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Grand Masters Message

2/26/2018

 
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GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS
​THE MASONIC LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

“Grand Master, I am having problems in my Lodge, getting members to participate.”  These words were shared with me on several occasions during the recent District Instructional Meetings, by Worshipful Masters concerned about the future of their Lodge.  These words certainly signal great concern for a Lodge, especially when they rise to the level of a conversation with the Grand Master and I certainly take them seriously.  More importantly, it signals that the Lodge needs to work to address the issue.  Often, the Worshipful Master and Officers, find themselves dealing with issues that have not been addressed within their Lodge, but address the issues, they must!

Brethren, I have reminded all the Officers attending the District Instructional Meetings of the obligation they took as officers by reciting the obligation.  
“I, Michael Duane Smith, do solemnly promise that I will serve this Lodge as _______, for the space of one year, from the festival of St. John the Evangelist to the one next ensuing and will perform all the duties appertaining to that one office to the best of my abilities, so help me God.”  I follow up by asking them if they understood and took that obligation seriously, do they mean it, do they own it!

Officers are expected to know their role and to give their best effort in the work and support as a member of the leadership team.  The emphasis points for this year are as follows based direct member feedback!

1.  Candidate Proficiency – All candidates are expected to    demonstrate full proficiency in all degrees.  They will    appreciate their accomplishment and will be better prepared    to assist the Lodge with pride.
2. Quality of the Work – Focus on teaching the candidates with    Ritual Excellence.  Masters have been asked to lead more    practice including teaching officers how to read the Ritual    correctly. 
3. Improve Member Communications – Using email, calls,    letters & texts to keep your members informed of all Lodge    Activity.
4. Improve Lodge Education - Masters have been asked to    provide Masonic Education at all Regular Meetings.  Focus    on the Ahiman Rezon, Ritual and the Lodge of the Future    Lesson Plans.

Let’s OWN IT, and work together in 2018 and begin to focus on those things which enable renewal, stability and success.  What will it take to make that happen?  Masonic Leadership with a focused, realistic approach specific for your Lodge this year.  Please see the Grand Masters Lesson plan at www.scgrandlodgeafm.com and click on the resources tab to get Lesson Plan No. 4.  Your actions now will impact your Lodge for many years to come.  Consider these questions for your Lodge.  Can a Lodge survive if the work cannot be properly exemplified?  Can a Lodge survive if they do not stay in constant contact with their members, all of them?  Can a Lodge survive if they do not understand where they are and can the Lodge meet the obligations to be a Lodge of Ancient Free Masons in SC.  Brethren, it means something to be a Freemason in South Carolina. 

Masonic Leadership is needed now in your Lodge!   Lead the Craft by showing them that you care for them and the Lodge!  Your Grand Lodge Officers are here to help you succeed.

Wardens are expected to attend the New Wardens Leadership Workshops either on March 3rd at the Greenville Scottish Rite Center or March 10th at the Charleston Scottish Rite Center.     
Fraternally,    
Michael D. Smith, Sr.    
​Grand Master

Masonic Education Corner February/ March 2018

2/25/2018

 
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Band of Brothers The officers of a Lodge have been elected or appointed to serve the Lodge because of their particular talents. Some are more gifted in certain areas than others, but all of them must possess one very important characteristic, that of DEVOTION TO DUTY. When our Brother accepts an office in our Lodge, he is affirming to the Brethren he has committed himself to Masonry and to the complete success in his office. Additionally, when a Brother joins our Lodge, it is a twofold commitment as he unites with his Band of Brothers. There is a great deal of planning, studying, and attending involved in each of these offices and each officer will need the support of everyone. When we are not prepared to make these sacrifices and prioritize, we are not being just to our Band of Brothers by accepting the office. If you do not have the support of your family and are willing to place GOD first, family second, your chosen vocation third and the Lodge fourth, then you should have never taken the responsibility of a Lodge Officer. Every officer must work with enthusiasm, not only at his own particular job in the Lodge, but he must assist each officer in the performance of their duties. In the performance of duty, the officer demonstrates a desire to ascend to the next office in line or to some other position of responsibility in the long line of service. A successful Lodge is united through a good educational program, good Lodge administration and management, a good mentoring program, a good community outreach program, and good Ritual. It is the responsibility of every officer to ensure your Lodge is a Band of Brothers. Decorum in our Lodge was established by our Founding Fathers. They wanted to institute a culture grounded in unity and decorum creating place for our families to gather and a quality experience for the aspirant. They were convinced of the need to be distinctive in terms of quality rather than opaque. As we think about the year 2018 with the challenges, hopes and dreams awaiting, we must not find ourselves looking back. We must remain united as a Band of Brothers who meet on the level. A portion of the charge we administer to each Senior Warden is very poignant-- “The LEVEL demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; and, though distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of station should make us forget that we are Brethren.” It is interesting how our mind recalls a song, poem or a particular place we identify with which corresponds to a time in our lives. Poetry was never one of my strong suits, however certain stanzas from a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson does permeate my thoughts as I reflect on our Band of Brothers.
​Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Word of the month: Decorum---etiquette, protocol, good form, custom, convention, formalities, niceties, Quote for the month & Thought for the month:  “Your beliefs become your thoughts,  Your thoughts become your words,  Your words become your actions,  Your actions become your habits,  Your habits become your values,  Your values become your destiny.”                                                     
Mahatma Gandhi 
​Carpe Diem Together we can protect, preserve, serve, and grow
O.B. Smith, SGW Chairman, MEC

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