LOOKING TOWARDTHE EAST

COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATIONGRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI

A.F.&A.M.

LOOKING TOWARDTHE EAST

Some Thoughts and Suggestions for theSenior Warden to Prepare Himself

for the Master's Chair

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

Prepared by

COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATIONGRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI

A.F.&A.M.

INTRODUCTION

Greetings, Brother Senior Warden:

The time is rapidly approaching when you mustgive serious thought to the numerous and weightyduties that will become yours if you are elevatedby your Brethren to the Master's chair in the East.These duties extend far beyond the conferring ofdegrees and conducting routine business of statedmeetings. They reach into the life of each memberof your lodge, into the community and sometimesbeyond. They also reach into the affairs and delib­erations of your Grand Lodge and the MissouriMasonic Home. There is no secret to a successfulyear in the East. Your achievements as a Masterwill depend essentially upon preparations madenow and those· you have made as you progressedthrough the other chairs. This booklet is presentedto you by the Grand Lodge of Missouri in the sin­cere hope it will provide you with an outline ofsome of the very basic duties you will face and of­fer a few suggestions on how to fulfill these dutiesand discharge your obligations to the Craft withhonor, 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 29

3

I

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

The ceremony of installation should be familiarto you. Recall the words addressed to the Master:

"The BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS you areto search at all times. Cause it to be read in theLodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the ex­cellent precepts it enjoins."

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

In addition, it is suggested that a copy shouldbe always available in the secretary's desk and, inorder that you may preside more effectively youshould carry your own personal copy. Its availabil­ity and your knowledge of its various provisionswill give you a greater sense of confidence in pre­siding and in seeking answers to questions of lawwithin the lodge.

If a question involving Grand Lodge law shouldcome before the Lodge and its interpretation is dif­ficult to resolve, then, refer the question to yourDistrict Deputy Grand Master for a ruling. Should

4

he have any doubts, he will bring it to the attentionof 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 DeputyGrand Lecturer.

The·Book of Constitutions and By-Laws is yourfriend and your assistant. It spells out the relation­ship between your Lodge and Grand Lodge, theduties 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~

tary3681 Lindell Blvd.St. Louis, Mo.63108

5

II

HOW TO PRESIDE

When you are presented the gavel as Master ofyour Lodge, you are not only given an honor, but,at the same time, you will assume an obligationthat will be fulfilled, only, if you know your dutiesand 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 withregularity and justice. These teachings are perti­nent and should be inculcated in your plans foryour administration.

The gavel which you will wield is an emblemof authority but it should be used justly and neverin the cause of injustice or oppression.

The ritual provides you with explicit duties inopening and closing ceremonies, as well as in de­gree work and in conducting all rites. Prepareyourself to perform those duties in a dignified andimpressive 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-

6

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

The Master should insist at all times that allbusiness of the Lodge be transacted in a meticulousmanner.

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 bedignified and always to the point, or points, raisedin 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 ordermade and his decision is final, unless the decisionis appealed to and reversed by the Grand Lodge.

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

Anyone endeavoring to deviate from orderlyprocedure 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 Masterto question the Brother speaking but the Brotheroriginally recognized maintains his rights to the

7

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

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

PROCEDURE EXAMPLE

Let's take an example of the proper procedurein the Lodge:

One member arises, addresses the WorshipfulMaster, is recognized to speak and reports that firehas destroyed the home of a member of the Lodge.He says the family is in dire distress.

Brother Smith then arises and says: "WorshipfulMaster." The Master replies, "Brother Smith." TheBrother then says: "I move that this Lodge donatethe sum of $25 from its treasury to assist BrotherBrown 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 Masterand Brethren, I would like to offer a substitute for

8

the motion made by Brother Smith. I move thatthe Worshipful Master appoint a committee to goto Brother Brown, ascertain his needs and thendraw on the treasurer for such funds as may benecessary."

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 thesubstitute. If the substitute carries, then the matteris settled. However, if the substitute fails, the ques­tion then occurs on the amendment to the originalmotion. If this vote carries, a vote is then takenon the "motion as amended." If the amendmentfails, however, the vote is then taken on the origi­nal motion.

9

IIICOMMITTEES

One of the first duties of the new WorshipfulMaster is the appointment of various committees.The Senior Warden must give searching thoughtto whom he can appoint to each pardcular job.Any and every committee needs to be a "workingcommittee" that will assist the Master in conductingthe business of the Lodge and in developing andpromoting the degree work, education and enter­tainment of the Brethren.

The Senior Warden should consider the follow­ing qualifications in selecting Brethren to fill thepositions on the various committees:

1) Specific talent or ability for the task as­signed the committee.

