SHEROD.TXT   P8



     
      by RONALD A. SHEROD, 32
      Grand Master of Masons in California
      1111 California Street, San Francisco, California 94108

   AS MASONS we understand,
for the most part, the dif-
ferences between yet similarities of
the various Masonic Orders. A
large percentage of Masons in
California, for instance, belong to
the Scottish Rite, the York Rite,
and the Shrine of North America.
Similarly, the Order of Eastern
Star attracts and holds the atten-
tion of a large number of Masons.
This is to name but four of the
major Orders that depend on Craft
Masonry for their source of mem-
bership.
   The California Masonic Code
has a few very restrictive regu-
lations that quite frankly were
appropriate in their time but, in
today's society, are construed by
many as possibly inappropriate or
fiscally counterproductive to the
whole of Masonry. We also have a
few very unique and highly restric-
tive state laws for the operations
of nonprofit corporations. The
combination of these situations
has given rise to misunderstand-
ings within the total Masonic
Fraternity. 
   It is time we work as a team to
understand constructively and
then, by working together, to
resolve these differences for the
betterment of all Orders. These
are times when we must pull
together, not apart.
   We hear this complaint regular-
ly: "They draw Masons away from
our Blue Lodge."  I have traveled
throughout our great state as well
as our nation representing our
Grand Lodge at Masonic events. I
offer you now a very interesting
observation: The many members
of the Concordant and Appendant
Bodies I have met and shared an
evening with were the same
Masons we see working regularly
in our constituent Lodges!
   As a business man, I always encouraged my staff
to bring me a probable solution when they brought
me a problem. They may not have suggested the
right solution, but the effort of trying to find one
caused them to think and plan in a more positive
vein. I have now taken my own advice! Thus, I long
ago commenced looking for an answer to our dilem-
ma regarding the "profusion and confusion" between
our several Orders. 
   I started asking myself the following question:
"How can we convert this growing problem to an
opportunity rather than continuing the perceived
competition between several large but closely related
Masonic organiza-
tions?"
   Working only from within our individual organi-
zations, we naturally dissipate potential
energies. As individual Orders, we certainly cannot
produce as effective a "voice" as we can by working
together as a team. The synergies and op-
portunities we can realize by working together are
truly immense!

   It was obvious, if this plan was to work, Grand
Lodge must take the first giant step to share this
proposed plan with the other leaders in Masonry. I
proved to myself, as I have so many times in busi-
ness, if you talk openly to others, the misconceptions
and concerns seem literally to melt. You soon find a
common bond of genuine interest and support. I am
very pleased to report that I have found 100 percent
supportand not just lip servicefrom every Masonic
leader I have met with to date! The first enthusiastic
backing for this  plan  came  from  our  own  Past 
Grand Master and now SGIG in California, Ill
H. Douglas Lemons, 33.
   The lack of a communication link between the
various Masonic Bodies is one of our major stum-
bling blocks in California Masonry. Part of this prob-
lem rests with the very size of our state. If we do
nothing more than to establish an open line of com-
munication through this year's theme, we will have
taken a giant step in revitalizing California Masonry.
   To further this plan, I invited all of the California
Masonic leaders to San Francisco on January 28,
1991, to take the first "giant step" in permanently
working together. Through this collected consortium,
now called The Council of California Masonic Lead-
ers, they were able to choose leaders for 1991 and
establish a plan for regular meetings with specific
and highly relevant agendas.  
    In this fashion, we can bring to the representatives
of all Masonic Orders, for discussion and resolution,
the many common problems and deep concerns of
our respective Orders. We can then arrive, via a
common platform, at a mutually acceptable solution
that will benefit all of Masonry. Through open
discussion and from the sharing of the expanded
synergies derived from such a gathering, we learn
mutually to benefit from each other's experiences. As
many said, "It is time." Quickly and enthusiastically
they pledged themselves to the unlimited opportuni-
ties presented by such a forum.
   To further facilitate the plan of bringing the
several Orders closer together this year, we have per-
sonally invited the leaders and members of all of the
other Orders to participate in what we have titled
the "GRAND MASTERS 1991 CHARITY GOLF CLAS-
SICS." The primary goal of these golf classics is to
bring our Scottish and York Rite Masons, Shriners,
Eastern Star, Grotto and all the other Bodies together
for a day of having fun and making new friendships. 
   On the more serious side of these events is that
$50 of every player's fee will go to support the
California Substance Abuse Program. Seven of these
golf classics are scheduled at major golf courses
throughout California this year. Our basic philosophy
is simple; if we first get to know each other socially,
we can then quickly learn how to work together.
   We are all Brothers, working in the vineyard of
Masonry.  Each Order brings to Masonry a unique,
rewarding, and most necessary element. The problem
is not that we are in competition with each other, for
we really aren't. The problem is that we have not
truly supported each other. Also we lose sight of the
fact that we are all basically Master Masons serving
a common cause! Working together, we can find
ways to enhance our great Fraternity's future. We
must commence to change our personal attitudes
and be willing to better understand the other per-
son's point of view if we are to find ways to resolve
our basic problems.
   We must clearly communicate to the general
public what the total Masonic Fraternity represents. 
   They must know the story of the many available
Masonic charities.
   They must recognize our solid support to public
schools.
   They must understand our national commitment
to fight substance abuse.
   If we combine our energies for a common pur-
pose, then our endeavor clearly becomes an all-
Masonic family effort with every one working to-
wards a common cause. Working together in unity,
we will present to the public, a clearer, more com-
plete picture of the many good works and charitable
activities which are daily provided to all walks of life
by the various Bodies of Freemasonry. 
   With this knowledge, a more positive public image
of Freemasonry will prevail. The individual Mason
will also have a better understanding of his own
honorable role in Freemasonry, and will then be
better equipped to respond to the often asked ques-
tion: "What do Masons do?" It is at that precise mo-
ment that membership in all our several Bodies of
Masonry will start to grow again...and not before.

                                              
Currently serving as National Chairman of the North
American Conference of Grand Masters, Ill Sherod
is active in the Long Beach Scottish Rite and York
Rite Bodies, El Malaikah Shrine, National Sojourners,
High 12 International, Order of Eastern Star, and is
a 50- year member of the Order of DeMolay. He has
also served as Trustee of the California Masonic
Homes, Masonic Foundation, and Temple Boards of
Trustees.
                                              
