LOOKING TOWARD THE EAST

LOOKING TOWARD THE EAST

COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATION GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI A.F.&A.M.

LOOKING TOWARD THE EAST Some Thoughts and Suggestions for the Senior Warden to Prepare Himself for the Master's Chair

The booklet furnished free to all regularly elected Senior Wardens; $1 to all others.

Prepared by

COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATION GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI A.F.&A.M.

INTRODUCTION Greetings, Brother Senior Warden: The time is rapidly approaching when you must give serious thought to the numerous and weighty duties that will become yours if you are elevated by your Brethren to the Master's chair in the East.

These duties extend far beyond the conferring of degrees and conducting routine business of stated meetings. They reach into the life of each member of your lodge, into the community and sometimes beyond. They also reach into the affairs and deliberations of your Grand Lodge and the Missouri Masonic Home. There is no secret to a successful year in the East. Your achievements as a Master will depend essentially upon preparations made now and those路 you have made as you progressed through the other chairs. This booklet is presented to you by the Grand Lodge of Missouri in the sincere hope it will provide you with an outline of some of the very basic duties you will face and offer a few suggestions on how to fulfill these duties and discharge your obligations to the Craft with honor, reputation and joy!

COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATION

Frank P. Briggs, Harold a.Grauel, John T. Suesens, Robert H. Arnold, Pressley L. Crummy, Wes Cook

CONTENTS Constitution and By-Laws

4

Presiding in the East

6

Committees

10

Courtesies

13

Public Relations-Publicity

18

Programs-EJ;ltertainment

22

Conclusion

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS The ceremony of installation should be familiar to you. Recall the words addressed to the Master: "The BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS you are to search at all times. Cause it to be read in the Lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins."

The Grand Lodge Book of Constitutions and By-Laws should be readily available to every officer and brother of the lodge, displayed in a prominent place within the Lodge for emergency use as a guide or a reference.

In addition, it is suggested that a copy should be always available in the secretary's desk and, in order that you may preside more effectively you should carry your own personal copy. Its availability and your knowledge of its various provisions will give you a greater sense of confidence in presiding and in seeking answers to questions of law within the lodge.

If a question involving Grand Lodge law should come before the Lodge and its interpretation is difficult to resolve, then, refer the question to your District Deputy Grand Master for a ruling. Should 4

he have any doubts, he will bring it to the attention of the Grand Master.

If a question of ritual arises that does not produce a satisfactory answer, again, be fair and diplomatic and submit it to your District Deputy Grand Lecturer.

The路 Book of Constitutions and By-Laws is your friend and your assistant. It spells out the relationship between your Lodge and Grand Lodge, the duties of each officer, Grand Lodge organization, subordinate lodge organization, members and jurisdiction, and includes the Trial Code and amendments and revisions.

A copy of the Book of Constitutions and ByLaws may be secured by writing the Grand Secre~ tary 3681 Lindell Blvd.

St. Louis, Mo. 63108

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II

HOW TO PRESIDE When you are presented the gavel as Master of your Lodge, you are not only given an honor, but, at the same time, you will assume an obligation that will be fulfilled, only, if you know your duties and obligations and attend to them with diligence, and with compassion and understanding of the talents and abilities of your Brethren.

You were taught early in your Masonic instructions that a Master should rule over his Lodge with regularity and justice. These teachings are pertinent and should be inculcated in your plans for your administration.

The gavel which you will wield is an emblem of authority but it should be used justly and never in the cause of injustice or oppression.

The ritual provides you with explicit duties in opening and closing ceremonies, as well as in degree work and in conducting all rites. Prepare yourself to perform those duties in a dignified and impressive manner.

The business of the Lodge should be orderly, dignified and properly deliberated.

Masonic law gives the Master authority to decide on all questions of procedure but orderly pro-

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cedure may best be accomplished by following recognized rules of order.

The Master should insist at all times that all business of the Lodge be transacted in a meticulous manner.

Motions should be made from the floor in clear, concise language. Seconds, where demanded, should likewise be clear and not just mumbled.

Discussion occurring on any motion should be dignified and always to the point, or points, raised in the motion. Amendments and substitutes are always in order until the call for a vote is made.

The Master shall decide on any point of order made and his decision is final, unless the decision is appealed to and reversed by the Grand Lodge.

Orderly. procedure demands that any Brother who desires to speak shall arise, address the Master, and be recognized before he speaks. This applies to anyone who desires to make a motion, to second a motion, or to discuss points raised in a motion.

