





	S E L F - P A C E D
	O F F I C E R S  T R A I N I N G  G U I D E

	and

	R E S O U R C E    H A N D B O O K
























	Compiled and edited by:

	the Masters and Wardens Association of the
	Fifty-Fourth Masonic District

	to aid with the systematic training of

	Elected and Appointed Lodge Officers, wheresoever dispersed

	in The Grand Lodge
	of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons of
	The Commonwealth of Virginia


	 1 July 1993     
	Alexandria,  VA    


	List of Effective Pages   (LOEP)
									
	Publication Date: 1 July 1993  
  
		This is a complete revision of the draft published on 15 July 1991.  When further changes are necessary; sections/individual pages will be  provided as updated individual sheets, marked at the lower inner margin as change  #1, #2, #3, etc.  Change status "O" in the following list indicates that these are "Original-Issue" pages.

	Sheet					Page Number		   Change
											   Status

	Cover					Unnumbered/(Blank)		O

	Title Page/LOEP			Unnumbered/a-2			O

	A. Front Matter

		Foreward; Letter		i, ii				O

		Memoriam				iii/(Blank)			O

		Table of Contents		iv-1 thru iv-6			O

		Introduction			v thru viii			O

	B. General Guidelines		B1 thru B5/(Blank)		O

	C. Self-Help exercises		C1 thru C46			O

	D. Appendices

		Officers and Commit-
		   teemen Duties		I-1 thru I-16			O

		Program Suggestions		II-1 thru II-14		O

		Candidate Education		III-1 thru III-4		O

		Budget Worksheet		IV-1/IV-2				O

		Discussion, Ballot		V-1/V-2				O

		Masonic Etiquette		VI-1 thru VI-10		O

		Prelude to Ballot		VII-1 thru VII-6		O

		Right to Write			VIII-1 thru VIII-4		O

		Program Goals			IX-1 thru IX-3			O

		Exercise Records		X-1 thru X-4			O
    
	MICKEY ANDER

	5911 Edsall Rd (PH-2)
	Alexandria, VA  22304
	Phone: (703) 370-1441


	Knowledge is a Prized Possession that None Can Take Away



FOREWORD

									1 July 1993



Brethren:


	This is a revised reference work for Lodge Officers and their mentors.  It combines current management theory with actual practice in our gentle profession.  Within these pages you will find general decision making strategies that can be applied to specific Lodge situations.


	Various chapters, sections, and supplements offer in-depth coverage of some topics either not covered or only sketchily addressed in other textbooks -- managing team work, initiating community-support activities, a comprehensive section on the practice of Masonic etiquette, and an activity review and evaluation process.  It also includes a unique month-by-month case history for the execution of an exciting Masonic year by an effective team of Lodge officers.


	It is unfortunately true that many of our Brethren reach the Master's Chair very well prepared to carry out the ritual of the three Degrees, but knowing little of the other duties and responsibilities which they inherit or of the complete authority they are given to enable them to discharge their duties properly.


	They have probably been faithful in their attendance at local and statewide Schools of Ritual Instruction and as a result are well versed in the beautiful words and movements of the ceremonies.  But, it appears that very few schools venture outside the pages of the Manual of Work to teach officers anything about the general management of Lodge affairs.  Consequently, when they do become Master, they begin to face issues, meet problems, or are asked questions which they never anticipated, and which they are not always equipped to deal with satisfactorily. 






	Some are fortunate enough to find Past Masters (and District Officers) who will voluntarily provide the answers they need; but this does not always happen--there are many Past Masters who tend to keep these things to themselves, until they are specifically asked.  By necessity (they feel) they continue to manage the Lodge with the Master sitting in the East as sort of an interested observer.


	When I was elected a Lodge Officer, and started to observe and ask questions, I found that some Masonic Districts around our state remedied this gap in the instruction of Brethren by encouraging the DEO and DIW to collaborate with each other and to introduce a series of talks, seminars, and workshops to promote active discussion on those aspects of the Master's work which are not dealt with in the ritual and ceremonies.  In each instance, very successfully.


	The purpose of this open letter is to encourage all District Instructors of Work, District Educational Officers, Lodge Ritual Instructors, Lodge Education Officers and Past Masters to address this issue as a team and expanded upon the successful experiment of collaborative instruction.


	When this happens, I believe that we'll start to see Lodge officers who are actively engaged to overcome entrenched apathy through creative problem solving; by planning, and by implementing interesting, entertaining, innovative, family-oriented programs that everyone, young and old alike, can enjoy.  We'll see our Fraternity getting back to practicing basic Freemasonry; by challenging our Brethren to be better men, better husbands, better fathers; more active in their Communities and their places of worship.  We'll see a revitalized Fraternity where a Brother's wife and family understand the principles and ideals of Masonry so that the Brother is encouraged, by his family, to be active.




							Sincerely and fraternally,





							    Mickey Ander, DDGM
								  District 54

	Table of Contents


Section 		Contents 							  Page 

A  Front Matter

  1.	Foreword..........................................  i/ii

  2.	Memoriam..........................................  iii

  3.	Table of Contents.................................  iv-1/6

  4. Introduction

	(a) Masonic Education.............................. v
	(b) Hands-On Approach.............................. v
	(c) Seminars and Workshops......................... vi
	(d) Scope.......................................... vi
	(e) Learning Activities............................ vi
	(f) Lodge Counselor/Officers' Coach Roll........... vii
	(g) Summary........................................ vii


B  General Guidelines

  1. Warden's Certificate of Ritual Proficiency......... B-1

  2.	A Recommended 10-Point Program..................... B-2

  3.	Leadership That is Inspirational................... B-3

  4.	Committee Teams As A Tool.......................... B-4/5


C  Self-Help Exercises

  C1	Junior Deacon...................................... C-0

	(1)	Duties and Responsibilities................... C-1

	(2)	What Can I Give the Brethren in My Year?...... C-2/3

	(3)	Masonic Funerals Are Important to Masonry..... C-4

	(4)	How Does the Community View Your Lodge?....... C-5/6

	(5)	How Should We Treat Our Visitors?............. C-7/8

	(6)	Masonic Etiquette............................. C-9/10

  C2	Senior Deacon...................................... C-11

	(1)	Use of the "List Of Regular Lodges, Masonic".. C-13

Self Help Exercises (C2 Continued)


	(2)	Voting and Balloting Actions.................. C-14

	(3)	How to Keep From Losing Members............... C-15

	(4)	Helping Your Widows and Orphans............... C-16

	(5)	Masonic Trials................................ C-17

	(6)	Grand Lodge Programs.......................... C-18

	(7)	A Look at Your By-Laws........................ C-19


  C3	Junior Warden...................................... C-21

	(1)	How Should Our Visitors Be Examined?.......... C-23

	(2)	Getting a New Master Mason Involved........... C-24

	(3)	Committees as a Tool.......................... C-25

	(4)	Good Things From Other Lodges................. C-26

	(5)	Using a Lodge Bulletin (Trestleboard)......... C-27  

	(6)	Evaluating Finances and Budget Preparation.... C-28/29

	(7)	Using Your District Team...................... C-30

	(8)	Investigating Committees...................... C-31/32

	(9)	Grand Lodge Operations and the Mason.......... C-33/34

	(10)	Candidates' Education......................... C-35

	(11)	Law and Tradition............................. C-36/37


  C4	Senior Warden...................................... C-39

	(1)	Planning Community Oriented Projects.......... C-41/42

	(2)	Supporting Masonic Youth Groups............... C-43

	(3)	How Can the Proceedings of the Grand
		Lodge Help You?............................... C-44

	(4)	Appendant Bodies.............................. C-45

	(5)	Lodge Programs................................ C-46


D  Appendices

 I-A	Lodge Officers and Committees...................... I-1

   a	Introduction....................................... I-1

   b	Duties and Responsibilities........................ I-1

	(1)	Elected Officers.............................. I-1

		(a)	Junior Deacon............................ I-1
		(b)	Senior Deacon............................ I-4
		(c)	Secretary................................ I-5
		(d)	Treasurer................................ I-5
		(e)	Wardens.................................. I-5
		(f)	Worshipful Master........................ I-6

	(2)	Appointed Officers............................ I-9

		(a)	Stewards................................. I-9
		(b)	Chaplain................................. I-9
		(c)	Tiler.................................... I-9
		(d)	Marshal.................................. I-10
		(e)	Musician................................. I-10

 I-B	Potential Lodge Committees......................... I-10

  a	Introduction....................................... I-10

  b	Duties and Responsibilities........................ I-11

	(1)	Almoner/Charity............................... I-11

	(2)	Appendant Body Liason......................... I-11

	(3)	Blood Donor................................... I-11

	(4)	Bridge of Brotherly Love (Telephone).......... I-11

	(5)	Child Identification.......................... I-12

	(6)	Community Service Program..................... I-12

	(7)	Funeral Service............................... I-12

	(8)	Glad Hand (Greeters).......................... I-12

	(9)	Lodge Education............................... I-12

	(10)	Lodge History................................. I-13

	(11)	Masonic Birthdays............................. I-13

	(12)	Masonic Home Ambassador....................... I-13



	(13)	Mentor........................................ I-13

	(14)	Music......................................... I-13

	(15)	Programs/Special Events....................... I-14

	(16)	Publicity/Public Relations.................... I-14

	(17)	Resolutions and By-Laws....................... I-14

	(18)	Refreshments.................................. I-14

	(19)	Ritual and Ceremonies......................... I-15

	(20)	Scholarship................................... I-15

	(21)	Sick and Distressed (Visitation).............. I-15

	(22)	Sojourning Masons............................. I-15

	(23)	Transportation Arrangements................... I-15

	(24)	Widows and Orphans............................ I-16

	(25)	Youth Activities.............................. I-25


 II	Program Suggestions

	(1)   Overview..................................... II-1
	(2)   December..................................... II-2
	(3)   January...................................... II-3
	(4)   February..................................... II-3
	(5)   March........................................ II-5
	(6)   April........................................ II-6
	(7)   May.......................................... II-7
	(8)   June......................................... II-8
	(9)   July......................................... II-9
	(10)  August....................................... II-10
	(11)  September.................................... II-11
	(12)  October...................................... II-12
	(13)  November..................................... II-13
	(14)  Summary...................................... II-14


 III	Candidate Education

	(1)  Questions for the EA.......................... III-1/2
	(2)  Questions for the FC.......................... III-3
	(3)  Questions for the MM.......................... III-4


 IV	Lodge Budget Worksheet............................. IV-1/2




 V	Discussion, Voting, Balloting

	(1)  A Summary of Lodge Actions.................... V-1
 	(2)  Masonic Parliamentry Motions.................. V-3


 VI	Masonic Etiquette, a primer

	(1)  Meaning of Masonic Etiquette.................. VI-1
	(2)  Information on Masonic Etiquette.............. VI-1

	  (a)  Aged and Infirm............................. VI-2
	  (b)  Altar....................................... VI-2
	  (c)  Anteroom.................................... VI-3
	  (d)  Ballot...................................... VI-3
	  (e)  Decorum..................................... VI-3
	  (f)  DDGM........................................ VI-4
	  (g)  Distinguished Visitors...................... VI-4
	  (h)  Entrance During Meeting..................... VI-5
	  (i)  Etiquette Regarding Officers................ VI-5
	  (j)  Examination of Visitors..................... VI-5
	  (k)  Landmarks and Etiquette..................... VI-6
	  (l)  Letters to G/L Officers..................... VI-6
	  (m)  Non-Masons at Lodge Affairs................. VI-6
	  (n)  Objections From the Floor................... VI-7
	  (o)  Past Grand Titles........................... VI-7
	  (p)  Past Masters................................ VI-7
	  (q)  Preparation Room............................ VI-8
 	  (r)  Quiet in Lodge Room......................... VI-8
	  (s)  Rebuke...................................... VI-8
	  (t)  Ritual Etiquette............................ VI-8
	  (u)  Speaker in Lodge............................ VI-8
	  (v)  Titles...................................... VI-9
	  (w)  Unusual Circumstances....................... VI-9
	  (x)  Visiting the Sick........................... VI-10
	  (y)  W M  and Etiquette.......................... VI-10


VII	Prelude To The Ballot -- The Investigating Committee

	(1)	Choosing the Investigating Team............... VII-1

	(2)	Various Schools of Thought.................... VII-2

	(3)	Groundwork For The Interview.................. VII-2

	(4)	The Personal Interview........................ VII-3

	(5)	After The Interview........................... VII-4

	(6)	What Many Petitioners Expect From Masonry..... VII-4

	(7)	What Masonry Expects From Petitioners......... VII-5


VIII	Its Always Right to Write

	(1)	Introduction.................................. VIII-1

	(2)	Letters of Apology (Regrets/Reconciliation)... VIII-1

	(3)	Thank You Notes............................... VIII-2

	(4)	Letters of Condolence......................... VIII-3

	(5)	Sample Letters................................ VIII-4


IX	Lodge Program Goals

	(1)	Scheduling Plans.............................. IX-1

	(2)	Leadership Targets............................ IX-1

	(3)	Program Target................................ IX-2

	(4)	Membership Target............................. IX-3

	(5)	Notes......................................... IX-4


IX	Exercise Record

	(1) Junior Deacon (6-lessons)...................... X-1

	(2) Senior Deacon (7-lessons)...................... X-2

	(3) Junior Warden (11-lessons)..................... X-3

	(4) Senior Warden (5-lessons)...................... X-4



1.  INTRODUCTION


	One of our Brethren was recently overheard, while the Cherrydale Lodge was at refreshment, to say,  "Today, unless something is complicated, we seem to feel that it has little value".  He went on to illustrate, by saying; "If the safety pin had been invented during this decade, no one would use the darned thing unless it had six moving parts, two transistors, musical accompaniment, and had to be brought in for service twice a year!!"
 
	It's this very viewpoint that requires us to periodically revisit the way we do things and return to FUNDAMENTALS which so often gets lost in the complexities of modern life.


(a) Masonic Education:

	For some years now the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education and Publications has been diligently working to develop and refine various correspondence courses to help "Light the Way" toward better leadership.  It is strongly believed that a basic training program, aimed at providing the minimum body of knowledge and skill needed by Lodge Officers, is essential if we are to see improvement in the operation and leadership in our local lodges.  

	It is recognized that any correspondence-course program must be equally applicable to all lodges regardless of their size, location, or individual personality.  Regrettably, like most other off-the-shelf, one- size-fits-all items they don't quite fit any of us well.  That's why this simple, easily tailored, self-paced, Officer Training Program was developed.  It's designed to personalize the training and provide a vehicle to put into practice the things we're trying to learn.  Its ultimate goal is to provide a foundation for improving the effectiveness of leadership in the local lodge.


(b) Hands-on Approach:

	This one-on-one, self-paced program uses a "Hands-On", guided approach; much the same as we use to coach our candidates, to present a series of self-help study exercises. These study exercises address "How-To" subject areas that are related to the week-to-week/day-to-day functions of the lodge.     

	You are expected to identify and select some knowledgeable Past Master (possibly the one who as Master-elect nominated you as his choice as Junior Deacon) to act as your personal advisor/guide.  The handbook is designed to focus your thinking--to provide subjects to discuss in some orderly manner.


(c) Seminars and Workshops: 

	Your regular attendance and active participation during conferences, seminars, workshops, and other Lodges of Masonic Instruction are strongly encouraged and expected.  Participation in group discussions is also urged.  You'll clarify your thinking as you formulate and express your ideas, and more importantly, your ideas will greatly enrich the learning experience of others.

	Make it a point to frequently communicate the things you've learned to others.  We learn a subject more completely when we teach someone else.  It's true when you teach the catechism, it's true when you try to impart information about our ritual, it's true when you teach others about the workings of our Lodges.  Teaching what you've learned completes the learning cycle.  When we know that we're going to explain something to someone else:

	o  We learn more completely

	o  Our attention doesn't wander

	o  We can't get by with partial understanding, and it

	o  Makes us more alert when we are being taught.	


(d)  Scope:

	This manual is intended as a work book, reference source and discussion guide on subjects related to Lodge administration, Masonic law, communications, personal development, planning, and group leadership that have caused problems for many Masonic leaders.  It embodies the minimum body of knowledge and skill that is required by the Master of a Masonic Lodge.  In it you will find practical recommendations, concrete guidance, and checklists successfully used by others, to help them effectively prepare for their term in the East.   

	Please note:  This handbook contains no new materials, it is all recycled. And, it is NOT designed as a stand-alone document. You will discover frequent reference to publications prepared by the Grand Provost, the Committee on Masonic Education, and published library-works.  


(e)  Learning Activities:

	It is stressed that the exercises and roll-play situations which comprise this program are purely of a practical nature.  They are so constructed that they are applicable to all lodges, large or small, rural or urban.  Further this is a continuing program, applicable in any year, and requires a bare minimum of administrative support.  Keep your own score by periodically filling-in the Exercise records on pages X-1 through X-3.

	Learning activities are contained within each exercise.  Activities are centered around Lodge Tradition rather than on a "fixed/textbook approach".  These exercises are presented in written format, but their completion and completeness are based on the knowledge and guidance of a Lodge Counselor or your Lodge Education Officer.





(f)  Lodge Counselor/Officers' Coach Role:

   The Worshipful Master should appoint an Officer Education Counselor or Coach (usually a Past Master) who will assist him to manage the program within his lodge.  This counselor/mentor is the key to program success; he works with each of the officers who select him to complete their exercises and to certify their completion for both personal and lodge recognition.  By necessity, this individual should be well rounded, accessible, experienced as a Lodge Officer and be knowledgeable in Masonic law, lodge operation, customs, and all three degrees.


(g)  Summary: 

	It is in the local Lodge where Masonry will either flourish or falter.  And, it is to the Master, Wardens and other Lodge officers (both elected and appointed)  who together form a strong leadership bond, that determine the success of their Lodge.    

	Our Fraternity almost universally accepts the belief that as a man joins our brotherhood, he must do some proficiency work after each degree.  Although  the length of that work and exactly what is required may vary from one Grand Jurisdiction to another, we must each show that we are willing to work, learn, and perform.  The strength of this approach lies in doing, in the very act of participation itself.  This program follows that approach.  If the exercises are completed within the context of your own lodge and District and its traditions, you will be better prepared to lead your Brethren.  

	The suggestions, information, and data will assist you to develop into a first-rate, knowledgeable Worshipful Master who is well prepared to meet the challenges and solve the problems you will face as leader of the Craft.  Your Brethren expect dedication, personal effort, and sound judgment based on familiarity with Masonic principles and precepts.





	Section B -- General Guidelines

B1. Warden's Certificate of Ritual Proficiency

    A certificate of proficiency in the ritual may be issued to any Brother who shall have passed a examination on the work of the three degrees, as specified in section 2.34 of the Virginia Methodical Digest.  This certificate is mandatory for election as Master or to serve in such office in a Lodge under dispensation.  The certificate is valid for a period of two years and is issued only on the approval of the Grand Lecturer, after successful completion of a detailed examination by him or his duly authorized representative.


    a. Open a Master Mason's Lodge for a stated Meeting.
		
	o  Use Stewards to assist Deacons
	o  Word right
	o  Word wrong on right and left
	o  Recite Master's short prayer   
	o  Call for Pledge of Allegiance to flag
	o  Ballot on petition for degrees
	o  Do Wardens have anything further "at present"?
	o  Call from labor to refreshment
	o  Call from refreshment to labor
	o  Dispense with the Master Mason's Lodge

    b. Open an Entered Apprentice's Lodge

	o  Discuss the similarities and differences between
		conferring a Degree at a Called or Stated meeting
	o  Confer the EA Degree
	o  Have candidate presented for catechism examination
	o  Circulate the ballot on proficiency
	o  Close the EA Lodge

    c. Open a Fellow Craft's Lodge
 
	o  Confer the Fellow Craft's Degree
	o  Unwritten parts of Middle Chamber Lecture
	o  Close the Fellow Craft's Lodge

    d. Resume labor in the Master Mason's Lodge

	o  Confer the 1st Section of the M.M. Degree
	o  Confer the 2nd Section of the M.M. Degree
		[Must recite prayer at raising from memory]
	o  Do Wardens have anything further?
	o  Have minutes read for approval
	o  Close the Master Mason's Lodge
		(1)  Must recite the Charge at the Altar
		(2)  Must recite closing Benediction
B2. A RECOMMENDED 10-POINT PROGRAM


 a.	Read Appendix-I.  Make a PLAN for every communication.

 b.	Make EVERY MEETING NIGHT an INTERESTING night.  If necessary, contact the Committee on Masonic Education, the DEO, or see Appendix-II of this handbook for program suggestions.

 c. 	PUBLICIZE every meeting in ADVANCE.  Also, have your Publicity Committee report on important up-coming activities through your established local news media (radio/newspaper).

 d.	APPOINT AN ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE to follow-up on your absentees.  Contact them by mail or telephone.  Make regular visits to the sick, aged, shut-in resident and sojourning Masons in your jurisdiction.

 e.	GIVE EVERY BROTHER SOMETHING TO DO and a special reason for coming.  If he can't take part in the ritual; let him be part of a  Lodge project.  Plan and implement a "Brothers Night".  This is an evening when a degree is conferred on a candidate by members from the sideline.  It gives any Brother  an opportunity to show his proficiency in the ritual, and has been most rewarding to future Masters in their selection of capable and interested Brethren, as officers, for years ahead.

 f.	PLAN SPECIAL OCCASIONS.  Masonic Birthdays, Past Masters' and/or old-timers' presentations, Dinner Theaters, or historic events, etc.

 g.	DEVELOP SOCIAL LIFE to include families and ladies nights.

 h.	START THE MEETING ON TIME.  Keep the meetings as short as possible so those desiring can go home early or remain and enjoy a social evening.

 i.	EXEMPLIFY THE WORK with dignity, seriousness, sincerity and correctness. 

 j.	HAVE PRIDE IN THE OFFICERS OF THE LODGE and an understanding of the importance and necessary duties of each.  Officers should work as a well organized team.

            
N O T E--	Many Lodges have taken advantage of this 10-point program with good results and have increased their attendance and membership;  others have followed the course of least resistance resulting in no progress at all, continued poor attendance and loss of membership during the year.  The choice is yours.B3.  LEADERSHIP THAT IS INSPIRATIONAL



	Inspirational leadership doesn't just happen!!  It is a direct outgrowth of time productively spent, major effort, and genuine concern.  Some considerations which you should be aware of are contained in the following short checklist:



  0	Be enthusiastic, and you will transmit your enthusiasm to your officers and sideliners.



  0	Stop defeatist attitudes.  Think and talk positively about Freemasonry.  Talk about the good things of the Craft, not the difficulties we may encounter.  Build a constructive frame of mind.



  0	Set high standards of behavior for yourself and strive to reach them.



  0	Set a good example for your Brethren.  Be an exemplification of Masonry.  Live it in and before the world.



  0	Know your Masonry.  You can't "sell" to others anything you don't know yourself.  If you know it--you will believe in it.  Remember!  Nothing worthwhile was ever accomplished without sincere enthusiasm.



  0	Although their personal religious preferences are of no concern of the Craft, encourage your Brethren to maintain an active involvement in the religion of their choice.



  0	Stimulate your Brethren to do more than they think they can do and they will be lifted above the average, and contribute a broader outlook to the Craft.

B4.  Committees as a Tool


    It has often been said that a giraffe looks like an animal that might have been conceived and put together by a committee.  Whenever I look at a picture of that animal, I can't help but think of a group of angels and archangels sitting around a heavenly boardroom table after a spirited brainstorming session, each arguing his point-of-view and the others working hard to accomodate his needs.  The output product appears to be the end result of independent research on many  different components.  Splintered or partial ideas were pieced together by consensus, to yield the final decision.  But, that's okay, because to the best of my limited knowledge, all the giraffes seem to like it and;  the super-long neck, rocking-horse legs, nondescript horns, and camouflaged body work perfectly in the environment in which it lives.

