Special Issue RMMC - Grand Masonic Lodge of Montana

Montana FreemasonVolume 88 Number 4 August 2013Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference 2013

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4The Montana Freemason is an official publication ofthe Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masonsof Montana. Unless otherwise noted,articles in thispublication express only the private opinion or assertionof the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the officialposition of the Grand Lodge. The jurisdiction speaks onlythrough the Grand Master and the Executive Board whenattested to as official, in writing, by the Grand Secretary.The Editorial staff invites contributions in the formof informative articles, reports, news and other timelyinformation (of about 350 to 1000 words in length) thatbroadly relate to general Masonry. Submissions must betyped or preferably provided in MSWord format, and allphotographs or images sent as a .JPG file. Only originalor digital photographs or graphics that support thesubmission are accepted.All material is copyrighted and is the property of theGrand Lodge of Montana and the authors.Subscription - the Montana Freemason Magazine isprovided to all members of the Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M.of Montana.© 2012 Grand Lodge of Ancient Free andAccepted Masons of Montana. All rights reserved. Thismaterial may not be reproduced, displayed, modified ordistributed without the express prior writtenpermission of the copyright holder.When reprinted, articles should note:“Reprinted withpermission of The Montana Freemason Magazine.Please direct all articles and correspondence to :Reid Gardiner, EditorThe Montana Freemason MagazinePO Box 1158Helena, MT 59624-1158mtglsec@grandlodgemontana.org(406) 442-7774Articles submitted should be typed, double spacedand spell checked. Articles are subject to editing and PeerReview. No compensation is permitted for any article orphotographs, or other materials submitted for publication.All photographs must be identified as to who took thephoto and the names of the individuals who may appearin the photo. E-mail all photos and articles to the addressabove.Page 2About the Cover:Gates of the Mountains: The evening of July19,1805, on the Missouri River, not far frompresent day Helena, the hardy members of theLewis and Clark expedition toiled to moveupstream. Rock embankments made towingfrom shore impossible, and the deep channelforced the men to row rather than pole theirboats forward.Suddenly, there loomed before themtowering rock formations unlike any theyhad ever seen. From both sides of the river,limestone cliffs rose to a spectacular heightof 1200 feet. “In many places,” wrote BrotherMeriwether Lewis, “the rocks seem ready totumble on us.” At each bend in the waterway,great stone walls seemed to block passage, onlyto open like gentle giant gates as the expeditiondrew near. In his journal, Meriwether wrote:“I shall call this place: “GATES OF THEMOUNTAINS”.For nearly two centuries travelers haveventured down this stretch of the Missouri tomarvel at its natural wonders.The apron of Brother Meriwether Lewis isavailable for viewing at the Montana MasonicMuseum of the Grand Lodge AF&AM ofMontana in Helena.

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Thom ChisholmGrand MasterTable of ContentsMessage from Grand Master 4Grand Lodge of Idaho - Lodge Education: Who is responsible?What is Grand Lodge’s role? What is the Local Lodge’s role? 6Grand Lodge of Utah - Should Grand Jurisdictions implement standards ofconduct and protocols for the Internet, Facebook, and other forms of social media? 10Grand Lodge of New Mexico - What should be the standard for a candidatefor the degrees of Masonry? 15Grand Lodge of Montana - Grand Lodge Officers inter-jurisdictional visitation,benefit or detriment? 16Grand Lodge of Arizona - Vetting of potential Grand Lodge Officers:What is being done, what can be done, is enough being done? 20Grand Lodge of Nevada - Express the role of Masonic Education in leadership. 24List of Conference attendees 25Grand Lodge of Colorado - What is the ideal relationship between the localLodge and Grand Lodge? 30Grand Lodge of Wyoming - Should local Lodges and Grand Lodge stress thepromotion of the lodge in the community or should the emphasis be on expanding,building, and promoting the local lodge internally? 36Page 3

Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference2013 - HelenaBrothers ,We thank everyone who attendedthe 62nd Rocky Mountain MasonicConference hosted by the Grand LodgeAF&AM of Montana.Our Capital city Helena served asthe host city for the Conference July19-20, 2013. Helena offers a variety ofactivities and fine dinning. There wereevents planned for those who wishedto participate, all events were optionalallowing the opportunity to exploreand dine as you wish.The Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference(RMMC) was formed on February 22, 1952. Initially,it was comprised of the following Jurisdictions:Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming. The firstmeeting of the RMMC was held in Casper, Wyomingon July 11-12, 1952. Over the years the RMMCexpanded its membership to three other jurisdictionsand now includes: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,Utah and Wyoming and added New Mexico in 2003.This year, I have asked the Grand Lodge of Arizona toattend as a guest and possible inclusion as a member.The sitting Grand Master and Grand Secretary of thehost jurisdiction serve as the President and Secretaryof the Conference, the Vice President is the officerwho will be Grand Master of the host jurisdictionthe following year. The official delegates and votingmembers of the Conference are the elective officersof the respective Grand Lodges. However, any MasterMason from a member jurisdiction or one that is inamity with the member jurisdictions is welcome toattend.Purpose - the purpose of the Rocky MountainMasonic Conference (RMMC) is to provide a forumfor the member jurisdictions to exchange matters ofMasonic interest among our Rocky Mountain Statesand to develop Masonic Education programs for ourLodges. The RMMC is an informal gathering thatallows the presentation of information that is of acommon concern or interest.Page 4Thom Chisholm, MWGMIn keeping with several traditionalpractices of our Conferencepresentations were conducted froma list provided to each memberJurisdiction. From each jurisdictionone Grand Lodge Officer was assignedto present and one to moderate thequestions and answers.Discussion topics selected for theConference and jurisdiction consistedof:Colorado - What is the ideal relationship between thelocal lodge and Grand Lodge?Idaho - Lodge Education: Who is responsible? Whatis Grand Lodge’s role? What is the local lodge’s role?Montana - Grand Lodge Officers inter-jurisdictionalvisitations, benefit or detriment?Nevada - Express the role of Masonic Education inleadership.New Mexico -What should be the standard for acandidate for the degrees of Masonry?Utah - Should Grand Jurisdictions implementstandards of conduct and protocols for the Internet,Facebook, and other forms of social media?Wyoming -Should local lodges and Grand Lodgestress the promotion of the lodge in the communityor should the emphasis be on expanding, building,and promoting the local lodge internally?Arizona - Vetting of potential Grand Lodge Officers:What is being done, what can be done, is enoughbeing done?

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4We were fortunate enoughto have as our guest speakerBrother Bob Cooper, theCurator of the Grand Lodge ofScotland Museum and Library.Author and Historian. Bro.Bob’s topic was the ‘Impactof Scottish Freemasonry onMasonry in the USA’.We received requests from someother Masonic organizations to presentduring our Conference, however,we have decided vendors or other“Masonic” related presentations are notin keeping with the goal and purposeof the Conference. Vendor space couldbe made available outside the meetingroom if prior arrangements wererequested through our Grand Lodgeoffice. Another traditional aspect of our Conferencethat we followed is that the dress would be casual, andthe No Tie rule enforced.Taking into consideration the great travel distancesthat many of the member jurisdictions have and costs,this year we did not charge a registration fee, and allevents were optional, thus making the cost to attendmore affordable to an increased number of attendees.Thursday night allowed for the opportunity toenjoy a taste of Montana by going on the Last ChanceWagon Ride Dinner, experiencing a memorableevening of good food and good times, travelingback in time via horse-drawn wagons through highmountain forest, where we enjoyed a gourmet mealof prime rib, fresh garden salad, hot from the ovenrolls, potatoes du jour, and Grizzly Gulch succotash;topped off with huckleberry cheesecake and cowboycoffee all served family style. After dinner we enjoyedlive western entertainment, featuring Montana’sown Bruce Anfinson. Round trip transportationwas provided from the Hotel. A wagon ride to andfrom the Moose Mountain Cabin in custom-madecovered wagons pulled by teams of draft horses createa memorable evening. See page 34-35.The Tizer Botanic Garden and Arboretum is anofficial test and demonstration garden for the DenverBotanic Garden and Colorado State University’s ‘PlantSelect’. The ladies enjoyed a lunch in the gardens. Seepage 9.We also enjoyed the opportunity to open ourGrand Lodge building and conduct a tour of theMontana Masonic Museum and Library and theGrand Secretary,s office.Also on Friday at the completion of the Conferencemany attendees and ladies enjoyed the Last ChanceTour Train and experienced Helena’s colorful pastwith a ride through the “Queen City of the Rockies”,with a tour around Helena and its historic sites,including the Atlas Block, the Montana Club, and theold governor’s mansion. See page 19.Thom Chisholm,Grand Master /President RMMC 2013On Friday, the ladies were treated to a tour of TizerBotanic Gardens and Arboretum, located at an altitudeof 6,000 feet in the heart of the Elkhorn Mountains,straddling Prickly Pear Creek near Jefferson City,Montana. Winding paths lead to thousands of highaltitude plants, which include annuals, roses, wildflowers, herbs, vegetables, perennials and bulbs insome of the most amazing settings.Page 5

