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VISITORS AND GUESTS

submitted by Steve Grant

Brethren,

Let me first explain what is the difference between the two words. To begin, every Mason has the right of visitation, within certain limitations. That exception may come during certain lodge business when the Master feels that only members should be present (to expell a member for example) A visitor then, is a Mason who is not a member of the Lodge he want to attend. Such a person could have been your lodge many times or this could be his first time. A visitor is treated differently if this is a first visit than if it is a return visit. This is why a visitor signs the visitors book so that there is a record of his having been admitted at a prior time, otherwise he may have to go through an examination all over again.

Why does a visitor have to go through an examination? The answer lies in the fact that the Worshipful Master has taken an obligation which states that he will not allow anyone to enter his lodge room without due inquiry as to the regularity and good standing of all visitors.

On the night of a meeting, the Master is very busy person, and may not have the time to personally examine all visitors, so he delegates that task to a committee.

The duty of that committee is not to see if the visitor is a ritualist, but rather to verify that he is a Mason in good standing, and only that. All that is needed is a valid dues card, and knowledge of our secret signs, grips, and words.

My first visit to Ansantawae Lodge after moving to Connecticut was quite impressive. This was to be the first time as a New York Mason I would be visiting a lodge in Connecticut. It all came about ten years ago while I was searching for a house to buy. My broker took my wife and I to a open house being shown by another broker. This broker was wearing a Masonic lapel pin. Immediately I inquired as to the state of Masonry in his community. He said I’m the secretary of the lodge in town which is the best lodge in the state. He then went into his inside breast pocket and handed me a trestle board and said if I should find a house and relocate here, look me up, and then he handed me a Masonic business card and I read his name Brother Kenneth B. Hawkins, PGM.

Well, now its about four months later, and I'm about to take up Brother Hawkins offer. I open the door to the lodge building and take three steps in, and I meet all the officers waiting to greet me and every brother who enters their lodge hall. Each of them introduces themselves and makes me feel welcome. I'm early, so I go upstairs and reintroduce myself to the secretary and I show him my dues card, and after a few moments of conversation he introduces me to the Master who also bids me welcome. I am then introduced to the Grand Master, the District Deputy and the AGM who were paying a visit to the lodge also. The Grand Master, Sam Walker, invites me to be part of his suite, and I'm introduced as a member of the Grand Lodge of New York. For me that was a very impressive visit.

A guest is a very special visitor, he may be a member or not, but in either case he is their by invitation of the lodge through its Worshipful Master.

Some Guests are present because they are being honored with some Masonic award, but the type of guest that I would like to discuss is that of a guest speaker.

In this state during the last four years I have been invited to speak at over twenty different lodges, including two table lodges and one table sedar. In New York that list is now in the hundreds. I’ve been greeted by many Masters, most have been perfect hosts some have been very poor ones My purpose of writing this article is to educate officers in the Masonic Etiquette of Guest Speakers.

To begin, the Master should first contact the speaker and arrange a date for the invitation. During this conversation all of the following subjects must be covered.

1) The time and place the speaker is to attend.

2) Does he require transportation or directions to the lodge?

3) Does he need any special equipment or props?

4) Does he require lodging?

5) Is their a fee for his service?

6) Is he to be reimbursed for expenses?

7) Is he traveling alone?

8) Is he expected to wear a Tuxedo?

9) How long does his program last

10) Is this talk to be held in a tyled lodge room?

11) What is the subject or title of his talk?

12) What is his proper title and what is his background for use as an introduction.

The next thing to do is to confirm the answers received to the above questions in a letter sent to the speaker.

A week before the event, the Master should personally contact the speaker as a reminder and send him a trestleboard.

The Master should invite his guest to dinner either privately in a local restaurant or with the membership at a pre-meeting dinner (The master should ascertain if the speaker has any dietary restrictions)

In the event that the Master is hosting his guest to dinner away from the lodge, Make sure the Senior Warden is aware that he may have to open the lodge at the time stated in the by-laws, should he be late returning.

The guest has now arrived at the lodge. He should not be allowed to enter without a proper escort or to find his own seat.. At the time he is introduced he MUST be in the East at the Masters right hand.

The introduction is critical. The Master by this time must know the biography of the speaker and the subject of the talk. It reflects on your lodge if you just say 'here's Johnny'?. A proper introduction is half the speakers battle, especially if he has traveled a great distance and without fee.

Timing is also important, any unnecessary business should be postponed. Your speakers comfort is your prime concern. He still has "Miles to go before he sleeps"?

Finally, the nest day a thank-you note should be sent to the guest speaker.

If the above procedures are followed, be it in lodge, in a blue lodge council or even a statewide event. The least that can be said is that we Masons are proper gentlemen and fine hosts.

Fraternally ,

R.·. W.·. RONALD M GOLDWYN, PGSB-NY

Member of Ansantawae #49, Orange #143 and MLR

Sincerely &Fraternally, R.·.W.·.Ronald M Goldwyn, LMPS

GLNY &GLCT