ceremonies they are not familiar with. Further, District Deputy Grand Masters should be conversant in some matters of protocol. This section is designed to acquaint you with some commonly encountered ceremonies and protocol. Reception of the District Deputy On each of his official visits to lodge in his district, the District Deputy should be received formally. The suggested ceremony for the reception of the District Deputy is found in Floor Rules and Instructions (2018). Additionally, a diagram of the suggested procedure is found in Manual of Floor Movements (2019), shown in Appendix A. It is not certain why the two are not contained within the same booklet, but regardless, they are included here for convenience. In brief, the ceremony of receiving the District Deputy starts immediately after the flag salute when he retires from the lodge. The Master of the lodge directs the members to form two parallel lines as shown to welcome the District Deputy when he is readmitted to the lodge. Once in the East, the District Deputy may return the gavel to the Master of the lodge and the business of the meeting may begin. However, once the District Deputy is called on for his remarks, his address should be the highlight of the evening. According to Floor Rules and Instructions, “It is always courteous to get all business out of the way before the DDGM gives his closing remarks, after which the Lodge should be immediately closed. The DDGM represents the Grand Master and should be given the same courtesy.” This means that the Worshipful Master should immediately knock the gavel and prepare the lodge for closing. No further comments, remarks, sickness or distress, announcements, or any other matter should come after the District Deputy’s remarks. For the full ceremony, consult Appendix A.
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Introduction of Officers At every Grand Lodge event, once the public is admitted to the ceremony, or immediately following the flag salute, the Grand Master will then direct the Grand Senior Deacon or the Grand Marshall to either introduce all Grand Lodge officers and their guests, or he will ask the officers to introduce themselves and their guests. In both cases, the introductions begin at the left hand of the Grand Master, excluding all Past Grand Masters, and continuing to the south, west, and north before ending with the Deputy Grand Master. In the interests of time, the Grand Master will call for applause only after all are introduced. It is accepted practice to introduce oneself as “John Smith, Past Master of Hometown Lodge 123, serving as Area Deputy Grand Master for Area_______,” but individual introductions may, of course, be varied. It is, however, good form to keep introductions confined to blue lodge titles, and most importantly: brief. After all officers have been introduced and applauded, the Deputy Grand Master will call up the assembled Masons and introduce the Grand Master. Immediately following his introduction, the Grand Master will direct the Grand Senior Deacon to present all Past Grand Masters, who are afforded Grand Honors.
Introduction of the Grand Master
According to Floor Rules and Instructions (2018), there are two ways to introduce the Grand Master. The most accepted form is: “Most Worshipful (insert name), Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas. The other form is: Most Worshipful (insert name), Grand Master of Masons in Kansas.
Grand Honors The Grand Master and all Past Grand Masters are entitled to a special salute known as Grand Honors, which are of long antiquity. Public grand honors consist of three, triple hand claps and are given at the word of the Deputy Grand Master (or his designee) following the introduction of the Grand Master. Private grand honors (consisting of the D‐ue –g‐ds & S‐ns) should only be given in a tyled setting with the lodge open in the MM degree.
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Expectations As Masons we are taught to take care of our vocations, families, and duties to the Grand Architect of the Universe before taking on Masonic tasks. District Deputy Grand Masters are held to no higher standard in this regard, although your attendance at our events is earnestly solicited. Even though the Grand Lodge will travel to many places throughout the year, the Grand Master does not require you to attend if beyond the length of your cable tow. Grand Lodge events in which District Deputy Grand Masters commonly participate are listed in the next section, with cornerstone ceremonies and lodge hall dedications given the highest priority, and installation of officers accorded the lowest priority. Please bear these priorities in mind when determining your schedule. The following are those few events that should be considered mandatory.
Mandatory Events • The annual orientation/training session. • Two official visits to each assigned lodge; one in the spring, one in the fall. • Both days of the current masonic year’s Annual Communication. • The Leadership Academy • Both days of the Annual Communication at the “end” of the year of service. • Attend your Area Meeting to be held after St. John’s Day (June 24). Otherwise, DDGMs should: • Communicate regularly with their Area Deputy Grand Master • Deliver the message of the Grand Master and Grand Lodge when visiting lodges • Attend your local lodge on a regular basis Before any event, large or small, the Grand Master or his designee will send notice via email with details of times and locations as well as any special duties or details to be addressed. Upon receipt of an event notice, kindly RSVP.