Anyone endeavoring to deviate from orderly procedure should be called to order by the Master.

Only one Brother shall have the floor at any specific time. Consent may be gained from the Master to question the Brother speaking but the Brother originally recognized maintains his rights to the 7

floor during the interrogation. Only one interrogator should be recognized at a time but the same procedure should be followed until all have had a chance to inform themselves of the matters pending.

Remember, at all times, dignity in deliberations is the proper decorum in all Masonic Lodges.

PROCEDURE EXAMPLE

Let's take an example of the proper procedure in the Lodge: One member arises, addresses the Worshipful Master, is recognized to speak and reports that fire has destroyed the home of a member of the Lodge.

He says the family is in dire distress.

Brother Smith then arises and says: "Worshipful Master." The Master replies, "Brother Smith." The Brother then says: "I move that this Lodge donate the sum of $25 from its treasury to assist Brother Brown and his family."

Brother Reynolds arises, addresses the Master, is recognized and says: "I wish to amend the motion of Brother Smith to read 'the sum of fifty dollars' instead of the 'sum of twenty-five dollars.' " Brother Harrison then arises, addresses the Master, is recognized and says: "Worshipful Master and Brethren, I would like to offer a substitute for 8

the motion made by Brother Smith. I move that the Worshipful Master appoint a committee to go to Brother Brown, ascertain his needs and then draw on the treasurer for such funds as may be necessary."

The Master calls for discussion of the matter, each Brother arising, addressing the chair and being recognized before speaking. After the discussion is ended, the Master calls for a vote on the substitute. If the substitute carries, then the matter is settled. However, if the substitute fails, the question then occurs on the amendment to the original motion. If this vote carries, a vote is then taken on the "motion as amended." If the amendment fails, however, the vote is then taken on the original motion.

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III COMMITTEES One of the first duties of the new Worshipful Master is the appointment of various committees.

The Senior Warden must give searching thought to whom he can appoint to each pardcular job.

Any and every committee needs to be a "working committee" that will assist the Master in conducting the business of the Lodge and in developing and promoting the degree work, education and entertainment of the Brethren.

The Senior Warden should consider the following qualifications in selecting Brethren to fill the positions on the various committees: 1) Specific talent or ability for the task assigned the committee.

2) An interest in the work of the committee on which he is asked to serve.

3) A deep sense of responsibility.

4) The ability and willingness to serve in a capacity of leadership, organization and teamwork.

5) A willingness to give the time necessary to carry out the duties assigned to the committee.

No appointment should be made without asking 10

the Brother individually and specifically if he is willing to accept the appointment and to work diligently and tirelessly at the task assigned. This should be done before the committee appointments are announced.

Certain committees are required by the Grand Lodge By-Laws as follows: Budget Investigation Relief The duties of these committees are detailed in the Grand Lodge Constitution and By-Laws of 1958.

Some Lodges appoint a standing committee to investigate all petitions while other Lodges appoint a new committee for each petition. A pamphlet outlining the duties and obligations of the committee is available at no charge from the Grand Secretary's office in St. Louis.

Other committees are optional and may include, but are not limited to, the following: Audit Refreshment Candidate Proficiency Coaching Lodge Education 11

The duties of the Lodge Education Committee are spelled out in the "Lodge System of Masonic Education" booklet published by the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education. Your Lodge has been supplied with three copies of the booklet.

Additional copies may be obtained from the Grand Secretary at a cost of $1 per booklet.

Remember, the purpose of any committee is to function for the benefit of the Lodge. Choose your appointments wisely!

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IV COURTESIES Every member of your Lodge who attends a meeting, participates in degree work, serves on a committee, or who is just a part of the .audience, should feel happy, comfortable, and perhaps, most of all, wanted in Lodge.

Every visitor should be made welcome in the same manner. One of the great joys of our fraternity is found in visiting and observing the work of other lodges. All too often visitors and many members, however, are left with the strong impression that they were unwelcome and unwanted and only created problems by being present.

A member or a visitor made happy, comfortable, and wanted, is more likely to return time and time again to help fill those empty chairs. A Lodge where the officers and members wear a happy smile, are genuinely pleased to see each other and communicate that happiness to others is bound to win friends and influence its community.

The Master, in particular, should attempt to greet each of the visitors before lodge opens, determine if they can be vouched for and if not, see to it that an examining committee is assigned to them promptly. The examining committee should be well 13

versed, polite, considerate, businesslike, and keep the examination as brief as possible.