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Taking into inconsideration the Grand Lodge’sresponsibility for Masonic Education, I believe theirmain functions are that of supporting the Lodgeefforts through monthly articles, listed speakers forLodge programs, information through the DistrictDeputy Grand Masters and the Grand Lodge Officers.Using visitations by the Grand Lodge Officers andhaving a message to deliver to the Brethren is of theutmost importance. The other side of the coin is we,as officers, need to spend time with the Lodges andlisten to their perspectiveon what is happening in thetrenches of Freemasonry.The information gleaned bythese visitations may be agreat help is finding out whatthe Lodges want and need asfar as an Education Program.As the Education Committeeof Grand Lodge goes, so goesthe willing participationfrom the bottom up andthe top down, with mutualbenefits for all.There are so many waysthe Lodge can deliverMasonic Education. The first wayis through ritual that is as good as possible. I thinkmost all candidates can tell when sincerity is expressedin the obligations, lectures and charges given.Freemasonry must first come from the heart, I amsure each of you remember the first question you wereasked when you started through your proficiencies(the old version); where were you first prepared tobe made a Mason? My Brethren, if we don’t have itin our hearts, it will never come out in our deliveryof the ritual. Secondly, through a monthly bulletinwith lots of information regarding not only the Lodge,but short items of interest and stories regarding ourhistory and how we have arrived where we are today.A Lodge Education program at the end of each StatedMeeting is a very beneficial program. Not only doesit provide information, it gives the Officers andmembers a chance to hone their speaking skills, it alsohelps with their self confidence and increases theirMasonic knowledge. I believe your actions certainlyspeak louder than your words. I recall when I wassitting in my first station in the line I paid particularattention to the actions of those working on the floor.Not only did this give me an idea on how to presentmy Masonic work, it taught me much more aboutPage 6Masonic Education,Its purpose, goal and who is responsible for its communication?Jim Hensley, WSGD & Bill Curtis Jr., WJGD - IdahoJim Hensley, SGD & Bill Curtis, JGDthe way Freemasonry was trying to teach me to actwhen about in the world. The tenets of Freemasonryare certainly learned by association, presentation andheartfelt dedication. Having the fraternity in yourheart will allow you to express yourself to the newestMasons and will more than likely give them cause toseek out and practice those tenets and hopefully leadthem to further Masonic Education. A little mouthto ear education is worthy of all consideration—remember, that used to be the only way.In earlier days ofFreemasonry the workwas communicated bymouth to ear. At thatpoint in time there wereLodges located in manymore towns than there istoday. Masonic Educationwas communicated eachand every day betweenMasons and no one eventhought or worried aboutcommunication, it waspart of their everyday life.Since that time the numberof Lodges has declined tothe point that communication islacking because of the distance between the members.In the early days of Freemasonry the Masonic Lodgewas, most of the time, the center of communityactivity. A lot of the early Lodges were built to housenot only the Lodge but also the town schoolhouse andserved as a meeting place for the town. I dare say thattoday most of the people living in our communitiesdon’t even know what a Masonic Lodge is or whereit is located. That is where Masonic Education islacking and we must see to it that it changes. Wemust advertise who we are, where we are and what weare striving to accomplish as a fraternal organization.We must expose or advertise what Freemasons do, towhom we do it for and why we are doing the thingswe do. We simply must communicate to the public orvalues, our charity work and get our Masonic Trainmoving down the track, if we don’t do this, we willbecome an idle fraternity and slowly sink into thebackground of humanity.I have sat at my computer, thought and tried toanswer a lot of these questions in my mind, I haveretraced my journey in time to and into the fraternity.One of the items that keeps coming back in my

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4thoughts is; why didn’t either of my Grandfathers orUncles mention anything at all about Freemasonry toany of their children or grandchildren? I have tried toanswer that question many times and have come upwith the conclusion that possibly their lack of MasonicEducation and communication skills may have beenthe underlying reason. At an early age (10-11) I canremember my Grandfather would have me wash hiscar and later that day he would dress up in coat and tieand go away for the evening. I also remember he hada single tie bar that he always wore on those occasionsand on the back bumper of his car there was also thesame emblem as the tie bar. Those two small itemswere the only outward sign that he was a Mason, tothe unenlightened non-Mason. My grandfather wasa businessman and well respected in the community,but maybe his lack of Masonic Education could havebeen the factor that didn’t allow him to encouragemembers of his family or others in the community toconsider becoming part of the organization that I amsure he was very proud to be a member of.The Lodge members are obligated toteach, mentor & coach Freemasonry tothe best of their abilities. We are nevertoo old to learn and it’s just not Masonicto sit back and not learn. When one ofyour friends asks you why you belongto an old antiquated fraternity, you hadbetter have an answer. This may be youronly chance to inform a non-Masonabout our fraternity and we sure don’twant to miss any opportunity to speakto an inquiring mind.Another integral part of Freemasonry is therelationship and education of our concordant bodies.I dare say that more than a few of our newest membershave come to us through our concordant bodies. OurLodge recently held a Youth Information Evening,which included dinner and a program in the Lodgeroom regarding the duties of each Lodge officer,emblems of the different stations and other displayeditems in the Lodge room. We didn’t quite know whatto expect, but we soon found out that our concordantbodies were very interested in the Lodge and how itoperates. Questions were asked regarding all aspectsof the Lodge and its operation, by our Jobies andespecially by their parents. The information sessionlasted for quite some time. This event involving ourconcordant bodies was an important first step inlearning and teaching for both entities.Overall, the best program to make all of ourmembership up to date on Masonic Education is tohave everyone involved with, not only their ideas, buteveryone’s ideas. There is no such thing as a dumbquestion, but the answers had better be intelligent andinformative. We cannot afford to be unprepared forthat inquiry. I urge each of you to get involved witha Masonic Education Program, if you don’t have aprogram, you sure need to create one.The Grand Lodge Officers and Lodge Officers arenot in this endeavor by themselves. This is goingto take the efforts of all Masons, whither-so-everdispersed. The eyes of the public are upon us. Wemust display the knowledge we have from years oflabor in the quarries. The fruit of this program ofMasonic Education will be the greatest gift we cangive ourselves and for those seeking admission intoour fraternity.Educating the members that don’t attend Lodgeis another of the greatest challenges we have. Justthink, if we could get 25% of those Brethren whochoose to sit at home to become part ofthe fraternity that they chose as part oftheir lives, I dare say the word regardingFreemasonry would have much betterodds of becoming known to those whocould become better Freemasons andto those who may inquire regardingbecoming our Brothers.In order to put this into a fewwords, one of the main reasons we arelosing members is the lack of good andinteresting Masonic Education. Our fraternity is notretaining the members we are getting into our Lodges.We are barely maintaining the number of membersto make up for our older members passing to thatCelestial Lodge. If we could stop the loss of membersby demits and suspensions for NPD, our fraternitywould certainly be growing instead of shrinking. Thismay take an all out effort on the part of everyone inour fraternity. It may even take a door to door effort toretain those members. Our communication skills willbe tested in this effort. An E-mail is fine, a monthlytrestle-board is fine, but, nothing beats the personalcontact of a phone call or a person to person contact.As many of you know, there is nothing better than avisit when one is ill, supporting a family at the loss ofa loved one or just keeping up with the welfare of amember that has been unable to attend for whateverreason.Brethren, I encourage you to educate yourself inany way that will make you a better Mason or makeone of your Brothers a better Mason—we owe thisPage 7

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4to the fraternity and if we don’t do this simple act offriendship, our efforts as a fraternity will be lost. Iknow in my heart that no one in this room wants thatto happen. Be the very best you can be and the bestwill come to knock on our doors—we must not failin this effort! It seems to me that I have repeated thetheme of Masonic Education a lot, but I feel that thisis one of the most important challenges we face as afraternity, remember, those Masonically uninformedwill not knock on our doors.I am very thankful and honored to have been giventhe opportunity to attend and speak at this RockyMountain Masonic Conference; I have always foundgreat information and greater Masonic Educationat all of the conferences I have had the pleasure toattend. Please use the information and knowledgeI hope you have gained and will further gain hereto promote Masonic Education, wherever you maytravel as a Proud Freemason. Thank You!Ron Pulse, Gr. Bible Bearer -NevadaThe seven Grand Masters from the member jurisdictions: L to R:Thom Chisholm-Montana; Clarence Vranish-Wyoming; William Childers-New Mexico;Allen Record-Utah; Dana Speaks-Colorado; Keith Brooks-Idaho andMike Hoaglin-Nevada.The photo was taken just prior to when the Grand Masters linked arms and started tosing and dance.Page 8

