Official Visit Unity Lodge #376 – Feb., 11, 2009
By R.W. Bro. Gerald Stillar, DDGM

THE DUTY OF A LODGE OFFICER

Brethren on Sunday past at church our minister told 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 my leg you were there. When I enlisted in the army and sent 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. 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.

Brethren, 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.

This year in our district we’ve found for the most part our Lodges are doing okay. But we also feel that some of the officers in some of our Lodges could use a refresher on what is expected of an officer in their position.

Brethren, the confidence that has been placed in you as an office 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 your ability to lead and merit the honours you may receive.

Now let me speak on the responsibilities of a Sponsor. For every successful candidate that comes to the lodge there are two brethren who have the responsibility of the proper training of that candidate. These two brethren have a responsibility that does not end at their signature on the application.

If you invite a guest to a gathering at your home you make sure he meets all your other guests and is made welcome and comfortable. Is not the man whom you recommend to freemasonry entitled the same courtesy? As his sponsor is it not your duty to assist him with his work and take an interest in his progress? It seems to me that it is. And this will also help those who are active in coaching.

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.

Brethren, if I have offended anyone here this evening I apologize but just think if we do what I have just spoken on Muskoka-Parry Sound District will be a shining example to all Districts.

Thank you my brethren.