We held an Entered Apprentice degree last night and all went well except we were without the services of our deacons. One had legal papers to sign for an adoption, and the other, who is a member of the Coast Guard, was involved in a search for some lost boaters (one was found clinging to his boat, his three other companions appear to be lost).
Because of this, we had to change some of the chair assignments for the degree and I ended up at Senior Deacon. I actually like Senior Deacon and consider it the best seat in the house. A good Senior Deacon can be an invaluable asset to a Worshipful Master simply by keeping the program moving along with crisp floor work and well delivered lines. The Senior Deacon's deportment materially affects the tone for the meeting, be it Called or Stated. He can either do it professionally (well rehearsed with a positive personality) or can be a slob who stumbles through everything; either way, the Senior Deacon has high visibility and can impact the attitude of the Brethren in attendance. If done poorly, don't expect visiting Brethren to return, but if done well, watch attendance increase at Lodge meetings.
On this particular evening, we also tried something different (go figure). At my Lodge it is customary for the Lodge officers to march in at the start of the meeting. This time, we were led in by a bagpiper who did a wonderful job. We are fortunate to have a very good piper serving the Lodge as Junior Steward. Since Dunedin has strong ties to Scotland, the use of the bagpipes was well received by the sideliners. True, we have an excellent organist in the Lodge, but our bagpiper was a particularly nice touch which seemed to be appreciated by just about everyone.
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"
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