THE GRAND MASTER VISITS

Do not write a Grand Master and say, "Come see us sometime." Be specific. Nothing confuses a Grand Master more than to have a secretary write: "Our Lodge meets the first Tuesday after the full Moon." Few calendars print the phases of the Moon today.

A better way to approach the Grand Master is to present to him a written statement explaining the occasion and the date of the desired visit. But be sure to allow sufficient time for both your Lodge and the Grand Master to plan ahead and to schedule the event. Lodge anniversaries, Past Masters' night, fifty-year pin presentations are events that should be known well in advance by every Lodge.

It is better to plan a year in advance than one month.

After the Grand Master accepts the invitation, make preparations for him! A Grand Master should be shown certain courtesies. A Brother should be assigned specifically to greet him at the Lodge hall and to treat him as he would a guest in his own home. If the distinguished visitor is to remain overnight, he should be taken to quarters 14

arranged for him so that he may rest and refresh himself before the evening's ceremonies. Often a Grand Master makes a long journey to reach a certain location.

Don't forget another courtesy: Invite the District Deputy Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Lecturer and any Past Grand Masters in the area.

As the personal representative of the Grand Master, the District Deputy Grand Master should always be informed of such a visit.

Once the Grand Master arrives at the Lodge for the program or ceremony, be sure to provide him with a place to hang his coat and to dress in the regalia of his office.

While there is no official ritual on the reception of a Grand Master, the Grand Lecturer or District Deputy Grand Lecturer will be happy to rehearse you in a form that is recommended. Basically, once the Lodge is opened and the business has been disposed of, the Grand Master should be received.

Accompanied by the District Deputy Grand Master or Senior Deacon, he should enter the hall and see the Brethren formed in an oblong square around the Altar. Following his introduction, the Marshal directs that he be accorded "the Grand Honors." The Master should then greet him at the

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Altar, escort him to the East and present him with the gavel.

The committee in charge should not plan a long program before the Grand Master's address and any program should provide for the Grand Master to speak last. NO ONE IN THE HALL SHOULD UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE CALLED UPON AFTER THE GRAND MASTER HAS SPOKEN. The Lodge should be closed promptly.

One Past Grand Master recalls one evening, during which a Lodge was celebrating its hundredth anniversary, that there was a late dinner, a long musical program, a complete history of the Lodge presented by a slow reader, and resp.onses by several elderly members before the Grand Master was introduced at 11 :30 p.m. He arose and said: "Brethren, Sisters, and friends! The hour is late; all should be at rest. God Bless you, good night." Yes, he and his good wife had traveled miles for this meeting and he had prepared an address which required correspondence and research in its preparation.

Remember, the Grand Master is no different from each member of the Lodge. He is different only in that he has been fortunate to be selected as the official representative and spokesmen for all of the Masons in Missouri. Be at ease and make

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him welcome. He does not come as an inspector or a critic; he is present to inform the Craft about the status of Freemasonry and to interpret the philosophical aspects of its teachings. Fundamentally, his visit fosters good, wholesome brotherhood, the greatest asset of the fraternity's reason for existing.

Finally, the Craft makes many demands on the time of a Grand Master who, as a rule, must pursue regular employment. The membership has elected him to serve and he has agreed, that is true; but any consideration and courtesy a Lodge extends to a Grand Master will be appreciated by him.

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V

PUBLIC RELATIONS-PUBLICITY Keeping Freemasonry in the news is important to the fraternity. It is important to your Lodge regardless of its size or location. It is through the news media that men who are not Masons learn what Masons think and do. Thus, the Master of a Lodge should consider it one of his primary duties to get legitimate news stories to the newspapers and to the television and radio stations.

The Master ~ay wish to delegate this responsibility to another. There is no reason why he should not. But he should see that the job is done.

Personal contact with representatives of the news media is highly desirable. If the Master or his deputy does not have such contact, he should go to the editor or news director and ask for assistance.

Once a personal relationship is established, the Master or his deputy should discuss with the newsmen any problems involved. They should ask for and accept any advice the newsmen offer. Space and time are valuable commodities to the news media.

The Lodge representative should know the deadline times for delivery of stories and pictures.

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He should know the policies the newsman must follow. And he should respect them.

Many Masonic events are sufficiently important to warrant personal coverage by the news media.

It is up to the Lodge representative to keep newsmen informed of upcoming events. But in many instances, Masonic activities will not warrant personal coverage. Then it is up to the Lodge representative to prepare and deliver the information and pictures to the news media.

The Mason who delivers his facts in writing will have more success in getting the story used than one who does not. He need not worry about style.

