February 16, 2009 - TALKING TO THE CRAFT & HONORARY MEMBERS

We held our February Stated Communications last Monday night and all went well; a few observations though:

First, we did a fine job opening and closing the Lodge, but I realize we still need some polish in terms of introducing first time visitors, balloting, and making presentations. I'll work on this.

Second, after opening the Lodge in the MM degree, I stepped it down to the FC degree for two Brothers to give back their catechism examination by our Lodge Instructor (who does a great job for us). In order to save time, we have three Past Masters listen to the catechism prior to the communications; if they are satisfied, the candidates do their obligation and token in the Lodge room, where the Craft then votes on for acceptance. This saves us a lot of time, particularly on an evening when we have a lot of work planned. Following acceptance of the examination, I set the Lodge at ease for a few minutes so the Craft can come down on the floor and congratulate our Brothers (both did an excellent job). This is greatly appreciated by the candidates and recognizes their hard work.

Third, starting with last month's communications I've added something new to our meeting routine. Following the opening, I step down to the floor and talk to the Craft directly, kind of like Jay Leno to his audience (although there is certainly no comparison). I welcome the Craft, thank them for coming, recognize the Junior Warden for the meal that evening, discuss sickness and distress, and review the Masonic news of the day so the Craft can stay abreast of Freemasonry. I then close with a joke. My intent is to set the Craft at ease for the evening, yet make them aware of what we're going to discuss for the evening. So far, so good.

Finally, included in our business for the evening were two resolutions to recognize some outside Brothers as Honorary members of the Lodge. To me, I do not believe in handing out Honorary memberships simply because someone has a title. Instead, they must have done something of significance for the Lodge and this, in turn, is a nice way to recognize their efforts. As far as I'm concerned, passing out Honorary memberships without merit discredits the honor and makes it meaningless.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"