Family Wives or female guests are welcome at each and every public Grand Lodge event. Event notices will include information on dress code for every function to ensure that no one feels the need to overdress or underdress. But, just as ladies should always feel welcome, they should know that if they choose not to participate, that’s okay, too. They didn’t join our fraternity; we did. Masons should never be asked why their spouse or lady is not in attendance.
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Electronics The Grand Master and his officers rely heavily on email and text messaging to further the business of the Grand Lodge. However, please ensure that ceremonial occasions are not interrupted by ringtones or other noises. Electronic devices, including the Grand Master’s, that disturb Stated or Special Communications of the Grand Lodge will cost their owner a $50 donation to Kansas Masonic Foundation charity fund. The Grand Marshal has the unpleasant task of collections officer in this instance. Several of the Grand Lodge documents in the Downloads section under the Members tab of the www.kansasmason.org website may be placed on your smartphone if you have one available. The bylaws of the Grand Lodge are easily downloaded to these devices for your study and reference, including the Floor Rules and Instructions Manual and the Manual of Floor Movements.
Attire As part of a professional turnout, District Deputy Grand Masters are required to dress appropriately. There are three types of Masonic events: formal, business wear, and casual, each requiring a different dress. When visiting a tyled lodge, the dress code is always business professional at a minimum (slacks, coat and tie), never casual. Be sure to check event announcements for the appropriate dress to other events.
Lapel Pins, Awards & Emblems District and Area Deputies are free to wear a Masonic pin, but the Grand Master requests that they restrict themselves to one pin, emphasizing the square and compasses, or other blue lodge symbolism, during their year of service as a Grand Lodge officer. All Grand Lodge officers are authorized to wear all awards given by the Grand Lodge of Kansas when wearing either formal or business wear, including years of service emblems, PPLM pins, Master’s Achievement Award, Distinguished Service Medal, Ritualist jewel, and Grand Master’s Order of Merit. Breast emblems should be worn suspended from the breast pocket, not the lapel. NOTE: When representing the Grand Lodge of Kansas, emblems from other appendant bodies should not be worn.
Events The events listed below are the majority of Grand Lodge activities that the Grand Master and his officers attend, listed in order of priority. For high priority events, District and Area Deputies should make every effort to attend if within reasonable driving distance (less than 90 miles). For lower priority events, your attendance is encouraged, but not mandatory.
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Cornerstone/Public Dedication Priority: High. Attendance greatly desired. A public ceremony, the dedication of a cornerstone or public building is conducted by the Grand Master or his designee, and his officers, and such officers and members of the local lodge as can conveniently attend. Opened in the first degree, the assembly then processes to the site of the dedication. Once on site, the Grand Lodge officers approve the work of the builders and sanctify the structure with an offering of corn, wine, and oil.
Lodge Hall Dedication Priority: High. Attendance greatly desired. Also a public ceremony, and similar in style to a cornerstone ceremony, the Grand Lodge opens in the first degree. After going to refreshment, lodge members and the public are invited to view the ceremony which focuses on the “symbolic lodge,” which is also blessed with corn, wine, and oil by the Grand Master.
Emblems Priority: Medium: Attendance encouraged if close. A public or private ceremony, emblem presentations are conducted by the Grand Master or his designee and such officers and members of Lodges as can conveniently attend. Although in the past, these ceremonies have been performed off‐the‐cuff, this occasion deserves more solemnity. A ceremony was been written for this event and should be used. DO NOT improvise remarks unless authorized by the Grand Master. The ceremony “Service Emblem Presentation” is included on the on the Downloads Page under the members tab at www.kansasmason.org . Emblem presentations are enormously important to the Craft and great care should be taken that the ceremony is performed with dignity and respect befitting the years of service of the honorees.
PGM Grave Marker Priority: Medium: Attendance encouraged if close. The Grand Lodge performs a special ceremony marking the graves of Past Grand Masters. A public ceremony, the Grand Lodge is opened on the first degree, and called off for the purpose of retiring to the grave site for further ceremony. In general, there is no procession, but the members arrive by car at the grave where the ceremony is held.
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Installations Priority: Low: Attendance appreciated but not required. A public or private ceremony, officer installations are conducted by the Grand Master or his designee, and such officers and members of Lodges as can conveniently attend. A written ceremony is available for this event, which may be obtained from the Grand Secretary.
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Grand Lodge Awards The Grand Lodge instituted new awards in 2013, including the Distinguished Service Medal, and the new Ritualist series of jewels that are tied to a reinvigorated proficiency program. District Deputy Grand Masters should acquaint themselves with the particulars of these awards in order to explain them to the Craft and to make recommendations to the Grand Master and Council of Administration for consideration of worthy brothers across the State.