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Page 9

Should Grand Jurisdictions implement standards of conduct andprotocols for the internet, facebook, and other forms of social media?Gavin Wardrope, Grand Orator; Robert Wolfarth, Grand Lecturer; Jeffrey Hamilton, SGDMontana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Gavin Wardrope, Gr. OratorPage 10The PastBrethren it is a pleasurefor the 3 of us standinghere before you todayto spend a little timediscussing ‘should grandjurisdictions implementstandards of conduct andprotocols for the internet,Facebook and other formsof social media?We are here representing the great state of Utah,I am Gavin Wardrope, Grand Orator, this is RobertWolfarth, Grand Lecturer and this is Jeff Hamilton,Senior Grand Deacon.The 3 of us volunteered to present this today as weeach have a passion regarding our fraternity and aresaddened by the conduct of some of our brethren onsocial media sites.We are going to discuss the past, the present andthe future and please feel free to ask any questions orcomments you may have at the end.I wish to start by stating that my ownfeeling is that today has been a completewaste of my time. How anyone can saythat they have been entertained by whathas come before is talking out a hole intheir head and as for the foreigner, whywas he invited? It was bad enough notunderstanding a word that he said, without having tolisten to his drivel.Does anyone here find that which I have justsaid acceptable? No, of course it wasn’t. But, we areallowing it to be written on social media.Let me spend some time discussing the past, preinternet, what did we do? Perhaps the only form ofcommunication was by mail or by word of mouthand more recently a phone call, however, my onlyrecollection was reading about a meeting in thelocal newspaper on a Friday night which advertisedthe forthcoming lodge meetings and what may beoccurring, i.e. Degree of installation, but never anynames mentioned.I also believe that if we look further back in historywe would find that the members of the local lodgeswould, in the most part, be also neighbors in the localcommunity, went to the same church, their childrenall attended the same school etc.This would mean to me that there would bemore of a connect between brethren and that themen who wished to join the fraternity would be sowell known that the investigation process would bemore fulfilling, whereas, instead of the present way aperson is investigated, it would be more of a selectionwhereby the lodges could be selective on who wasadmitted to membership and perhaps if there wasany discord in the lodge it would be so much easierto control because each brother was so well known toone another.However, if we go back even further to the ancientguilds it is interesting to look at what example theyset and which we profess to gain our own landmarks.The guilds were an important part of medieval life.A higher social status could be achieved through guildmembership and guild members were supported bythe guild if they became sick. There were two mainkinds of guilds - merchant guilds and craft guilds.A medieval guild apprentice was sent towork for a ‘master’ during his early teens.The apprenticeship lasted between 5 and9 years depending on the trade. Duringthis time the apprentice received no wages- just his board, lodging and training. Anapprentice was not allowed to marry untilhe reached the status of a journeyman.After completing his apprentice he became ajourneyman. A medieval guild journeyman waspaid for his labor. During this time the journeymanwould create his ‘masterpiece’, in his own time,which he would present to the guild as evidence ofhis craftsmanship in the hope of being accepted as a‘master’. It was difficult to reach the status of ‘master’and much depended on the journeyman’s standingand acceptance by the top members of the guild. Ifhe successfully completed his ‘masters piece’ he wouldreach the status of master which entitled him to set uphis own workshop and train his own apprentices.The tradesmen and craftsmen of the medieval eraalso formed organizations for protection and mutualaid. There were guilds for all trades including stonemasons, carpenters, cloth makers, shoemakers,apothecaries, masons, painters etc. These medievalguilds became powerful and soon no one couldpractice a trade without belonging to the appropriate

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4guild. The objectives of the craft guilds were theprotection of members from outside competition,ensuring fair competition between members andmaintaining high standards of quality.Such was the high status that these craftsmenachieved and the amount of time and sacrifice thatthey gave in the love of their craft I doubt that theywould want to relinquish it easily. I am sure that theyhad learned from the first day of their apprenticeshipthat they had to act in a proper manner or else theywould not be advanced in their trade.I am sure that in the early days of craft masonry thesame practices were continued however, it would benaïve to suggest that there was not discontent betweenbrothers and between lodges. Of course there wasbut it would have been kept within the confines ofthe lodge and not discussed so all and sundry couldlisten and watch. The Secrecy of a Masonic Lodgeand the lessons taught are what made our fraternityan easy target for the press, conspiracy theorists etc.I remember being asked many years ago, by a non-Masonic friend, why I joined different orders. Youshould have seen his eyes light up when I told him itwas because it got me nearer to the money.I wish to quote the following, ‘not only did masonryhelp to create the government, but it has had a vitalpart of the American heritage throughout the entirelife of the country. It also had an important place inthe state of Utah long before the state was created andever since.Masonry has prospered and grown in this countryunder constitutions which vest the supreme Masonicpower and authority in the grand lodges, limited onlyby a strict adherence to the ancient Masonic usages.The supreme Masonic law requires the mason toobey the moral laws and believe in a supreme being.Masons are required to be men of honor and honesty,whereby, masons and masonry may become themeans of conciliating true friendship among personsof different persuasions. The supreme Masonic lawfurther charges masons to be peaceable subjects,obedient to the civil powers and never be concerned inplots or conspiracies against the welfare of the nation.Based upon these concepts masonry has alwaystaught its members to be loyal and peaceful citizensand that masonry and masons will always be injuredby civil strife, war and bloodshed.’(Grand Oration1965). Powerful words indeed, written in an age whenthe internet was but a figment of our star trek universe.But what about these standards we held so high andon which the foundation of this great country wasestablished.As Freemasons we are governed by 2 standards,our obligations and the ancient charges.Our master mason obligation clearly states whatwe will or will not do, if we are sitting here thinkingof what the obligation contains perhaps we are notpracticing that of which we promise at the altar.The Antient Charges first laid down in 1723, are ourprincipal guide and are based on the guidelines of ourancient operative brethren and it is interesting thatin the code of the grand lodge of Utah, it states thatthey should be read at the making of new brethren orwhen the master shall order it. I don’t think I recallthem ever being read or discussed in the lodge, maybefood for thought, our standards may be slipping.Maybe it is time that we all revisit them and followthem as they were intended to be.Perhaps it is time that we all take a good hard look inthe mirror and acknowledge that our standards areslipping, maybe the obligations we take do not meanthe same any more or maybe if we return to thesestandards and apply them in our daily life we canagain make a difference.Jeff Hamilton, SGDThe PresentWe find ourselves notonly in a world of acceleratedcommunication but in aworld with an acceleratedrate at which new modesof communication areinvented. New ways tocommunicate, for better orworse, are appearing withsurprising frequency.As such, we don’t knowtoday what bright new idea will be invented next yearto take the place of Facebook, e-mail, texting, andphone calls. We can only assume that it will be faster,broader, and feature greater functionality.Now, hold that thought in your mind. Let’s lookback again at the past to our obligations and ancientlandmarks. What do they say about how we, as masons,should communicate with each other? Brethren, youall know your obligations, and it is unnecessary torecapitulate them here. But as a reminder, Bro. JamesAnderson’s “Old Charges” say the following:“The craftsmen are to avoid all ill language, and tocall each other by no disobliging name, but brother orfellow; and to behave themselves courteously withinand without the lodge.”Page 11