    When you are Master, or when you are in charge of a certain job, you will want to be sure that all possibilities and available facts have been considered before you get a final result.  It's awful lonely out there when you have to make a decision, and it turns out that you didn't have all the facts and other people do.

    There are two types of committees in lodges: "Standing Committees" and "Special Committees".

  0	Standing Committees usually consist of those on Charity, Sickness and Distress, Finance, Blood, Youth, and other matters that are on-going permanent concerns of the lodge.

  0	Special Committees are created for special needs, may be for a one-time or might have a continuing use during the year.

  0	Committees are, in truth, a wonderful tool!  Consider the benefits:


1.  Involvement in the affairs of the lodge by being part of a committee under the leader ship of particularly creative leader is one of the very best ways to inspire the interest of that "newly raised" or "might become active" brother.

2.  A large job can easily be separated into small chores by an efficient committee chairman, and nobody needs to be over-worked.

3.  When a project requires many types of talent and knowledge, you can draw on several people to cover all these needs.

4.  Controversial motions or ideas that may get nowhere--or worse yet--get out of control can be referred to a committee.  What! A motion has been made and partially discussed, and the maker expects it to be acted upon or taken to a vote?  Yes! You can 


refer it to a committee if you feel that it's not in the best interest of the lodge or that it needs further study.  Require a report by a specific date.  You're the Master--do it!  Avoid ill-considered motions and controversy, but remember that since you are the Master, fairness must prevail.

  0	Just as with any job, a committee member must know what is expected of him.
	
  0	First comes the purpose of the committee.  The job that needs to be done must be clearly defined for the committee to do its job properly.  There probably will be specific items to be done or special conditions to be met; lay these out carefully if you want the right result.

  0	A chairman must be appointed, or everybody thinks the other guy is carrying the ball.  There are times when you might want the group to select their own leadership.  If so, that fact must be specified in your orders to them.

  0	The kind of report you desire must be spelled out to permit the committee to deliver what is expected.

  0	A specific time for completion is a must and should provided along with the assign ment.


5.   Good experience can be gained by any officer who works with a committee.  By that association, he will learn the ingredients that go into a productive committee.  He can also learn the problems so that, later on, he can clearly understand what helps and what hurts in the formation, coordination, and completion of committee assignments.  Use your officers, or lose their interest.


6.   You gave the job to a committee--now let them work!  Keep track of their progress with your fingers, not with your hands.  If you get in too heavily you will have taken the job away from them, and you've lost the whole purpose. If you blindly assume the job is being done, you may disappointed.  A show of interest in their work, on your part, will help accomplished the goal.  If you show no interest, the results might be zero.  You need the right touch, and perhaps, some encouragement at times.


7.   The importance of committees should not be overlooked.  Their use promotes democracy, involvement, and sharing of lodge work. 
























	Junior Deacon





	Abbreviated Table
	of Contents


	(1)	Duties and Responsibilities................ C-1

	(2)	What Can I Give the Brethren in My Year?... C-2/3

	(3)	Masonic Funerals Are Important to Masonry.. C-4

	(4)	How Does the Community View Your Lodge?.... C-5/6

	(5)	How Should We Treat Our Visitors?.......... C-7/8

	(6)	Masonic Etiquette.......................... C-9  





























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	purposely blank	Junior Deacon


Self-Help Exercise C1-1


Duties and Responsibilities


1.  Most lodges have some traditional assignments.  Examples: The Junior Warden chairs the Refreshment Committee.  Someone is responsible to open and close the lodge building.  Some officer, perhaps the Senior Warden is respon sible for conducting floor practice.  Your first exercise is to develop a list of traditional assignments for your lodge.  Discuss these assignments with your counselor/mentor.

	Counselor's Initials  _________



2.  Members of most well-ordered organizations maintain warm working relationships.  They work as a team -- usually everyone understands what is expected of him; they share the same goals; and can predict how each other will probably react in most situations.  Your second task in this learning activity is to describe to your counselor/mentor, in your own words, what you think the appropriate behavior is, in the following circumstances.  Also, discuss with him, what the impact would probably be on others if you: 

	a.	Were chronically late for lodge (or officer's meetings)?
	b.	Didn't inform the Master that you were going to be absent from lodge on a meeting night?
	c.	Habitually missed scheduled ritual-training sessions?
	d.	Didn't actively participate at Masonic Education seminars? 

	Counselors Initials  __________



3.  Your next learning exercise is to examine some of the day-to-day duties of lodge officers.  Let's see if you can find where they are formally documented.  List the section in the Virginia Methodical Digest that describes the follow ing officer's duties and discuss them with your counselor/mentor:

	Worshipful Master .  .  .  .  .  .Section_________
	Wardens  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .Section_________
	Treasurer.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .Section_________ 
	Secretary.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .Section_________


	Counselor's Initials  _________

	Junior Deacon


Self-Help Exercise C1-2	


What Can I Give My Brethren In My Year 


1.	By this time you probably have observed several Masonic events and participated in a few others.  Start keeping a notebook.  Establish a tenta tive list of potential functions that you might want to try (with some varia tion) during your year.  Visit other local lodges (individually or as part of a lodge contingent) to discover some fine programs and to see what works well.  In addition, review Appendix-II to gather additional ideas.  Discuss your compiled program list and your ideas with your mentor.

	Counselor's Initials  _________


2.   It is one thing to plan a good event, but there are some Do's and Don'ts to make the plan work.  The second activity in this exercise is to check Do or Don't for each of the statements listed below.  Discuss your answers with your counselor/mentor.

  A.	Clear the program dates with everyone possible.
	   	HINT:	In urban areas, you cannot prevent some conflicts, but you can minimize them.

								DO_____   DON'T_____

  B.	Schedule a long three-hour program.
		HINT:	Be careful not to crowd too many features into one evening.  Give the audience something worthwhile, then stop.  Always plan to leave your audience wanting more, not just thankful the evening is over.  

								DO_____   DON'T_____

  C.	Permit the program elements to compete with each other.
		HINT:	Never schedule a speaker when the Grand Master is to be present (without "clearing" it with him first) or when the DDGM is making his Official Visit.  Nine out of ten times they will be your speaker.

								DO_____   DON'T_____

  D.	Schedule fifteen or twenty brethren to receive their 25-year veteran pins, and then plan on the DDGM pinning them all on.
		HINT:	The wait for the sideliners is a crashing bore!
								DO_____   DON'T_____

  E.	Give your speaker all the information he needs.
		HINT:	Make certain your speaker will encounter no surprises.  He should know things like: time, place, purpose of program, make-up of audience, dress, suggested length of speech. 

								DO_____   DON'T_____

  F.	Use a telephone committee to get the word out.
		HINT:	For small affairs, such as speakers at a stated meeting, this type of committee can help greatly, if done right.

								DO_____  DON'T_____

  G.	Create interest to motivate people to action.
		HINT:	You must generate enthusiasm.  Send letters to your members and out-of-town lodges.  Don't forget your lodge bulletin and, perhaps news releases in local newspapers.

								DO_____  DON'T_____

  H.	Make every person who enters the Masonic doorway feel comfortable and at ease.
		HINT:	Seating should be reserved for special guests.  New Masons and visitors should never sit alone.  Someone should be specifically appointed to get extra chairs if needed.
	
								DO_____  DON'T_____

  I.	Leave the lodge condition to chance.
		HINT:	Is the air conditioner or heater turned on?  Is there a rostrum for the speaker?  Do the lights work?
								DO_____  DON'T_____

  J.	Control the program.
		HINT:	Start on time.  Once started, keep it moving.  No long- winded explanations and descriptions.  No remarks by each guest.

								DO_____   DON'T_____


  K.	Mistreat your speaker.
		HINT:	Some busines items can be held over until the next meeting.  Introduce visitors before the speaker talks, not after.  No comments, rebuttal or other review of the speaker's text.  Thank him and close.

								DO_____   DON'T_____ 


	Counselor's Initials  _________
	Junior Deacon

Self-Help Exercise C1-3

Masonic Funerals Are Important To Masonry

	As you know, the office of Worshipful Master consists of many duties in addition to that of presiding over an open lodge.  The saddest of these tasks is arranging for a Masonic funeral service for a friend and brother who has entered the Eternal Lodge above.

	Many non-Masons attend memorial services.  In many cases, this will be the only contact they have had, or will have, with our Order.  We should do everything possible to make their impression of the Craft a favorable one.


1.   Stop and think for a moment.  At some point in time, either before or since you joined the Fraternity, you may have attended a Masonic graveside or memorial service.  If you did, try to recall your impression of what you witnessed.  Was it a dignified ceremony?  Were the participants proficient in their parts?  Your first activity is to describe to your counselor the kind of tribute you would want for your last earthly contact with the Masonic Order. 

						Counselor's Initials_________


2.   The positions of Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Stewards, and Tyler are not speaking parts, therefore they can be filled by any available brother.  However, it would be a good idea to identifying brothers prior to needing them.  Your second activity is to make a list of brethren who are available to attend "daytime" services.  Include their phone numbers on the list so that they're readily available.  Identify those who can serve as officers.  Discuss the list with your counselor/mentor. 

						Counselor's Initials_________


3.   Your third activity is to compile a list of the items which must be avail able and in good condition for a graveside/evening memorial service.

						Counselors Initials__________


4.  The Laws of the Grand Lodge of Virginia are the source for determining the legal aspects of performing a Masonic Funeral.  Your fourth activity is to list the article number(s) of where in the Digest you can find who is eligible?  Are E.A.'s eligible?  Can the W.M. refuse a Masonic Funeral service?  Discuss your findings with your counselor.

                                    Counselors Initials__________	Junior Deacon


Self-Help Exercise C1-4

How Does the Community View Your Lodge? 


	Our brother, Robert Burns, Poet Laureate of Kilwinning lodge, Edinburgh, Scotland, was said to have told his brethren:

			I wish the Great Architect of the Universe would give us the gift to see ourselves as the other fellow sees us.

	He wrote it in somewhat more "homespun-Scottish" terms when he included it in one of his poems, but that's what he meant.  To start to look at ourselves, let us begin with the physical things.  



1.  The first activity is to evaluate the lodge building and grounds using the following check-list.  Review your findings with your mentor/counselor.


 a. Building

	Condition
		Is it in good repair?

	Yes____   No____

	Appearance
		Is the paint faded, cracked, or peeling?

	Yes____   No____

		Does the overall appearance of the lodge
		detract from the appearance of the area
		in which it is situated?

	Yes____   No____


 b. Grounds

	Condition
		Are there sagging fences in need of repair?

	Yes____   No____

		Are there any unsightly or damaged trash or
		garbage racks that need to be replaced?

	Yes____   No____

	
	Appearance

		Does the lawn need to be mowed?

	Yes____   No____


		Does the grass need to be raked?

	Yes____   No____
	
		Is the parking area clean?

	Yes____   No____


						  Counselor's Initials_________




2.  Since the program is based on "doing", your second activity is to organize a clean-up day for the lodge, with the W.M.'s permission.  Arrange to have all the equipment and supplies on hand.  Assign specific tasks to small groups under the direction of an able brother in each group.  Coordinate this project
with with the refreshment committee to provide necessary food for the work parties.  Complete the project and all the brothers will enjoy this construc tive fellowship.


						Counselor's Initials_________




3.  Now let's look at ourselves as the community sees us.  Your third activity is to informally contact some of the non-Mason community members/leaders to see if they know of any projects sponsored locally by the Masons.  Ask if there are any projects, programs, charities where the lodge might get involved.  Please be careful with this one.  Don't commit the lodge to anything until the lodge approves.  Another thing you have to watch is to make sure that anything you undertake is consistent with the Methodical Digest.  Specific ideas are contained in the publication titled "100-Ways to Serve Your Community"  Make sure to discuss this one thoroughly with your mentor or counselor. 


						Counselors Initials__________


	Junior Deacon


Self-Help Exercise C1-5	

How Should we Treat Our Visitors?

	The purpose of this set of activities is to provide a period for you to think about how visitors are treated in Masonic lodges in your general area and, if necessary, to develop plans for constructive change.



1.  In one form or another you can find the Golden Rule expressed in most societies---"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".  The first activity is to visit another lodge and notice how you are treated.  Make mental notations of the good points as well as those that made you uneasy.  Compare these points with how your lodge treats visitors and review them with your counselor/mentor.


	Counselor's Initials  _________





2.  Not many people stop and ask the question, "How do we do it?".  Your second activity is to answer the following questions, and then discuss them with your counselor/mentor.

  a.	Do you examine visiting brethren to get them in, or to keep them out?

  b.	Is each visitor welcomed by every member as soon as he arrives?

  c.	Do you assign a "host brother" to him for the evening?  Remember, visi tors from another Grand jurisdiction might not be familiar with some of our traditions.

  d.	Do you use a name tag for a visitor so that everyone can call him by name?

  e.	Do you introduce him formally while lodge is open and invite him to say a few words?

  f.	A few days after the meeting, do you call the visiting/sojourning brother on the phone and tell him how happy you are that he visited and invite him to come again?

	Counselor's Initials  _________



3.  A warm smile and a friendly handshake is a great start to almost anything. Your third activity is to form, or participate in a greeting committee, to welcome visitors and to act as a "Host Brother" for a visitor.  The following is a short check list for a "Host Brother". 


  a.	When meeting a visiting brother, learn some personal things, for example:

	0	Where he works

	0	Where he lives

	0	The name and number of his home lodge 

	0	Does he have any unusual hobbies

	0	Does he hold title or office in his Lodge/Grand Lodge

  b.	Introduce him to as many of your lodge brothers as you can before lodge.

  c.	Give him a copy of your lodge trestleboard.  If you have a district directory let him have it also, as a keepsake.

  d.	If you can't do it yourself, find someone to sit with him.  This is very important!

  e.	When visitors are introduced; You, as Host Brother, make the introduc tion, telling the brethren some of the things you learned earlier.

  f.	If he will be in the area for a while, call him and invite him back.


	Counselors Initials  __________


	Junior Deacon

Self-Help Exercise C1-6	

Masonic Protocol, Etiquette and Decorum


	Inadvertent breeches of appropriate behavior in the past have caused Masters of Lodges some embarrassment.  By discussing the proper way to behave in various situations and rehearsing (or role-play) with your mentor or during the privacy of an "officers meeting", Lodge officers won't get caught with egg on their faces.

	Etiquette is a mode of behavior which goes according to established rules.  The word is derived from a French term meaning; "according to the card or ticket". 

	I get a mental picture, when using that phrase, of a set of written rules that are distributed to each person involved, with the implied provision that unless a man follow those rules he will be shunned by the organization or assembly.  In this instance, the image and the reality are almost the same.  Many rules of behavior in Virginia are written.  

	Particular attention is usually given, by those Lodges that enjoy a good Masonic reputation, to the protocols and propieties associated with the topics outlined in Appendix VI.  




Lodge officers should periodically review the details of good Masonic- manners.  




Read Appendix XI-----





















	Senior Deacon





	Abbreviated Table
	of Contents


	(1)	Use of the "List Of Regular Lodges, Masonic".. C-13

	(2)	Voting and Balloting Actions.................. C-14

	(3)	How to Keep From Losing Members............... C-15

	(4)	Helping Your Widows and Orphans............... C-16

	(5)	Masonic Trials................................ C-17

	(6)	Grand Lodge Programs.......................... C-18

	(7)	A Look at Your By-Laws........................ C-19































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	Senior Deacon

Self-Help Exercise C2-1

Use of the "List of Regular Lodges, Masonic"

	The purpose of this exercise is to acquaint you with how to use parts of two useful publications;  (a) The General Information portion of our "Proceedings" and (b) the "List of Regular Lodges--Masonic".  What's that, you say?  Never heard of them?  If you ask your Secretary, he'd say that they're invaluable to him, and when you serve on an examining committee, one or both of them is an absolute necessity. 


1.  Your first activity is to locate various lists in the latest "Proceedings" and record the pages that you found your own lodge listed in them.

  a.	Alphabetical List of Lodges .  .  .  __________
  b.	Lodges by cities.  .  .  .  .  .  .  __________
  c.	Lodges by Counties .  .  .  .  .  .  __________
  d.	Lodges by Districts.  .  .  .  .  .  __________

	Counselors Initials  __________ 


2.  One of your members is going for a two-week visit with friends who live in Richmond.  He wants to know whether he can visit a Lodge.  Your second activity is to determine if there are active lodges that he can attend--and when.  He'd like a short list to take with him that shows:
 
	Lodge 		Lodge	Meeting	Meeting	Secretary's 
    	Name			Number	Days		Time		Phone Number

 a.
 b.
 c.
 d.


	Counselor's Initials  _________


3.  With a foreign (out-of-state) visitor at the front door, the Master asks you to determine if he can come in.  Your third activity is to have your coun selor/mentor select a non-Virginia lodge to simulate the visitor's lodge;  Then, using the "List of Regular Lodges--Masonic", you should determine if the selected lodge is one from which the visitor may visit your lodge.

	Counselor's Initials  _________
	Senior Deacon

Self-Help Exercise C2-2	

Voting and Balloting Actions

	It is now your turn in the East.  Perhaps the Worshipful Master is absent and you're filling his station.  Just about the time you begin to feel comfortable (at least you've gotten the lodge open), the Secretary informs you that you must take action on a request for Demit.  What happens now?  What do you do?  This exercise is intended to help you learn how to dispose of various items that may come before the lodge which require full and frank discussion, followed by a vote or ballot.  Some items may have to lay-over for a specified period.  Please note that according to Virginia Masonic Law a "second" is never required on any motion.  The Worshipful Master may, under his own authority, accept or reject a motion, rule on its suitability, and control ALL debate.  Not withstanding, there are some "protocols" that well governed lodges follow during debate that are diagrammed on page V-3.  You may want to become acquainted with them.  Some motions theoretically take precedence, but the Worshipful Master can take and act on any of them, in any order, which he feels are in the lodges best interest.


1.  The purpose of the first part of this drill is to complete the exercise chart provided as Appendix V-1.  You will be referring to several sections of your Methodical Digest -- the Index, the Text, and the Past Grand Masters' decisions.  When you locate the appropriate article read it thoroughly and be sure that you understand it.  If it doesn't seem to agree with the words on your chart, look again to be sure.  Your counselor will be glad to help you with any problems you may encounter.

	Counselor's Initials  _________

2.   One of the most frequent voting actions is the approval of routine lodge business.  Your second activity in this set is to discuss with your counselor the "words" usually used in your geographic area.  Adapt them to your needs and personality.  Caution; there are some lodges that rarely discuss lodge finances, for instance, because the Master rushes this part through, after the secretary reads the bills.  Ensure that you don't discourage your brethren with the phrases you use.  Rehearse your phraseology with your counselor.

	Counselor's Initials  _________

3.   Your third activity is to become familiar with the method of Balloting on a Petition so that it becomes second nature and that you don't fumble your way through it while in the East.  The appropriate scenario and words are printed in the Manual of ceremonies.  Discuss and rehearse them with your counselor.

	Counselors Initials  __________	Senior Deacon

Self-Help Exercise C2-3	

How to Keep From Losing Members


    Who among us can truthfully say that he hasn't, from time to time, been a little bored with Masonic meetings?  It is sometimes hard to understand why anyone wouldn't get bored listening to the Secretary read a list or two, followed by several sets of minutes and then experience the thrill of hearing the expenditures of the preceding month read -- all of this capped off with voting on whether or not to pay those bills.  Doesn't it just give you goose bumps?

    If this is the only thing your lodge does, maybe a little imagination and innovation can be the key to solving the situation.  The use of study groups, tailored programs, guest speakers and some exchange of ideas could help liven things up.  Remember, the most interesting thing we have to offer is Masonry itself.  Self-improvement and personal enlightenment are our goals.



1.   Personal contact is a way to make our Brethren feel that they're an impor tant part of the lodge.  It is harder to say, "No, I don't want to belong", to someone  you know.  Your first activity is to identify three brothers, that live in the commun- ity, who have not attended lodge recently and invite them to your next meeting.  Offer to pick them up and bring them with you.  Discuss the results with your counselor/mentor.   

						Counselor's Initials_________

2.   If you are away, and you get a letter from family or friends, it makes you feel like you belong.  The second activity is to investigate the feelings of lodge members about a Trestleboard or newsletter.  If you have one of these, talk about ways of improving it to make the brothers (and the widows of our deceased Brethren) feel more a part of lodge activities. Discuss your find ings and suggestions with your counselor/mentor.

						Counselor's Initials_________

3.   Why do brothers drop their membership?  This is a question we ask our- selves over and over again.  Discuss with your counselor/mentor some reasons why you think some people let their membership drop.  The third activity, with the permission of your Worshipful Master, is to contact three brothers who are in danger of being cited because of non-payment of dues. Be particularly sensitive to potential financial hardship cases (in these instances remis sion of dues for these brethren is singularly appropriate).  Discuss with them the value of retaining their membership; point them in the direction of a demit as an alternative, should they want to easily affiliate again in the future.    
						Counselors Initials__________	Senior Deacon

Self-Help Exercise C2-4	


Helping Your Widows and Orphans



	There is no greater opportunity for a lodge to fulfill its charter of "Being our Brother's Keeper" than to extend a helping hand to a deceased brother's widow and children.  They understandably, receive a lot of attention before, during and immediately after the funeral, but some real difficult times are just ahead.  For instance, if the brother had been ill for a time, the assistance of a handyman might be needed to effect automotive, plumbing, electrical, or structural repairs that our Brother was unable to do for himself.  It may be nothing more than keeping the grass mowed until the family can arrange for regular service.



1.	Two of our basic tenets, "Brotherly Love" and "Relief", guide us to become involved with these very important people.  Some of us think on a grand scale and big support but the little things are important also.  Your first activity is to discuss with your counselor/mentor the possibility and benefit of setting up (or revitalizing) a committee to identify the lodge's Widows and Orphans. 

						Counselor's Initials_________

2.	Another thing that all of us enjoy is to be included and recognized.  Your second activity is to plan a social program or activity that includes the widows and orphans.  Discuss your detailed plan with your counselor to see if anything has been missed.  Clear the scope and timing first with your Worship ful Master and request his permission to proceed.


						Counselor's Initials_________


3.	A question often asked is, "Who should I go to for help on house repairs or to fix the car?"  These seem to be simple things, but often those who are left alone just don't know who to trust.  Just having the names of people who could possibly help and whom they could trust would mean a lot.  Your third activity is to develop (or revise/up-date) a list of people from your lodge or other known local Masons who would be willing to help or provide services at a fair rate:  For example;  handymen, plumbers, mechanics, realtors, accoun tants, doctors, lawyers, etc.

						Counselors Initials__________
	Senior Deacon

Self-Help Exercise C2-5	


Masonic Trials


	It is essential that Lodge Officers understand and carefully observe the procedures established in Section 4 of the Virginia Methodical Digest and amplified in the handbook for Masonic Trials, on the way to handle accusations of misconduct preferred against Masons owing allegiance to the Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M., of Virginia, and sojourning Masons while in the Commonwealth of Virginia.


1.	Your first activity is to examine with your counselor those fundamen tal, well-defined principles of conduct which are expected of a Master Mason.   In contrast, discuss with him, what you feel might constitute un-Masonic behavior, that should probably justify the preference of formal charges.


