DDGM Messages for 2009-2010

MASONIC EDUCATION AND DUTIES OF LODGE OFFICERS

What is Masonic education?

- Masonic education in this jurisdiction is limited to the study of history, philosophy and symbolism used in the Order.

- It is learning the Craft and the meaning of Masonry.

What are the purposes or the outcomes of Masonic Education?

- To create a learning environment in every lodge be renewing interest and developing fresh insights into the study of Masonic history, philosophy and symbolism.

- To motivate, stimulate and encourage Masons to read, to study and discuss the meaning of Masonry.

- To establish ownership of a Masonic identity that distinguishes Masonry from other organizations.

Does the ritual imply learning and growth in Masonic knowledge?

The opening and closing ritual of our lodge clearly implies that there should be a learning environment when the lodge is at work. We hear at the opening, "what is the duty of the Worshipful Master?" It is to employ and instruct the brethren. Prior to the final closing of the lodge the Worshipful Master puts the question, "Has any Brother anything to propose for the good of the Masonry in general and of this lodge in particular? Those two questions are asked by the same person, the Worshipful Master. They are in a sense like a set of book ends. Between those bookends there must be something that sets the organization apart. Ownership of a Masonic identity is also suggested by the charge in N.E. Angle, e.g., benevolence and charity. The Brother is urged, in the charge to the newly initiated member, to devote time to the study of the liberal arts and sciences and to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. That is clearly an admonition to learn the Craft and strengthen Masonic identity.

Let us shift the focus to the closing words by the Senior Warden when he recited the phrase - "after seeing that every brother has had had his just due", that of course brings up the question "what does every Brother expect to receive as "his just due"? Are we paying the members of the Craft their wages, if any be due, that none may go home dissatisfied?" A good Masonic education program and carefully planned, interesting meetings answer that question. The two questions that I cited from the ritual used at the opening and closing of lodge imply that every meeting should be a learning experience that provides growth in Masonic knowledge. If it isn't, we have work to do.

The Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education puts the same idea in a different context. Properly considered, the lodge is a school, the Worshipful Master is the instructor and the members are the students. Masonic author Albert Pike, said long ago that Masonic education is a journey, not a destination. It is an ongoing journey from the rough ashlar toward the perfect ashlar; a journey toward enlightenment.

I stated that outcomes of Masonic Education are intended to establish a learning environment in the lodge, to motivate and stimulate the thinking and learning by the individual Mason. The Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario has spent time and energy in developing educational recourses that can be used at the lodge and at the district level to help reach the desired outcomes. The Masonic Manual pages 67 through 88 sets out some basic ideas that help achieve good educational programs at the lodge level. It also gives a detailed list of lodge programs that are available as resources for the Lodge and for the individual Mason. The document suggests that each lodge should have an Education Committee and a Lodge Education Officer.

The Custodian of Work confirms that of the six trusty fellows, when, where, what, how, why and who, the first four are the prerogative of the Grand Lodge of Instruction. The Custodian and his Team are concerned with the delivery of the words of our Ritual and the performance of the mechanic of our Ceremonies - What we say and do, Where, When and How we do it.

The question 'Why.?' is more properly answered through Masonic Education. It appears that the chief object of Masonic Education is to provide answers that explore our history, philosophy and symbolism. Learning the Craft is the challenge that can make every lodge meeting an adventure and an experience in the advancement of Masonic knowledge and at the same time holding an abiding respect of our ancient landmarks.

Masonic Education affirms the membership requirements, the standards required of our officers in the performance of the Work as well as the building of character and practising brotherhood. The task for good Masonic Education is to strengthen the membership, create a learning environment, establish a Masonic identity and preserve our values against erosion and worldly corruption.

There is a story which I think is quite fitting for tonight. Seems there was an elderly gentlemen that has just gone through a prostate operation, and his wife was at his side comforting him.

He said to his wife. "Ethel, when we first got married and I broke a leg, you were there. When I enlisted in the army and went overseas, to be with me, you enlisted also. When I was wounded you were there to comfort me as a nurse. When I had my heart attack ten years ago you were right beside me. Today you are here with me again. Ethel, laying here thinking about it, I've come up with one conclusion; Ethel you're bad luck."

Brethren isn't it just like us, when things don't go they way we would like them to go, within or outside the lodge, we tend to blame the problem on others.

Tonight, I would like to explain the duties of a DDGM and a District Secretary. It is their responsibility and privilege to observe the inner working of each Lodge in their District and make reports to Grand Lodge.

In Brant District , for the most part, our Lodges are doing okay. However some of the officers in some of our Lodges could use a refresher on what is expected of an officer in their position.

The confidence that has been placed in you as an officer of your lodge can only be merited by performing your duties to the best of your abilities. Being an officer in your lodge means much more than just being a consistent attendee, or learning the ritual work well. Although both of these are assets to the master and your lodge they do not address the more important qualification of leadership.

It is said that it is only by untiring exertion that perfection can be attained. The effort that you put into your duties will shine as an example for those who follow. The lodge depends on all its officers to be leaders. Each must do their part with the enthusiasm and the zeal that is the hallmark of a good leader.

Each officer can inspire others by demonstrating how much he cares for the Masonic Order. Preparation is the keynote of enthusiasm. It shows the brethren that you care about their opinion of you as a leader. To be unprepared to do your duties is offensive to all the brethren and the candidate. Masonry is interdependent! We all must do our part to ensure a worthy production.

You would definitely expect a skilled craftsman to perform his duties with enthusiasm and competence if he were to do work for you. Would you expect anything less of yourself when performing your duties either inside the lodge or in your community?

The passion and energy with which you deliver your duties will be pillars of your enthusiasm for the craft and will merit the warmth of your brethren's praise.

Brethren remember, you not only represent yourself, but you are the face of Masonry in your community. Lead by example and show the world what Masonry has to offer! The manner in which you engage your duties both in the lodge and in your community will demonstrate you ability to lead and merit the honours you may receive.

Brethren, if you recommend a man to freemasonry, satisfy yourself that he is receiving that for which you recommended him. To do so is but a Masonic courtesy, it is also a Masonic duty. When you kneel and pray to your God tonight ask him to give you the strength to give of yourself each day until life's work is done.

- Education is not received - it is achieved. If you don't work at it, it won't work for you.

- Education is not simply to impart knowledge, but to influence and enlighten the mind so the Mason To, wants to learn and attend to the words of instruction.

Thank you my brethren.