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4“You may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth,treating one another according to ability, but avoidingall excess, … or doing or saying any thing offensive,or that may forbid an easy and free conversation; forthat would blast our harmony, and defeat our laudablepurposes.”“You are to act as becomes a moral and wise man….”“All these charges you are to observe, and also thosethat shall be communicated to you in another way;cultivating brotherly-love, the foundation and capestone,the cement and glory of this ancient fraternity,avoiding all wrangling and quarrelling, all slander andbackbiting, nor permitting others to slander any honestbrother, but defending his character….” 1That was published in 1723. Today, this eminentorganization claims to admit to its ranks good men,and offer them working tools to improve further.Then why is it that after certain gentlemen join ourorganization, they are under some misunderstandingthat it is acceptable to blast other people on the pagesof social media—including their brethren and peoplethat they don’t even know? This is not acceptablefrom a man who shares with us a sacred retreat offriendship and virtue. It is apparent that not everymason who has been offered tools with which towork…picks them up and uses them.We must do what is best for the fraternity. So, whatshould we do to control such vitriol? In the lodge,we can gavel it down. Face-to-face, we may whisperwords of good counsel. But once inappropriateverbiage is published on social media, the horse is outof the gate. And thenceforth, the world may associatethose published words with the Craft as much as withthe individual Mason.In consideration of this, we propose two thoughts:It is incumbent upon us to turn to our obligations,ancient landmarks, and constitutions—as we alwayshave done—to guide our communications, no matterwhat method of communication is employed.To ensure that brethren have a guide specific tothe modern age, we believe that now is the time tointervene with standards of conduct and protocolsfor the Internet, Facebook, and other forms of socialmedia.In doing this, we must remember that Facebookwill become obsolete. So will texting. So will e-mail.Just as hand-written letters and sending faxes arealready obsolete. Thus, our standards of conductmust be drafted with a timeless message.Page 121 James Anderson, “The Old Charges of Free and Accepted Masons,” London, 1723.Building upon a document already createdand in current use by the Most Worshipful GrandLodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of theCommonwealth of Massachusetts, we are drafting aone-page Code of Conduct for Social Media.[introduce draft Code of Conduct]The thinking Mason should welcome suchstandards of conduct. They are no different from thestandards of conduct we already present for governingour actions in lodge. Why should we treat each otherany differently behind the Internet’s veil of anonymity,or the cyber filter of social media, than we do face-toface?We should not.Offering a standard of conduct does not,conceptually, vary from personal contact to electroniccontact. It simply continues the guidance of ourancient landmarks. Yes, there are nuances of protocol,but they come down to simple themes:• Be good to one another.• Feel free to disagree, but debate respectfully.• Be true to your obligations.Now, let us look to the future.Robert Wolfarth, Gr. LecturerThe Future“If you can look into theseeds of time, and can saywhich grain will grow andwhich will not, speak thenunto me.” This quote from‘Macbeth,’ which I’m sureyou all remember fromyour high school Englishclass, comes from act 1scene 3 where Banquohas just heard the witches predict good things forMacbeth, and is asking them if they really can predictthe future, and to do so for him. Determining whatseeds were good and worth planting, and which werenot, was an old and longstanding problem: plant thewrong ones and you might starve for lack of crops.This is no different than the seeds of social media;if we use and regulate them properly, the fraternitywill have the opportunity to grow and prosper. Usedpoorly, it could tarnish the image and reputation ofour beloved fraternity, and possibly do irreparabledamage.Technology moves forward more rapidly everyday. I am sure most, if not all of you, in this room canremember rotary dial phones and party lines. Then

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4we had wireless phones and pagers, we could walkaround the room talking without a cable connectedto the other end, and better yet, you could leave thehouse and with the pager strapped to your side, stillbe able to know when someone was trying to reachyou. Along came the personal computer and cellphones communicating was getting easier, we couldmake a call from almost anywhere, and with the worldwide web, we could chat with people from aroundthe world, instantly. Gone was the handwritten letter;E-mail was the new king. Then we had chat rooms,yahoo groups and Google groups, we could talk toa number of people at the same time as if they weresitting in our living room. YouTube and MySpacewere the next big things, and they made it possible toput pictures and videos alongside the posts. Today wehave twitter and Facebook. Every day there are morepeople online and communicating with each otherthan ever before from all over the world. Facebookis so large that if it were a country, it would be thethird largest in the world. So every time something isposted on Facebook it has the possibility of over 500million people seeing it. The equipment and deviceswe use have also changed rapidly. The first computerweighed almost thirty tons. In fact, that smartphoneyou use every day would have required a computer thesize of the empire state building back then. Here are afew things that might interest you by 2014 the mobileinternet will surpass the desktop internet. On averageAmericans spend 2.7 hours a day socializing on theirmobile devices and 91 % of that time is to socializewith other users. With just the current technology thatwe have today companies like Google are developingdevices that will enable us to look through glasses ora clear cell phone and point or look at something andall of that person or landmarks information to appearbefore our eyes. My, how times have changed andwe can only imagine what the devices of the futurewill be able to do. These changes mean that we cancommunicate faster and with more people than everbefore. This can be a blessing or a curse. Think aboutit brethren, every great invention has given us a powerthat we did not previously have, so where is all ofthis leading? To put it simply no one has been ableto predict what technology or social media will be inthe future, and this may come as a shock to some ofyou, but contrary to popular belief, we Freemasons donot control the future or the world. So what is a grandlodge to do?Every grand lodge has the right and the duty tolegislate and control what our members are saying anddoing on the various social media sites while they areportraying themselves as masons. Worshipful BrotherGavin talked about how our ancient brethren did itin their time. Worshipful Brother Robert talked aboutsome of the ways we can do it now. My job is to talkabout ways to do this in the future, but if we don’tknow what social media is going to look like in thefuture, how are we going to do that… well I think theanswer lies in the past.Our fraternity, has from its very beginning,guarded its reputation vehemently without fail, butlet’s face it brethren, in our zeal to gain new memberswe haven’t always guarded the west gate as well aswe should have. The time has come to get back tothe basics of freemasonry, when a brother had toprove himself to his lodge brethren by living up tothe ancient charges and obligations of the variousdegrees. When a potential candidate went through aproper investigation before being voted on and notjust because a brother signed his petition so he mustbe okay.The faster technology moves, the easier it is for aperson to hide behind it- say things that they wouldnever say or do amongst a group of people. Thismake our job of investigating that much harder, butit is something we must do. Einstein was quoted assaying that, “eventually, technology will bring us tothe point where there will be no need for face to facecommunication, and the subsequent generation willbe idiots.” Many would say we have already arrived atthat point in time. Think about it brethren, the timehas come to hold ourselves to the higher standardsthat our ancient brethren established for us so longago, and to take to heart and live by the obligations weall have taken at our sacred altars. Brethren they arenot ideal words to be taken lightly. Our fraternity hassurvived and prospered based on those charges andobligations, and will continue to do so as long as wecontinue to hold them in high veneration. One finaladmonishment, brethren, if not you, then who? Andif not now, when?Brian Becker, PM -IdahoPage 13

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Page 14

What should be the standard for a candidate for the degrees of Masonry?Jefferson Jordan, RWSGW, New MexicoI will be speakingon is what shouldbe the standard fora candidate for thedegrees of Masonry.But first I would like tothank the Grand Lodgeof Montana for hostingthis event and for theopportunity to speakon behalf of the GrandJefferson Jordan, SGWLodge of New Mexico.This is a very difficult topic and if I had respondeda little earlier I might have gotten an easier question,but I didn't.I always start by speeches off by telling a story,usually a humorous one. I was in Montana a few yearsago on a snowmobiling trip sporting a brand new sledand telling by friends from Montana and Wyomingthat I wasn't too impressed with the size of themountains in Montana. I was even bragging that themountains in New Mexico was just as big as theirs.They informed me that when they came to a realmountain they would inform me and I could makesome excuse why I was afraid to go up it. When wegot there they didn't have to tell me, I nearly fainted atthe pure immensity of what was before me. It seemedto reach past the sky itself. Well the gauntlet had beenthrown and I was trapped. I reached the base of thehill doing about seventy miles an hour and proceed togo up the mountain. I got within fifty yardsof the top and powered out, at which time Icommenced the worst wreck of my life. It isfunny about what goes through a personshead when he knows he is about to die.In a conscience or un-conscience state Ithought about two things. Did my secretaryput insurance on this new Polaris andcould I get a Masonic funeral in Montana.I survived the crash and no I didn't haveinsurance and thanks to brethren FromMontana that I have met while at the RMMC for thelast few years, Yes, I could get a good Masonic funeralin Montana.The qualifications of a Mason are divided into twoclasses the internal and the external. The internalqualifications are known only to the candidate; theyare; does he come of his own freewill and accord; thathe is has not been influenced by mercenary motives:That he will be fully disposed to conform to the usagesof the Order.The external qualifications are five in number:Moral, Religious, Physical, Mental and Political.Morally, the candidate must faithfully observe theMoral Law, and lead a virtuous life; Religiously, hemust believe in the existence of one supreme Deity,and must be yielded to his superintending powerand divine providence's, and he must believe in theimmortality of the soul and future resurrection intoeternal life; Physically, he must be a man, free bornof lawful age and not be in his dotage; Mentally, hemust be intelligent, capable of comprehending, theprofound truths and tenets of the Order; Politically,he must adhere to the principles of freedom andindividual liberty of conscience, and be faithful in allcivic duties.We will be addressingthese statements ordefinitions at theconclusion of this talk. Sowhat is the standard thatwe are looking for in aprospective member? MyFather had a story from hisyouth and can make mydetermination for betterDanny Lucero, Gr. Lecturerthan anything I could come up with. One rainy andcold night in Louisiana while trying to get home theirold truck just quit running and left them stranded.My Grandfather seeing a farmhouse in the woodssaid lets go see if we can get some help. A completestranger met them at the door and myGrandfather introduced himself, shookhands with him and welcomed them inside.Whereupon, he showed them the fire andlet them dry themselves. They then were feda hot meal and asked to stay the night. MyGrandfather not wanting to impose on theman graciously declined his offer and saidthey would stay in their truck. The strangersaid George you will not do no such thing.Here are the keys to my car. Take it homeand come back in the morning and we will fix yourtruck. On the way home my father remarked on howlucky they were that the stranger and my grandfatherwere such good friends. My Grandfather simplyanswered that he had never met the man before. Son,he said, that man was a Mason.Brethren, if you want my standard there it is. Theman was a Mason.Page 15