						Counselor's Initials_________


2.	There have been instances, in the past, where unfortunate departures from established procedures have inadvertently blemished the reputation, dignity, and privacy of members groundlessly accused of a Masonic offense.  Your next task in this exercise is to describe to your counselor, in detail, that part of the process which ensures that the character and confidentiality of an unjustly accused member is carefully safeguarded by the Worshipful Master. 

						Counselor's Initials_________


3.	Your third task is review the Handbook for Masonic Trials.  Outline to the satisfaction of your counselor:

 (a)	Actions required by the Investigating Committee appointed by the Worshipful Master.
 (b)	Actions of the W M  relative to the Committee's report.
 (c)	Initial actions by the Junior Warden.
 (d)	Actions by the Lodge Secretary relative to charges presented in Lodge.
 (e)	Composition and responsibilities of the Trial Commission appointed by the District Deputy Grand Master.
 

						Counselors Initials__________	Senior Deacon

Self-Help Exercise C2-6	


Grand Lodge Programs



   



1.	

						Counselor's Initials_________


2.	


						Counselor's Initials_________


3.	
						Counselors Initials__________
	Senior Deacon

Self-Help Exercise C2-7	

A Look at your By-Laws


	Webster's Dictionary defines by-laws as "Secondary laws or rules".  thus, by-laws are permanent mandatory rules; secondary only to the Grand Lodge Laws published in the Virginia Methodical Digest, that apply to one lodge but not necessarily to all lodges.


1.	Since by-laws are "laws", maybe we should start with a look at what the Methodical Digest has to say about them.  Your first activity in this set is to find and list the section numbers that govern the following:

  a.	What is the "effective date" of by-laws?

						Section___________

  b.	That lodge by-laws should not quote/duplicate portions of Grand Lodge law?
						Section___________
 
  c.	The minimum information, in the form of a certificate from the lodge Secretary, that must be submitted to the DDGM for his review and ap proval prior to their transmission to the Grand Master.

						Section____________

  d.	Which individuals may be exempt from paying dues.

						Section____________
					

							Counselor's Initials_________



2.  Now we need to look at your own by-laws.  The second activity is to review your by-laws, and discuss their condition with your counselor/mentor.  Do they meet Grand Lodge requirements?  Do they reflect everything we need as our lodge law?  What action must be taken if you unearth a deficiency?  

							Counselors Initials__________



3.  For your third activity, discuss with your counselor/mentor the duties of the DDGM with regard to lodge by-laws.    


							Counselor's Initials_________ 










	Junior Warden






	Abbreviated Table
	of Contents


	(1)	How Should Our Visitors Be Examined?........ C-23

	(2)	Getting a New Master Mason Involved......... C-24

	(3)	Committees as a Tool........................ C-25

	(4)	Good Things From Other Lodges............... C-26

	(5)	Using a Lodge Bulletin (Trestleboard)....... C-27

	(6)	Evaluating Finances and Budget Preparation.. C-28/29

	(7)	Using Your District Team.................... C-30

	(8)	Investigating Committees.................... C-31/32

	(9)	Grand Lodge Operations and the Mason........ C-33/34

	(10)	Candidates' Education....................... C-35

	(11)	Law and Tradition........................... C-36/37




























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	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-1


How Should Our Visitors Be Examined?


	Besides the anticipation of the degrees themselves, there is another situation where the unknown can be somewhat frightening; that is when a visiting Brother knows he has to be examined and isn't sure what is expected of him.  The fear of the unexpected is increased many times if the visitor hasn't been in lodge for some years and fears that he may not be able to pass the examina tion.

	One of the first things the examining committee must do is put the man at ease -- assure him that he has nothing to be worried or embarrassed about, and that it is the committee's intent to do everything possible to enable him to sit in lodge with us.  

	Masonic law is not specific on how to conduct an examination.  It states only, that a man must be examined if he can't be vouched for.


1.   We learn by doing, so the first thing we will do for this activity is to participate on an examining committee.  In Virginia we always use the Tyler's Oath during the examina tion.  If you do not already know it, you may want to commit it to memory (but that isn't essential).  But, do participate in (or carefully observe) an "actual" examination, even if you have to visit another lodge to do so. 


						Counselor's Initials_________

2.   It is also very important that our new Masons know how to serve on an examining committee.  Not only does he learn how to do it, but it will help him when he goes to visit another lodge.  The second activity is to coach and then help a new Mason participate in an examining committee.

						Counselor's Initials_________

3.   In some of our lodges, it's a long time between visitors.  Many of our brethren do not have an opportunity to serve on an examining committee and don't know how it works.  Your third activity is to demonstrate an examination in your lodge so members will know what might be expected of them.  This can turn into an extremely interesting "skit".  If you can, use a new Mason as a part of the demonstration. 

						Counselors Initials__________	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-2	


Getting the New Master Mason Involved.


1.   Let's see!  How many new Master Masons did we raise last year?  Do you remember who they are?  Your first activity is to make a list of Master Masons who have been raised in your lodge in the last two years.  The Secretary can help you by making some lodge records available for your research. 

						Counselor's Initials_________


2.   Now that we know who they are, lets see if we can get them involved.  The second activity is to design and execute a project involving two of these new Master Masons.  Here are some suggested involvements:


	Members of, or assist on, committees:

		Examining		Investigating		Community Rela tions
		Education		Past Master Night	Scholarship
		Building		Christmas Party	Publicity
		Youth		Blood			Scholarship
		Audit		Funerals			Widows


	Help and Assist:

		At Work Days			Welcoming Brothers to Lodge
		In the Kitchen			Visiting Brothers to Lodge
		Getting Lodge Programs	Visiting Bedridden Brothers
		Teaching the Catechism


						Counselor's Initials_________


3.    We, as Masons, teach many valuable lessons through our ritual, and we study hard to prepare for our proficiency exams.  We shouldn't stop there.  We should foster a desire on the part of new Master Masons to share the rich beauty of our ritual with others. Encourage him to take an active role in conferring degrees.  Your third activity is to help at least one new Master Mason get started---coach him so that he can participate in a degree.

						Counselors Initials__________	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-3


Committees as a Tool


    Consider the parable of the Chinese father whose health was failing and called his sons about him and handed them each, in turn, a large bundle of sticks to break.  When they each on their own failed; he divided the load so that they each only had one or two slender twigs--you know the rest of the story; the branches were snapped with ease.  So it is with large, complex Lodge jobs; with effective leadership, and willing workers, the most complex problem can be solved and the most difficult jobs can be tackled and brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

	Please re-read Section B4 (Committees as a Tool)



1.  Some lodges use many committees, some use a few, and some assign commit-tees which do nothing.  Your first activity is to identify at least two committees in your lodge:  one Standing Committee and one Special Committee.  Explain their functions and benefits.

						Counselor's Initials_________




3.  Committees are a very important factor in the management of a lodge.  Those who are part of one, help to run the lodge.  Your second activity is to participate as a member of a committee and give a report to your lodge.  Discuss with your counselor/mentor how the committee functioned and suggest possible ways for improvement.


						Counselors Initials__________



3.  If this was your year as Master, you would have to deal with the question of committees.  Your third activity is to make a list of committees you think you might have if it were your year.  Identify a chairman of each committee, and explain why you picked him.


						Counselor's Initials_________	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-4

Good Things From Other Lodges.

    Is your lodge attendance low?  Maybe other lodges in your District have the same problem.  A visit by a few of your lodge members might possibly improve their attendance, while at the same time, provide hours of pleasure to both your group and the brethren of the lodge you visit.  Besides, you just might inspire a visit from those brethren at the next meeting of your lodge.



1.   Get a group of your lodge members together and visit a nearby lodge.  It might be a good idea, if possible, to call your counterpart in the other lodge and tell them that you're coming.  Your first exercise is to make a list of interesting things you observed during your visit and discuss them with your mentor/counselor.

	A.  _____________________________________________ ___________

	B.  ____________________________________________________ ____

	C.  ___________________________________________________ _____

	D.  ___________________________________________________ _____


						Counselor's Initials_________



2.   Many brothers enjoy visiting.  If you tell the lodge about your visit, you may find that there are some who would like to go along with you the next time.  Your second activity is to tell the brethren, at a stated meeting, about your visit to another lodge.

						Counselor's Initials_________



3.   Attending a Masters' and Wardens' Association meeting can be very informative and rewarding.  Your third activity is to attend a Masters' and Wardens' Association (or other such group) meeting if there is one in your Masonic District. 


						Counselors Initials__________	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-5

Using a Lodge Bulletin (Trestleboard)

   "......and the Trestleboard is for the Master Workman to draw his designs upon".  every lodge in Virginia should publish and distribute a monthly newsletter.  Whoever is selected as the Editor should work closely with various lodge committees, especially the committee on public relations (if one is identified).  This publication can be the backbone of your lodge.  It will keep your members informed of what has happened and what's about to happen.  You can have the best program in the world, but, if no one knows about it, it will go nowhere.  It takes good communication to make a lodge undertaking a success.


1.  Your first activity is to start a small file of lodge bulletins.  Request each lodge Secretary in your district to place your name on their mailing lists.  When they see you participating in their lodge special activities; they will consider it money well spent.  Discuss with your mentor whether there are any "common threads" of form, style, and content among them.     

						Counselor's Initials_________


2.  Your second and third activities are closely related--they deal with preparation of short articles for your lodge bulle tin.  The first article should describe a recent affair conducted by the lodge--report its outcome in writing to your brethren.  The second short article should address an up- coming event.  Motivate your brethren to participate.  Discuss your articles with your counselor/mentor.

				Publication date of Article 1:___________
				Publication date of Article 2:___________

						Counselor's Initials_________


3.  Your final activity is to consider reformatting your lodge bulletin to effectively communicate with your brethren.  Pretend it's your year and "prepare" a mock-up trestleboard.  What things would you "drop" because they no longer serve their original purpose?  What items would you add?  Make note of any problems getting information that you ran into and the time that it took you to compose the finished product.  Discuss "your" trestleboard with your counselor/mentor.  In particular share with him the lessons that you learned.

						Counselors Initials__________	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-6

Evaluating Finances and Budget Preparation


    As a newly raised Master Mason, I often wondered just how much money was the "usual amount" when a brother would make a motion to spend the "usual amount" on a certain project or an appeal/request came in from the Masonic Home to defray Christ mas Party expenses.  It wasn't until I was in the lodge for a few years that I had the courage to stand up and ask how much was the usual amount and whether we could afford it.  


    The first audit report I ever heard, our Senior Warden, the chairman of the Audit Committee, gave his report.  "Last year we received $9,637.37 and we spent $10,496.61---we have looked at the books, and they look good."  That was the end of the report and it scared me half to death.  We spent more than we had taken in, but the older brethren in the lodge did not question it.  Money was being regularly siphoned out of our very limited reserve funds to pay routine lodge expenses.  It doesn't take much of a mathematician to figure that at the rate we were spending we'd soon be broke (or worse, in the hole)!!


1.   Your first activity in this set is to discuss with your counselor/mentor how your lodge presently handles its finances and the benefits that might accrue if the lodge adopted a standing policy of operating with a budget.  A sample budget worksheet can be found in Appendix-IV.  


						Counselor's Initials_________


2.   Grand Lodge law addresses money matters; identify and list where you can find the following in the Virginia Methodi cal Digest: 


	(a)  Affiliation fees				Section________
	(b)  By-law requirement for dues		Section________
	(c)  Fees for degrees				Section________
	(d)  Expenses of the DDGM			Section________
	(e)  Honorary members dues			Section________
	(f)  Exemptions from dues			Section________
	(g)  Minimum dues in subordinate lodge	Section________


						Counselor's Initials_________

Budget (continued)

3.   Use the sample budget located in Appendix-IV to:

	(a)	Identify the line items which apply to your lodge and mark (x) them with a pencil in the left margin.


	(b)	Tabulate the estimated income based upon;

		(1)  Lodge's membership profile
		(2)  Amount of dues cited in your by-laws
		(3)  Rent from income-property    
		(4)  Fees expected from prospective candidates
		(5)  Usual income from special events historically 			 sponsored by your lodge (i.e., yard sales, banquets, etc.)

	(c)	Review the (x)-marked line-items and tabulate pro jected expenses based upon;

		(1)  Grand Lodge/Masonic Home assessments
		(2)  Grand Lodge percapita taxes
		(3)  Salaries for certain officers
		(4)  Forecast of utility (lights/power) usage from
			years past
		(5)  Standing projects (Lodge scholarships, youth
		      activities)
		(6)  Average building maintence
		(7)  Average cost of annual funeral expenses (flow ers,
 		      donations to charity, newspaper obituary in serts)
		(8)  Insurance
		(9)  Grand Lodge attendance costs
		(10) Average admin expenses (postage, paper, office
 		      supplies, printing, telephone, etc.)
		(11) Gifts (Past Master's Apron, speakers, birthday
 		      tokens, etc.)
		(12) By-law exemptions for certain officers


   Note: 	An analysis of past years expenses derived from the secretary's minutes is mandatory.

						Counselors Initials___________


4.   Discuss the apparent financial-health of your lodge with your counselor; Determine whether your reserve funds are increasing or declining.  What do the results of your personal analysis indicate?  Is a dues increase or some other f undraising strategy suggested?  After your discussion, present your findings to the Worshipful Master and the lodge.

						Counselors initials___________	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-7

Using Your District Team

    You seem perplexed!  It appears that you have an over whelming problem and don't know where to turn for practical help.  Don't despair; help is closer than you think!  No,it's not in an encyclopedia or Compendium of Masonic facts.  Real assistance is available, as close as your telephone, from your District Team or your own Past Masters.

1. You have a Fellowcraft's Degree scheduled for Thursday, and you've just learned that the only brother that you know of who does the "Floor Lecture" is out of town on urgent business.  Your first activity in this exercise is to list the possible sources of assistance for conferring degrees.

	a.   _______________________________
	b.   _______________________________
	c.   _______________________________

						Counselor's Initials_________

2.  The District Educational Officer can impart information on various Masonic subjects using several formats (techniques) dependent on; your desires, the needs/personality of your lodge, and the complexity of the subject matter. Your second activity is to discuss with your counselor/mentor the similar ities and differences among the education module designs.  Pick any topic and identify the conditions that might cause you to recommend one education strategy (or combination of strategies) over another in your lodge.       

	a. Lecture	(Instructor/Student [schoolhouse] format)
	b. Seminar 	(Information sharing/guided discussions)
	c. Workshop 	(Skill development strategy)
	d. Clinic 	(Define weak areas/Eliminate poor prac tices; think about golf clinics, and-the- like) 

						Counselors Initials__________

3.  The Deputy Grand Master is in town visiting his relatives, and you have just learned that he plans to make an informal "surprise" visit to your lodge tomorrow night.  Your third activity is to list potential sources of help to make sure the visit goes well.  Discuss your strategy with your counselor.

	a.   _______________________________
	b.   _______________________________
	c.   _______________________________
						Counselor's Initials_________	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-8

Investigating Committees

    One must never lose sight of the very important responsibility of the investigating committee.  It is the eyes and ears of the lodge.  Don't be drawn off into some old (unfounded) beliefs:  It is a potential tool to get brothers who have not attended lodge in a long time, back into lodge. Alth- ough, simply going down the roster to pick up the next three brothers may not be a good idea.  Brothers who never attend lodge may not know the importance of the task or how to conduct an investigation.  In order to fulfill this very responsible task, it is most important that the Master, Secretary and members of the committee all do their parts with dedication.

1.  We must be acquainted with the Masonic law in order to be an effective member of the committee (or Lodge Officer).  The first activity is to discuss the following with your men tor/counselor.  Information upon which you can base your answers can be found in the Methodical Digest.  Please cite the referenced section.  

  a.	Can a character reference on a petition reside outside the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Virginia?

								Section Number________

  b.	When is an Investigation Committee appointed?

								Section Number________

  c.	Who appoints the committee?

								Section Number________

  d.	How many compose a committee?

								Section Number________

  e.	What information is the committee required to obtain regarding a petitioner?
								Section number________

  f.	What is the maximum time allowed for the investigating committee to conduct their task and report to the lodge?

								Section Number________


  						Counselor's Initials_________


Investigating Committee (continued)


2.   Some actions require us to use logic and experience to complete.  Your second activity is to answer the following questions.  For these questions there are no specific right or wrong answers, in most cases.  The best source of information is from other informed brethren, your own study and thoughts.  You might want to also read Appendix VII, Prelude To The Ballot - - The Investigating Committee.


  a.	What is the significance of the references/signers on a petition, and how much effort should be exerted to obtain other specific information from them, if any?  Should you attempt to contact out-of-city signers and if so, how might you go about it?

  b.	How far should you go in your investigation?  Is there any importance in obtaining information other than that required by law?

  c.	How do you view the inclusion of the petitioners family in your investigation?

  d.	Where do you think would be an appropriate location for your interview with the petitioner or is an interview necessary?


						Counselor's Initials_________




3.  Picking the right people for an Investigation Committee takes some thought.  Your third activity is an exercise in helping to make these selections.  Make a list of potential committee members you would select and discuss with your counselor/mentor why you selected them. 


						Counselors Initials__________


	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-9

Grand Lodge Operations and the Mason 


   The intent of this exercise is to start you on the way to becoming a local authority on a variety of important topics pertaining to the smooth operation of our Grand Lodge.  You will begin to explore:

  a. 	Grand Lodge Membership
  b. 	Resolutions
  c. 	District Deputy Grand Masters  
  d. 	Masonic Libraries


1. Did you notice that when a show of hands was requested by the Grand Master of Masons during our Grand annual Communica tion, nearly every right hand in the auditorium went up?  Were all these folks really eligible to vote?  Most probably not!  Only members of the Grand lodge of Virginia are eligible to participate in the business proceedings, but few first-time attendees know this.  Your first activity is to discuss the following with your mentor:  

  a.  How are questions before the Grand Lodge decided?

								Section: ________

  b. 	Make a list of those eligible to vote during elec tions or when a scaled vote is required at Grand lodge.

								Section: ________ 

  c. 	What do you think is meant by the 1906 Decision that states; "A Lodge has the right to instruct her delegate as to her choice for Grand Officers and her preference for any policy or measure before Grand lodge"


						Counselor's Initials_________



2.  Describe the normal process for making motions, proposi tions, or resolutions at the Grand Lodge.  Under what condi tions may a proposition be "reconsidered" at the same communi cation of Grand Lodge that it was enacted? 

						Counselor's Initials_________


3.  The District Deputy Grand Master plays a vital role as a link between the Grand Master and the individual Lodges.  He serves as the eyes and ears of the Grand Master to ensure that the Lodges operate within the guidelines and constraints of the Grand Lodge concept.  Conversely, he is always available to the Master of the Lodge to assist in resolving any Lodge- related problems and to reconcile "differences" between lodges.  For your third activity explain the following to your counselor/mentor. 


  a.	What is meant by; The DDGM and the GM are not required to vote on moot questions of Masonic law and usage.  Only questions arising from actual operation of the law and usage shall be submitted for interpretation and decision.


  b.	Sketch an Organization Chart that describes the relation ship between the "District Team", the Lodge, the Grand Secretary, and at least two Grand Lodge Committees.


  c.	Describe the process the DDGM follows when he discovers a Masonic error?   
   						Counselors Initials_________


4.  There are occasions when you or a member of your lodge might need access to books on Masonic subjects. You might be surprised how many people don't know where or how to find Masonic books (or books on Masonic subjects).  The fourth activity of this exercise entails research on your part to make a short presentation to your lodge.  You should describe the library; who can use it; and the procedure for doing so.

						Counselors Initials_________	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-10

Candidate's Masonic Education

    To use an old addage, "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree."   Nowhere is that saying truer than in the lodges where we apply it to our candidates.  What a wonderful opportunity we have to improve the quantity and quality of our new members Masonic knowledge, and to demonstrate that we elected them to membership because we want and need them and their talents for our continued survival, not just for the degree fees and annual dues.

1.  One of the first things we need in working with candidates is to know who they all are (and what their status is).  Develop a complete list.  Use a format that includes, as a minimum, the following:

	Name - phone		Instructor - phone	Degree - Time limit

  a.
  b.
  c.

						Counselor's Initials_________


2. Instructor/mentors are the catalysts of our candidates' growth.  Sometimes our candidates do not get involved because they do not have an enthusiastic instructor for Masonic Education readily available.  It has been found, that usually, the man's catechism instructor shouldn't also be his instructor/men-tor. Your second activity is to read the Mentor's Manual and volunteer to assist at least one candi date.  Besides the Mentors' Manual we've compiled seperate lists of questions that your candidates should be able to answer after you've coached them (see Appendix-III).  Guidance that you need is available from your Lodge Education Officer or the District Educational Officer.

						Counselor's Initials_________


3.   A key part of your candidate's development is his "involvement". Consider inviting your candidate to participate in selected Masonic Education seminars.  Discuss the feasibil ity/propriety first with your counselor/mentor;  If he too thinks that the up-coming education seminar would be of interest to your candidate, clear it first with your Lodge Education Officer or District Educational Officer and take him with you.  You'll notice a marked change in your candidate's interest.  Be ready to honestly answer his questions.
						Counselors Initials__________	Junior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C3-11

Masonic Law/Masonic Tradition 


1.   For your first activity we're going to have some fun.  Let us see if you can tell if the following are laws or traditions.  Discuss your answers with your counselor/mentor.

  0	Not walking between the East and the Altar.

								Law____   Tradi tion____


  0  Wearing a hat in the East while presiding over the lodge.

								Law____   Tradi tion____


  0	When addressing the lodge, standing and saying, "Worship ful Master", while holding the due guard until recog nized. 

								Law____   Tradi tion____


  0	Not allowing alcoholic beverages for use as a beverage in our lodge buildings.
								Law____   Tradi tion____    

  0	Not engaging in private conversation while lodge is open.

								Law____   Tradi tion____ 

							Counselor's Ini tials_________

2.  Researching our Grand Lodge Law can be a real experience.  Using the Index, Standing Resolutions, Cumulative Supplement and your Immediate Past Grand Master's annotated Address to the Grand Lodge can be a real experience.  So, your second activity is to determine the section in the Methodical Digest or the date the appropriate resolution was passed for the following: 

  0  	The requirement that in all Lodges where the flag of our country is presented at the altar, the Worship ful Master shall say:

		"ALL CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES WILL JOIN ME IN PLEDGING  ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY."

						Resolution_______   Article #_____

Masonic Law/Tradition (continued)


  0	To how many Lodges may a Virginia Mason belong?

                              Resolution_______   Article #_____


  0	Only questions arising from actual operation of the law should be submitted to the District Deputy or the Grand Master, and then only through regular channels as pro vided by the law.  The DDGM and the Grand Master are not required to rule on moot questions of Masonic law and usage.

                              Resolution______    Article #_____


  0 	Where are the official fees for Charters, Dispensation to Form a New lodge, "any other dispensation attested by the Grand Secretary", or Grand Lodge diploma located?       

                              Resolution______    Article #_____


  0	Where can I find the rules dealing with fixing the time and place of opening a Stated Meeting of my Lodge?

                              Resolution______    Article #_____


						Counselor's Initials_________



3.  Laws tie our Lodges together in unity, but traditions give our Districts and our Lodges their personality.  Your third activity is to discuss with your counselor/mentor the tradi tions of your Lodge and your District.  


						Counselors Initials__________

















	Senior Warden





	Abbreviated Table
	of Contents


	(1)	Planning Community Oriented Projects....... C-41/42

	(2)	Supporting Masonic Youth Groups............ C-43

	(3)	How Can the Proceedings of the Grand
			Lodge Help You?....................... C-44

	(4)	Appendant Bodies........................... C-45

	(5)	Lodge Programs............................. C-46





























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	purposely blank






	Senior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C4-1	


Planning Community Oriented Projects 


	There is only one multi-step activity associated with this exercise. You will walk through the steps to help plan a community-oriented event with your counselor/mentor.  This can be hypothetical project, or even better, one of your lodge's forth coming programs or a district-wide project such as a Child ID Clinic, or a testimonial dinner to honor a civic leader. 