2) An interest in the work of the committeeon 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 necessaryto carry out the duties assigned to the commit­tee.No appointment should be made without asking

10

the Brother individually and specifically if he iswilling to accept the appointment and to work dil­igently and tirelessly at the task assigned. Thisshould be done before the committee appointmentsare announced.

Certain committees are required by the GrandLodge By-Laws as follows:

BudgetInvestigationRelief

The duties of these committees are detailed inthe Grand Lodge Constitution and By-Laws of1958.

Some Lodges appoint a standing committee toinvestigate all petitions while other Lodges appointa new committee for each petition. A pamphletoutlining 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:

AuditRefreshmentCandidate Proficiency CoachingLodge Education

11

The duties of the Lodge Education Committeeare spelled out in the "Lodge System of MasonicEducation" booklet published by the Grand LodgeCommittee on Masonic Education. Your Lodgehas been supplied with three copies of the booklet.Additional copies may be obtained from the GrandSecretary at a cost of $1 per booklet.

Remember, the purpose of any committee is tofunction for the benefit of the Lodge. Choose yourappointments wisely!

12

IV

COURTESIES

Every member of your Lodge who attends ameeting, participates in degree work, serves on acommittee, or who is just a part of the .audience,should feel happy, comfortable, and perhaps, mostof all, wanted in Lodge.

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

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

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

13

versed, polite, considerate, businesslike, and keepthe examination as brief as possible.

THE GRAND MASTER VISITS

Do not write a Grand Master and say, "Comesee us sometime." Be specific. Nothing confusesa Grand Master more than to have a secretarywrite: "Our Lodge meets the first Tuesday afterthe full Moon." Few calendars print the phases ofthe Moon today.

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

After the Grand Master accepts the invitation,make preparations for him! A Grand Mastershould be shown certain courtesies. A Brothershould be assigned specifically to greet him at theLodge hall and to treat him as he would a guestin his own home. If the distinguished visitor is toremain overnight, he should be taken to quarters

14

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

Don't forget another courtesy: Invite the DistrictDeputy Grand Master and District Deputy GrandLecturer 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 forthe program or ceremony, be sure to provide himwith a place to hang his coat and to dress in theregalia of his office.

While there is no official ritual on the receptionof a Grand Master, the Grand Lecturer or DistrictDeputy Grand Lecturer will be happy to rehearseyou in a form that is recommended. Basically, oncethe 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 andsee the Brethren formed in an oblong squarearound the Altar. Following his introduction, theMarshal directs that he be accorded "the GrandHonors." The Master should then greet him at the

15

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

The committee in charge should not plan a longprogram before the Grand Master's address andany program should provide for the Grand Masterto speak last. NO ONE IN THE HALL SHOULDUNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE CALLEDUPON AFTER THE GRAND MASTER HASSPOKEN. 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 theLodge presented by a slow reader, and resp.onsesby several elderly members before the Grand Mas­ter was introduced at 11 :30 p.m. He arose andsaid: "Brethren, Sisters, and friends! The hour islate; all should be at rest. God Bless you, goodnight." Yes, he and his good wife had traveledmiles for this meeting and he had prepared an ad­dress which required correspondence and researchin its preparation.

Remember, the Grand Master is no differentfrom each member of the Lodge. He is differentonly in that he has been fortunate to be selectedas the official representative and spokesmen for allof the Masons in Missouri. Be at ease and make

16

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

Finally, the Craft makes many demands on thetime of a Grand Master who, as a rule, must pur­sue regular employment. The membership haselected 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 byhim.

17

V

PUBLIC RELATIONS-PUBLICITY

Keeping Freemasonry in the news is importantto the fraternity. It is important to your Lodge re­gardless of its size or location. It is through thenews media that men who are not Masons learnwhat Masons think and do. Thus, the Master of aLodge should consider it one of his primary dutiesto get legitimate news stories to the newspapersand to the television and radio stations.

The Master ~ay wish to delegate this responsi­bility to another. There is no reason why he shouldnot. But he should see that the job is done.

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

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

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

18

He should know the policies the newsman mustfollow. And he should respect them.

Many Masonic events are sufficiently importantto warrant personal coverage by the news media.It is up to the Lodge representative to keep news­men informed of upcoming events. But in manyinstances, Masonic activities will not warrant per­sonal coverage. Then it is up to the Lodge repre­sentative to prepare and deliver the informationand pictures to the news media.

The Mason who delivers his facts in writing willhave more success in getting the story used thanone who does not. He need not worry about style.The newsman will handle that. But the Masonshould have down on paper what happened, whenit happened, why and where it happened and whoparticipated.

