STB-AP89
         THE CHALLENGES OF PAST MASTERS
                       hy
              Stewart M. L. Pollard

We would like lo thank R.W. Bro. Pollard for this extremely
important view of the role of Ihe Past Master. Bro. Pollard is
the immediate Past Executive Secretary of the MSA.

  Anyone who has served in the East of any Masonic body, but more
especially in the East of a symbolic lodge, has a special feeling
of satisfaction and pride in his accomplishments in that office.
It is only natural that he will also have a feeling of regret
that he was not able to ac complish everything he had hoped
during his term. He will also have second thoughts on how he
handled some situations. Most of all, though, he has a deep and
abiding concern for his lodge.

  But, what about "life after service in the East?" What happens
then? The answer will de pend a great deal upon the individual
and his at titude. There are some who relinquish the gavel with
great reluctance. . . and there are some who never seem to give
it up. And, yes, there are a few (fortunately a very few) who
walk away from the job and never appear to look back and seldom
come back. Fortunately, the vast majority of Past presiding
officers take on a status of "senior ad visors" who greatly
assist their successors in the government of the Craft.

  Many lodges take full advantage of the talents of these
experienced leaders. They are used on "executive councils", as
Trustees, Committee Chairmen, coaches, and as protem officers.
So long as they are used to good advantage and are made to
continue to feel needed and useful, they will continue to be
great assets to the organiza tion. It is when they are ignored
and "cast off" that they look around for other outlets for their
talents.

  Some lodges which have a number of Past Masters available have
formed them into a "Past Masters Association", and when there are
several lodges in close proximity they often form a regional
association of Past Masters. One of the most successful of this
type is the Past Masters Association of the District of Columbia.
Thanks to the talents of a dedicated Secretary, it publishes a
quarterly newsletter which is sent to all of its members
"wheresoever dispersed", keeping the membership informed of
activities in the various lodges, news of the activities of the
members, losses through death, changes of address, mar riages,
etc. It is a most appreciated service which promotes pride,
continued interest, and as a periphery benefit, it increases
contributions to the Masonic and Eastern Star Home and other
fund raising activities of the D.C. Iodges. Dues in the
Association are kept at an absolute minimum, with a number of the
D.C. Iodges paying the dues in the Association for all of their
Past Masters. This serves as an additional link in the chain of
communication. The Past Masters Association meets several times
each yearusually at the "festive board."

  That special kinship which Past Masters have with one another
is evident in many ways. In many lodges it is customary for the
Past Masters to sit together (frequently in the Southeast cor
ner) where they have been likened to "buzzards sitting on a
fence." It seems they want to be near the Secretary so that they
can see and hear everything that is going on, and, of course they
are willing, ready and able to assist, prompt or correct the
Master. If you were to eavesdrop on them, you'd hear frequent
comments such as, " During my year, we did such and so; ' or,
"Remember when such and such happened?" And there is usually a
good amount of reminisc ing done. But, it is part of that
special fellowship which Past Masters enjoy.

  In a number of retirement communities across the country, you
will find that the strong "tie that binds" has brought Past
Masters together. They have been the founders of literally
hundreds of Masonic clubs in those communities, and have been
instrumental in increasing attendance at local lodges. And, bless
'em, many of them have become active in those lodges, bringing
with them a wealth of experience and knowledge. Some of them have
gone through the line again. Essen tially, they give proof to
that old adage that Freemasonry is a universal society of friends
and brothers.

  We frequently hear Past Masters referred to as the "backbone
of the lodge." That just might be a gross understatement of fact.
Past masters may be described as the backbone of the entire
fraternity. After all, ALL Grand Lodge officers are, first, Past
Masters. It is their knowledge, ex perience, enthusiasm and
interest which makes any Grand Lodge "tick". Almost without
excep tion, Past Masters are men of vision, who are continuously
working for the good of the Craft, steering the course for its
future.

  The final paragraph of the January 1931 Short Talk Bulletin,
"The Past Master," reads: "The honorable station of Past Master
can not be honored by the brethren if it is not honored by its
possessor." Fortunately, almost all who have earned the title of
Past Master continue to serve their lodges with distinction. It
is a title which has been earned by their total involvement in
lodge activities and by their personal sacrifices. As with all
honors and titles, Past Masters find that there are new rights
and privileges which go with the title. There are also additional
duties and responsibilities...and new challenges.

  Among the initial shocks that a new Past Master faces is that
the telephone stops its cons tant ringing, that he now has time
for a personal life and an opportunity to read and study. Many
find that in their first year as a Past Master they gain more
Masonic knowledge than in all the preceding years. To aid them in
this period, there are several of The Masonic Service Association
Short Talk Bulletins which are recommended reading: "The Past
Master" (Jan. '31); "Lodge Courtesies" (Aug. '24); "Master" (Feb.
'41); "Past Master's Jewel" (Apr. '45); "The Master's Jewel
Speaks" (Oct. '43).

  With the title of Past Master, he is also accord ed the
accolade of "Worshipful"indicating that he is an honored and
respected brother. It is a reputation which he must continually
strive to uphold.

  Yes! Past Masters can be properly referred to as the "backbone
of the Craft."

  It is a wise Master who recognizes the talents of the Past
Masters and who uses them to good advantage. They can serve as a
"sounding board" for the programs and activities a master is con
sidering. He can "pick their brains" for ideas and he can count
on the Past Masters to give him the wisdom of their experience.
The Master serves as the rudder, steering the course, but it is
often the Past Masters who assist him to "keep it on an even
keel."

   Why are a Past Master's compasses, in his jewel, open at 60
degrees on a quadrant instead 90 on a square?

   The compasses open sixty degrees are in easy position to
construct a square. The Master has worn the square while he
presided; now, as Past Master, he is supposed to be in possession
of the knowledge necessary to make a square, hence the position
of the compasses and the quadrant.

   There are many geometric methods of erecting a square; the
Past Master's jewel hints at one of the simplest and most used
methods as best for the Past Master to employ in instructing his
successor.

From "101 Questions about Freemasonry'' available through The
Masonic Service Association.