	The rewards of good planning are an eminently successful event.  You'll find that the amount of written detail required in the planning process is directly related to the complexity of the event and the resources (both human and hardware) required for the event itself.  


	The completed plan must be constantly reviewed during execution to determine if satisfactory progress has been made and to ensure that problems are identified early.  Allowing any individual step-of-procedure or activity to "drag-out" beyond its original estimated completion time can often seriously jeopardize the the overall plan.  


  1.	Describe a special event, as you see it, to  your coun selor with enough detail that he can clearly understand the scope of the proposed effort.  This is a good habit to get into.  In the future if you can't clarify your project to someone; they're not going to be able to help you get where you want to go.


  2.	Select a date and time for the event, taking into consid eration other potential conflicting Masonic/non-Masonic events planned for the same time frame.


  3.	List ten or more things-to-do that must be accomplished to prepare for the event.  Examples:  Commit the meeting place; engage a speaker; written contract with the ca terer, print tickets, mail special invitations to digni taries, commit the Master of Ceremonies, prepare a notice for your brethren, develop and print the program, invite other lodges and Masonic affiliated organizations, commit (and brief) the minister or brother who will give the invocation.   


  4.	Decide which of these listed activities depend upon the completion of another activity.  Examples;  Can you print the program before you nail-down the speaker?  Can you develop a seating chart for the dinner before you receive RSVPs from your dignitaries?


  5.	Estimate how long each activity should take, and work backwards from the date of the event to establish start ing and completion dates for each one.

  6.	Review your written, drafted plan.  Recheck each step to ensure things are "fitted-together".  Adjust as neces sary.


  7.	Identify "critical areas"; that is--items which must happen or be in place in timely fashion.  Determine those key factors which will/may present themselves that will alert you consider an alternative route to get to your destination.


  8.	Now to the tough part:  Select individual members who are able, or more importantly willing, to perform each of the activities you have listed above.  Review the activity with each one, and get his reaction to your time esti mates.  Adjust as necessary to be sure the plan will work.  Finally impress upon your volunteers the impor tance of keeping everything on schedule.
	

  9.	You should now have a comprehensive plan.  It remains for you to "conduct" the operation like a band leader, get ting input from each member of the team as to their progress, in order to ensure that nothing "falls-through- the-crack".



		Even though this has only just been  an exercise, review it carefully with your counselor/mentor.  You simply cannot get too much practice in planning special events.  The smallest details are vital.  Contingency plans must be available, just in case something goes wrong.  If this was a "real" event that you planned, do a "post-mortem" review with your counselor.  Prepare a "lessons-learned" notebook--it will be invaluable for the next chairman whenever this project is tried again.



						Counselors Initials________

	Senior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C4-2	

Supporting Masonic Youth Groups 


   Masons should know something about the Youth Organizations that require Masonic sponsorship in one form or another.  We should be concerned with what our youth are being taught, and we should lend ourselves to these organizat- ions to help influence and guide their thinking into proper channels.

   Our deceased Brother, Right Worshipful George L. Miller of Arlington Centennial Lodge recited a poem one evening that expressed his thoughts that, to me, apply equally as well to the Order of DeMolay, Job's Daughters, and the Order of Rainbow for Girls.


		I found a piece of plastic clay 
		And idly fashioned it one day,
		And as my fingers pressed it still
		It moved and yielded to my will.

		I came again when days had passed;
		The Piece of clay was hard and fast.
		The form I gave it still it bore
		And I could change that form no more.
 

	Seeing the young people in action is an inspiring thing. Inviting them to help in some of your lodge social activities or open meetings can be very rewarding.


1.  Your first activity is to visit a Jobie, DeMolay, or Rainbow meeting to observe them during their session.  Master Masons are always welcome.  Make note of the gentle way that their adult leaders provide guidance and a steadying hand.  If you take a brother with you, so much the better. 

	Record the date of your visit.    ____________

						Counselor's Ini tials_________

2.  Your second activity is to make a short verbal report to your brethren in lodge describing your visit to any one of the Masonic Youth Organizations that meet in your District.  Your comments should include a positive statement on how the lodge, from your perspective can support these young men or women. 

						Counselor's Initials_________	Senior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C4-3

Grand Lodge "Proceedings"

    We have a tendency to believe that the "Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Virginia" have little to do with us as individ uals or even as lodges.  After all it covers the transactions of the Grand Lodge.  Really, it's a document (set of docu ments) where we can find general information such as a listing of Masonic Districts showing the area comprising each district together with a listing of lodges comprising each district.  It is a source for determining the disposition of the various Grand Master's Recommendations and the resolutions offered to the Grand Lodge.


1.  Let's see if we can find out about membership in your lodge.  Your first activity is: Using the set of "Proceedings" in your lodge library, determine the membership of the lodge for each of the past ten years.

  a.	Was there a loss or gain?

  b.	What is the primary statistical cause of the loss or gain (Raisings, Affiliations, Death, Demit, Suspensions, etc.)?

  c.  How many 50-year members belong to your lodge?


						Counselor's Initials_________


2.  Do you know who the Grand Representatives that live in your area are?  Your second activity is to review the lists in the Proceedings and compile an abbreviated list for your lodge of those members who live in your community. Discuss with your counselor/mentor the proper form to use when introducing these members to your lodge.

						Counselor's Initials_________


3.  Do you know the lodges in your district? Your third activity is to use the "Proceedings" to answer the following:

  a.	What area (city/county) is covered by your district?

  b.	What lodges comprise your district?

  c.	How many Masons belong to lodges in your district?

						Counselors Initials__________	Senior Warden

Self Help Exercise C4-4

Appendant Bodies






	Senior Warden

Self-Help Exercise C4-5

Lodge Programs




Review Appendix II







	Appendix 1

I-A Lodge Officers and Committees 

  a.  Introduction

	Please become acquainted with the responsibilities and duties usually assigned to (and expected of) the Lodge elected and appointed officer line.  Become very familiar with the duties associated with your own position.  If you were caused to skip an office, make an effort to learn how to do those jobs on-your-own.  You'll find that there are members of the Lodge who are eager to assist you to learn your job(s).

	Inspirational leadership doesn't just happen!!  It is an outgrowth of time productively spent, major effort, and genuine concern.  Some considerations which you should be aware of, as a Lodge Officer, are contained in the following short checklist:

	Be enthusiastic, and you will transmit your enthusiasm to other officers and sideliners.

	Stop defeatist attitudes.  Think and talk positively about Freemasonry.  Talk about the good things of the Craft, not the difficulties we may encounter.  Build a constructive frame of mind.

	Set high standards of behavior for yourself and strive to reach them.

	Set a good example for your Brethren.  Be an exempli-  fication of Masonry.  Live it in and before the world.

	Know your Masonry.  You can't "sell" to others anything you don't know yourself.  If you know it--you will be lieve in it.  Remember!  Nothing worthwhile was ever accomplished without sincere enthusiasm.

	Although their personal religious convictions are of no concern of the Craft, encourage your Brethren to maintain an active interest in their religion.

	Stimulate your Brethren to do more than they think they can do and they will be lifted above the aver age, and contribute a broader outlook to the Craft.


  b.  Duties and Responsibilities

  1.	Elected Officers

	(a)	Junior Deacon

	When elected and installed, the Junior Deacon embarks on a moderately demanding five year tour-of-duty.  The Junior Deacon cannot start too soon in preparing for all the offices in line.  


The following, in random order, are offered as a suite of personal goals (in terms of Lodge expectations):

	(1)	Notify the Master, in advance, if you are unable to attend a Lodge meeting.  Also, notify the Senior Deacon so that he can set up the Lodge for you.

	(2)	Attend all Area, District, and Lodge Schools of Ritual instruction.    
  
	(3)	Learn all the ritualistic duties of a Junior Deacon, as soon as your election appears imminent--as fol lows:

		[ ]	Open and close a Master Mason's Lodge

		[ ]  Attend the Tiler's alarm and making the proper
			announcements to the W M 

		[ ]	Proper handling of staff, walking, turning, standing, sitting, etc.

		[ ]	Duties recited in the EA and FC degrees

		[ ]	Handling of the "wrong" word

		[ ]	Ceremony of receiving the Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Master

	(4)	Attend and actively participate in Area, District, and Lodge Education and Leadership Conferences.   Possibly read an interesting book related to Masonry and give a short book report to your Brethren in Lodge.

	(5)	Take up a position just inside the door 15 minutes before it is ordered Closed.  Greet your Brethren warmly, try to learn their names.  Have an apron available for a brother who may have inadvertently forgotten.

	(6)	In some Lodges it is normally your responsibility to set up the cast for all Entered Apprentice Degrees.

	(7)	Setting Up Lodge:  It is the traditional responsibility of the Junior  Deacon to oversee setting up the Lodge for stated and called meetings.  Be at Lodge at least 30 minutes before meeting is to begin.  The following is a checklist to ensure the Lodge is set-up properly for a  regular meeting.

		(a)  Install and test the lesser lights (tapers).

		(b)  Spread cloth on altar.

		(c)	Place great lights (Bible, Square, and Com passes) on altar.  Bible is closed with marker and tools at Ecclesiastes 12 for MM Degree, marker at Amos 7 for FC Degree, and at Psalm 133 for EA Degree.


		(d)  Put gavels on Wardens' pedestals.

		(e)	Master's and two visitors' chairs in East (and all other officers' chairs in position).

		(f)  Deacons' and Stewards Staffs/wands and holders.

		(g)  Kneeling pad west of altar.

		(h)  Flag in East (or near Marshals place, if 
			appropriate). 

		(i)  Deacon's staff holder at altar.

		(j)  Officers' aprons and jewels on seat of chairs.

		(k)  Visitor aprons in Ante Room.

		(l)  Register book readied with heading filled in, and
			pen available.

		(m)  Sign-in cards are in Ante Room.

		(n)  Tiler's sword outside door

     	(o)  Baton in Marshal's chair

	(8)	Taking Down the Lodge

		(a)  Put paraphernalia away neatly

		(b)  Empty ashtrays 

		(c)  Adjust thermostat

		(d)  Check for fire hazards, turn out lights, lock- up

  	(9)	General

		(a)  Arrive early

		(b)  Meet and greet all visitors and members

		(c)  Have visitors fill out cards (fully) and give to 
			Master

		(d)  Give visitors a Lodge bulletin

		(e)  Notify Master/Warden if Examining Committee is
 			required

		(f)  Visit other Lodges

		(g)  Know your contemporaries

		(h)  Attend Lodge/District/Division Schools



		(i)  Attend Area Leadership Conferences

		(j)  Attend Grand lodge

		(k)  Study (become familiar with) Methodical Digest

		(l)  Put out candles for Grand Master's visit

  		(m)  Keep a date book

		(n)  Ensure candidates' ritual apparel is kept
			laundered 

		(o)	Place crepe on Deacons' staffs/Stewards' wands on the death of member (leave on one month)

  (b)  Senior Deacon:

	In your second year in-line, your routine duties are somewhat less demanding than those of Junior Deacon, but you may have to perform his duties now and then, in his absence, when requested.  Being an active officer is now even more applicable.  The following are strongly recommended.

	(1)	Meet and welcome all attendees at meetings

 	(2)	Familiarize yourself with all visitors' names, titles, and affiliations (you may have to introduce them)

   	(3)	Be responsible for developing the cast for all Fellow Craft's Degrees.  Ensure the required para phernalia is set out.

   	(4)  Keep a record of petitions and advancements

   	(5)  Be familiar with balloting procedures

   	(6)	Always carry a pocket calendar and bulletins of 
		District Lodges

   	(7)  Assist the Junior Deacon in taking down the Lodge

   	(8)	You should be well on your way to learning the ritual required for the Wardens' Certificate

   	(9)	Become acquainted with Trial Procedures (as the Junior Warden you will be responsible for "trying" Masonic Trials for the Lodge)

   	(10)	Study, visit Lodges in the area frequently (not less than twice a month -- and at all official visits of the District Team [i.e., DDGM, DEO, DIW, MHA, C S&CC])

   	(11) Start learning a lecture

   	(12) Actively participate in all Lodge, District, Divi sion


		and Area Masonic Education seminars, workshops, etc.

   	(13) Attend Grand Lodge    

   	(14) Participate in the Masters' and Wardens' Association
		meetings

   	(15) Actively participate in DEO seminars and workshops

   	(16) Notify the Master, in advance, if you are unable to
		attend a Lodge meeting or any scheduled school/seminar.


  c.	Secretary

	"Carefully to observe the proceedings of the Lodge; keep a fair record of all things proper to be written; receive all moneys due the Lodge, and pay them over to the Trea surer, taking his receipt for the same..."

	The duties of the Secretary are far more extensive than noted above.  His office has more responsibilities assigned to it, on a continuing basis, than any office in the Lodge.  He should be consulted continuously by all hands.


  d. Treasurer

	"To receive all moneys from the hands of the Sec retary; keep a fair and just account of the same, and pay them out as I may be ordered by the Worship ful Master or by vote of the Lodge..."

	The Treasurers duties are vital and widespread but somewhat less demanding (in terms of time) than those of the Secretary.  It is his responsibility to oversee Lodge funds and to keep the membership informed of current resources, and to safeguard our present and future financial well being.


  e. Wardens

	The duties of the Wardens are complex and varied.  The Lodge in no manner may prescribe Wardens' duties.  Any responsibilities are exclusively assigned by the Methodical Digest, or Worshipful Master to assist in the conduct of Lodge business.

	It is imperative to notify the Master if unable to attend a meeting or other function.  Both will have received their Past Master's Degree prior to installation as Warden.  The Senior Warden should have his Warden's Certificate in-hand or very, very, close to earning it.  The Junior Warden should be well on his way to receiving it.  Both should be prepared to occupy the East in the absence of the Master, and should be able to fill-in and take almost any cast part in each of the three degrees.




	The Senior warden should complete the preparation for his year as Master during his year in the West.  He should be meeting regularly with the other Senior Wardens of the Dis trict and with the DDGM-designee.  He should be prepared to act on behalf of the Lodge, in all matters, in the absence of the Master.  The Senior warden orchestrates Grand Lodge participation for his year in office.

	Neither Warden should hesitate to consult with any Past Master, Lodge officer, District officer, or the Grand Secre tary's office in any Lodge matter.

	The Junior Warden has the special responsibility of being versed on Masonic Jurisprudence and the Masonic Trial process.  Consider getting involved with the DEO in training seminars/work-shops on the Methodical Digest and Masonic Trials.  In some Lodges it is normally the responsibility of the Junior Warden to set up the cast for all Master Mason's Degrees.  He should also take the lead to shape the plans, prepare for, and coordinate the "following year's" Grand Lodge arrangements.


  f.	Worshipful Master


	The range of duties and responsibilities of the Worship ful Master are too large and varied to completely list on these pages.  A few, however, which may serve as helpful reminders are presented here:
	

 (1)	The Worshipful Master must continuosly exhibit sound executive leadership.  He is not merely a presiding officer but an active executive who must be prepared to perform functions which are judicial, administrative, and legislative in character.
		
 (2)	Masters that have taken full advantage of the progression years to prepare themselves for what is ahead are more comfortable in the East than those who have simply bided their time.

 (3)	During his term of office, one must never forget that he is the Master, elected by his brethren and responsible to them, as a Lodge, and not to any particular individual or small group.  REMEMBER!!!  No man sits in the East in his capacity as a private person.  He is no longer acting for himself; he is the Worshipful Master of a Lodge of Freemasons.  He is not the office, only the servant of the office.

 (4)	Carefully study the Grand Lodge Proceedings of the two previous years.  Among the various Grand Lodge Committee reports you will find many things to assist you in administering the affairs of your own Lodge.

 (5)	Plan your personal affairs so that you will be able to represent your Lodge at the Grand Annual Communication. 


	Attendance at Grand Lodge should be one of the high points of your year as Master.

 (6)	Give your whole-hearted, undivided support to the Grand Master and his program.  Don't allow yourself to become self-centered but join, when possible, with local Lodges and in the activities sponsored  by the District Masters' & Wardens' Association.

 (7)	Represent your Lodge in all area leadership development conferences, workshops, seminars, Lodges of Instruction, and DEO classes.  Strongly encourage all elected Lodge officers, appointed officers, committeemen, and other members to actively participate.  Lead by your example. 

 (8)	Keep your Wardens informed.  If they are aware of your plans they can vigorously support them and if necessary take over, when the need arises.


 (9)	Plan to arrive in Lodge at least 30-45 before scheduled meeting time.  Open your Lodge on time and close it at a reasonable hour.

(10)	Insist that all officers are punctual, and notify you in advance if they expect to be tardy or absent.

(11)	Cultivate a pride in your Lodge.  Have respect for it. Be neat.  Set a good example for the officers.  Insist on dress appropriate for the occasion.  See that the commu nications of your Lodge are conducted, and degree work exemplified, with care and dignity.

(12)	Dispatch the business of the communication as quickly as is consistent with dignity and decorum.  Speak in a calm and deliberate manner--always slowly, distinctly, and loud enough for everyone in the room to hear and under stand every word.  Be relaxed and look pleasant--show the Brethren that you are enjoying your term of office.  This behavior is contagious, it will quickly carry over to the officer corps.

(13)	Exercise control over debates and discussions on matters that are brought before the Lodge.  Prevent the introduc tion of irrelevant, time consuming arguments.  Arrange with the DEO to participate in a workshop to practice applying Masonic Rules-of-Order in a controlled setting.

(14)	Establish an atmosphere of mutual cooperation with the Secretary.  Institute a firm groundrule that you expect to be shown (or carefully briefed on) all correspondence that is going to be read in Lodge.  It is sometimes embarrassing to be faced with a sensitive situation, in open Lodge, that might have better been handled in confi dence or with the advice of some of your officers, past Masters, or more experienced Brethren.  Committees should be appointed to address correspondence that call for Lodge action.



(15)	Reception of dignitaries and delegations should be con fined to the minimum requirements called for by the occasion. Limit the length of your introductions.

(16)	Encourage kindly conversation in your Lodge room.  Nur ture a constructive frame of mind in your members.  Encourage your members to ask of what THEY say, "Is it necessary?", "Is it true?", "Is it kind?" BEFORE they jump up to express their thoughts or feelings.

(17)	Seek the advice of experienced brethren, but, do not forget that the final decision rests with you.  Be kind and gentle, yet firm.  Be sure you are right, then go ahead.

(18)	Always express appreciation for work well done.  When appropriate put it in writing.  A personal letter from you will be held in high regard by your Brethren.  Also, don't forget that there may be a suitable Grand Lodge certificate that will serve your purposes.  

(19)	Appoint many committees and see that they function prop erly.  Establish guidelines for their operation.  Con sider assigning oversight responsibility for the commit tees to your Wardens.  Each can be tasked to work with half of the committees. 

(20)	Spruce up your Temple.  Have a nice, clean, cheerful atmosphere for your meetings.  If you have a deterio rating, poorly maintained temple, with shabby walls and ceilings, worn carpeting, uncomfortable seating, poor and inadequate parking facilities, these will tend to dimin ish attendance at lodge functions.

(21)	Encourage each of the members to make a free-will contribution to the Masonic Home.  Ensure that the Home Ambassador is invited for a presentation during the year.  Invent creative ways to raise funds for this noteworthy cause.

(22)	Welcome and warmly accommodate all visiting Brethren.  Once examined and admitted, a visitor should be greeted and introduced. If he is alone, some Brother should be delegated to sit by him and make him comfortable.

(23)	Actively seek out sojourners (Brethren who reside in your area but maintain Masonic affiliation in some out-of- city/state Lodge) in your community. Invite them to meet ings.  See that they are added to your mailing list to receive your Lodge notices.  When they come make them feel at home and welcome.
	 
(24)	Don't forget to appropriately plan "important" dates.  Many Lodges have adopted long-standing committments to certain functions that add to the personality of that Lodge.  If they are inadverdantly dropped from your calendar some members might feel short-changed (even though they might not publically comment).  Use your various committees to ensure success.


		(a) Past Masters' Night
		(b) Annual Visit by the DDGM
		(c) Rededication Program
		(d) Saint Johns' Night
		(e) Annual Visits by your District Officers
		(f) Strawberry Night


  2.  Appointed Officers

    Duties of appointed officers are both those outlined in the Methodical Digest and duties assigned by the Master.  In some instances additional duties are specified by committee assignments.

  a.	Stewards

	Major duties include preparing refreshments for our Brethren and visitors at stated meetings, called meetings, various schools, and during blood drives.  Please review the guidance to the Refreshments Committee on page B3-5 and information on estimating attendance on pages E5-1 & E5-2.  Stewards also prepare candidates for the degrees, and assist the Wardens during degree work.  The "professional" manner in which the Stewards handle candidates in the preparation room will be long remembered by them.  Read resolution on penalties to the candidate prior to the EA Degree.  During the prepara tion for the FC and MM degrees, Stewards should review lessons (such as due guards and signs) taught during preceding de grees, with the candidate. 


  b.	Chaplain

	Besides the opening and closing prayers at stated and called meetings, prayers during the degrees, prayers at Masonic Funerals, the Chaplain should be ready (with little notice) to provide an occasional inspirational invocation on special occasions.  Consider becoming the chairman, to plan the details for the Lodge's annual visit to a house of wor ship.


  c.	Tiler

	In addition to your assigned duties, without the door, the Tiler should be designated as the "Keeper of the Ledger"-- to assure that visitors and members sign in and also see that all are furnished with an apron.   


  d.	Marshal

	Assist the Stewards to prepare candidates for Degrees.  Act as the Lodge's final quality control point--to ensure candidates are properly dressed and all things are in order prior to starting all Degrees.  Take charge of all processions and at Masonic Funerals.  Present the flag at the altar for the Pledge of Allegiance, when directed by the Worshipful Mas ter. 


  e.	Musician

	Plan and execute the Lodge's musical program.  Act as chairman of the Lodge Music Committee.  Provide musical inter ludes prior to opening Lodge and during appropriate points during Degrees.  Consider initiating a Lodge Choir.  Provide or arrange for musical entertainment at Lodge "family meet ings".


I-B  Potential Lodge Committee Assignments

  a.  Introduction

	The important business of many well-governed, progressive Masonic Lodges is expedited and placed in more perfect form by dividing it among active Committees. The work of the Lodge is made more interesting and challenging to our Brethren when they are give the opportunity to become personally involved.

	The purpose of this section is to provide a thumbnail sketch of some committees employed by Lodges in Virginia.  You probably won't introduce all of them into your game plan, but we wanted you to have something to review and select from.  Remember, Lodges in our rural areas and suburbs may need different committees than one in a large city.

	Please note that it would be inappropriate to simply assign a vague responsibility and then "cut them free".  Give your committees direction, but also give them leeway, author ity, and encouragement to exercise creativity.  A short meeting with them to ensure that you're on the same wavelength is important.  You may want to institute a process that includes:

 (a) Each Warden having oversight responsibility for specific       	committees.

 (b)	The Master and Wardens assigned, in ex-officio status, to all committees.

 (c) Committees designated in writing.

 (d) Reports should be "expected" from various committees at   	specified meetings.  Publish in the Trestleboard when the briefings will be provided to  your Brethren.  Have the designated chairman provide the report and submit written notes to spread on the minutes of the meeting. 