Grand Master’s Order of Merit The Grand Master’s Order of Merit is the highest award that can be conferred by the Grand Master. It is given in recognition of exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of leadership duties, or exceptionally meritorious service to the Grand Master deserving of exemplary recognition. Any member can recommend someone for this award via the “Recommendation for Grand Master’s Order of Merit” found under the members tab at www.kansasmason.org. The Grand Master has the final decision on nominations for this award, and he may only award one Order of Merit during his term of office, and the Council of Administration must ratify the award by majority vote. The Grand Master’s Order of Merit entitles the recipient to a Pre‐Paid Perpetual Life Membership (PPLM) for any lodge in which he is a member during the year preceding the award’s conferral. Said stipend (up to $1500) will be paid by Grand Lodge and is not transferrable. If the recipient is already a Perpetual Life Member of his lodge(s), the amount of the stipend will be donated to the Kansas Masonic Foundation’s Kansas Freemason’s Endowment in the recipient’s name. This award is limited to Past Masters, District and Area Deputies, Grand Lecturers, or Grand Lodge Officers who are members in good standing of a warranted lodge in Kansas who conform to the requirements listed above. The Order of Merit is personally presented by the Grand Master at the All‐Masonic Banquet during the Annual Communication.
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Distinguished Service Medal The Distinguished Service Medal honors superior achievements at the jurisdictional level in furthering the strategic plan of the Grand Lodge of Kansas in the areas of: Membership, Esoteric Work, or Communications. No Grand Master may confer more than three (3) such awards during his term in office, and the Grand Master’s selections must be ratified by majority approval of the Council of Administration. Additional awards may be conferred with the unanimous consent of the Council of Administration. The Distinguished Service Medal entitles the recipient to a lifetime waiver of all fees for attendance at the Grand Lodge of Kansas Annual Communication, as well as any Grand Lodge‐sponsored Masonic seminar or school. The recipient shall not pay for any lunch or banquet costs associated with the Annual Communication. Any member can recommend someone for this award via the “Recommendation for Distinguished Service Medal” found under the members tab at www.kansasmason.org. Recommendations for awards must be received by December 1. The Distinguished Service Medal is personally presented by the Grand Master at the All‐Masonic Banquet during the Annual Communication.
Ritualist Jewel The Ritualist jewel replaces the plastic lapels pins given for proficiency (B, A, M, and U), and incorporates them into the Grand Lecturer system. “B” cards holders will henceforth be titled Ritualists. “A” card holders have been retitled Advanced Ritualists. The old “M” or “Masters” card is now referred to as Senior Ritualist, and the former “U” or “Unlimited” card is now a Master Ritualist. Upon earning his proficiency according to the specifications of Bylaw § 3‐616, any of these Ritualists are entitled to wear the Ritualist jewel with the black/white ribbon and a bar worn above the ribbon designating the level of proficiency. Ritualist and Advanced Ritualist jewels are presented by the District or Area Deputy Grand Master in the honoree’s home lodge or Area Meeting. Senior and Master Ritualists receive their awards at the All‐Masonic Banquet or on the floor of Grand Lodge during the Annual Communication. For more on the new Ritualist program, see Ritualist Proficiency Program below.
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Master’s Achievement Award The Grand Lodge of Kansas Master’s Achievement Award was established to recognize superior performance in leadership by Worshipful Masters. Special recognition is given to those Masters who exhibit excellence by undertaking various activities that support, enhance, and build this great Fraternity by meeting minimum prescribed requirements as well as participating in additional activities that achieve a superior performance level. The Lodge Secretary is responsible for submitting the application for the award, and the Master or his representative should be present at the next Grand Lodge session when the awards are announced. There is no limit to the number of Masters who may earn this award. Qualifying Masters will be judged in three critical categories: Leadership, Membership, and Communication. Participation in these key events per category earns points. Masters who achieve the required scores in each area are eligible to receive the award. The Master can choose some or all of the criteria to devote his energies to in order to be eligible for the award, but several categories are mandatory for eligibility. The Master’s Achievement Award conforms to the Strategic Plan and will consist of only one class of award, the gold medallion. Masters who earn the award will be formally recognized at the Grand Lodge session, presented with a handsome jewel which is authorized for wear at all Craft functions with appropriate attire. The Master who receives the most points each year will receive a cash stipend of $500 to be used for the benefit and improvement of their lodge. Cash stipends should be used to improve the lodge, for repairs, minor remodeling, furniture, or for equipment. Achievement of this award is in direct support of the strategic plan of the Grand Lodge. The Award packet and the nomination forms are available online in the “References, Manuals, and Forms” section under the Member tab of the www.kansasmason.org website. Please encourage the Worshipful Masters of your lodges to actively strive for this award. A Worshipful Master who strives to achieve the requirements of this award can make his lodge very successful. The District Deputy Grand Master should take the time to have a conversation with the Worshipful Masters of his lodges and familiarize them with the requirements.
