A couple of weekends ago I was invited to speak at the Wardens Workshop held at the Masonic Home in St. Petersburg for Zone 6 Craft Lodges (Tampa Bay area). One of the things I was asked to do was present a paper I wrote a few years ago on "Bryce's Tips for Your year in the East," which gives some suggestions for things you should be thinking about when you are a Worshipful Master. You can still find it on the web at:
Rural Lodge (Quincy, MA) Newsletter -
http://www.rurallodge.com/2NEWS/070608_Newsletter71.pdf
As I was returning from the meeting, it occurred to me that there are four basic elements to being an effective Master:
1. Leader - to set the direction of the Lodge, establish goals, organize your people, and follow-up on their activities.
2. Educator - to teach both the junior officers in Lodge management techniques and degree work, and; to the Craft overall by promoting Masonic Education.
3. Umpire - to fairly referee the business of the Lodge.
4. Entertainer - this is a bit unusual, but just as valid. In order for the Lodge to succeed, it is necessary for the Master to think like an entertainment in order to pique interest by the Craft. If the Master cannot stimulate interest, the Lodge will undoubtedly suffer.
All four of these elements are necessary for success as a Master. Think I'm kidding? Review this article with a Past Master and ask for his opinion.
Above all else, the Master must be credible; he must be able to turn words into action. This is a true test of his management character. If he cannot muster the Craft to action, he has failed.
1. Leader - to set the direction of the Lodge, establish goals, organize your people, and follow-up on their activities.
2. Educator - to teach both the junior officers in Lodge management techniques and degree work, and; to the Craft overall by promoting Masonic Education.
3. Umpire - to fairly referee the business of the Lodge.
4. Entertainer - this is a bit unusual, but just as valid. In order for the Lodge to succeed, it is necessary for the Master to think like an entertainment in order to pique interest by the Craft. If the Master cannot stimulate interest, the Lodge will undoubtedly suffer.
All four of these elements are necessary for success as a Master. Think I'm kidding? Review this article with a Past Master and ask for his opinion.
Above all else, the Master must be credible; he must be able to turn words into action. This is a true test of his management character. If he cannot muster the Craft to action, he has failed.
Stay tuned!
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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