 (f)	Ensure that none of the committees work in isolation.  Encourage collaboration and teamwork. Committees such as Public Relations, Youth, Community Action, and Music might have an opportunity during certain times of the year to work together on a project (for example; a visit to an old-age home).



  b.  Duties and Responsibilities

	The work of your committees should be meaningful and fun.  By using teamwork you will be helping the future leaders of our fraternity to grow.  The following list of committees is be no means complete.  Every Lodge will probably need others not covered on these pages---don't hesitate to implement them.  On the other hand, some Lodges have had long-standing commit tees that have outlived their usefulness.  Abolish them or rejuvenate them; don't just fill up the space on your t restleboard with names. 


 (1)	Almoner/Charity (Philanthropic);   It is the duty of the Almoner to become discretely acquainted with the needs of indigent Master Masons and the widows and orphans of de ceased Master Masons of our Lodge. We rely on the mature, objective judgement of this committee for studied recommendations for financial or other assistance that the Lodge should provide.  In cases that demand strict confidentiality, the Master, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be considered ex-officio members of the committee to implement an appropriate course of action to quickly provide needed relief.  Recommendations for additional assistance to the community at large are considered appropriate. 


 (2)	Appendant Body Liaison;  Establish a link between the Lodge and appendant bodies.  Coordinate with the Lodge Special Events/Programs Chairman, the Publicity Committee Chairman, and Telephone Committee to ensure that no opportunity for collective efforts to attain goals is ignored.  Provide periodic verbal reports (announcements) on upcoming events.  Study the feasibility of initiating a "Shrine Night" or "Scottish Rite Night" and make a recommendation for implementation, if appropriate.


 (3)	Blood Donor;  It is the duty of the Lodge Blood Chairman to coordinate with the District Committee on Blood to ensure the success of this notable venture.  Periodic reminders in Lodge prior to major blood drives and an occasional note in the Trestleboard are expected.  Liai son with the Telephone Committee and Publicity (Public Relations) committee are encouraged, to spread the word.  Development of an effective in-house donor program is a necessity.


 (4)	Bridge of Brotherly Love (Telephone); has the vital responsibility of organizing and implementing a telephone communications network to quickly and efficiently spread important Masonic information, such as  emergent meetings of the Lodge or other short fuzed requirements.  The co- chairmen's names and phone numbers should be publicized in the trestleboard.  All requirements for rapid internal communications should be referred to this committee for processing.  All Lodge officers will assist, and form branches of the telephone tree.


 (5)	Child Identification Program;    Arrange at least two separate, ID-events during the year.  Strongly consider coordinating the dates to coincide with established civic holiday fairs or other public, local activities.  Estab lish working teams to take pictures, fingerprints, assem ble the booklets, and  keep things moving during the events.  Use the pamphlets and literature prepared by the Grand Lodge.


 (6)	Community Service Program;   Implement ways for our Brethren to become more active in the community, either individually or in small groups. Use the "100-Ways Hand book", prepared by the Grand Lodge, for guidance.  Main tain a list of local area points-of-contact to coordinate program goals.  Be sensitive to public relations opportu nities.  Prepare an informal quarterly update report for submission to the District Deputy in order to provide him with information that he can share with other local Lodges.


 (7)	Funeral Services;  The chairman should establish and maintain liaison with other Lodge funeral committees in your Masonic District.  Establish close coordination with the Telephone Committee to quickly pass-the-word for any emergent requirements.  Coordinate with the Marshal to ensure paraphernalia are delivered to the appropriate funeral home for Masonic services.  Advise the Transpor tation Committee Chairman in those instances where trans portation requirements are identified.


 (8)	Glad Hand (Greeters);  is responsible to ensure that no member or visitor enters the Lodge unnoticed or unat tended.  The chairman should assemble and designate a large committee of outgoing, personable Master Masons to assist in this task.  He must become acquainted with the members in order to link visitors with like-minded, cheerful, personal hosts-for-the-evening.  It should be their goal to make the Lodge widely known to Sojourners and local Masons as the place to come on meeting nights, where a warm welcome awaits them, and where every guest is a VIP.  To the chairman, as the chief greeter, rests the even more important responsibility to train the younger officers in the social amenities.


 (9)	Lodge Education/Study Club;  The LEO is chairman of this committee.  Provide short training programs at least three or four times a year at   the request of the Wor shipful Master.  Present at least one training session per year aimed at the needs of EAs and FCs of your Lodge. Encourage the establishment of a Masonic Study Group to further foster educational opportunities in Lodge.  At tend and participate in conferences, seminars, workshops, and  or other training forums called by the COME & P or DEO.  Initiate a Lodge lending library.  Coordinate the annual official visit of the DEO.


(10)	Lodge History;   We rely on the Lodge Historian to cap ture major events and significant achievements in the life of the Lodge.  Plan and organize an annual reunion of Past Masters.  Provide a candid written and verbal report on "conditions" as you view them.  Make specific recommendations to the Master on future development and growth based on the historical image and personality of the Lodge.  Consider preparation of a written record to commemorate significant milestones (i.e.,  The First Hundred Years of (Blank) Lodge, or  The Silver Anniver sary of Lodge "X").  Provide items of historical interest to the Lodge Public Relations Committee.   

(11)	Masonic Birthdays;   Maintain an accurate record of Masonic Birthdays of all members.  Publish birthday notices in the trestleboard.  Prepare a short "personal ized" note for mailing to those members inviting them to attend Lodge on the anniversary of their "re-birth m onth".  Maintain liaison with the refreshment committee to recognize notable achievements (25, 40, 50, 60, etc., year members), with a birthday cake, when appropriate.  Provide the Publicity/Public Relations Committee with sufficient information to develop a press release for the Masonic Herald for 50-year members.


(12)	Masonic Home Ambassador;  Spearhead a year-long drive to actively support the residents of the Masonic Home.  Procure and distribute Grand Lodge literature to focus attention on the home.  Develop and provide (or arrange for) a "Founders Day/Masonic Home Presentation" during the month of October.  Encourage Lodge participation in Endowment Fund and Construction Fund campaigns.  Maintain informal liaison with the Board of Governors to determine whether specific assistance can be provided to any resi dents.  Consider the feasibility, in coordination with the  Masonic Youth Chairman, to "adopt" a home resident. 


(13)	Mentor;   The Lodge Mentor Committee should be involved with the grooming and development of initiates.  Subjects outlined in the Mentors manual will be your special domain.  We expect that you would collaborate with the Lodge Ritual Instructor to ensure that each initiate is assigned a compatible mentor and that mentors understand their responsibilities.  The committee will nurture and encourage assigned mentors to expand their understanding of Masonic lore and symbolism.  In addition the Chief Mentor (chairman) will be periodically requested to assist the Master to interpret Masonic Law and apply the principles included in the Methodical Digest. 


(14)	Music;  This committee is chaired by the Lodge Musician.  Your duties are outlined in the Charge to the Organist provided during installation ceremonies.  In addition, we request that you develop and recommend a specific program for incorporation into a "Family Night Program" for a Stated Meeting night.  Collaboration with the Youth Chairman, Special Events Chairman, and Telephone Commit tee to "nail-down" all particulars is recommended.  During the forthcoming Masonic-year both the DDGM and GM of Masons in Virginia will make official visits -- please arrange for suitable musical entertainment at these meetings.  Consider organizing a Lodge Choir. 


(15)	Programs/Special Events;  It is the domain of this com mittee to reduce inter and intra-Lodge scheduling con flicts.  In the past, important events went unnoticed or were necessarily ignored due to multiple activities being scheduled during the same time frame.  We wish to elimi nate these problems, as much as possible.  You will maintain the Lodge master-calendar and act as ambassador and scheduling spokesman for District-wide special events such as Dinner Theaters, Table Lodges, etc.  Collabora tion with the Appendant Body liaison, Public Relations, Youth, and Transportation Committees is strongly encour aged.


(16)	Publicity/Public Relations;  This committee is responsi ble for assisting all the other committee chairmen in volved with lodge work to spread-the-word, in whatever media is available to us.  Preparation of suitable arti cles for the Virginia Masonic Herald to publicize youth activities, notable accomplishments of various commit tees, 50-year pins, or visits by Masons of significance to your Lodge are considered appropriate.  Items of interest can include advance notice of your intent to host a Child ID Program, sponsor a Little League team, scholarship program award, and/or Community Builders Award.  For additional information also see the Lodge Public Relations Manual.


(17)	Resolutions and By-Laws;  Carefully review the motions and resolutions for the amendment of existing laws or the enactment of new laws by the Grand Lodge during the Grand Annual Communication, outlined in the "call", and report your carefully studied recommendations to the Lodge.  You shall counsel and guide the Master and Wardens and pro vide insight into the probable impact of your committee recommendations.  In addition, the committee will de velop, when necessary, recommended refinements to the Lodge by-laws for consideration in consonance with the provisions of the Methodical Digest.


(18)	Refreshment;  Be generally guided by the charge to the Stewards, in the Manual of Ceremonies (page 22).  The Attendance Tables and the Food Quantities Guide contained in the SW Guide may prove helpful.  The Senior and Junior Steward will act as committee co-chairmen.  Ad Hoc re quirements are expected during the course of the year for such things as picnics, dinners, widow's luncheons, etc.  The Junior Warden is an ex-officio member. 



(19)	Ritual;   The chairman of the Ritual Committee will be the Lodge Senior Instructor.  All elected officers are ex-officio members and should participate in local, District, and statewide schools to attain and maintain ritualistic proficiency.  It is a goal of the Ritual Committee for at least one member to learn and present a "new" lecture in open Lodge.  Collaboration among the J.W., S.D.,and J.D. to schedule necessary rehearsals for degrees with the Senior Instructor is essential.  The chairman will certifyfy qualifications of catechism instructors and will preview catechism presentation of initiates for the Master, prior to presentation in Lodge.


(20)	Scholarship;  The chairman will organize and administer a Scholarship Award Board to identify and evaluate poten tial recipients, recommend appropriate award levels, and coordinate a method to "recognize" the recipients.  The committee shall establish and publish manageable f undraising goals.  The chairman shall establish, in coordination with the Treasurer and Secretary, a separate budget line or chart of accounts to manage and distribute funds earmarked for the Scholarship Fund. Also,  please spearhead and encourage year-round fundraising activi ties.    



(21)	Sick and Distressed (Visitation);  It is the duty of this committee to alert the Lodge on the hospitalization or illness of our Brethren or widows.  Your phone number will be publicized in the Trestleboard for you to become the Lodge Point-of-Contact in these matters.  We want to ensure that no member or any of our widows, wheresoever disbursed, are neglected, especially during a time of distress or physical impairment.  Recommendations to send get-well cards for the ill or condolences to the bereaved are expected.



(22)	Sojourning Masons;  It is the province of this committee to encourage Brethren who reside or work in our area (who have membership in other Masonic jurisdictions) to attend Lodge. We are particularly interested in active duty or retired members of the armed forces.  Your innovative leadership in coordination, when appropriate, with the Transportation Arrangements Committee, Public Relations Committee, and Programs / Special Events Committee will aid in attracting these visiting Brethren to Lodge.


(23)	Transportation Arrangements;  This committee is charged with the special responsibility to ensure that no brother shall miss a meeting due to the lack of transportation.  The committee chairman should compile a list of potential drivers in each geographic area and arrange for transportation You are not expected (nor is it considered desireable) for you to personally provide a ferry ser vice, but rather, arrange or coordinate round-trip, pick- up and delivery of members.  As an additional service to our members and widows, please consider arranging for a similar accommodation for visits to the doctor or visits to our home-bound Brethren, when required.  All elected officers are considered ex-officio members of your com mittee.



(24)	Widows and Orphans;   Ensure that the widows and minor children of deceased Brethren are cared for in a manner consistent with our obligations.  The committee co-chair men should plan and organize a minimum of two events annually to enable interaction between our widows and members.  Coordination in this instance with the Trans portation, Special Widows & Orphans Events, Publicity, and Refreshment Committees is most appropriate.  Ensure that each widow (and minor orphan) is suitably remembered with a card at Easter and a small remembrance from the Lodge during the Christmas Season.  Make specific recom mendations for additional assistance, when necessary, to the Lodge Almoner.


(25)	Youth Activities Representative;  The Youth Committee chairman should promote and foster at least two youth activities consistent with the principles of the Grand Lodge and directives of the Grand Master.  The range of responsibilities extends from those youth groups which base their membership on Masonic affiliation to recog nized national organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America.  We anticipate committee recommendations to formally recognize, in an appropriate ceremony, the attainment of Eagle Rank by a young community resident.  We also expect frequent reminders for us to actively support the Jobies, DeMolay, and other scheduled youth activities. Please become familiar with the range of Grand Lodge sponsored awards and certificates to deter mine whether we could recommend an appropriate recipient.







	Appendix II

	P R O G R A M    S U G G E S T I O N S

    This appendix contains over 60 suggested program ideas and subjects.  We have compiled the list in the form of a year-long lodge calendar.  Each month is purposely overloaded with sugges tions, for we want you to have as much choice as possible.

    Some of the programs are extremely simple, and would require the average member only a little work to prepare, and consume only 5-15 minutes of a lodge meeting; others are more elaborate, and require the full range of planning and preparation.  And, of course, it should be readily apparent that not all program suggestions will fit all lodges.  You must pick and choose very carefully for your lodge, to assure the best mix for your membership and your community.  One ingredient in every program suggestion is missing: MANPOWER.  The simplest assignment still requires some Brother to step forward and say, "I'll do it".

    Generally, the most successful programs are those in which you involve the most people.  Open meetings that involve fam ilies, members of various organizations, even other lodges, get great results.  For example, where your lodge has a Past Mas ters' celebration, and ask the Eastern Star to prepare and serve a special meal, and the DeMolay or Jobies to greet, usher, sing, or whatever, you also tend to bring more of your members out.  Please don't underestimate the drawing power of involving a  broad cross-section of your community, whether it be church, synagogue, school, civic, or Masonic-affiliated. 

    Many lodges find that linking programs to specific themes, slogans, and purposes works the best.  For example, name January (the beginning of your Masonic-year) "Rededication Month".  Included during the month could be a "Rededication Night" pro gram, perhaps led by a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education and Publications; an "Old-Timers' Night", honoring everybody with over 25 years of service; and a talk on the Grand Lodge of Virginia, how it began, where it has met, what it's like today.  All in one month?  Sure, why not?  These programs don't all have to be elaborate, but they do require some work and planning.

    There's a world of other "theme" months that you could name.  "Past Masters' Month", for example.  Here a Past Masters' Degree Team could be scheduled to perform on a Stated or called meeting night (caution: Some Past Masters might not care for this kind of "honor", and will possibly stay away if they feel rusty with the ritua8l.  Possibly several rehearsals might have to be scheduled); an open meeting to honor Past masters and their ladies--and please don't forget Past Masters' widows; and perhaps a "Past Masters' Memories Night", where each PM spends three minutes reminiscing about the odd and funny things that have happened in and to the Lodge in years past.  Led by a sharp M.C., this can be a gem!  And of course, there's Lodge Anniver sary Month, and "Great Patriots' Month" (February for instance), "Citizenship Month", "Blood Donors' Month", "Masonic Home Month", "Community Service Month", and "Public Schools Month".  It's endless.  Use your imagination!
	II-1
Appendix-II
	SOME SUGGESTED PROGRAM TOPICS

			Although the following series of program ideas are listed by month for convenience, most would work equally well at any time of the year.


	D E C E M B E R


Special Program:   "Review of Grand Lodge Proceedings"

	An experienced Past Master (preferrably the Lodge Education Officer) should be assigned the task of bringing back the color and flavor of the Grand Lodge session or you can arrange with the District Educational Officer to make a report on actions, decisions made during the session.
	Get someone committed in advance to speak to your Lodge on the subject.  Don't neglect this one!

Special Entertainment:  "Johann Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" 	10 Min

	Mozart was one of many famous artists and musicians who were Masons.  He wrote several pieces specifically for masonic occasions.  His Masonic History can be found in many Masonic Encyclopedias.  This history, plus playing one of his Masonic works, should make an excellent presenta tion.

Special Entertainment:   "Saint John the Evangelist" 	15 Minutes

	Why do we observe 27 December as one of the two Saint John's Days?  Why are there two Patron Saints of Masonry?  Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia (Dedication of Lodges) and Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia can supply information on which to build a great talk.  Better yet, invite a Minister who is a Mason to discuss the subject.

Family Christmas Program:

	Try a potluck dinner.  Have an old fashioned Christmas Pro gram, with everybody singing and taking part.  Climax with a speaker or program with a Christmas theme, understandable to the children.  Possibly arrange for a surprise visit from old Saint Nick.


Public Installation of Officers:

	We could write for hours on this on, for here is the key affair of your Masonic Year.  MAKE IT PERFECT THROUGH CAREFUL PLANNING!  Pay absolute attention to every detail.  Get the best possible program, with the best Installing Officer and Marshal you can find, and give every ounce of energy you can muster to communicating "the word" to your membership, THIS IS NOT A ROUTINE MEETING.  Don't treat it as such.  Carefully review Self-Help exercise #10.
II-2
Lodge Officers' Meeting and Social:

	NEVER let the first full month of the Lodge year go by without having your Lodge Officers and their families together for an evening.  You might consider inviting members of the District Team (DDGM, DEO, and DIW) to join you.  Get acquainted!  You will be working together all year. 

 
	J A N U A R Y
	

Special Entertainment:  "Interpretation of Ecclesiastes XII"	10 Min

	Discussion of the meanings of the words of the Twelfth Chapter of Ecclesiastes can be found in almost all Masonic libraries.  And the Masonic Service Association has a Short Talk Bulletin entitled "The Three Scripture Readings", December 1931.  If you have access to Hiram's Oasis, the Masonic Bulletin Board sponsored by Kena Temple, you will also be able to down-load the article.


Special Entertainment:   "The Book of Constitutions" 	15 Min

	Available from Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, information on Anderson's "Constitutions" should be easy to develop into a fine presentation.


Open Forum:	 30 Minutes

	Invite a panel of well-informed Brethren who will answer questions on all phases of Masonry.  There are various ways this can be accomplished:  A question box for several previous meetings, with members regularly reminded to submit questions;  a mail-out to the membership seeking questions;  or "planted" questions, plus those asked from the floor--or a combination of these processes.  The moder ator of the panel should be carefully selected for his knowledge and ability to lead a discussion.


	F E B R U A R Y


Washington's Birthday Propram:

	There is a multitude of ideas and information available on George Washington, Master Mason.  First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen--especially our Fraternity.  A portfolio of materials entitled "George Washington, Master Mason", is available from the Masonic Service Association including Facts for speakers, a pre pared speech, and 20 pictures.  A slide presentation is available on loan from the Washington National Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia.

	II-3
Appendix-II

Special Entertainment:  "Freemasonry in the Civil War" 	15 Minutes

	Every brother is entitled to know his Masonic heritage.  No story is more moving than that of the role Masons played in healing the wounds of that tragic war.  It's available in Allen Roberts' "House Undivided", it can be purchased from Macoy Publishing and Supply Company,  PO Box 9825, Rich mond, VA 23228


Fellowship Night:

	Invite all the lodges in your District or Area, along with all other Masonic Affiliate Bodies.  Recognize their lead ers.  Give them a:


Special Program:   A Masonic Play

	This is an ambitious undertaking, but any Virginia Lodge worth its salt can do it.  Many have, and with great suc cess.  You'll have great fun, you will get some Brethren INVOLVED, and you will entertain and you will teach.  What more can you ask for?  There are many fine plays available.  Carl Claudy's "Where Your Treasure Is" contains a collection.  You can also buy scripts for the Claudy Plays from the Masonic Service Association.  Some of the old classics are:

		The Greatest of These..........................One Act
		He That Believeth.............................Two Acts
		Greater Love Hath No Man....................Three Acts
		A Rose Upon The Altar.............Two Acts & Interlude 
		Judge Not......................................One Act
		The Hearts Of The Fathers......................One Act
		And Not Forsake Them...........................One Act


Special Entertainment:   "Hiram Abif"  	15 Minutes

	All the information your speaker needs is available from any Masonic Encyclopedia.  The Hiramic legend was intro duced into Masonry to teach a vital lesson.  The truth about Hiram is of interest to every Mason.


Special Entertainment:   "Why Symbolism?"  	10 Minutes

	Every Mason will appreciate a discussion on this topic.  The Little Masonic Library (available locally or at Macoy Publishing--their address is found in the Civil War blurb), Page 136 of Volume 5, has what you need.





II-4
	Appendix-II



Special Entertainment:   "In My Heart"      	10 Minutes

	A good reader will thoroughly entertain the Lodge with this short story, found on page 69, Volume 5, of the Little Masonic Library.




	M A R C H 


Public Schools Week:

	Here's an opportunity to have a leading local educator speak to your Lodge (It would be particularly meaningful if you could locate one of your own former teachers).  You could also honor all educators in an open meeting, or have a buffet dinner for them.  Don't forget the publicity potential of either of these efforts.  Who knows, one or more of these teachers might get interested in becoming a Mason.



Special Entertainment:  "To Entertain Strangers" 	15 Minutes

	Another outstanding short story from Carl Claudy.  Find a brother with a well modulated voice and give him a copy of Claudy's "Masonic Harvest", available on loan from the A. D. Smith, Jr. Lodge of Research #1949, AF&AM--or procured locally.  It's as simple as that!


Masonic Spelling Bee:

	Using Kidd's Masonic Dictionary, or The Masonic Vocabulary (available from the Masonic Service Association in Silver Spring, MD) pick two or three teams to spell AND define words common to Blue Lodges.  The award: The losers get to perform some special small chore for the Lodge.


Old Fashioned Beans and Cornbread Night:

	Invite all the sojourning Brothers who live in your area, and make a REAL effort to to go out and round up Brethren who don't drive at night, or simply won't come by them selves.  You can do it!  And this time limit your program to food and REAL FELLOWSHIP, with strictly limited formal ities.  Have a couple of very short talks available like those on the following page:



	II-5
Appendix-II


Special Entertainment:  "A Little Scrap Of Paper" 	5 Minutes

	On Saturday morning, 16 March 1991, R W  Tom May, who was then our Grand Junior Warden, delivered a superb 5-minute talk which began:

		"I hold in my hand a little scrap of paper, about 2 1/2 X 3 3/4 in size.  It is of no intrinsic value, not a bond, not a check or any such receipt of values; yet it is my most priceless possession.  It is my member ship card in a Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons."

	Ask a Brother to expound upon all that his card represents and entitles him to, and you have a splendid 5-minute talk.  



Special Entertainment:  "Knife and Fork Degree"	6 Minutes

	Found in the small pamphlet called "3-5-7 Minute Talks on Freemasonry", available locally, or on loan from A.D. Smith, Jr., Lodge of Research, or you can purchase a copy from Macoy Publishing.
 


	A P R I L



Special Entertainment:  "The Landmarks of Masonry"	15 Minutes

	Virginia has never "adopted" an official written set of Landmarks, although most of the fundamental landmarks are recognized, and some are part and parcel to Virginia Ma sonic laws, customs, and usages.  A discussion of the landmarks is always of interest to our Brethren.  We can find material in almost any Masonic Encyclopedia, and a good run-down appears on pages 141-158, Volume 5, "The Little Masonic Library".


Special Entertainment:  "The Meaning of Masonry"	15 Minutes

	Albert Pike's famous lecture is just as pertinent today as it was in 1858.  It can be found beginning on page 13 of volume 5, of The Little Masonic Library.  Give it to a Brother with an expressive tone of voice, and watch your Brethren enjoy Masonry.  







II-6
	Appendix-II


Special Entertainment:  "Thomas Smith Webb"  	15 Minutes

	Here's one for your favorite ritualist.  Thomas S. Webb was responsible in large measure for the present system of work and lectures in America.  Information for a short talk can be found in any Masonic Encyclopedia or book on the history and evolution of speculative Freemasonry.