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Trice‐Robison Award The Trice‐Robison Award promotes esoteric Excellence at the lodge level. By reviving this award, the Grand Lodge wants to recognize and promote those lodges that demonstrate top notch commitment to the ritual, including individual proficiencies, attendance at District Schools of Instruction, and overall Lodge proficiency. Forms are available in the “References, Manuals, and Forms” section under the “Members” tab of the www.kansasmason.org website. This form must be completed and the District Deputy Grand Master must certify the lodge proficient, and file the form with the Grand Lodge office and the Grand Senior Warden by December 31.
Outstanding Mason Award The Outstanding Mason Award gives the local lodge the ability to recognize a member of their lodge who has went that “extra mile” in service to the lodge. The form for recommending a brother for the Outstanding Mason Award is available under the “Members” tab of the www.kansasmason.org website. The form must be submitted prior to Dec 31. When submitted, you will receive a copy of the nomination along with instructions if action is required.
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Resources Grand Lodge Contacts To contact the Grand Master, text messaging at the telephone number listed, or email, is the quickest and easiest way to reach him. Telephone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses of all Grand Lodge officers may be obtained in the “Directory” section of the “Members” tab of the www.kansasmason.org web site.
Grand Lecturer Individual Ritualistic Proficiency awards are part of the strategic plan for Esoteric Excellence at the individual level. Ritualist Proficiency awards seek to elevate the status of those brethren who labor long and hard to attain proficiency in our work. Those members who earn any proficiency ranking will be entitled to wear a special jewel with appropriate attire. This system is fully integrated with the pathway to becoming an Assistant Grand Lecturer or Grand Lecturer. Grand Lecturers are a resource that can help lodges that have the will to learn the ritual, but may no longer have proficient brothers to teach it. Grand Lecturers can give a lodge ritual instruction and help the lodge become proficient. Grand Lecturers are rarely thought of outside the District School of Instruction, yet they are available throughout the year.
Website The www.kansasmason.org Grand Lodge website is a tool available for all Kansas Masons, but particularly for Grand Lodge leadership. The website features the Grand Lodge calendar (see below), as well as the strategic plan, forms, official notices, award specifications, online registration capability, current news, and portals for designated users. Please be familiar with the contents of the website and encourage our members to use it. Additionally, the website features a secure “A/DDGM” portal under the “Members” tab where you will find this manual, as well as other needed materials.
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Grand Lodge Email Addresses District Deputy Grand Masters will receive a Grand Lodge email address during their year of service. Following your installation, the Grand Secretary will notify you with instructions on how to activate your Grand Lodge email address. All Grand Lodge business, along with that of the rest of the world, is now conducted by electronic means – you should check your email regularly.
Calendar The Grand Master’s calendar is available on the website and is updated regularly. It contains important Grand Lodge events and the Grand Master’s travel itinerary. A degree work calendar is also available and lodges should be encouraged to make use of it to publish special local lodge events and degree work so that brothers from outside their location may be made aware. The calendar is located under the “Grand Lodge” tab of the www.kansasmason.org website under the “Grand Lodge Calendar” link. You may copy this calendar to your smart phone or computer by clicking the “+Google Calendar” link at the bottom right corner of the calendar.
Important Dates School of Instruction Request form due School of Instruction Program Builder District Meeting Notice Spring DDGM Report due Recommendation for District Deputy Leadership Academy (Typical) Trice Robison Application due Outstanding Mason Form due Masters Achievement Award Application due Area/District Deputy Orientation (Typical) Annual Communication
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May 1 June 1 June 1 June 24 June 30 2nd Sat. in Sept. Dec 31 Dec 31 Jan 15 1st Sat in Feb. 3rd Friday in March & following Sat.
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Appendix A Reception of the District Deputy Grand Master As District Deputy Grand Master, you should be formally received at each of your official visits to each lodge. The reception ceremony for receiving the District Deputy Grand Master is explained in the Floor Rules and Instructions Manual, and is illustrated in the Manual of Floor Movements. Excerpts from those manuals are included in the pages to follow.
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