Why is the WM only in position for one year? Is it the same as moving thru the degrees quickly? Seems to me that as soon as one gets into the groove of things they are replaced with someone else. Is this just a way to get everyone the Lodge to get to PM status?
The term limit has nothing to do with getting more Brothers into the East. The more important reason to have a defined term that is not overly long is more likely to prevent a tyrant. A Brother that enjoys his perceived power (and wants to keep it) and maybe has the popular vote in the Lodge. But the Master is not restricted to only one year in the East. At least not in Wisconsin. Both of the Lodges I currently belong to have an understanding that a term in each chair is actually two years. At the end of the first year a vote is held as required for the elected officers, but barring extenuating circumstances is for formality. My two years in the East was welcome since it seemed like much of the first year I spent figuring things out but having that extra year meant that I could really get things done and work on leaving my Lodge better than I found it.
Not everyone wants the Past Master status . Many , many brothers are more than content to sit on the sidelines their entire Masonic careers . We have many fine brothers who are active and always there when we need them who have never taken the first chair in the line . More than likely , I will be putting in yet another year in the East next year as we had a hole in the chair line , my JW dropped out of the line and did not move up to SW this year .
In GA In GA, most Lodges do move the Mster on after one year. Most feel that one year in that position is enough. Inour Lodge, however, we have had to "recycle" our Past Masters due to a long time lack of growth. I must admit that it is easier the second time one does it. The first time we are all still learning the ins and outs. I am on the Grand Lodge Masonic Education and Leadership Development Commission as a District Director and we have classes that cover the duties of the officers. We go into great detail as to what is expected in each chair. The Master has awsome responsibilities. It can be overwhelming. I do like the idea of a 2 year term but some, no most, only want it for one. I have been lucky to have served 3 different Lodges as Master. The second and third times were easier than the first for sure. I knew the job, the code and I was able to really do some good. Ralph Master Sharptop Lodge #680 - 2001 Master E. W. Hightower Lodge #679-2006 (Secretary 2007-present) Master GA Mountain Daylight #758- 2009 MELD District Director- Grand Lodge of GA- 2004- present
The Lodges I have belonged to are all 'one year' Lodges. However, Masters DO recycle sometimes. That being said, I look at the list of Masters on the wall of our Lodge and I notice that 'in the old days' (the mid 1850's for my Lodge) Masters tended to sit for several years. I am told that there are jurisdictions (even within the USA) where a Master sits until such time as there is someone qualified to replace him. And, of course, qualified means proficient in the esoteric work.
The pictures on our wall say the same thing . Masters in the good ol' days of my lodge sat in the East for 3 , 4 and 5 years in a row . Our very First Past Master held the chair for seven years . PS : Welcome back Bro Patrick .
my own lodge is a "one year lodge", one of our joining members is orginally from scotland where taking two years in each office isnt uncommon. He tells me that it works very well. I have taken my first step on "the ladder" this year as tyler and must admit I`m glad its just for one year as I`m very keen to get back inside!
In my lodge and surrounding lodges , the Tyler is normally reserved for Past Masters (or members who do not want to go through the chair line) , because of the reason that you are outside the door . Hard to watch and learn when you can not see what is going on .
very true brother, that is how most lodges in our area do things, it raised a few eyebrows at our installation when I was invested, but my own lodge tends to have its own way of doing things.....
I am a 2-time Past Master, 1996 & 2006, of a Florida Lodge [Garden #366], and do not understand what "getting in the groove" means. I went through the Line from Junior Stewart all the way through the East. By the time I was in the WM's chair, I was in the groove. After spending 7 years advancing toward the "Light", you should be ready. One year is enough if you have pre-planned, and it would not be prudent to make others wait another year. These are just my thoughts. i am proficient in all sections of all Degrees, the MM Apron presentation, and all 3 Charges. I guess I am in the groove.
I didnt think of the 7 years of advancement to the WM chair to hone your skills and make your plans. Thanks for shedding new light on this subject for me. Give me a different aspect of looking at it.
That's great you were spot on the first time in the East. Many of us were not so fortunate. For many, it is unlike anything we have ever done before and there is definitely a settling in process, or "getting in the groove" if you will. From my experience as a PM, having two years to make plans and get things done was much better. It allowed me multiple opportunities to correct any mistakes or try new ideas for the Lodge with realistic time-lines instead of rushing to get as much done as I could in one year.
Yes, Welcome back Bro. Patrick.... The first Master of my Lodge served for 8 years, most weren't concurrent. Many have held the seat more than once but most are out of order! He was expelled by us then reinstated by GL so other than that info I'm told nothing else!