The same is true with pictures. The Mason whocan deliver to the newsman a glossy print of ahighlight from the event or of the people involvedin the event has much more chance of getting thepicture used than has the Mason who asks thenews media to "get a picture of the event." Be sureto provide proper identification for all those in thepicture 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 Masonmany times will find he can deal with the newsmenby telephone. This can be very important wheretime is a factor.

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

Use of stories and pictures and the amount ofspace or time given will vary in different localities.The general rule will be that the larger the city, theless time or space available.

If you have legitimate complaints about yourtreatment, make them diplomatically to your newscontacts. Ask his advice on "why" and "how toavoid" 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.

20

-Be sure to write everything down pertinentto 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. Itis difficult to read another's handwriting unless itis exceptionally clear and legible.

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

-Be brief. Newspaper space and air time arecostly.

-Be businesslike. Never ask when a story willappear. Never ask for clippings. Never try to ob­tain publicity by pressure of friendship or businessconnections.

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

-Be professional. When you invite a memberof the press to an event, provide them with freetickets 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.

21

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 statedcommunication to transact routine business can bemade into an enjoyable and profitable evening. Theingredients:

A corps of Lodge officers, proficient in the ritualof opening and closing the Lodge, who present theritual clearly and with expression and execute thefloor work with precision.

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

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

Prompt and Brotherly attention to the sick andthose in distress.

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

22

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

If most of these ingredients are present in yourLodge you already have a head start on a success­ful year. Build on them. If these ingredients are notpresent, begin to develop them.

SUGGESTIONS

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

Installation-Open meeting with special music,a special speaker who would perhaps discuss NewYear'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 WashingtonNational Masonic Memorial, Mount Vernon andAlexandria, Va.

Ladies Night-Special recognition and praiseto wives, mothers, sweethearts and daughters onor near Valentine's Day; a dinner, distribution ofspecial Valentine cards selected by the Brethrenfor 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 anumber of interesting films from the Masonic Ser­vice Association, 724 Ninth Street, N. W., Wash­ington, D. C. 20001; videotapes shown on largeTV sets are available through the Missouri Lodgeof Research.

Lodge Birthday or .Charter Night-Banquet,two or three pieces of special music, a speaker whowill be assigned "unusual personalities that helpeddevelop our Lodge" or "unusual incidents in thehistory of our Lodge."

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

24

who is a member of the fraternity and familiar withthe Masonic history of the Sts. John Days to speakto the Craft; a memorial service could be appropri­ate, recalling the lives and works of your Brethrenwho 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 thedishes and clean up the dining room.

Law Night-Invite a member of the GrandLodge Committee on Jurisprudence to discuss thehistory of Masonic law and set aside about 15 to20 minutes for the Brethren to ask questions per­taining to the law.

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

Paul Revere Night-A much neglected Mason,Revere was outstanding in many fields in additionto the ride for which he is most famous. Find aspeaker who will research his life and work in aninteresting manner.

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

25

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

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

Ben Franklin Night-Unlimited possibilities;dinner, a talk on Franklin's Masonic history andhis 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 bedeveloped and, too, these make excellent eventsthat may be publicized:

Masonic book review; DeMolay Night-Degreesexemplified; Doctors Night; Lawyers Night; CivicRecognition 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 theschool board; Mock Lodges-Demonstrate whatmakes 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 topaint, repair, clean and celebrate with asp.ecial

26

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

As you might observe by now, the program ofa 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 Masonicinstruction and education in an easy-to-swallowprescription.

MATERIALS OF INTEREST

The following booklets and pamphlets are avail­able from the Grand Secretary's office in St. Louisand 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 afterthey are elected to receive the degree. Cost $1.

Committees on Investigation-A pamphlet thatprovides an outline of the duties of investigatingcommittees. No charge.

27

Candidate Booklets-Four booklets that willserve as an introduction to Freemasonry for theCandidate and provide him with a ready referenceto some of the history behind the forms and cere­monies· he participates in as he progresses throughthe 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 "ShortTalk Bulletin" montWy from the Masonic ServiceAssociation. This pampWet contains a short, 15to 20 minute Masonic speech in each issue and canbe easily used in any Lodge. Ask your secretaryto see some of the back issues.

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

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 officershould be a subscriber. Send your check to theGrand Secretary.

28

CONCLUSION

This booklet only skims the surface of what canbe done by a Master of a Lodge. It is a beginning.We hope it will serve a useful purpose for you andin the end, for your Lodge. We wish you every suc­cess and may you grow in Masonic stature andearn the esteem and applause of your Brethren.

COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATION

GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI

A.F.&A.M.

29

NOTES

NOTES

NOTES