Grand Lodge Officers inter-jurisdictional visitations, benefit or detriment?Brian Murphy, RWSGW & Lewis Smith, RWJGW- MontanaFrancis P. Yockey oncesaid, “Pessimism onlydescribes an attitude, andnot facts, and hence isentirely subjective.”Brothers, and so it iswith this topic. Based oneach Grand Lodge Officer’sown history of travel andinteraction, one can onlyrelate and reflect on theirBrian Murphy, SGWown personal experiencesto arrive at any reasonableverdict. Therefore, I offer to you what I consideran extraordinary story, of a very personal nature,prompting you to reach your own conclusions.One year and 45 days ago, if asked for my opinionon the subject at hand, I would have given you anentirely different response than the one I possesstoday. Throughout my tenure as a Grand Lodgeline officer I had often harbored serious doubtsregarding the benefit of Grand Lodge Officer’svisitations to other jurisdictions. It was my stancethat, while tradition called for the attending of otherjurisdiction’s Grand Lodge sessions (we to theirs, theyto ours), for being received, properly introduced,honored and recognized, and otherwise “hobnobbingwith my fellow wizards” (as some of my non-Masonicfriends would say), it was simply that; a time-honoredtradition. We go to great lengths; expending time,energy, and money, to travel, decorate ourselves, stayin fancy hotels, wine and dine each other amid society’sfiner trappings and “To what end?” I asked. “To whatend?” What are the benefits of these activities to theCraft at large in our home jurisdictions? What is theReturn On Investment? What exactly do we bringback that will aid and assist the constituent Lodges,who are, by the way, PAYING for it all!A mere 410 days ago, I was convinced that this“tradition” was a prime example of, should I daresay, elitism, exclusivity, and quite frankly a form of“taxation without representation”.What follows are the events that awakened me andchanged my mind -and my life.Having never been to Oregon, my wife, Jenniferand I had agreed, a year in advance, to attend their2012 Grand Lodge Session. While I had previouslyaccompanied our Grand Secretary to Elko to attendthe Grand Lodge of Nevada, I had not yet attendedPage 16another jurisdiction’s Grand Lodge session as the solerepresentative of the Grand Master of Montana. Thiswould be my maiden voyage. Coincidentally, it justso happened that on June 1, 2012, both our children,Patrick (21) and Kate (20) had pulled out of ouryard with a U-Haul to begin a new chapter of theirlives in Portland. Jennifer and I, congruent to ouraforementioned commitment, followed them out onthe 4th of June. We arrived at Seaside, an enchanting,little resort town on the coast.During a break after their opening ceremony Ihappened to meet a Brother named Richard Chasewho has a Doctorate in Psychology, and happens to beone of the leading hypnotherapists in the Northwest.It’s more than interesting to note that one of his fortesis treating returning Gulf War veterans suffering fromPTSD. If he can catch them before the VA pumps themfull of psychotropic drugs, he can usually cure them inone session. For some reason Richard felt compelledto invite me to an afterhours gathering being held at abeach house some members of his Lodge had rentedfor the weekend. I eagerly accepted his invitation -fortwo consecutive evenings. There I met some 40 newfriends and Brothers that were curiously differentthan most Masons I had ever met before. They weremostly young, some had bold tattoos, a few bodypiercings, embellished by few creative hairstyles,etc… First impressions aside, what was immediatelyevident was their sincerity towards Freemasonry.Via my many discussions with them I soon becameaware of the depth of their genuine affection for eachother as well as the fraternity. We conversed aboutphilosophy, esotericism, ritual, traditions, etc… Ifound them to be very learned men, fun-loving andfull of enthusiasm, who had taken their obligationsstrictly to heart. I came away from that experiencewith several new, close friends, with whom I’ve keptin contact ever since.Leap to October of the same year. I received a callfrom my daughter that she’d taken two ambulancerides to the emergency room on consecutive days.Kate suffers from a somewhat rare neurologicalsyndrome that has since been diagnosed and treated.Needless to say, I caught the first, available flight toPortland. During my weeklong stay, there was somedowntime between doctor visits and medical tests. Mynew Brothers, most of who were members of (then)Kenton Lodge #145, offered their aid and support inevery way. On a particular Friday evening they invitedme to visit their Lodge for an S&C. Now, in mostMasonic circles, S&C stands for Square and Compass.In Kenton’s vernacular it means Scotch and Cigars.

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Upon accepting the invitation, I was escorted likeroyalty to their Lodge in Northern Portland, whichI might add, is a somewhat economically repressedpart of the city. This fact is important to note when weconsider what’s been accomplished there. The localscall it “No Po”.Brothers, this is where my story gains speed andtakes on substance.Upon my arrival I was given a tour of the Lodgeby my friend, W. Bro Richard Chase. As I enteredthrough the double doors of the Lodge room, I almostdropped to my knees. For sure my jaw dropped. Therebefore me shined one of the most strikingly beautifulLodge rooms I’d ever set foot in. Immediately my eyeswere drawn to the handsomely painted ‘starry deckedheaven’. Next, to the polished black and white marbletiled floor around the alter. Then, to the 3,5 and 7steps leading to an overlooking balcony which lead toa totally remodeled dining hall and kitchen. Richardinformed me that Kenton Lodge hadn’t always beenso impressive. He went on to elaborate that when hefirst affiliated with that Lodge in 2008 it was failingmiserably. It’s active members consisted of 4 elderlyPMs who would sit around grumbling about how“things used to be”, two members in their early 60’sand one in his early 20’s who was the son of one ofthe 60-somethings. Physically, the Lodge buildinghad very serious issues. The local fire marshal was nolonger willing to turn a blind eye to all of the codeviolations. The support timbers were rotting in thebasement. The roof leaked. There was sever waterdamage, electrical and plumbing problems, singlepanewindows with dry-rotted sashes and sills, justto name a few. An aging, single gas boiler heated theentire building with a bill in excess of $10,000 a year.Needless to say, Kenton Lodge #145’s future did notlook bright or even hopeful.Although wanting for membership, Kenton didhowever have financial resources, -over $400K inthe bank, which the ‘old guard’ was vehementlyagainst spending in any way. They also had a 100thanniversary coming up in June of 2011. In 2009 BroRichard Chase was elected Worshipful Master. Asmall, but growing number of incoming youngermembers saw the repairs as crucially necessary, andthe older members were staunchly and angrily againstit.needed to be fixed. For instance, it didn’t make senseto repair the water damage in the walls, then openthem for electrical work, then open them again forplumbing. The solution was to open them once, fixthe water damage and do it building-wide. This meantthat, rather than easing the Lodge into small fixes, oneat a time, the most efficient and cost effective wayto fix the building was all at once. When the lodgeroom carpet, laid in 1955, over horsehair padding,was lifted, the dirt beneath filled two 30 gallon trashbags. Long story short -despite delays, overages, andinfighting, the June 2011 deadline was met and theCentennial Celebration was a huge success, attractingcivic officials, area dignitaries, and the community atlarge. However, the $200,000 renovation had turnedinto a $500,00 renovation, andultimately a mortgage had to betaken out on the building to finishpaying for the improvements.They were now cash poor, butthe building had been savedfor at least another two or threegenerations of Masons, and thecommunity once again madeaware that the “Masons were backLewis Smith, JGWin town, and open for business.”Interestingly, on the very eve of my Octoberemergency flight to Portland, Kenton Lodge voted tomerge with Friendship Lodge #160, who had recentlysold their building due to lack of members. Thismerger has since secured the future of both Lodgesinto one truly strong Lodge with a young, growingmembership, a magnificent building and a strongfinancial future.Friendship is a very active Lodge. They regularlyhost a ‘speaker’s night’. Just last month, famed Masonicauthor W. Brother Chris Hodapp addressed a packedLodge room. They recently marched in Portland’sStarlight Parade in full Masonic regalia with severalPGMs. They give tours to school classes. Theycommunicate via a privately accessed Facebook profile,posting updates daily. Their website is professional,fresh, and contemporary. This past year they’ve read,on average, 2 new petitions per month, and as many asSEVEN on one occasion. Their regular meetings areattended by an average of 25 – 30 involved members.Throughout this summer, Friendship Lodge #160 hasdegree work scheduled every Wednesday night, withno end in sight.Built in 1922, Kenton Lodge #145 began itstransformation into the 21st century in January of 2011.It quickly became obvious that the leaks in the roofand basement were first, but after that EVERYTHINGConsider this: less than 4 years ago that Lodge waswhat I refer to as an all-too-typical ‘Zombie Lodge’. i.e.Dead, but not knowing so. Today, it is the model andpremier showcase of Freemasonry in Oregon.Page 17

