Subordinate Lodge Officer Training (SLOT) WB Joseph Pack 2015 PM, Kilwinning Crosse No. 2-237 RtWor Jeff St. Onge, DEO 2009 PM, Fredericksburg No. 4 2015 DDGM, 8 th Masonic District
Today s Agenda Purpose of SLOT Available Resources Roles and Responsibilities of an Officer Etiquette, Protocol, and Decorum
Purpose of SLOT To the Officers of the Craft Lodges is entrusted the most critical and vital role in all of Freemasonry. For it is in the Craft Lodges that new Masons are made, and it is there that Freemasonry begins for every Mason. [ ] His search for Light, further Light and more Light in Masonry is aided and guided by the elected and appointed Officers of his Mother Lodge. -Thomas F. Blizzard, 2001 Grand Provost
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Available Resources: Overview Constitution of Masonry (or Ahiman Rezon) Founding Principles Methodical Digest Punitive Law Annual Proclamations Standing Decisions for the Year Other Grand Lodge Pamphlets Strong Suggestions Correspondence Courses Education
Available Resources: Methodical Digest Paragraph Number Title Description Year Added Decision (Application or Interpretation) Authoring GM Date/Number of Decision
Available Resources: Methodical Digest Explains the established rule governing Masonic action and conduct. Provides context and helps show application of the rule to specific circumstances.
Available Resources: Useful Grand Lodge Papers Responsibilities and Guidelines for Officers and Lodge Members (2009) Meeting Management (2007) Master Masons and Prospective Lodge Officers (2009) Must read for new Masons Masonic Etiquette, Protocol, and Decorum (2008) Must read for all Masons
Available Resources: Correspondence Courses Best Masonic Advice Ever TAKE THE COURSES!!! Provide Overview of Ritual, Law, and Etiquette Helps Inform Officers of Powers and Responsibilities Recommend Taking Before Entering Line
Available Resources: Correspondence Courses http://courses.vamasons.org/
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN OFFICER Sources: Methodical Digest; Presentation Volume.
Roles and Responsibilities: Worshipful Master Autocrat of the Occasion Decision can not be appealed to lodge. Immovable Can not leave station except during ritual. Must appoint a substitute if leaving station. Cannot Interfere with Trustees or Trustee duties. Excuse anyone from voting. Must Dispose questions/motions. Sec. 2.49 Sec. 2.48 Sec. 2.48 Sec. 2.50 Sec. 2.51 Report to lodge the proceedings of Grand Lodge.
Roles and Responsibilities: Senior/Junior Warden Must Assume Role of WM in His Absence Absences do not create vacancies. Lodge Can Not Prescribe Duties of Wardens Wardens May Select PM to Preside PM who presides as WM derives authority from Wardens. If officer must be replaced, DDGM must be summoned to hold a called lodge; most recent PM serves as WM in interim. Junior Warden Prosecutes Charges Sec. 2.53 Sec. 2.52 Sec. 2.53 Sec. 2.52
Roles and Responsibilities: Treasurer Receives Monies From Secretary It s important money route through secretary for recording in the minutes. Can cause audit issues if routed through WM or others. Custodian of the Jewels Books Must Be Audited Committee to be appointed in November. Report to be made before election or December stated communication. Sec. 2.54 Sec. 2.56 Sec. 2.57
Roles and Responsibilities: Secretary Record the Minutes May either summarize, read in full, or dispense with reading of previous meeting s minutes at the next stated. Must Record and Produce Funds Is chargeable for funds once recorded in minutes/record books. Must Not Produce Mailing Lists Custodian of Lodge Seal Produce Monthly Reports for GL Sec. 2.59 Sec. 2.59 Sec. 2.60 Sec. 2.62
Roles and Responsibilities: Chaplain Lead Lodge Prayer Bless Food at Organized Meals Conduct Masonic Funerals Sec. 2.64 Presentation Volume
Roles and Responsibilities: Senior/Junior Deacons Introduce Visitors Receive Candidates Must Invest Brother with Word When Ordered by WM Sec. 2.65 Sec. 2.65 1910 D-17
Roles and Responsibilities: Senior/Junior Stewards Assist in Providing Refreshment Perform Other Delegated Duties Sec. 2.68 Sec. 2.68
ETIQUETTE, PROTOCOL, AND DECORUM Sources: Masonic Etiquette, Protocol, and Decorum (2008)
Etiquette, Protocol, and Decorum: Introduction An act of Masonic etiquette is some movement, action, courteous gesture or speech performed at a given time and place, in a certain manner, and according to rules, fixed and imposed by the Fraternity itself. Since the rules are for the good of the Craft as a whole, it affects each member. -RtWor M. Mickey Ander, 2008 Committee on Masonic Education
Etiquette, Protocol, and Decorum: Authoritative Sources Publications from the Grand Lodge Experienced Masons (Past Masters) Grand Provost, Committee on Masonic Education, or DEOs For Ritual: Grand Lecturer, Division Lecturer, or DIWs As a Past Master or older Mason, YOU are viewed as an etiquette authority; therefore, make sure your good counsel is consistent with that of the Grand Lodge.
Etiquette, Protocol, and Decorum: Furnishings Treat Property with Reverence The Alter is a Place of Reverent Prayer Ensure it is in good repair. Do not hold irreverent conversation around it. No banners except those for the lodge or GL. The Anteroom is a Part of the Lodge It should be neat/tidy and clean of litter. Avoid desire to use as a storeroom.
Etiquette, Protocol, and Decorum: Corrections to Ritual No One Besides WM or Designee Should Correct Verbal Errors Even then, only correct serious errors. It is discourteous to point out errors publicly to the craft. If you are in possession of a mind, which allows you to be able to perform each and every degree and ceremony perfectly, please advise the Worshipful Master of such that he may take advantage of your services to mentor others. Above All, Remember Everyone s Dignity Thinking someone is wrong isn t a reason to be disrespectful even if they are, themselves, disrespectful.
Etiquette, Protocol, and Decorum: Rebuking Behavior Objecting with Worshipful Master Rise, salute, wait for permission to speak. State objections, criticism, etc. Sit down and allow WM to respond. Rebuking Unruly Masons To Be Done After Lodge Respect individual dignity; correct in private Should occur in a way that doesn t attract undue attention
CONCLUSIONS
Conclusions The Grand Lodge Provides Many Resources Take the correspondence courses. Converse with brothers on Masonic etiquette, protocol, and decorum. Differ to authoritative sources. Duties of Officers Ensure Smooth Running Meetings and Sustainable Activity Respecting the Dignity and Respect of Others Encourages Peace and Harmony In Masonry
Thank You For Attending! If you have any comments or questions on this presentation, please contact WB Joseph Pack at joseph.n.pack@gmail.com.