The newsman will handle that. But the Mason should have down on paper what happened, when it happened, why and where it happened and who participated.

The same is true with pictures. The Mason who can deliver to the newsman a glossy print of a highlight from the event or of the people involved in the event has much more chance of getting the picture used than has the Mason who asks the news media to "get a picture of the event." Be sure to provide proper identification for all those in the picture but don't get bogged down with long titles.

For the news media it is recommended that such 19

titles as "Right Worshipful," "Most Worshipful," "Worshipful," be eliminated.

Given a good personal relationship, the Mason many times will find he can deal with the newsmen by telephone. This can be very important where time is a factor.

Always remember this: It is the prerogative of the news media to determine the amount of space or time given to a story. It is the prerogative of the news media to determine whether a story or a picture should be used. Accept the decision. Push too hard and you will hurt your cause.

Use of stories and pictures and the amount of space or time given will vary in different localities.

The general rule will be that the larger the city, the less time or space available.

If you have legitimate complaints about your treatment, make them diplomatically to your news contacts. Ask his advice on "why" and "how to avoid" similar problems in the future.

And remember to say "thank you." Say it often.

That will help you as much as anything.

What are the necessities of a public relationspublicity program for your Lodge: -Personal contact with the news media-delegate only one person to develop this relationship.

Two or more can easily cause confusion.

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-Be sure to write everything down pertinent to the event you plan to write a news story about.

Train your memory, but don't trust it.

-Type your news releases if at all possible. It is difficult to read another's handwriting unless it is exceptionally clear and legible.

-Be accurate. Double check dates, names and places before you submit your copy.

-Be brief. Newspaper space and air time are costly.

-Be businesslike. Never ask when a story will appear. Never ask for clippings. Never try to obtain publicity by pressure of friendship or business connections.

-Be appreciative of the time and consideration g,iven you and your Lodge.

-Be professional. When you invite a member of the press to an event, provide them with free tickets since they are invited guests. Arrange a special press table if the newsmen would prefer.

-Tell it as it happened: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY.

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VI PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL DAYS A Master can fill the chairs along the sidelines.

It takes thought, planning and sometimes a considerable amount of "elbow grease." Even a stated communication to transact routine business can be made into an enjoyable and profitable evening. The ingredients: A corps of Lodge officers, proficient in the ritual of opening and closing the Lodge, who present the ritual clearly and with expression and execute the floor work with precision.

A corps of officers who enjoy the work and communicate that joy to all they come in contact with. Warm smiles, hearty greetings, a firm handshake, and a sincere interest in the well-being of each and every Brother reflect that joy.

A corps of officers who conduct the business of the Lodge in a businesslike, dignified manner, opening the Lodge promptly and closing at a reasonable hour.

Prompt and Brotherly attention to the sick and those in distress.

Sincere expressions of recognition, praise, encouragement and thanks for assistance, support, 22

attendance, and good works performed outside the Lodge as well as within the tiled doors.

If most of these ingredients are present in your Lodge you already have a head start on a successful year. Build on them. If these ingredients are not present, begin to develop them.

SUGGESTIONS

There are many program ideas and special days that each Lodge can convert into Masonic instruction and information concealed beneath a covering of pleasure and amusement. The Lodge must perform this work itself under the guidance and direction of the Master. He may assign a program or a special day to one Brother to develop and implement. He may name a committee. It cannot be done by someone miles away from your city or town who is not familiar with the talents and abilities of your Brethren. Therefore, we offer these program ideas only as suggestions for your consideration. The Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education will be delighted to help outline a program, but the work itself must be done by you and your Lodge.

Installation-Open meeting with special music, a special speaker who would perhaps discuss New Year's resolutions with the obligations assumed by 23

the newly installed officers; close with refreshments.

Washington's Birthday-A banquet, a speaker to review some unusual incident from Washington's career, slides showing the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, Mount Vernon and Alexandria, Va. Ladies Night-Special recognition and praise to wives, mothers, sweethearts and daughters on or near Valentine's Day; a dinner, distribution of special Valentine cards selected by the Brethren for their special guest, and perhaps a talk on "women in Masonry-fact or myth.".

A Masonic Play, Film, Videotape-Several Masonic plays, one act, are available along with a number of interesting films from the Masonic Service Association, 724 Ninth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 20001; videotapes shown on large TV sets are available through the Missouri Lodge of Research.

Lodge Birthday or .Charter Night-Banquet, two or three pieces of special music, a speaker who will be assigned "unusual personalities that helped develop our Lodge" or "unusual incidents in the history of our Lodge."