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number4Brothers, I bring you this story for several reasons.While it is evident that attending Grand Lodgesessions in other jurisdictions yields valuable insightsregarding how our jurisdictions are different orsimilar, and powerful lessons relative to the dos anddon’ts of good government; with an open mind andheart, visitations can, in turn, foster meaningful,lifelong friendships, and bestow upon the fortunateparticipants, exercises in true brotherly love. Theycan also engage us in the unintended consequencesof very real revelations that inspire, encourage, andabove all, give us HOPE.There are no guarantees in life, with the exception ofone: ‘If you do nothing, nothing will happen.’Remember, every accomplishment starts with thedecision to try.This success story is one of the glimmering gemsof my limited travels. Obviously, this scenario is quiteunique and not applicable to every Lodge’s situation.Nevertheless, these remarkable chronicles are anintegral part of the message I now carry to the lodgesin my jurisdiction. We need change. We can grow.We can rise up out of the ashes of our own disparity.There is hope, Brothers. Always HOPE.I can, with great conviction, testify that I for one,as a result of my inter-jurisdictional travel, am a betterman, a better Mason, and most importantly, a moreinsightful and prepared leader; invested with a clearervision for the future of our beloved institution, andthe actions and attitudes necessary to carry it forwardand leave it better off than as found. Brothers, thereare no foreign lands; it is the traveler only who isforeign. And, in Freemasonry, there are no foreigners,only Brothers we have yet to meet.Postscript: Last November, my son’s birthday wasthe day after Thanksgiving and Jennifer and I droveout to Portland to celebrate both occasions. A largeHoliday banquet of 6 roasted turkeys and all thefixings was held for all members, their friends andfamily. While we were there, I asked for a petition foraffiliation. I’m pleased to announce that I am now aproud member of Friendship Lodge #160 in “No Po”.THE POINT: We all know that a Lodge is muchmore than ‘bricks and mortar’, but ask yourself, is yourLodge presentable to the public? Take a good, hard,honest and objective look. Paint peeling? Stainedor worn carpet? Dead flies in dated, light fixtures?What’s broken? What can be fixed? You’ll be amazedwhat a fresh coat of paint can accomplish. If moneyis a deterring factor, start there. Fundraise. “Eat yourelephant one bite at a time.”When our Lodges physically reflect the gloriescontained therein, we are empowered with pride ofownership, unity, and the confidence necessary tosucceed and excel.Page 18

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Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4What is vetting?Vetting is the process of investigating(someone) thoroughly, especially inorder to ensure that they are suitablefor a job requiring secrecy, loyalty ortrustworthiness.Why is it important?As Masons, we continue to trust eachother, when we should be testing. Weneed to take a long look at who we areappointing and tendering to the Craft as appointeesfor their consideration as the future head of Masonryin our states. We have people who are droppingout of the line, who are not elected, and who areeventually removed from the line because they are notqualified. They fail to meet our expectations, or wehave failed to make them understand that which theyare undertaking. Is this not a disservice to both theindividual and to the ultimate welfare of Masonry? Ifwe do a better job of examining the qualifications andintent of those who are being appointed, we may avoiddisruption, and improve the leadership of Masonry.When speaking of “Grand Lodge Officers” inthis presentation, I am specifically referring to thoseofficers who are appointed to the Grand Line and willeventually be elected Grand Master. Much of this canalso be applied to appointed one-year Grand Lodgeofficers, but the degree and depth of investigationdoes not need to be so intense. In selecting progressiveline officers, some jurisdictions have a very short line,while others are quite long. My experience has shownme that some progressive lines are as short as fouryears, while others are as long as 11 to 13 years.Before we can investigate someone’s qualifications,we must know what we are looking for. We haveto address what we expect Grand Lodge officers tocome to the table with, in terms of qualifications andcharacteristics. We want to mature those talents,and make him aware of and develop those additionalskills he’ll need during his tenure in the progressiveline and as an effective leader as Grand Master of ajurisdiction.The Grand Master’s JobThe Grand Master’s Job is two-fold: the Ceremonialhead of the organization, and that of the CEO of thebusiness of the Grand Lodge.The Ceremonial job is uniform across allPage 20Vetting Grand Lodge OfficersJeff Carlton, PGM, ArizonaJeff Carlton, PGMjurisdictional boundaries. The onlyvariances are the administrative orjudicial powers with which he may beinvested by the Masonic code of hisparticular jurisdiction while the GrandLodge is in recess. All of the actionstaken while utilizing those powers aresubject to affirmation or rejection whenthe next Grand Lodge is convened by avote of the Grand Lodge members.The CEO’s job varies considerablyacross jurisdictions, depending on theMasonic Code of a jurisdiction and the powers vestedtherein to the Grand Master.Let’s look at the qualifications to be the ceremonialhead of the organization. Some of the minimumqualifications which a man must possess and whichhe should be evaluated on follow. He must:• Have impeccable integrity;• Live and believe in the principles andtenet taught within the Masonicritual;• Have a genuine interest in the Craft, anda great desire to improve and promoteMasonry within the jurisdiction as hisprimary goal;• Recognize that as a Grand Lodge officerthat his first responsibility is to the Craft;• Be responsive to the Craft;• Be affable;• Be prudent;• Be patient;• Have demonstrated leadership;• Be able to build relationships with themembers of the Craft and his peers inadjacent jurisdictions;• Must be able to develop new andimprove Masonic Education programs;• Must realize that it is a 24-hour-a-day,7-day-a-week job;• Be dedicated to traveling throughoutthe state and to neighboring jurisdictions;• Have the support of his spouse (partner)and family;• Have the financial resources to fulfillthe responsibilities of the office ($3,000to $5,000 per year);• Understand that quality, not quantity,of members is paramount; and• Be ego-free.

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4What are the duties of the CEO, and what are hisresponsibilities? Generally his primary duty is topromote the financial welfare of the jurisdiction. Heneeds to:• Establish a legitimate budget;• Be responsible for maintaining the budget;• Act as the personnel manager;• Monitor the investment policies of thejurisdiction;• Review the fiscal operating policies and keepthem in line for audit purposes;• Make decisions when the Masonic Codeis violated; and• While he is the “undisputed authority”, hemust be able to establish a rapport andseek the counsel of those who havethe professional experience.Fiscal responsibility should rest with the GrandMaster and Grand Trustees directing a FinanceCommittee, an investment Committee, and a GeneralPolicy Committee. Hopefully the fiscal responsibilitiesof every Grand Lodge are not vested solely with eitherthe Grand Treasurer or the Grand Secretary.Lodge officer. Testing a man to learn how well hemeets those qualifications is critical to ensuringquality leadership for our Grand Lodges. Isn’t it anapplication of applying the level and the square?Consider and develop a program for how you aregoing to institute the vetting process of their GrandLodge officers.Remember no matter what State we come from,when we appoint a Grand Lodge Officer, we are makinga statement to the Craft, this is our recommendationfor your future Grand Master. Thereby placing yourintegrity and judgment under the scrutiny of thefraternity.The man who will make the best Grand Master isthe one who knows, and will never forget, that themost important apron he will ever wear is the onegiven to him as an Entered Apprentice Mason.Now, what are the qualifications to be the CEO?He needs to be:• A leader;• A decision maker;• An innovator;• Able to create an effective organization;• A great communicator;• A delegator;• An organizer;• Impeccable in his word and ethics;• Doesn’t make assumptions;• Must be able to develop relationships withthose within the jurisdiction,both professionally and personally, who canadvise him (such as the Grand Secretaryand the Grand Treasurer);• Have the ability to develop advisors who canmonitor the investment policies of thejurisdiction;• Have sufficient financial knowledge toread a profit and loss statement, balancesheet,and understand business practicesand law;• Able to follow- up and maintain control of allaspects of the financial welfare of the GrandLodge.SummaryThe duties and responsibilities of the officedetermine the qualifications to be appointed a GrandPage 21