Special Entertainment:  "The Foundation" 	15 Minutes

	Another excellent source for Masonic talks is Joseph Fort Newton's "The Builders", available locally or purchased from Macoy Publishing.  The first chapter is entitled "The Foundations", and makes an excellent source for an inspira tional and educational message


Special Entertainment:  "Athiest or Agnostic"        	12 Minutes

	This is the title of another Carl Claudy short story, taken from "The Old Tiler Talks".  It will make excellent enter tainment.


	M A Y

DeMolay Night:

	As part of your annual youth activities program; Invite a DeMolay Chapter to put on Degree Work, and by all means be sure someone gives the "Flower Talk".  Every Mason should hear this at least once each year!  It makes you proud of the young men following in our footsteps.


Special Entertainment:  "The Morgan Affair"       	 15 Minutes

	The story of William Morgan should be aired in every lodge.  A historical account can be found in every Masonic encyclo pedia.  Another source is volume 2 of the Little Masonic Library.  


Special Entertainment:  "What does it Benefit Man"   	 15 Minutes

 	A frank discussion of what Masonry brings about in a Mason, and what it brings about in the world, makes an outstanding Masonic talk.  Material for this is everywhere; however, the sixth and seventh letters of Johan Fiche serve as a good source.  See pages 154-162 of Roscoe Pound's "Masonic Addresses and Writings"; available locally, or from Macoy Publishing, or from our great Virginia Masonic Library in Richmond.

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Appendix-II




Special Entertainment:  "Masonic Poetry"

	This meeting is dedicated to great Masonic poets, or poems about the fraternity, or poems with a particularly strong moral flavor.  Our major Masonic poets include such names as Robert Burns, Rudyard Kipling, Edgar Guest, and Rob Morris. Their Masonic History can be found in almost any Masonic encyclopedia.  For several meetings beforehand, indicate that you would like each brother or visitor to bring a meaningful piece of poetry to lodge with him.  It's great fun, some of our Brethren are quite talented.  Once in a while an original "piece" is prepared that's quite good.  If that happens, please recommend that he forward it to the Masonic Herald for possible publication.  (with a little variation this program would be very suitable for an open meeting which includes our wives and families.)

	J U N E
	( Back to Lodge Month )


Special Project:   "Masonic Roll Call"

	This is a sure-fire winner!!  Develop a detailed program.  It could provide an opportunity to involve several small committees and to touch base with all hands.  Use every way possible to contact the membership; your trestleboard, the mails, personal visits, publicity, the phone, you-name-it.  Several months in advance, request that they show up for muster or provide a short note for the Secretary to read from them.  See if you can set a record for getting your members back in lodge, "Just One More Time".  It's worth a try!  This is one night that you probably don't want a speaker scheduled--your brethren's reminiscences and mail should provide entertainment enough.  A bountiful after- meeting sandwich platter or pot of stew will be very well received. You will probably want to capture some of the "faces" in photographs. 


Special Program:  "Saint John's Night"
		
	Also review the December blurb.  Consider inviting a Minis ter to discuss the Feast of St. John the Baptist, and the importance of the two Saints John to Freemasonry.


Special Entertainment:  "At Midnight"	 15 Minutes

	A short story that will be enjoyed by every Master Mason.  Find it on page 79 of Claudy's Masonic Harvest, available from Grand Lodge library.


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	Appendix-II


Special Program:  Flag Day--June 14th (usually)

	Masonry teaches patriotism.  No man can be a good Mason and unpatriotic. Hence any patriotic observance in lodge is appropriate for the body of men who conduct it.  A short talk with a general "Flag" theme, such as; Flag Etiquette, Flag Ceremonies, History of the Flag are appropriate. The National Sojournors publish particularly interesting patri otic pieces that could be useful now and other "patriotic" occasions (i.e., July 4th, Armistice Day, etc.).



	J U L Y
	(Patriotism Month)

Special Project:  "4th of July; Family Picnic"

	Ever try a multi-Lodge picnic?  Why not go all out for a real old fashioned Independence Day get-together with Shrine Clowns, sack races, games for children, hot dogs, hamburgers, and a softball game?  It could be lots of fun.  It would probably become the beginning of an annual, much looked forward to, event.  This is another activity that should lend itself to several committees working together for the good of Masonry.  Please be sure to invite all local Grand Lodge elected and appointed officers.


Special Entertainment:   "Masonic Presidents"      	 15 Minutes

	One research source is the book "10,000 Famous Freemasons", by Denslow, available on loan from the A.D. Smith, Jr., Lodge of Research or you can purchase a copy from a Masonic Supply House like Macoys.  Another source is the Masonic Service Association's; Short-Talk Bulletins available in all Virginia Lodges.


Special Entertainment:   "Freemasons in American History" 	   15 Min

	A digest by that name can be purchased from the Masonic Service Association, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD, 20910.  If July was established as "Patriotism Month" you can fill the month with the feeling that, as Masons, we're proud to be Americans (or if you have some foreign nation als in your lodge--Proud to Live in America), and we're proud of the part Masons have taken in building Virgina and America.

Special Project:  Lodge Officers' Meeting and Social

	You had one at the beginning of the year (I hope).  It's about time you got together again with your wives in atten dance.  See the December write-up.

	II-9
Appendix-II

	A U G U S T



Special Program:   "Masonic Visitors' Nite"

	Review "Self-Help Exercise C3(3)" and plan a very special event that will in all probability become an annual lodge affair.  Honor all Lodge, District, and Grand Lodge Offi cers (both elected and appointed) who live in your geo graphic area. Send a special invitation to them all.  After a good Masonic speaker or program; serve them fresh straw berries, pound cake, and ice cream. It will make a great hit! 



Special Entertainment:   "Due and Timely Warning" 	15 min

	A short story found in Carl Claudy's "These Were Brethren".  The book is available from most Masonic supply houses, the A.D. Smith, Jr Lodge of Research library.  It has great Masonic significance and will provoke a lot of good discus sion during the refreshment period.



Special Entertainment:    "District Deputy Round-Table" 	30 Min

	This would be a great activity to encourage inter/intra- District visitation.  Contact all of the DDGMs in your geographic area to participate in a panel discussion.  They better than anyone else should be able to answer questions related to the history, range of responsibility and author ity vested in the District Deputy system of management that we use in Virginia.  Provide them each with a short list of prepared questions that will be asked so that they have an opportunity to make ready.



Special Program:   "Family Fun Night"

	A couple of Virginia Lodges have made programs like this the "talk of the town", by incorporating some good-natured ribbing of some of their members; a skit giving an inter pretation of a Mason from the moon and his "Moonlighters Lodge"; and the establishment of an new organization called "The Social Order of Suffering and Pathetic Masonic Wid ows". Some dozen "Masonic Widows" and their husbands were brought before the Master's Station to participate in the founding of this important new "sorority".  The "widows" were given a password, grip, and an official distress signal, all of which was received "under oath".  Each widow was presented special "Masonic Widows Pin" (a small rolling pin).  See what a little imagination of your own can do with this one.

II-10
	Appendix-II

	S E P T E M B E R



Special Entertainment:  "The Key To Freemasonry's Growth" 	15 Min

	Every Virginia Lodge officer should own, or have local access to Allen Roberts' book, "The Keys To Freemasonry's Growth".  For your Lodge program, have a Brother paraphrase the material on pages 68-74 of the book.  Again, this and other of Allen's books are available from Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company.  If you'd like to call, their phone numbers are: (804)262-6551 or (800)637-4640.  Please note that they cannot accept collect calls.   



Special Entertainment:   "The Good Old Days"	15 Minutes

	It's sometimes very helpful to recall the true facts about "the good old days", so that we can put our present activi ties in proper perspective. 

	The History and Evolution of Freemasonry, by Darrah, has a chapter by that title which will frame an entertaining talk.  The book can be borrowed from the A.D. Smith Jr., Lodge of Research.



Special Entertainment:   "Early Craft Customs"		15 Minutes

	The book referred to above will also provide the basis for this presentation.  The History and Evolution of Freema sonry also has a chapter by this title.  There is no charge for the loan of a book from the Research Lodge.  You are expected to defray the cost of postage (both ways).  If you have a member who has travelled and visited "foreign" lodges, this lecturette can provide an opportunity to compare and contrast practices here and abroad.  Most of our Brethren enjoy discussing old customs.

	They get so wrapped up in it that will reluctantly break to go to refreshment.



Special Entertainment:   "Why men Love Freemasonry"		15 Minutes

	Carl Claudy tells this story in "The Old Tiler Talks" available from both any Masonic Supply House (like Macoys) or the A.D. Smith Lodge of Research.  This truly great story will stimulate any Brother to add his own thoughts to make this an inspirational message.

	
	II-11
Appendix-II

	O C T O B E R


Special Program:    "Past Masters' Night"

	An open program could include a short memorial service, a tribute to Past Masters' widows, a special speaker.  A singing group can add character to the evening with "The Empty Chair", "Let Me Call You Sweetheart", "Stout Hearted Men", etc.  Don't forget to announce this program in your Trestleboard/Bulletin for at least two months and if you're up to the additional "mailing" you can send each Past Master an individual invitation.  Even if they can't make it request that they send a short note that can be read at the meeting.  It's a great time to reminisce and pay trib ute to those who have toiled in the quarries in the past.  



Special Entertainment:   "From Left To Right"	15 Minutes

	This talk appears in Joseph Fort Newton's "Short Talks on Masonry".  Again this book can be be ordered from Macoy Publishers at very reasonable cost or borrowed from the Research Lodge librarian.  It provides a short informative and inspirational message.  It's time very well spent.



Special Entertainment:   "William Preston"		15 Minutes

	William preston was one of four eminent Masonic scholars who have given us a Masonic philosophy.  preston's key word was "knowledge" and his philosophy is encompassed in our American/Virginia work.  This young English Mason took it upon himself to write the lectures of Craft Masonry which were subsequently accepted and handed down to us. There is a lot of information about the life and work of Preston in most comprehensive  Masonic Encyclopedias and in the first chapter of Roscoe Pound's "Masonic Addresses and Writ ings".	




Special Entertainment:   "The Boston Tea Party"	15 Minutes

 	The "Indians" who dumped 342 cases of tea in Boston Harbor probably came from the Green Dragon Tavern, which was the home of Saint Andrews Lodge.  This lodge had previously been implicated in several revolutionary activities con trary to Masopnic practice, but most of the evidence is circumstantial or hearsay.  In any event, the subject makes an interesting talk.  See any of your Masonic Encyclopedias or the "Little Masonic Library" (volume 3).


II-12
	Appendix-II
	N O V E M B E R


Special Project:   "Thanksgiving Letters"

	This is a month that we should make time to remember, with kindness, all of those wonderful people in our lives who have significantly contributed to our well being.  Take an hour to compile a list of those people to whom you owe a debt of gratitude; a vote of thanks.  Send them each a letter of thanks/appreciation.  It will make their day brighter; knowing that you care--It will brighten your day; just doing something nice.  This is truly a "Thanksgiving" project.  Encourage your Brethren to do the same.  As a lodge project you might select three people (members of your lodge or not) and send them a "Resolution of Apprecia tion".


Special Project:   "Old Timer's Night"

	Don't just advertise that you're going to present 25-Year Veterans pins and 50-Year Awards on umpty-ump date.  Broad cast that you're going to have an "Old-Timer's Night", and then make a special effort to invite ALL of your "over 25- year" members.  Give them a good supper and lead a short period of reminiscing.  Honor all of them, and pick out the oldest and the one who came the furthest for recognition.  Make it an "Event".  The potential for publicity is wonder ful.  Send a picture or two to the Masonic Herald for publication.
	

Special Entertainment:   "Shooting the Masonic Gun"	15 Minutes

	This is a topic on which many of our Brethren deserve a measure of instruction.  Carl Claudy discusses this subject in "Old Tiler Talks".   And, Most Worshipful Brother Don Robey prepared a short pamphlet in 1986 for our Grand Lodge which describes the Table Lodge Ceremony and explains the military-flavor of the festivities.  Be prepared (once you broach this topic) to be requested to conduct a real, live table Lodge.  Select a member who has attended one here or abroad to do the research and make the presentation.  Some of the standard toasts and rich prose associated with creative "responses" can be likened to Masonic-Poetry.  They're really beautiful. 


Special Program:   "Father and Sons Night"

	In one variety of this heart-warming function, the evening centers around all fathers and sons regardless of their ages or whether the sons (or fathers) are members of the Fraternity; in another all present are Master Masons.  If many Brethren have sons who are members, the program may be only for the members of the lodge staging the evening.  If a larger group is desired, the host lodge will invite fathers and sons from neighboring lodges, OR "adopt" a chapter of DeMolay.

	II-13
Appendix-II

SUMMARY:

   0	The programs you select or develop should be carefully planned in advance.  Don't let things happen by chance.  Review the Planning guide in Self-Help Exercise #10, fre quently.


   0	Identify your committees with care.  Give them broad guide lines.  Don't tie their hands.  Periodically check on their progress.


   0	Ensure that each event is carefully "timed".  Too long an evening may make some of your Brethren over-tired; and unwilling to come next time.


   0	Suggested Form For Programs:

		1.  Call to order.

		2.  Invocation

		3.  Introduction of Master of ceremonies

		4.  Music (may be instrumental, solo, or group singing

		5.  Special Event, if any (reception, roll call, welcome,
			 response to welcome, etc.) 

		6.  Music

		7.  Address (ONE ONLY)

		8.  Music

		9.  Closing Poem

	     10.  Benediction


   0	No advice is given as to taking up an offering for charity.  It is strictly the lodge's business.  If an offering is taken, do it early in the evening.  Masonic audiences, for the most part, prefer to "give" rather than to "pay".  A late offering seems to many to be a payment for the entertainment.  


   0	Choose your Master of Ceremonies with care.  A good Master of Ceremonies is brief, and knows the importance of a program which is not allowed to drag.  An MC who is too long-winded, or too slow, can ruin the best program.




II-14

										Appendix-III


	Questions for the Entered Apprentice



1.  	What is the modern definition of Freemasonry?

2.  	What is Masonry's purpose?

3.  	When did Freemasonry originate?

4.  	What is the difference between operative and speculative Masonry?
2
5.  	What do "free" and "accepted" mean?

6.	What is the difference between "accepted" Masons and "operative" Masons?

7.	Why doesn't Freemasonry consider itself a secret society?

8.	Why is the Tyler ouside the door of the lodge?

9.	Why can't an athiest become a Mason?

10.	In order to petition for the Degrees of Masonry, what are the four (4) qualifications the petitioner has to meet? 

11.	How can a petitioner best prepare himself for initiation into Masonry?

12.	What do we mean when we say that a candidate must first be prepared in his heart?

13.	What do we mean when we say "duly and truly prepared"?

14.	What is the symbolism of the hoodwink?

15.	What is the symbolism of the cabletow?

16.	Why is the entrance to a lodge so important to a candidate?

17.	Who are the Holy Saints John and why do Masons honor them?

18.	Give two reason that candidates are perambulated around the altar?

19.	Why are the three (3) Great Lights of Masonry placed in the center of the lodge?

20.	What does the open Bible (or other Volume of Sacred Law) signify in the lodge?

21.	What is the square supposed to teach us?


											III-1
Appendix III


Questions for the Entered Apprentice (continued)



22.	What are the compasses supposed to teach us?

23.	Of what significance is the obligation?

24.	Even though the physical penalties mentioned in the obligation are symbolic, why are they retained in the ritual work?

25.	What is the Rite of Destitution supposed to teach us?

26.	Why is the Entered Apprentice placed in the Northeast corner of the lodge?

27.	Of what use is the speculative Mason to make of the symbolic working tools of the degrees?

28.	Why are the lectures used in degree work?

29.	Who originated our ritual work as we know it today, and approximately when did it start?

30.	Define "cowan" and "eavesdropper".

31.	What are the two rights of an Entered Apprentice Mason?

32.	What are the three responsibilities of an Entered Apprentice Mason?

33.	Explain the proper procedure in addressing the Worshipful Master.

34.	Explain the proper procedure in entering and retiring from an Entered Apprentice lodge.

35.	Who are the three stationed officers of the lodge?

36.	Why is the Master addressed as Worshipful?

37.	Why does the Master wear a hat in lodge?

38.	When should members rise and when should they be seated?

39.	Why is the lodge always opened with prayer?

40.	What does the term "So Mote It Be", mean?








III-2										Appendix-III


	Questions for the Fellowcraft Mason



1.	What are we trying to emphasize in the Fellowc2raft Degree?  

2.  	What period in a man's life does the Fellowcraft Degree symbolize?

3.  	Approximately when did we start to become speculative rather than opera tive Masons?

4.  	What does the level symbolize?

5.  	When and where was the first Grand Lodge formed?

6.	What does the plumb symbolize?

7.	What are the jewels of a fellowcraft?   What do they 
	signify?

8.	What do corn, wine, and oil represent?

9.	What are the names of the pillars (on the porch of King Solomon's Temple at the beginning of the flight of winding stairs)?

10.	What do the flight of winding stairs as a whole represent?

11.	What do the first three steps represent?

12.	What do the next five steps represent?

13.	What do the final seven steps represent?

14.	Why is there an odd number of steps?

15.	What are teaching on the way to the Middle Chamber?

16.	What is the Middle Chamber?
2
17.	Why do we use the letter "G"?

18.	What are the four rights of a Fellowcraft Mason?

19.	What are the responsibilities of a Fellowcraft Mason?

20.	Why is the cable tow placed on the right side?







												III- 3Appendix-III

	Questions for the Master Mason



1. 	Explain the importance of the obligation? 	

2.  	Explain "clandestine lodges" and "clandestine Masons".

3.  	Why are signs, tokens, and words important to Masons?

4.  	Who was Hiram Abif?

5.	What do we mean by "foreign countries" in Masonry?  	

6.	Define the symbolism of the Five Points of Fellowship.

7.	Why do we use the Sprig of Acacia?

8.	What are the responsibilities of a Master Mason?

9.	When do you become a Master Mason?

10.	When do you become a member of your Lodge?

11.	When was the Grand lodge of Virginia formed and who was the first Grand Master?

12.	Why is it called the "Sublime Degree"?

13.	What is the significance of the three Grand Masters?

14.	Who was Solomon?

15.	What are some of the lessons taught by this degree?

16.	Explain the use of the ballot box.

17.	Name three appendant bodies (organizations who base their membership requirements on a person's Masonic affiliation).

218.	Name four charities that Masons support.

19.	How many lodges are there in Virginia?

20.	Approximately how many Masons are there in Virginia?

21.	What is a Demit?  Discuss 2 reasons that a brother may want/need one.

22.	Explain:  (a) Affiliation, (b) Dual, (c) Plural membership.

23.	Explain the general procedure for examining a visitor.

24.	What are the qualifications for entering the Masonic Home?


III-4	Appendix IV

	W O R K S H E E T

	PROPOSED LODGE BUDGET FOR 199__

	___________________ Lodge #_______



Cash Carried Forward From 199__   ..................... $ ____.__

   
Estimated Income       

  Dues, $____ each X No. of dues-paying members........ $ _______
  Fees, $____ total due for 3 degrees X No. to be raised  _______
  Rent from other organizations for use of Temple.......  _______
  Masonic Home, $____ each X No. of dues-paying members.  _______


Special Events

  Picnic................................................  _______
  Banquet Tickets.......................................  _______
  Table Lodge...........................................  _______


Miscellaneous...........................................  _______

           TOTAL ESTIMATED INCOME.......................$ ____.__




Estimated Expenses

  Grand Lodge Percapita Tax @ $7.00/dues-paying member..$ _______
  Masonic Home Assessment @ $3.00/dues-paying member....  _______
  GWNMM @ $5.00/new member raised.......................  _______
  Grand Lodge Candidate Fee ($30.00/Cand X No. raised)..  _______
  Grand Lodge Session (expenses)........................  _______
  Salaries
     Secretary..........................................  _______
     Treasurer..........................................  _______
     (          ).......................................  _______
  Taxes.................................................  _______
  Refreshments..........................................  _______
  Postage...............................................  _______
  Office Supplies.......................................  _______
  Bulletin/Trestleboard Printing (mailing service)......  _______
  Utilities
     Lights & Power.....................................  _______
     Gas................................................  _______
     Telephone..........................................  _______

	IV-1
Appendix-IV

Estimated Expenses (continued)



  Building Maintenance (lawn mowing)..................... _______
  Masonic Supplies
     From Grand lodge.................................... _______
     From Macoy.......................................... _______
  Flowers................................................ _______
  Newspaper Obituaries................................... _______
  Grand Master's Charity................................. _______
  Masonic Home (Building Fund)........................... _______
  Masonic Home (X-Mas Donation).......................... _______
  Masonic School Dues.................................... _______
  Lodge Picnic........................................... _______
  Table Lodge............................................ _______
  Annual Banquet......................................... _______
  Insurance.............................................. _______
  Christmas Party........................................ _______
  Youth Organizations
     Jobies.............................................. _______
     DeMolay............................................. _______
  Widows & Orphans Luncheon.............................. _______
  Community Halloween Party.............................. _______
  Speakers Gifts......................................... _______
  Masters & Wardens Association Directory................ _______
  Installation Night Reception........................... _______
  Reception for the DDGM................................. _______
  Grand Master's District visit.......................... _______
  Past Master's Apron.................................... _______
  Scholarship Fund....................................... _______
  Almoner's Fund......................................... _______
  Candidates Bibles...................................... _______
  Methodical Digest (for new officers)................... _______
  ____________________................................... _______
  ____________________................................... _______
  ____________________................................... _______
  Miscellaneous.......................................... _______



        TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES....................$ _____.___



        Targeted Balance Remaining For Next Year....$ _____.___









IV-2

	Summary of Lodge Actions












	Summary of Lodge Actions
	(Work Sheet)



















































	Masonic Parliamentry Motions












	MASONIC PROTOCOL, ETIQUETTE & DECORUM


Meaning of Masonic Etiquette:

	Masonic Etiquette is, by definition, something that is not to be left to an individual to see or to carry out according to his own taste;  he conforms to it because it was formally adopted as a conventional requirement for acceptable behavior (whether he sees a good reason for doing so or not).

	An act of Masonic etiquette is some movement, action, courteous gesture or speech performed at a given time and place, in a certain manner, and according to rule, fixed and imposed by the Fraternity itself.  Since the rules are for the good of the Craft as a whole, it affects each member.  

	An organization such as ours adopts these rules because we need them to carry out our good works in an atmosphere of harmony.   They are not empty and meaningless, arbitrarily enacted and imposed for the mere sake of performing them.  The rules have been tested and they work!!


Information on Masonic Etiquette:

	If a Master is in doubt about the correct form of etiquette for some particular occasion he has several authoritative sources of information upon which to draw.  He should consult the Manual of Lodge Programs and Protocol, the Mentor's Manual, the Officers Manual, the Manual of Ceremonies or the Constitu tions of Masonry.  He may confer with his older members, such as Past Masters, who usually have had experience of the kind needed on this occasion.  

	He may consult with the Grand Provost, members of the Committee on Masonic Education, or District Educational Officers.  They have broad personal experi ence, familiarity with and ready access to several books on Masonic Etiquette.  Sometimes these books may be too general in their treatment of certain topics and lack detailed explanations for specific application to a particular situa tion to be immediately useful.  They are, nevertheless, valuable in providing general rules and principles which can be applied across the board.  The DEO can usually be counted upon to help identify the appropriate source of authorita tive rule.  In addition, he is acquainted with the "personality" of the District and can help you develop a suitable course of action.   