St. John's Day-The Baptist June 24; The Evangelist Dec. 27-0ur Patrons' Days should be observed with a special program; invite a minister 24

who is a member of the fraternity and familiar with the Masonic history of the Sts. John Days to speak to the Craft; a memorial service could be appropriate, recalling the lives and works of your Brethren who have died within the past 12 months.

Spelling Bee-Select words from the lectures; pick two or three teams and have a competition, the loser to prepare a special meal or wash the dishes and clean up the dining room.

Law Night-Invite a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Jurisprudence to discuss the history of Masonic law and set aside about 15 to 20 minutes for the Brethren to ask questions pertaining to the law.

Masonic Poets Night-Select two or three Brethren from the Lodge who enjoy the dramatic, read well, and have them present selected Masonic works of such poets as Kipling, Burns, Edgar A. Guest, etc.

Paul Revere Night-A much neglected Mason, Revere was outstanding in many fields in addition to the ride for which he is most famous. Find a speaker who will research his life and work in an interesting manner.

Pilgrimage Month-A month set aside during the year in which you and your officers and as

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many members of the Lodge as possible visit each of the Lodges in your district in a body.

Table Lodge-A most unusual evening. The Table Lodge has a short, special ritual of opening and closing around the dining room tables; special toasts are proposed; fellowship is the prime aim.

Ben Franklin Night-Unlimited possibilities; dinner, a talk on Franklin's Masonic history and his witty writings.

Past Masters Night-Get the Past Masters together and let them put on a degree of their choice; recognize the oldest, youngest, etc.

Many other programs and special days could be developed and, too, these make excellent events that may be publicized: Masonic book review; DeMolay Night-Degrees exemplified; Doctors Night; Lawyers Night; Civic Recognition Night-City-county-state-federal government officials from your own community; Public Education Night-A salute to the Superintendent, Principal, teachers, and the members of the school board; Mock Lodges-Demonstrate what makes a poor Lodge, a good Lodge, how to conduct an investigation; Dedications-New equipment or additions to the Lodge or its building; Clean-up-Fix-up Week-Assign the Brethren to paint, repair, clean and celebrate with asp.ecial 26

dinner, music and a speaker who can relate the story of how other Lodges have been built and maintained by Brethren; All-Masonic Picnic; Father and Son Night; Masonic Music Night.

As you might observe by now, the program of a Lodge can be a barrelful of variety. Each "apple" can be adapted with a little thought and planning not only to entertain, but to provide Masonic instruction and education in an easy-to-swallow prescription.

MATERIALS OF INTEREST

The following booklets and pamphlets are available from the Grand Secretary's office in St. Louis and can assist you and your Lodge: Ceremonies-Contains the major public ceremonies of Installation, Cornerstones, Dedication, Fifty-Year Pin Presentations, and Funeral Service. Cost $1.

Lodge System of Masonic Education-A handbook of questions and answers on history, philosophy, etc., designed to be used by a Lodge Committee on Masonic Education with candidates after they are elected to receive the degree. Cost $1.

Committees on Investigation-A pamphlet that provides an outline of the duties of investigating committees. No charge.

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Candidate Booklets-Four booklets that will serve as an introduction to Freemasonry for the Candidate and provide him with a ready reference to some of the history behind the forms and ceremonies路 he participates in as he progresses through the degrees. They are entitled: "On the Threshold, The Entered Apprentice, The Fellow Craft, The Master Mason." No Charge.

Each Lodge in Missouri also receives the "Short Talk Bulletin" montWy from the Masonic Service Association. This pampWet contains a short, 15 to 20 minute Masonic speech in each issue and can be easily used in any Lodge. Ask your secretary to see some of the back issues.

Table Lodge Ritual-Pamphlet containing layout for a Table Lodge, the ritual and suggested Toasts.

Freemason Magazine-Issued four times a year, contains news of Grand Lodge and lodge activities, programs and personalities, the Masonic Home, and historical sketches on Missouri Masonry.

Cost: $1 per year or 5 years for $4. Every officer should be a subscriber. Send your check to the Grand Secretary.

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CONCLUSION

This booklet only skims the surface of what can be done by a Master of a Lodge. It is a beginning.

We hope it will serve a useful purpose for you and in the end, for your Lodge. We wish you every success and may you grow in Masonic stature and earn the esteem and applause of your Brethren.

COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATION GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI

A.F.&A.M.

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NOTES

NOTES

NOTES