Rogue Council #23, Cryptic Masons of Oregon

by Jeff Day, Deputy Master

This month, I wrote an article for Reames Chapter #28 about what I discussed with Dave Sherman on the drive home from York Rite. For Council, I want to briefly write about what we discussed on the way there. (Remember, the order in which things happen isn't always the order in which we learn about them.)

Dave said to me that the most important position in any Lodge isn't the Worshipful Master, the Wardens, the Treasurer, or Secretary. It is those three positions on the investigative committee for a new petitioner.

I can't agree more. With the numbers so low in Masonry as they have been, (particularly in the appendant bodies) it is not so important that we fill the seats, as it is that we admit only those who are truly qualified. Qualified for what? Not to be a member, but to LEAD our organization. Now, it is true that some people don't have the desire to get into the officers line-up, and that's ok. It certainly isn't a requirement to do so. But, we should, for the purpose of examination, assume that every Brother or Companion being admitted will some day sit in the East and preside over our organization, and this should be kept at the forefront of our minds when we are conducting our initial investigation.

But isn't that what elections are for? Sure it is. And, when our numbers were higher, this was certainly the case. But today, when the number of new members isn't bringing us to the point of overflowing, it is a very sticky situation for a new Brother not to be appointed into an office. What is he going to think if there is an office open at the beginning of the line and he's not appointed to fill it?

So next time you examine a potential candidate, just imagine him wearing a top hat.