	He could confer with the Grand Lecturer, Division Lecturer, or District Instructor of Work.  Although most of forms of etiquette are not confined to ritual, yet they belong to the same general field of study, and most experienced ritualists are also usually very well informed on the rules and practical application of etiquette, protocol and decorum.  



Aged and Infirm:

	If a member is infirm he should be assisted to enter the Lodge and to salute on the arm of the Junior Deacon; and if he requires it, a special chair or special seat should be provided for him.  However, it is not fitting or proper to attract undue attention to his infirmity by paying him special heed, remarking on his presence, etc.  

	If an older member cannot attend Lodge, some mention of him should be occa sionally made at a Communication and the Master should see to it that he is visited and otherwise reminded that he is present in the minds of his Brethren.  A visitor should occasionally come to him as a Lodge emissary, speaking offi cially in its behalf, not as a private friend only, and for that reason should act as he would act in Lodge, and in Masonic decorum.


Altar:

	In American Jurisdictions the Altar stands at the center of the Lodge room.  It is a place of prayer, a pedestal that the Great Lights rest upon.  The three Lesser Lights stand beside it; the obligation is taken in its presence; the Worshipful Master greets the Candidate across it; and it is, in addition, a symbol and emblem of religion.  Members and visitors stand before it to salute the East when entering or leaving the Lodge.  Masons when 
near it stand with dignity and act with reverence.  It should not be draped or covered with flags, bunting, banners, or draperies of any kind which carry the insignia of any association other than the Lodge or Grand Lodge.  

	It should be kept clean, its paint or varnish not marred, cracked or scratched.  The top and kneeling pad, if upholstered, should never be allowed to become ragged, run-down or shabby.

	The ground between it and the East is a sacred precinct which is not crossed by officers or members during Lodge Communications, except for the Deacons and Chaplain during certain ceremonies.


Anteroom:

	The anteroom is a part of the Lodge room.  It is not a separate place, therefore the decorum and etiquette of the Lodge room governs it too.

	Since the Tiler is in charge of it, he is responsible to the Master to see that etiquette is observed.  It should be clean and neat, with no litter lying about, the furniture in place, aprons correctly placed and stored, and nothing piled in it which does not belong there.  Loud talking, joking, noise and need less moving about are considered inappropriate.

	The Tiler should introduce himself to a visiting Brother the moment he enters the Anteroom, and should see to it that he has a seat, if he must wait before entering the Lodge or while waiting


for the examining committee.  The door to the Lodge room is in the Junior Dea con's custody not the Tiler's; the Tiler should never open it or talk through it until after knocking.  

	When a member enters Lodge through the Anteroom after the Lodge is open he is to observe a Ceremony of Entrance, and this ceremony is initiated by the Tiler according to a fixed process, and the method is never altered for any member or officer.


Ballot:

	The Ballot is secret, sacred, and inviolate.  When a Ballot is taken the act is momentous for the Candidate and significant for the Lodge.  It is an official act by each member in turn and by the Lodge as a legal body.  

	The Ballot has legal sanction and must be conducted according to solemn rules.  It is etiquette for the Lodge Room to be in complete silence, without whispering, or discussion of the Candidate while waiting to cast your Ballot or any information about how a member has voted.  The officers should remain at their stations and places in silence and dignity.  Such of them as participate in spreading, inspecting, and declaring it, should act in strict decorum.  

	The period of etiquette and decorum doesn't end when you've cast your vote.  It includes the declaration of the results by the Master, the restoration of the Ballot Box, and the return of the participating officers to their places.


Decorum:

	It is difficult to establish a hard and fast line between etiquette and decorum.  Both deal with propriety and good behavior.  However, there is a sharp contrast between the focus and principles of the two.  

	In etiquette a Mason is controlled by rules of manner and behavior at certain times and places in which he has no voice because they are governed by Masonic Law and usage. 
	The principle of decorum stands at the opposite pole, for it includes manner and behavior in the Lodge room and our personal lives, as it is in each of us to decide and control.  The essence of it lies in a Mason, when present in Lodge, not attracting undue attention to himself and not creating a distur bance.

	Thus, it is etiquette to speak kindly to and about each other; and while that is an act of good manners, it is one required by the rules of the Fraternity.  It is decorum not to whisper or in any way, disturb your neighbor during the conduct of business.  That is good manners as required by a man's own sense of good taste and dignity.  If he talks aloud, disturbing the Lodge, HE does it, and it is therefore for HIM not to.  He must decide his own decorum in the same way that the Craft decides his etiquette.


	There are points at which the two converge, such as when the Master must act to restore order and dignified behavior.  He should reprove all disturbances quietly, promptly, without personal feeling, and attracting as little atten tion to the matter as possible.  A glance of the eye or a soft tap of the gavel's handle is most often sufficient for the purpose. 



District Deputy Grand Master:

	A District Deputy on an official visit is received with an etiquette which reflects the fact that he is the personal representative of the Grand Master.  When he is present in the Lodge room it is as if the Grand Master was there in person.  

	When he enters the Anteroom he announces his presence to the Tiler.  The DDGM is not required to announce a visit in advance.  It is a good practice, however.  

	A committee is formed to escort him into the Lodge.  He is presented at the Altar and conducted to the East; Grand Honors are rendered; after which he receives the gavel.  The Lodge is symbolically in his charge, until he returns the gavel and directs the Master to continue with his work.

  a.	He is never permitted to seat himself on the sidelines, unless it is at his own (specific) request.

  b.	A Master cannot fail in his practice of protocol if at all times he extends to the District Deputy the ceremonial forms that are established as proper and correct in his official dealings with the Grand Master.

  
c.	Proper deference to the DDGM includes allowing him the protocol of "final comment".  No one should rise to speak on any issue after the DDGM has completed his prepared remarks.  Worshipful Masters are reminded to encourage their members to make announcements from the sidelines before the DDGM speaks.


Distinguished Visitors:

	If a visiting Brother unexpectedly arrives who, because of his title or standing in the Craft or some similar reason, is one that the Master desires to introduce to the Lodge, he may follow any of the following procedures.
	
  a.	Have him presented at the Altar by a committee of his peers; ceremoniously conducted to the East and saluted.  You may request that he be seated in the East.

  b.	Instruct the Senior Deacon to conduct the visitor to the Altar and intro duce him there (if he isn't a Past Master); after which he may be conducted to the East or back to his seat.

  c.	Ask him to rise at his seat and introduce him to the Craft there, if he feels more comfortable that way.  

	Please remember that the Master must stand and remain standing until the completion of this ceremony if the Brother is a Past Master or holds title or office in a Grand Lodge.  

	In the Mentor's Manual, M W  A. D. Smith, Jr. wrote that it is not proper to call upon the Senior Deacon to present guests who are Masters or Past Masters though some have confused one of the duties assigned to the Senior Deacon as being connected with the introduction of distinguished guests.



Entrance During Meetings:

	No member of the Lodge or visiting Brother should enter from the Prepara tion room.  When entering from the Ante-room after Lodge is open he waits until signaled by the Tiler, steps through the door and advances to the Altar in due form; the Worshipful Master acknowledges the salute either sitting or standing.  It is a ceremonious action on the side of both the Lodge and the Brother, and protocol requires that it be correctly performed.  If a Brother ignores the formality, or is unfamiliar with it, the Senior Warden may whisper instructions in his ear for him to follow.


Etiquette Regarding Officers:

	An office has a station or place of its own in the Lodge, with duties, responsibilities, and dignities inherent in it.  The etiquette and protocol accorded to an officer represent the properties of the office, and is not directed to the officer personally.

	A sloppy manner of saluting, of approaching the East (or any other sta tion), of standing, and of speaking to an officer, is a reflection on the Lodge for a failure to give to the office that respect which belongs to it.  If a Master exacts of every member, and of every other officer, a faithful rendering of the form of etiquette that is to be accorded to his own office, it will create a more faithful observance of the form at every other station or place.


Examination of Visitors:

	The substance of an examination is fixed by the Constitutions of Masonry and our Methodical Digest.  The manner in which it is to be conducted is the focus of etiquette and protocol. 

	The Examining Committee withdraws with the visitor to a private place.  They are in an official relationship with him  and therefore their manners are formal.  


	They must keep in mind that their only purpose is to satisfy themselves that the visitor is, or is not, a Master Mason in good standing from a Regular Lodge holden under a Grand Jurisdiction with whom we are in amity.  They are NOT called upon to test his proficiency in the ritual or to be personally inquisi tive. 

	If the Examining Committee has the right to satisfy itself that a visitor is a Master Mason in good standing in a Regular Lodge, the visitor also has a right to make sure that the Lodge he comes to visit is itself a Regular Lodge.  He may, therefore, ask to see its charter.  But what if the Lodge is already in ses sion and the charter is hanging on the wall over the Secretary's desk??  

	It is etiquette to grant his request to see the charter;  on the other hand it is etiquette that we not disturb the Lodge by going to fetch it.  In such an impasse (dilemma) the etiquette of the Lodge should take precedence.  The visitor should be told in a friendly manner, that if he wishes to examine the charter, he must come at another time, and before Lodge is opened.

	If the visitor satisfies the committee, and if the visitor himself is satisfied, the visitor as yet possesses no right to enter until after the Worshipful Master has consented.  The Committee should conduct the visitor to the Anteroom and introduce him to the Tiler who in turn ceremoniously hands him over to the Junior Deacon. 
 
	Visiting is a privilege, not a right (to seek to visit a Lodge is every Master Mason's right) and a Master may for good reasons of his own, refuse admittance to any visitor (except the DDGM and Grand Lodge Officers).  If the Master does refuse, Decorum requires that he call the Senior Deacon to his side and privately instruct him to go to the Anteroom to instruct the Tiler not to admit the visitor.

	A visitor may be refused admittance for reasons that do not reflect on him personally.  Such an occasion might be when a particularly sensitive piece of Lodge business is about to be conducted or if a reprimand is to be administered.


Landmarks and Etiquette:

	Before I'm taken to task by my Brethren, let me state at the outset that I know the Grand Lodge of Virginia has not adopted and published any single list or set of rules that are "labeled Landmarks."  To me, however, a Landmark is some principle, law, or usage which belongs to Freemasonry and as such if it were to cease, Freemasonry would cease with it.  Therefore, the phrase "observe the Ancient Landmarks" is, to me, another way of saying, "Do not act in such a way as to destroy Freemasonry."  I believe that our "Landmarks" are enumerated.  They are to be found in the Book of Constitutions adopted by Grand Lodge in the year 1791. 

	These "Landmarks" have a place in history.  They focus on certain funda mental, ageless practices of ethical and moral behavior.  There are some who say that Masonic etiquette, as a whole, is a basic principle and itself can be considered a Landmark.  If etiquette were to drop out of Masonry, the Craft as we know it would deteriorate, disintegrate and in short order would cease to exist.


Letters to Grand Lodge Officers:

	Protocol dictates that any correspondence intended for the Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master, Grand Secretary, other Grand Officers, or members of Grand Committees in their official capacities which call for an official reply, shall be addressed in full and correct form.

	Even if a Grand Officer or Committeeman may be an intimate friend this rule is binding because, since the letter calls for official action, it may be referred to other Grand Officers, may go into an official file, or may even appear afterwards in printed records, in which event personal familiarity is out of place. 

	It is also a courtesy to a Grand Officer to include in the letter the writer's Lodge (its name and number), address, and also its District.  Since there are many Lodges in our Jurisdiction, no Grand Officer can be expected to carry each and every one in his memory.  The letter should state the writer's own position in the Lodge, whether as a member, officer, past officer, or committee man.  To include such data in the correspondence may save the recipient the time and trouble to look it up.  Also, and sometimes this point is important, makes a more prompt reply to your inquiry possible.

	In some instances a letter addressed to the Grand Master or Grand Secre tary may contain subject matter which will effect another Grand Officer or will be of special interest to him.  In that event, a photo-copy or clean carbon copy may be mailed to the latter.  When this is done, the correct form is to append a postscript to the letter to that effect, in this form: "A copy of this letter has been sent on this date to so-and-so."  If a member of a Lodge writes a letter in which the matter should, in courtesy, to be known by the Worshipful Master, a copy is mailed to him and the fact is noted in a postscript on the original letter.

 
Non-Masons at Masonic Affairs:

	On Masonic occasions where non-Masons are invited, there are three rules of etiquette and protocol to be applied:

  a.	Non-Masons are not asked or expected to participate in any ceremonies or formalities which are themselves Masonic.

  b.	The non-Masons are present as guests; the Masons are the hosts; the guest- host relationship is therefore observed.

  c.	There are some usages of etiquette which belong to esoteric Masonry and are never employed when non-Masons are present.

	Other usages are not esoteric and as such may be employed as are appro priate, at the discretion of the Worshipful Master.  The order-of-precedence protocol observed during Masonic processions, for example, are non-esoteric and may be used when non-Masons are present and at a Masonic banquet when ladies are guests.


Objections From the Floor:

	If a Lodge member believes that he has good cause to object to something that is occurring, or believes that something said or done wrongs himself or another, or questions the appropriateness or legality of something said or done, there is a specific way that rules of Masonic Etiquette and the practice of decorum would have him act:

  a.	He rises and salutes the Master.

  b.	He waits until the Master recognizes him.

  c.	He states his objection, criticism, etc., in as few words as possible. 

  d.	He salutes and is seated.

  e.	The Master makes a reply or takes action.

  f.	The proceedings are resumed.


	In any event it is not for the member himself to decide or to take action, for that belongs to the Master.  He merely states his objection and does not elaborate or discuss it, unless requested to do so by the Master.  The member himself is finished with the episode when he has spoken and re-seated himself.


Past Grand Titles:

	In American Grand Jurisdictions there are one or two common variants of the uses of each Masonic title; the correct form for a particular Grand Juris diction can be found in its Proceedings, usually under the heading "Roster of Officers".  In the majority of Grand Jurisdictions the titles run as follows:


  a.	The Grand Master has the title of "Most Worshipful".  This is written or printed in full, or may be abbreviated in the form "M W ".  A Grand Master is not usually addressed "Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of  A-B-C"; but as "Grand Master of Masons IN the State of A-B-C".

  b.	A Past Grand Master has the same title.  Care should be given to the form used during introductions.  He can be introduced as Past Grand Master of Masons in Virginia.  But, if there are other Past Grand Masters present, he should be addressed as "Most Worshipful (full name), Grand Master of Masons in the year 19xx".  Don't fall into the inadvertent trap of saying,


	"M W  (full name) Past Grand Master in the year 19xx".  Why??  Because that was the year he was our Grand Master.  He didn't earn the status of Past Grand Master until his successor was duly elected and installed! 

  c.	The same general principles apply, when referring to or addressing our appointed District Deputy Grand Masters.
 
  d.	Every Mason carries the title "Brother".  This title is employed in Lodge whenever a Mason is addressed or referred to.  It is considered a major breach of good manners and propriety to address or refer to him as "Mr. Blank", or "Blank".


Past Masters:

	In many societies an office holder reverts to the same status at the end of his term which belonged to him before.  The rule in Masonry is different.  A Lodge member who has held the highest office in the Lodge has for life a Masonic position of his own.  It has its own identity and recognition and carries with it the title of "Past Master".  

	Past Masters have a standing in Masonic Law; certain duties may be as signed to them.  In etiquette they are entitled to a deference which belongs to their position; in protocol they are entitled to a certain order of precedence.

	On their own part, Past Masters are bound to the same rules of etiquette that is observed toward the Worshipful Master by all other members of the Lodge.


Preparation Room:

	The preparation room is a sanctuary for the Candidate and the officers preparing him.  It is necessary that it be closed-in and that its privacy is strictly preserved.  It is a breech of good manners for the candidate to be under view or made the subject of unkind remarks.  The officers preparing him act with dignity and are not expected to discuss with him anything in the Degree he is being prepared for.

	It is proper to review any Degrees that he has already taken and coach him to respond to questions in the same form and tense that they are asked.  For example;  "Is it,....etc.?  Answer "It is." ;  "Do you,....etc.?   Answer "I do,"  Instead of "yes, sir" and "no, sir" which in Lodge sounds unsuitable.


Quiet in Lodge:

	When during its proceedings a Lodge is disturbed by any officers or members who are conversing, rattling papers, etc., the Master gives a light tap of his gavel and asks for quiet.  If the proceedings are necessarily brought to a standstill, until something necessary to the proceedings has been done, and the Master sees that the wait will last for some period of time, he may tap his gavel and say, "Be at your ease".  In that event, and no other case is private conversa tion, roving about, informal visiting, etc., within the bounds of propriety and decorum.


Rebuke:

	If it ever becomes necessary for a Master to rebuke a member who has been unruly, he may do so after Lodge is closed, in person, and in private.  If it is required that a rebuke be administered while the Lodge is in session, the method to be used is at the Master's discretion but, the etiquette required of him is that he shall deliver it in a friendly, even-handed manner.  Decorum dictates that it shall be dispensed in a way that will not attract undue attention to the matter or create an additional disturbance. 


Ritual Etiquette:

	The etiquette governing the conferral of Degrees is strict.  There shall be no talking, whispering, or laughing, or any disturbances during the Degree work.  It is not an occasion for mirth.  There should be no needless moving about.  The officers participating shall never step out of their roles/parts, to hold conversations, to make private comments, to indulge in pantomime, or to make remarks about the candidate.  

	Nothing outside the Standard Work taught by the Grand Lodge Committee on Work shall be substituted for any portion of it.  If costumes are worn they must be correct and appropriate.  Detailed arrangements are always completed before the Degrees begin and not improvised while the Degree is in progress.


Speaker in the Lodge:

	If a speaker comes a long distance and appears at the request of the Lodge, the Master should ensure that he is met at the airport,
 train or bus, or at some specified time and place if he comes in his own car; that he is called for and conducted to the Lodge; and that he is comfortably seated in the Lodge.  

	He should be introduced by the Master, and such information shall be given about him as will make the Lodge to feel acquainted with him before he begins his address.  The Master, or some officer designated by him, should remain at his side after Lodge is closed.  He should be escorted to his hotel, train, or to his car if he came that way.  

	If he has training aids or other baggage he should be given assistance transporting them.  At that or a subsequent meeting the Lodge should adopt a suitable resolution of thanks, a copy of which should be mailed to him by the Secretary. 



Titles: 

	A Master's title of "Worshipful Master" in his own Lodge or in another Lodge or Jurisdiction is an official title, and wherever he goes it is entitled to recognition.  If his own Grand Lodge is in Annual Communication his title gains him unchallenged admittance to the floor; if he visits another Lodge, it receives deference due his rank.

	If a Master is a member of a body in another Rite (the Royal Arch, Consis tory, etc.) his title hasn't any legal lineal precedence (no such body has an office of Worshipful Master) but, should be extended as protocol (i.e., the ceremonial forms and courtesies that are established as proper and correct in official dealings).  The converse is also true when the Presiding Officer of a body in another Rite visits a Craft Lodge or when he sits in it as a member.  Although his title has no official standing, the application of Masonic proto col requires his "correct" title to be used, as a practice of good manners, when introductions are made.


Unusual Lodge Circumstances:

	An unprecedented situation may suddenly arise in any Lodge. The Master may be caught unprepared by a condition that he and the Lodge had not encountered before, and not know of any pre-set rule to go by.  In most instances etiquette is not involved.  In some, etiquette is the substance of the matter. 
 
	Let's suppose that you have a visitor from another Grand Jurisdiction, where Lodge customs differ radically from our own, and the visitor does some thing or says something unexpected.

	In that event the Master does not first address himself to the visitor but to his members.  He explains to them that the visitor is acting according to the rules or customs in fashion in his own Jurisdiction.  By indirection, he makes it clear to the visitor in what way he has acted uncommonly in this Lodge.

    Note:	IF THE VISITOR IS NOT AT FAULT, WE SHOULD NOT EMBARRASS HIM.  IT IS THE AIM OF ETIQUETTE NOT TO EMBARRASS HIM!!

	Once in a while a particularly sensitive, unprecedented  condition may arise.  In these cases there is a general principle for the Master to apply.  He stops the proceedings where they are and addresses himself to the Lodge.  He may: 

  a.	Ask them to be at ease for a short time, and take the needed opportunity to quietly reflect on the situation;

  b.	Call a member to his side for private consultation;

  c.	Call off, if more time is needed;   or,

  d.	If appropriate, assign the problem to a committee for research and con crete recommendations.

	Only after he has sorted through all the facts, explores the possible solutions and weighs them carefully to determine their long-term consequences, he will make and announce his decision.  

Visiting the Sick:

	Expression of good Masonic etiquette is not limited to assemblies of the Craft.  Certain etiquette belongs to the individual Mason:

For example; when a Mason visits a Brother who is ill, or infirm, or for other reasons is confined to his home.

  a.	He will ask for permission in advance, in order to make sure of not arriv ing at an inconvenient time;

  b.	Will present himself as coming from the Lodge;

  c.	Will begin by bringing greetings of the Lodge; and

  d.	Will adapt the length of his visit and nature of his talk to information received from the family.

	There need be no report made of the visit to the Lodge unless the Brother visited requests there be, or the visitor believes the Lodge is entitled to news or may wish to tender some official act of courtesy.

Worshipful Master and Etiquette:

	The Worshipful Master is the officer whose first duty it is to see that nothing is ever allowed to harm the Lodge which is 
entrusted to his care.  For that reason he cannot tolerate a careless practice of etiquette.  If, upon coming to the East, a Master finds that indifference to, or a casual practice of etiquette has crept into the Lodge he should find an early opportunity to address the subject with his officers and members.

	What is the place of Masonic etiquette in the Craft?  It has no SPECIAL place!  It has every special place!  It is ALWAYS observed whenever or wherever Masons assemble, or speak, or act in the name of the Craft!  For that reason it is described as "Masonic".  If it belonged to the Ritual of the Degrees a Master might conceive it to lie outside the span of his responsibility, and hold that it is only in the care of the Grand Lodge or Grand Officers;  but it is in the ritual as elsewhere and in no sense peculiar to the Ritual alone.

	The Grand Lecturer, the Grand Provost, and their Committees may consult and advise concerning a Lodge's practice of etiquette, but they cannot inter fere.  The Worshipful Master has full responsibility for etiquette, as he has total charge of all things in the Lodge.  And, like all leaders, the W M  may delegate authority, but the responsibility resides with him alone.  Our B rother, Harry S. Truman, said it best, "The buck stops here!!"  

	The Worshipful Master is Master of the Lodge's etiquette in the same sense that he is Master of the Lodge.  It is as much his duty to govern the Lodge in etiquette as in its business, its balloting, its debate, its conferring of Degrees.	Appendix VII

	Prelude to a Ballot--The Investigating Committee 


	The periodic appointment of committees to conduct exhaustive investiga tions of petitioners is an exclusive responsibility for the Master of a Lodge.  The significance of choosing only members who are completely unbiased, thor ough, detailed and will project a favorable image as Masons cannot be overempha sized.  A lasting impression of the Fraternity is made by the brethren who officially represent it.  Moreover, the petitioner's Masonic career will be affected, in great part, by the manner which the investigators conduct them selves and do their work.  The vivid memory left with the petitioner and his family should be positive -- the behavior and decorum of the members conducting the investigation must be above reproach.


(1)	Choosing the Investigating Team

	One must never lose sight of the very important responsibility of the investigating committee.  It is the eyes and ears of the Lodge.  Don't be drawn off by some old (unfounded) beliefs:  It is a potential tool to get brothers who have not attended meetings in a long time, back into Lodge.  Although, simply going down the roster to pick up the next three brothers may not be a good idea.  Brothers who never attend Lodge may not realize the importance of the task or how to conduct a thorough investigation.  In order to fulfill this very responsible task, it is most important that the Master, Secretary and members of the commit tee all do their parts with dedication.