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Express the role of Masonic Education in leadershipJohn Buffington, RWDGM-NevadaLeadership: The capacity or ability tolead. To show the way to; to guide ordirect; to guide the action or opinion of.Nevada Masonic Leadership Conferenceprogram was developed through thatvision and leadership.Education: To provide with training orknowledge; to stimulate or develop themental or moral growth of.One of the most critical and difficultchallenges we face as Masonic leaders,is helping and directing the creation ofa group of Masons who are informed,motivated, and proud of what we are and what wedo. Many of our members don’t realize the power ofthe lessons they are taught, or the organization theyjoined. It’s up to us, as their leadership, to teach, train,mentor, guide, coach, and otherwise help all of ourmembers so they can appreciate Masonry personally,and become good representatives our fraternity tothe rest of the world. Only through this educationalprocess can we help those less informed membersbecome real Masons. It has been said “knowledgeis power,” and that cannot be more appropriate thanwithin our Lodges.John Buffington, DGMThe intent was to impart informationand direct the process for educationwithin the State. Materials from theconference are made available to thoseattending, with the direction to usetopics as educational materials duringstated meetings and other events as wellas in trestleboards, to share with more ofour Brothers. We have long range commitments fromat least the next 5 years of our Grand Line Officers tocontinue this program and develop it further.As we learn from past experiences, we willcontinue to enhance the materials to provide Masonicinformation, and help Masonic leaders in developingtheir own programs to get this information out toall members. This is a vehicle we have chosen tobegin that journey to the land of EDUCATED, wellinformed, knowledgeable, motivated and proudbrothers in the State of Nevada.The question arises: “Whose responsibility is it”?The Grand Lodge, local Lodges, Lodge officers, orthe members? The answer is a resounding “YES !!!”Education is everyone’s responsibility.As Masonic leaders, we can’t leave this process tochance. We can assign the responsibility to our localLodges We can wait for Grand Lodge to provide aprogram, or we can simply start. Another saying thatis appropriate: “If it is to be, it is up to me !!!” We eachneed to do something to help another Brother in theirMasonic Education, and in the process will likelylearn something about Masonry that we didn’t knowbefore. The leaders within our Fraternity must takethe responsibility to create educational materials thatare accurate and easy to understand. Creating a planto get those materials, information, and programs intothe hands of our members, AND TAKE ACTION.Within the Grand Jurisdiction of Nevada, wehave struggled with Education and programs foryears. Some, well intentioned programs, failed togain attraction in successive years in order to makethe desired impact. With the vision of MW. MikeHoaglin, and RW Dan Newman, our SGW, we havebegun a quest for Masonic Education, for not onlythe Lodge officers, but all Masons in our jurisdiction.ThePage 24I would like to take a few minutes to share withyou, information about our redesigned Officer’sLeadership Training and Instructional Seminardeveloped by the Grand Lodge of Nevada. It is titledthe “Nevada Masonic Leadership Conference”. Part ofour presentation will be presented in video form. Thisvideo is a brief overview of its design and is also anexample of the direction we are developing our topicpresentations for future conferences.Video PresentationIn 2011, Grand Lodge of Nevada took on the task offinding ways to improve their leadership developmentprograms and how they were presented. To accomplishthis, we had to look at our existing programs, differenttechnologies for presenting them, and which formatswould be most conducive to our members. Afternumerous discussions, we determined we had severaldifferent types of personalities and different waysin which to present the leadership developmentprograms. What we learned was that every type oftechnology and instructional format was met withsome type of opposition. The first question asked,“Why is change so difficult to accomplish in ourFraternity and what is the reasoning for it?” Researchfound that our current membership is composed or5 generations and each generation have a distinctivepersonality and comfort zones regarding today’stechnologies. The older members are composed of

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4the “Greatest Generation”, born between 1901 and1924 and the “Silent Generation”, born between 1925and 1945. The middle age members are the “BabyBoomers”, born between 1946 and 1964.The younger members are “Generation X”, bornbetween 1965 and 1981 and “Generation Y”, bornbetween 1982 and 2000 and these 2 generationsgrew up with technology and rely on it to performtheir jobs. They are plugged-in 24/7 and prefer tocommunicate through e-mail and text messaging andprefer webinars and online technology to traditionallecture-based presentations.Are we prepared to receive the next generation intoour Fraternity? They are called “Generation Z”. Theybegan in 2001 and will be eligible for membershipbeginning in 2019, a generation born with completetechnology, personal computers, mobile phones,game devices, I Pads and the omnipresent Internet.They do not know life without technology and socialmedia platforms are their way to communicate.They have virtual friends and prefer to communicatethrough electronic devices.With the definitions of the “X, Y, and Z Generations”,we wonder why our membership is declining andwhy our percentage of membership retention andattendance is low. We then asked these questions,what do we do to combat these trends in our society?What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong?What do we do to CHANGE with the times?Even though we are starting to implement thenew technology, we are still relying on the oldcommunication methods of providing informationand knowledge to our Brothers and promoting ourFraternity. One of the main focuses of the GrandLodge of Nevada is to improve our methods ofproviding information and knowledge. A consensusof our members through questionnaires during thepast three years tells us that we are not meeting theirneeds and we need to redesign our current programsand provide superior information and guidance.During the 2012 educational seminars in Las Vegasand Reno and we had a total of 106 attendees, totaling609 years of Masonic experience. At these 2 Seminarswe asked the attendees to fill out questionnaires. Thefollowing is a summation of the findings.On, “How can we improve the Seminars?”They wanted more time allotted for questionsand discussion; implement more video and powerpoint, improve the instructional methods, makepresentations more stimulating and increase thecontent covered in the seminar.On, “What kind of training & instruction wouldbe most beneficial?” The responses were: Improvecommunication between Grand Lodge and theConstituent Lodges; make Grand Lodge Officersmore available to assist and work with the ConstituentLodges; how to best utilize our websites, and Internet;proper use of the Masonic Code and Ritual andStandard work; proper investigations, monitoring,leadership skills; and protocol.On, “If the Grand Lodge of Nevada offered amultiple Day Officers Leadership Training Seminar,would your Lodge support the program by requiringtheir Principal Officers to attend?” (100%) were infavor.On, “If the Seminar would become a 2 or 2 ½ dayprogram, which option would you support?” (87%)agreed to support a 2 day program and (81%) agreedto support a 2 ½ day program.On, “Would you prefer the Training Seminarlocated at,” (62%) wanted one seminar in Reno andone in Las Vegas, (28%) wanted seminars held innorth, central and southern Nevada and only (10%)wanted the seminar held at one location.After evaluating the information from thequestionnaires and considering the informationprovided from past seminars, Grand Lodge of Nevadaredesigned their leadership development program.The new format was renamed “The Nevada MasonicLeadership Conference”.In 2013 we expanded our seminar to 2½ days, with2 seminars scheduled, with one in Reno and one inLas Vegas and was open to all Officers of ConstituentLodges and Master Masons. A 430 page InstructionWorkbook and flash drive was developed, containingall of the information from the 2012 and 2013 seminarswas provided to each registered attendee. TheConference included 4 different Table Lodge Sessions:Each attendee was randomly assigned to a TableLodge. The purpose of the Table Lodges was to takea group of Brothers and allow them to bond, discussproblems and concerns, collectively find solutionsand develop counterpart support. The following is anoutline of those Table Lodge sessions:Session 1 began with “Who’s Who! Who are you?”Members of the Table Lodges introduced themselvesand through discussions, questions and answersbegan a bonding process. Each Table Lodge Groupelected a Table Master and Secretary. The TableMaster became the moderator. The Table Secretarywas the record keeper tasked to write down questionsneeding answers, ideas, concerns and solutions.Page 25

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4The Table Lodge then began Brainstorming –“What’s in a Name?” Each group was tasked to nametheir Table Lodge. The final task of this session wastitled “It’s all about me! Each attendee explained whatthey wanted out of the Conference and discussed theirexpectations and specific items they hoped to learn.Session 2 began with “You can talk to me.Improving Communication?” This session dealswith issues facing their Lodge when it comes to“communications” and explored ways tofind solutions, what was being done toimprove communications and areas that stillneed improvement. They discussed issuesfacing their Lodge regarding “Leadership”;their current Lodge leaders; and whatstyles, methods and actions that needed totake place to improve the management oftheir Lodge?Session 3 began with the topic of “A Well-Rounded and Balanced Program – WhatDoes it Mean?” They discussed issues facing theirLodge when it comes to a “Well Balanced Program”.They shared ideas about different activities, events,visitations, programs, family involvement, youthgroups, fundraising and other doings of the Lodge. Thenext topic was, “It’s getting better all the time!” Theydiscussed issues facing their Lodge. What concernedthem about their Lodge? What needs to happen tomake their Lodge better? What is successful in theirLodge and makes them proud to be a Mason? Whatwere they frustrated with and needed help on? Thediscussion was all about making their Lodge better!Session 4 was “Evaluation time!” Each Attendeecompleted an Evaluation and provided qualityfeedback about the Conference and suggestedchanges to improve it. They were provided with a“Take Home Task Sheet”. This form allowed them torecord what they felt was important information toshare with their Lodge and Members. All attendeesattended workshops pertaining to their current LodgeOffice or as Master Masons. These workshops weretitled: “Meeting Your Counterparts.” The followingis a brief overview: The Master Masons Workshopprovides information on the skills of being a Brother,mentoring, protocol, Masonic charity programs,community involvement and providing time todiscuss issues and share information about theirLodges.The Deacon’s Workshop provided in depth study oftheir duties and responsibilities and they learned howto prepare themselves for advancement and begin theplanning process for their year as Master.Page 26Mike Hoagland, GMThe Junior Warden Workshop showed themways to develop their administrative skills andbegin the planning process for their year as Master.They received information on what to look forwhen observing current Officers and members forappointments during their term as Master. Theyalso learned how to develop Masonic Leadership andMentoring Programs for their Lodge and Members.The Senior Warden Workshop providedinformation on how to improve theirleadership skills and reviewed the processfor successful event planning. Theydiscussed in detail the appointment processfor Lodge Officers and Committees, Lodgefinances and budgeting and reviewed therequired Grand Lodge submission forms.Separate Workshops for the LodgeTreasurers, Secretaries and Trusteesprovided in depth study of their duties andresponsibilities and they learned how toimprove their administrative skills, discuss budgetingand review the required Grand Lodge submissionforms. They discussed ways to reduce F.T.A.s, N.P.D.sand Withdrawals.8-Topics will be presented during the 2013Conference. These were the 8 most requested topicsfrom the 2012 seminar:• Grand Lecturer Training Session• Grand Lodge Structure and Operations• Improving Communication between Grand Lodgeand the Constituent Lodges• Meet Your Grand Lodge Officers – Questions andAnswers• Mentoring• Proper Investigations of Petitioners for the Degrees• Proper use of Masonic Code and Procedures to MakeChanges• Proper use of the Red Book (A System of LodgeInstruction)The provided Workbook and Flash Drive includedall of the previous mentioned information, plus, 20additional Topics. These topics were developed toassist the officers to be more proficient and aid inleadership development. The selected topics were:• Communications within the Lodge• Conflict and Problem Solving• Decision Making• Event Planning• Grand Lodge Masonic Charities• Installation Planning• Lodge Business Practices• Masonic Youth• Membership and Retention

