February 2, 2008
Brethren:
It is difficult believe another year has passed and a new one begun. From the lodge’s perspective, with the New Year comes the installation of another set of Lodge officers. I was elected the Worshipful Master this year. Given that we have the lion’s share of the year remaining with me as your leader, I would like to take a moment to comment on some thoughts that I have had on our lodge. First to those of you who regularly attend, I commend you on your time commitment and encourage you keep this up. The Lodge will wilt away without the stalwarts. By attending open lodge and ritual, thinking about the symbolism and metaphors, you will be made a better man. I also realize many choose to spend their allotted time on our charities without which we would have little purpose. Please do not let the following comments detract from those who make our lodge so good. I would like to suggest some ways to make it better.
Our lodge meeting are going to be streamlined so that minutes are read only once at the end of the meeting. Bills will no longer be read unless something is significant for the lodge to consider. The bulk of the meeting will be discussions regarding our charity work and Masonry. Regarding the latter, I would like to begin a short lecture series on various topics on Masonry which would continue our pursuit of knowledge, as well as introduce newer members’ and reinforce elder members’ understanding of Masonry. I am open to any topics or anyone willing to give a talk. I would like these limited to 15-20 minutes.
Secondly regarding the mechanics of the meetings I would like to reiterate the principle that religion and politics will not be discussed. This includes politics within the lodge. Also I would suggest a dress code: No denim and collared shirts only. In the spirit of bettering ourselves, little doubt exists that dressing the part will aid us in acting it. It goes without saying that at times, age or finances will not permit these requisites. Please do not let that hinder your coming.
Further I will be asking for some help especially from past masters to fill in certain parts of ritual that currently only one person knows. If interested please approach me. I will also be expecting the parts to be sharper both in opening and closing the lodge and more importantly in ritual. Though I loath to commit to a practice, some may so desire. We will plan on having the lodge open the night before ritual for those who would like to practice. Some members have been less than impressed on how sharply we are performing our ceremonies. Let us aspire to recapture their interest.
Regarding our overworked and underpaid secretary, I would suggest we start spreading some of his duties to others about the lodge. There is a clear relationship that you get out of lodge what you put in lodge. Toward that end I see two areas to help. One is simple infrastructure upkeep; the second being with the charities. I would ideally like to see three people helping with mowing the lawn and with snow removal. It has been proposed that the Stewards and Junior Deacon are now in charge of meals and clean up from the same, far from me to pull that responsibility. I would like to suggest simply they assign meals for the ten stated meetings with those preparing doing clean up. The only requisite being they each prepare one of the meals. For our relief work, I am open to suggestions. I would consider putting one person willing to learn the contacts and logistics of each event to work with Glen as co-chair. Without change, I see this aspect of our lodge particularly vulnerable.
That said, I would like to capture those of you who have been masons in name only. By attending open lodge and ritual, thinking about the symbolism and metaphors, you will be made a better man. I would challenge you to attend one of our meetings. See for yourself if real changes have occurred. Attend one of our degrees; see if their contents do not challenge you to improve yourself. If anyone has any thoughts through which we could improve our lodge or your experience in lodge, please give me a call. Our stated meetings are the first Thursday of the month following a meal served at 6:30 pm. I am honored to be representing both Carroll and Masonry.
Masonically,
Greg L Perkins
perkinsgreg@hotmail.com
(712) 792-8917