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at the Installation of Master and Lodge Officers
Congratulations on your election and installation as Master of Able
Lodge No. 9999, F&AM.
As Master you have more power in your lodge than exists in any
business, organization, title, position or level. You are the CEO (Chief
Executive Officer) of your lodge. As Master you have almost unlimited authority – you
are restricted only by the broad terms of the Constitution of the Grand
Lodge of the State of New York and the by-laws of your own lodge.
You are responsible for everything that your lodge does. You have
complete authority to delegate any duty or function but you also have the
ultimate responsibility.
The power of the gavel provides you with the ability to maintain
dignity within the lodge, demand absolute quiet, limit and cut off
discussions, refuse to entertain motions, assign responsibility, assign
and control programs and activities.
But you also have the moral responsibility to be judicious and fair in
the use of your awesome authority. If you do not act properly you will
lose respect, membership, attendance and support of your Brothers. Unwise
or cruel use of this almost absolute authority may cause the resignation
or dimit of Brothers with the loss of their talent, contributions and
support. Be careful in the use of the gavel and your position as Master.
This should be, and will probably be, one of your proudest and,
hopefully, enjoyable year of your Masonic career. Only you can make it
that way. Knowing what I do about you, I’m absolutely certain that this
will be so. Further, you should know that the strongest support and wisest
direction that you can enjoy is that of your Past Masters. Listen to them;
solicit their ideas, their talents, their support and most of all their
skills and their advice. Additionally, you certainly have the support and
strong backing of your elected and appointed officers.
As the Master, you are expected to be expert in Masonic ritual and
knowledgeable in Masonic law. You should be a graduate of the Masonic
Development Course and the Road to The East program. Cause the LSOME
(Lodge System of Masonic Education) video to be shown in your lodge.
Develop and employ simple, brief Masonic Q&A (Question and Answer)
sessions to be incorporated into your lodge program. Visit with other
lodges in your district and extend an invitation for them to visit your
lodge.
Finally, I wish to
recognize and congratulate your lodge officers. Good
luck and best wishes to each of you for your term in office.
My thanks to all for their attendance and their kind attention to my
brief talk.
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