	Care should be exercised by the Worshipful Master to select a team of Masons who are not related to or a close friend of the petitioner.  He should choose at least three members of the Lodge to perform this important duty, thus ensuring that he will receive good perspective from the reports on the character traits and general nature of the person being investigated.  And, that they:

  [ ]	are active and support Lodge functions;

  [ ]	show a good understanding of Freemasonry (The number of years a Brother has been a member doesn't ensure Masonic awareness);

  [ ]	are able to express themselves easily and can convey a feeling of warmth and understanding to the potential new member;

  [ ]	can accurately present their personal observations;

  [ ]	are prudent in their everyday dealings with others;

  [ ]	are thorough when doing a job;

  [ ]	are likely to be present when the petitioner is elected and receives his degrees;

  [ ]	have participated in at least one training workshop session or training seminar for potential investigators provided by the Lodge Education Officer or District Education Officer. 




	Please note:  Committee members should be well acquainted with appropri ate parts of Masonic law in order to be effective.  They should be able to intelligently discuss;

  a.	Whether a character reference on a petition can reside outside the juris diction of the Grand Lodge.

  b.	When the Investigation Committee should be appointed.

  c.	Who appoints the committee.

  d.	How many compose a committee.

  e.	What specific information the committee is required to obtain regarding a petitioner.

  f.	The maximum time allowed for the Investigating Committee to conduct their task and report to the Lodge.

  g.	What is the significance of the references/signers on a petition, and how much effort should be exerted to obtain other specific information from them, if any?  Should you attempt to contact out-of-city signers and if so, how might they go about it?

  h.	How far should you go in your investigation?  Is there any importance in obtaining information other than that required by law?


(2)	Various Schools of Thought

	There are at least two divergent views on the mechanics of conducting a thorough investigation.  Some say that team members should work independent of each other.  Even making their own appointments to meet individually at the convenience of the petitioner.  Others say, that the whole process should be a group effort in all things.

	Many believe that there is a middle road which should be taken.  They believe that some parts of the investigation, such as making a determination of the man's earned reputation for honesty and integrity in the community could be completed independently, by individual team members working separately.  They feel that the home visit probably should be conducted by at least two members working jointly, so they can simultaneously observe the reaction of both the husband and wife during the interview.  


(3)	Groundwork for the Interview

	Each member of the team should prepare for the interview by becoming familiar with the information supplied on the application.  Investigators should make particular note of:

  [ ]	the petitioner's occupation and place of employment;

  [ ]	marital status;

  [ ]	number and ages of children;

  [ ]	health and physical status;

  [ ]	personal history;

  [ ]	whether he stands convicted of a felony in a civil, federal, or military court trial;  and,

  [ ]	personal references.


	Visit preparations should be made well in advance of the desired meeting, which should be at the petitioner's home, especially if he is married and living with his spouse.  You should;

  [ ]	set aside at least two dates in case the first choice cannot be met by the petitioner;

  [ ]	make the appointment at a time mutually convenient to the petitioner and his family and the Investigating Team  (you should want as many family members as possible to participate in the discussions);

  [ ]	Members should be on their best behavior.  Wear neat, freshly laundered clothes -- although a jacket and tie isn't mandatory, it is strongly recommended.  Remember, that you have only one chance to make a good first impression.  


(4)	The Personal Interview

	Call the night before to confirm the appointment.  Make sure that you arrive on time.  Being too early is just as discourteous as being late.  Intro duce yourself.  Convey the regards and good wishes of your Worshipful Master.  Please refuse an alcoholic drink, if it is offered!  This is considered an official visit.  You aren't making a social call.


	Ask what the petitioner expects to gain by joining the Fraternity.  Be attentive to the reactions of his wife and family and be ready to answer their questions.  Discuss other organizations related to Masonry which may interest others in the family, such as DeMolay and the Order of the Eastern Star.

	Confirm that he isn't an atheist.  Find out the extent of his involvement in the religion of his choice.  Carefully explain that Freemasonry is not a religion with a plan of personal salvation, but a philosophy that is in keeping with religious devotion and good morals.  A Mason must have an abiding faith in God, and should find his plan for salvation in his Church or Synagogue.

	Emphasize that Freemasonry is not a political organization.  It endorses no candidates or political party, and permits no partisan political discussions within its Lodges. It does instill patriotism and admonishes Masons to be good citizens.  In all matters, it teaches men to think for themselves.

	Make sure that the petitioner appreciates that Freemasonry is not a means of promoting selfish interests.  Before you leave his home that day/evening; ensure that the petitioner is informed of:

  [ ]	the meeting dates of the Lodge;

  [ ]	the cost of yearly dues and assessments (Can he financially afford being a Mason?);

  [ ]	the cost of the three degrees;

  [ ]	the commitment he must make when receiving the degrees; and of

  [ ]	the memory work that is required.


	Make the meeting as brief as possible, don't overstay your welcome, but make sure all questions are answered satisfactorily before you leave.  If you don't know the precise answer to a question, admit it.  Write the question down; find the answer; and provide it to the petitioner as soon as you can.

	If possible, invite the petitioner and members of his family to a suitable Lodge function in order to introduce him to the Master and other Lodge members.


(5)	After the Interview

	Prepare (or complete) a written investigation report.  Please, DO NOT take notes during the interview.  It has a chilling effect on those being inter viewed.  Be prepared to make a verbal report in open Lodge if requested by the Master.  There are no hard and fast rules on whether a verbal report is neces sary.  Be governed by the usual practices of your Lodge. 

	By all means; have the courage to recommend rejection, if during the investigation process you discover a major character flaw or a willing effort to deceive by providing false information on the application form.  If, because of what you have learned, you are unable to favorably endorse the petitioner; give the Brethren who signed the petition as recommenders the courtesy of a factual, private explanation. 

	Join the petition signers in attending the meetings when the candidate is receiving his degrees.  Ensure that the candidate feels welcome by introducing him to the membership of the Lodge.

	Be ready to assist the candidate in any way you can.  Possibly volunteer to act as his Mentor, as he takes his Degrees and for a year after he's raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.


(6)	What Petitioners Expect from Freemasonry

  [ ]	A pleasant way of life, with high ideals, which if practiced, makes a person a better man in all respects.


  [ ]	A splendid sense of fellowship, now and in the future:  Because of the association among Masons.  A warm sense of history:  Because of the Masonry practiced by great Masons in the past whose heritage is an incentive to us.  In the future: Because Masonry belongs to the ages.

  [ ]	An opportunity to serve Masonry - which means service to God, country, and fellow man.

  [ ]	A special kind of liberal education, which cannot be found elsewhere.  Assistance in time of great need.  Obviously with fees and dues so small, Lodges cannot provide an insurance program, but there are many other ways of helping those in distress.


(7)	What Freemasonry Expects From Petitioners

  [ ]	Loyalty to the Fraternity, his family, country, and God.

  [ ]	Brotherly love toward all mankind.

  [ ]	Belief in freedom of thought, speech, and action so far as it is compatible with the inalienable rights of others.

  [ ]	Strong feeling of opposition to ignorance, falsehood, bigotry, oppres sion, atheism, and all else that makes for spiritual, mental, and physical servitude.






  [ ]	Active participation in the relief of the widow, the orphan, the weak, and the oppressed.

  [ ]	Exemplary behavior in his private and public life, demonstrative of the high calling of Freemasonry.


	During the personal interview the petitioner (and his family) should gain a better understanding of the Fraternity.  He should have begun an intensive course of instruction which will help to make him a loyal and energetic member of the Craft.  Such a man can be counted upon to actively support our Fraternity and add to its stock of greatness.




































	Appendix VIII

	Its Always Right to Write

1.	Introduction:

	Many of the adult males that are included among my circle of friends and brothers admitted that they were probably looking out the window "lollygagging" (a Navy term that means; goofing off) when their English teachers explained how to write a good letter.  When their parents insisted that they write a nice letter to Aunt Tessie for the lovely birthday gift or Christmas present, it dawned on them that they didn't know how.  Some admit that they still haven't learned the basics of preparing a well-crafted letter.

	We ask for may important things in our lives with letters.  And, because a letter must say exactly the right thing, it should be meticulously crafted.  Today we often rely on comput ers, word processors and other state-of-the-art instruments to send messages speeding across the world in micro-micro seconds.  But, they don't take the place of a personal letter. 

	In this appendix to the Self-Paced Officers Training Manual we will try to teach you those things your English Teacher didn't.  It will show you what to say and, just as importantly, what not to say in certain types of letters.   


2.	Letters of Apology (Regrets/Reconciliation):

	There's no better way to let a friend or acquaintance know that you care about your relationship, than by conveying a well timed, well phrased apology when it is due.  It will shore up a rocky relationship and it will bolster one that is on a firm footing too.  It isn't a sign of weakness to on occasion admit that you might have done something differently. 


3.	Thank You Notes:

	When I was a kid, my mother called these rememberances, 
"Bread and Butter" letters.  I don't know where the name came from, but in my mother's house rarely a day went by, that a short note expressing my mother or dad's appreciation for something or other went into the mail.  

	They received as many as they sent....   It was considered the thing to do.  Darned if I don't think that the quaint ceremonial courtesy shouldn't be revived.


4.	Letters of Condolence:

	These are the most difficult for me to get started.  But they're among the more important communications opportunities for you to cultivate.

5.	Sample Letters:

Thank You's
	_ _ _ _ _ _ _

	I just wanted to say "thank-you" again for Tuesday night.  It was a most enjoyable evening.

	The warmth and friendliness I encountered says a lot for Freemasonry in the _____ District.  I'm already looking forward to your next Degree nite.  The Lodge officers exemplified the beautiful ritual in a singularly impressive manner.  It's a lot different from mine in California......    But the same impor tant moral and Masonic lessons came through load and clear.

	If I can be of any assistance to you, while I'm on this temporary 4-month assignment please let me know.

								Yours fraternally,


									Signature

	----------------------------------------------------
R W  Theodore R. Stallone  
DDGM, 18th Masonic District
205 East Bettlewood Avenue
Oaklyn, NJ 08107
	14 April 19XX  

Dear Brother Ted,


	Fraternal greetings.   Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your hospitality and the opportunity to accompany you on your visit.  

	Here's a list of the materials that are now on "disk".  Give me a call if you want any of it.

	100 Ways to Serve Your Community
	
	Communications Manual

	Working on a revision to the Self-Paced Officers Training (SPOT) Manual and Resource Notebook

	If you, or any of our New Jersey brethren ever have an opportunity to visit the nations capital region, I would be pleased to act as your host.

	I close with warm regards, best wishes and remain yours faithfully,

							Fraternally,


						(s)	Mickey Ander
Mrs. Virginia Green
3803 N. Abingdon St.
Arlington, VA 22207
	11 June 1993   

My Dear Mrs. Green,

	The Masters, Wardens, Lodge and District Officers of the 54th Masonic District, in Northern Virginia, asked that I communicate with you and let you know how shocked and saddened we were to learn of Bruce's death.

	We understand that an expression of sympathy, no matter how deeply felt, can help right now, but we had to let you know that our kindest thoughts are with you.

	Bruce will long be remembered as a genuinely committed, hard worker who was passionately dedicated to the highest ideals of our Fraternity.  Every member expressed gratitude, each in his own way, for the splendid gift of his friendship.  He was a trusted teacher and role model who daily enriched the lives of those around him with his wise counsel.  We fondly recall his charismatic leadership and tireless service to the Craft with great affection and a profound sense of loss.  

	Again, please accept our heartfelt condolences and extend our sympathy to other members of the family.  And, if we can be of any help to you, in any way, please call on me.

								Sincerely and frater nally,


								(s)	Mickey Ander

	-----------------------------------------------------
George S. Nicol, Jr.
Secretary, Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge
696 Fairview Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

								20 March 1992

My Dear Sir and Brother Secretary, 

    The purpose of this short note is to inform you that I will not be able to attend the meeting of Lodge Sojourner Kilwinning at the Takoma Park Masonic Temple on the 28th of April.  I mentioned it, in passing, to our Worshipful Master at the last meeting.

    On that evening I will be attending another, long ago scheduled, Masonic function.  But, you will all be in my t houghts.  
    Please convey my regrets to the Worshipful Master and our Brethren.  I close with warm regards and best wishes.  I remain yours faithfully;



                                      Sincerely and fraternally,


F. Reed Brown, W M 
Cherrydale Lodge #42
3805 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22207

	1 May 1993   

Dear Sir and W  Brother Brown;


	On behalf of the Director, officers and members of the Hillbilly Unit of Kena Temple and others assembled at the memorial for Gene, please accept our appreciation for the inspirational Masonic Service which you conducted, together with the members of Cherrydale Lodge.

	The inspirational words of the Masonic Ritual touched the sympathies and the hearts of all those who knew Gene but also gave reassurances to those who mourn his passing.  It was a lovely and moving service.  He would have been pleased with it as were all the members of his Shrine Unit, members of his family, and his many friends who were there.

	Gene truly valued his Masonic encounter as among the high points of a life which were filled with many great and positive experiences.  He would have been as comfortable standing among you as we were in having you there with him and us that evening.

	I close with warm regards, best wishes, and remain yours faithfully;


						Sincerely and fraternally,



	-----------------------------------------------------
M W  Werner Herman Morlock
Grand Master of Masons in Virginia
4115 Nine Mile Road
Richmond, VA 23223-4926

	1 May 1993

My Dear M W  Grand Master,


	The Worshipful Masters, Wardens, District Officers, and brethren of the several Lodges which comprise the 54th Masonic District have asked that I write to convey their heartfelt thanks to you and Voula for being with us last night.  It was one of the highspots in our Masonic Year.

	We truly appreciated your kind words and the "nice" way you very conveniently overlooked our shortcomings...  especially the way we deviated from the published time table.

	We recognize that it put a crimp in the time available for your remarks to the Craft.  And, for that we apologize.  Please note; it wasn't for the lack of planning on the part of the Worshipful Masters, but rather, a failure on my part to f aithfully execute the detailed designs and the schedule they devised.

	Please convey our fervent thanks to your official party for their kind contributions and unobtrusive assistance to ensure the overall success of the evening.  They each said, and did, just the right things, at just the right time, in just the right way; it is truly appreciated. 

	Sue prizes the gift of the cut crystal candy dish that you and Voula so thoughtfully presented.  It will serve to remind us always of the pleasant spring evening that we spent together in Masonic fellowship.   

	I close with warm regards, best wishes, and remain faith fully yours;


							Sincerely and fraternally,
---------------------------------------------------------------- --

George S. Nicol
Secretary,
Lodge Sojourner Kilwinning
696 Fairview Avenue (Apt #2)
Takoma Park, MD 20912


								15 May 1993


My Dear Sir and Brother Secretary, 


	The purpose of this letter is to let you know that I will be unable to attend the meeting of Lodge Sojourner Kilwinning at the Takoma Park Masonic Temple on the 22nd of May.  Unfortu nately, I have been scheduled to be with the DDGM of the xxth Masonic District, at yet another important Masonic function.  

	Please convey my regrets to the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and our Brethren.  Be ensured that you will each be in my thoughts.

	The enclosed check is intended as a small addition to the Almoners collection plate.  I close with warm regards and best wishes.  I remain yours faithfully;


							Sincerely and fraternally,



P.S.	If it's convenient, would you please inform our Brethren that on Saturday morning, 29 May, an interesting program will be presented in A. Douglas Smith Lodge of Research at the GWNMM.  You're all welcome to join the discussion group.

Bro. Claude H. Harris, Jr.
Post Office Box #173
Alexandria, VA 22313

				29 October 1992


Dear Brother Claude,


	The Worshipful Master, Wardens and brethren of Concord Lodge in Vienna, Virginia have requested that I write to you to convey their warm, heartfelt thanks.

	The antique Masonic apron that you carefully preserved in an inert atmosphere has taken a place of honor in our Lodge.  It has quickly become one of our most cherished possessions and the focus of Masonic research and in-depth discussion.

	 The apron is a real-life trestleboard from which Masonic lessons easily spring.  The original designer could not have known how much pleasure his artwork would bring, with your able assistance, to future generations of Freemasons.  A historical record, suitable for framing, is being prepared for attachment to the frame, in part to attest our high regard for your jour neyman, curator skills.

	Please, be aware that you are always a welcome guest in our Masonic home.  Join us as often as you can.  I close with warm regards and best wishes, and remain faithfully yours;


							Fraternally,


	Appendix X

	LODGE PROGRAM GOALS


Scheduling Plans:  
    
	The following checklist will assist you to focus your program goals and later help you measure your progress toward achievement of your goals during your year in the East.  The three established targets are so basic to a suc cessful year that you and your Lodge will want to keep them in mind in planning and executing the year's program.  Check your progress at frequent intervals.  Make it an integral part of each of your monthly Officer-Corps meetings.

	Start the process by reviewing published Leadership Targets privately and then again at an officer's meeting.  After discussion, revise the verbiage as necessary and enter an "x" in the first column.  As each goal is accom plished put a big "OK" in the second column together with the Date, in the third column.  Periodic officer's/committee meeting discussions should 2objectively review status and address where you need to give added attention in order to finish the year with all your goals successfully accomplished. 


LEADERSHIP TARGET						Goal   Accom.   Date

1 a.	Worshipful Master will assign direct 
	supervision of one-half of committees
	to the Senior Warden.				____   ______   ____

  b.	Worshipful Master will assign direct 
	supervision of one-half of committees 
	to the Junior Warden.				____   ______   ____

  c.	Committee chairmen are to meet at 
	regular intervals with the Worshipful 
	Master and officers.				____   ______  ____


2 a.	Master and officers will each attend a 
	minimum of seven scheduled sessions of
	the monthly DEO/DIW Schools.

		Master 						____   ______   ____
		Senior Warden 					____   ______   ____
		Junior Warden 					____   ______   ____
		Treasurer 					____   ______   ____
		Secretary 					____   ______   ____
		Senior Deacon 					____   ______   ____
		Junior Deacon 					____   ______   ____
		Chaplain 						____   ______   ____
		Lodge Education Officer 			____   ______   ____
		Lodge Ritual Instructor 			____   ______   ____


  b.	Master and officers will each attend the
	Area Ritual Training School 			____   ______   ____

  c.	Master and officers will each attend the
	Educational Institutes sponsored by the 
	Master's and Warden's Association
	(DEO seminars/workshops)				____   ______   ____


3 a.	Our Lodge will develop a planned, bal-
	anced, year round program of Masonic 
	activities and education.			____   ______   ____

  b.	Master and all officers will attend 
	Area Education and Leadership Confer-
	ences sponsored by the Grand Provost.	____   ______   ____

  c.	Our Lodge will strive to become ritually
	self-sufficient.  We will target two 
	members (not necessarily the same 
	individuals) who can deliver each 
	lecture with feeling.

		EA Lecture 					____   ______   ____
		FC Floor Lecture 				____   ______   ____
		Receive in the East 			____   ______   ____
		MM Lecture 					____   ______   ____
		Charges to the candidates 		____   ______   ____
		Funeral Service 				____   ______   ____


PROGRAM TARGET
 
1 a.	Balanced annual program developed by
	officers with members participation.	____   ______   ____

  b.	We will have information programs 
	equal in number to general and social
	programs.							____   ______   ____

  c.	Education shall be provided at every 
	meeting, even though brief.			____   ______   ____

  d.	Open meetings:  Guests and visitors 
	will be favored by holding the program
	first and conducting business after.	____   ______   ____

  e.	We will schedule and carry on outside 
	activities such as;

		Widow's Dinner					____   ______   ____
		Worship service 				____   ______   ____
		Sponsor a Youth Activity 		____   ______   ____
		Pilgrimage to Masonic Home 		____   ______   ____
		Lodge/District Picnic 			____   ______   ____
		Table Lodge					____   ______   ____


  f.	We will plan and have Lodge special
	events such as;

		Family Night 					____   ______   ____
		Past Master's Night 			____   ______   ____
		Boy Scout Night 				____   ______   ____
		Charter Night (Anniversary) 		____   ______   ____
		Flag Day Program 				____   ______   ____
		Dinner Theater 				____   ______   ____
		Music Festival 				____   ______   ____
		Fellowship Night 				____   ______   ____

  g.	We will have Community Service 
	Projects such as;

		Hospital Visitation Program		____   ______   ____
		CPR Clinics					____   ______   ____
		Scholarship Award				____   ______   ____
		Eagle Scout Award Dinner 		____   ______   ____
		Blood Drives 					____   ______   ____
		Food Baskets (for the destitute)	____   ______   ____
		_____________________________  	____   ______   ____
		_____________________________ 	____   ______   ____
		_____________________________ 	____   ______   ____
		_____________________________  	____   ______   ____


MEMBERSHIP TARGET

  a.	We will strive to obtain better attend-
	ance by having an active membership.

		Correspond with members.  Recruit 
		"regulars" to;  Write two personal
		letters to local members			____   ______   ____

		Write three letters to non-
		resident members				____   ______   ____

		Give every member a chance to
		plan and execute an interesting
		program						____   ______   ____

		Execute an active program of 
		visiting our Masonic family 
		shut-ins						____   ______   ____

  b.	Every candidate will be given inst-
	ructions on the principles and purpose
	of Masonic symbols and allegories.		____   ______   ____

  c.	We will provide programs for the cont-
	inuing education of the Craft as a 
	whole in the history, principles, 
	purposes, and traditions of Masonry	____   ______   ____


Notes:
_______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________	Appendix X
E X E R C I S E   R E C O R D

	Name  _________________________

	Address  _________________________

	City/State/Zip  _________________________



Exercise C1-1	Duties and Responsibilities

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ 

Exercise C1-2	What Can I Give The Brethren In My Year?

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ 

Exercise C1-3	Masonic Funerals are Important to Masonry

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______
			Fourth activity completion date . . . . . ._______


Exercise C1-4	How Does the Community View Your Lodge?

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______


Exercise C1-5	How Should We Treat Our Visitors?

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______


Exercise C2-1	Use of the "List of Regular Lodges, Masonic"

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______


Exercise C2-2	Voting and Balloting Actions

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ 

Exercise C2-3	How to Keep From Losing Members

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______


Exercise C2-4	Helping Your Widows and Orphans

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ 

Exercise C2-5	Masonic Trials

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______  Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______  Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ 

Exercise C2-6	Grand Lodge Programs

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______
			Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______
			Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______


Exercise C2-7	A Look at Your By-Laws

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______


Exercise C3-1	How Should Our Visitors Be Examined?

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ 

Exercise C3-2	Getting the New Master Mason Involved

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ 

Exercise C3-3	Committees as a Tool	

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______
 			Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______  





Exercise C3-4	Good Things From Other Lodges

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______  

Exercise C3-5	Using a Lodge Bulletin (Trestleboard)	

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ 

Exercise C3-6	Evaluating Finances and Budget Preparation

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______
			Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______
			Fourth activity completion date . . . . . ._______


Exercise C3-7	Using Your District Team

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______


Exercise C3-8	Investigating Committees

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______


Exercise C3-9	Grand Lodge Operations and the Mason	

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______
			Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Fourth activ ity completion date . . . . . ._______


Exercise C3-10	Candidates' Education

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ 

Exercise C3-11	Law and Tradition

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______




Exercise C4-1	Planning Community Oriented Projects

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion record . . . . ._______

			 

Exercise C4-2	Supporting Masonic Youth Groups

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ 


Exercise C4-3	How Can Grand Lodge Proceedings Help You?

			First activity completion date. . . . . . ._______ Second activity completion date . . . . . ._______ Third activity completion date. . . . . . ._______


Exercise C4-4	Appendant Bodies





Exercise C4-5	Lodge Programs