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4• Motivation and Delegation• Officers Orientation and Training Course• Past Masters -Turning a Potential Negative into aDefinite Positive• Planning Your Term as Master• Proficiency in Lodge Management• Protocol and Etiquette• Public Relations – Visibility in Our CommunitiesRitual• Sustaining Our Effectiveness• The Skills of Being a Brother, and• Three Tenants and Four Cardinal Virtues• The Workbook also included all of the handouts,power point and reference materials.NMLC Changes and ImprovementsWith 2013 being our first multiday leadershipconference we again asked each attendee to fillout questionnaires. What we learned is that weaccomplished our task:1. The Attendees overwhelming approved of the newformat and structure.2. In 2012 we held a one day seminar in Reno and LasVegas totaling 106 attendees at no cost to them. In2013, we went to a multi-day conference andcharged a fee of $35 and the attendance increasedto 210.3. We also learned that the Table Lodges andworkshops were a huge success. The discussiongroups were the highlight of the conference and alarge majority of the attendees wanted to spendmore time in discussion groups. They thoroughlyenjoyed the interaction with their brothersand counter parts and realized everyone wasencountering the same issues and concerns. Theyalso liked the sharing of ideas and programs.With the first of the 2 conferences being held inLas Vegas we learned a great deal and made minorchanges to the conference held in Reno.1. With all of the information from 2012 and 2013Conferences being included on a flash drive, wediscovered we could cut the cost of printing byreducing the information in the workbook to theactual materials being presented.2. We increased the number of Table Lodge Groupsand by doing so; it decreased the number ofattendees assigned to each Table Lodge to 10 or12. This allowed better discussions and gave eachattendee ample time to provide input andthe group to find solutions.3. We added a 5th Session to the TableLodges. This session combined all TableLodge groups and allowed them to shareinformation discussed during theirindividual sessions.After reviewing all of the evaluations we received,the 2014 NMLC Conferences will be slightly altered tomeet the needs of our members.1. We are increasing each of the 4 Table Lodge Sessionsfrom 60 to 90 minutes. We also combined some ofthe topics and questions from each session to allowmore time for discussion.2. The Meet your Counterpart Workshops are beingincreased from 2 hours to 2 ½ hours allowingmore time to complete their presentations anddiscussions.3. We are adding a Workshop for the Masters. Manyof the current Masters requested a session to discussissues, share ideas and possibly plan multiple Lodgeevents. They also requested information on how theycan continue to assist their Lodges after thecompletion of their term.4. We will present one or two of our TopicsPresentations in video form. This will allow us topresent a specific topic in less time, allowing moretime for participation and discussion.This has been a brief overview of the “NevadaMasonic Leadership Conference”. I think almostevery question about the actual NMLC is answeredin the video presentation. What was not covered isin regards to management from the Grand Lodgelevel. With the increased number of attendees weare expecting for 2014, we will need to more peopleinvolved.1. Some of our Table Lodge Moderators wereoverbearing and controlled the discussions andnot allowing the attendees to discuss their thoughts,concerns and suggested solutions. Some werecontinuously interjecting their opinions and pastexperiences. (It became it is all about me)2. Some of the topic presenters were not well preparedand simply read the presentation. (the attendeesdid not like being reads to) There was not enoughtime allowed for discussion and questions.3. The workshops were very good, but some thepresentations were not focused on developingleadership skills.We need to be better organized and hold trainingclasses for those working the NMLC. We also needtwo separate chairmen (1-Las Vegas and 1- Reno)These two individuals must be responsible with allaspects of their respected Conferences andneed to assemble their own teams. It isup to Grand Lodge to make the NMLC asprofessional as possible.Page 27

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What is the ideal relationship between the local lodge and Grand Lodge?Robert Elsloo, SGD & Vernon Turner, JGD, ColoradoBusiness of the Local LodgesOfficers elected and appointed form the infrastructureresponsible for:Creating the opportunity to “Make Good Men Better”Practice and execute good floor and ritual work?Masonic education?Community relations?Fraternal relations?Records, correspondence, training, support,communication and leadership?Laws of Leadershipby John C. MaxwellRobert Elsoll, SGD & Vernon Turner,This section is best understood as it was presentedby viewing the following link on the internethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdM44rovn6cBusiness of the Grand LodgeOfficers elected and appointed form the infrastructureresponsible for:Jurisprudence and Masonic Law?Fraternal Relations?Records?Correspondence?Training?Support?Communication?Leadership?1. The Law of the lid. Your leadership is like a lid or aceiling on your organization. Your church or businesswill not rise beyond the level your leadership allows.That’s why when a corporation or team needs to befixed, they fire the leader.2. The Law of Influence. Leadership is simply aboutinfluencing people. Nothing more, nothing less. Thetrue test of a leader is to ask him to create positivechange in an organization. If you cannot createchange, you cannot lead. Being a leader is not aboutbeing first, or being an entrepreneur, or being the mostknowledgeable, or being a manager. Being a leader isnot just holding a leadership position. (“It’s not theposition that makes a leader, but the leader who makesa position.”) Positional leadership especially does notwork in volunteer organizations. The very essence ofall power to influence lies in getting the other personto participate. “He who thinks he leads, but has nofollowers, is only taking a walk.”3. The Law of Process. Leadership is learned overtime. And it can be learned. People skills, emotionalstrength, vision, momentum, and timing are all areasthat can and should be learned. Leaders are alwayslearners.4. The Law of Navigation. Anyone can steer theship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. Visionis defined as the ability to see the whole trip beforeleaving the dock. A leader will also see obstaclesbefore others do. A leader sees more, sees farther, andsees before others. A navigator (leader) listens – hefinds out about grassroots level reactions. Navigatorsbalance optimism with realism. Preparation is the keyto good navigation. “It’s not the size of the project, it’sthe size of the leader that counts.”Page 30

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 45. The Law of E.F. Hutton. Hutton was America’s mostinfluential stock market analyst. When he spoke,everyone listened. When real leaders speak, peopleautomatically listen. Conversely, in any group orchurch, you can identify the real leaders by lookingfor those who people listen to. According to MargaretThatcher, “being in power is like being a lady – ifyou have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” Tips fora Positional leader – like a newly appointed minister– who wants to become a REAL leader… look forthe existing real leaders and work to have influencethere. Factors involved in being accepted as a new realleader include character, building key relationships,information, intuition, experience, past success. andability.6. The Law of Solid Ground. Trust is thefoundation for all effective leadership.When it comes to leadership, there areno shortcuts. Building trust requirescompetence, connection and character.7. The Law of Respect. People naturallyfollow people stronger than themselves.Even natural leaders tend to fall in behindthose who they sense have a higher“leadership quotient” than themselves.8. The Law of Intuition. Leaders evaluate everythingwith a Leadership bias. Leaders see trends, resourcesand problems, and can read people.9. The Law of Magnetism. Leaders attract peoplelike themselves. Who you are is who you attract.(Mmmm… I thought like poles were meant to repel!)Handy hint: “Staff ” your weaknesses. If you onlyattract followers, your organization will be weak.Work to attract leaders rather than followers if youwant to build a truly strong organization.10. The Law of Connection. You must touch the heartbefore you ask people to follow. Communicate on thelevel of emotion first to make a personal connection.11. The Law of the Inner Circle. A leader’s potential isdetermined by those closest to him. “The leader findsgreatness in the group, and helps the members find itin themselves.”12. The Law of Empowerment. Only secure leadersgive power to others. Mark Twain said, “Great thingscan happen when you don’t care who gets the credit.”Another point to ponder… “Great leaders gainauthority by giving it away.”13. The Law of Reproduction. It takes a leader toraise up a leader. Followers can’t do it, and neithercan institutional programs “It takes one to knowone, to show one, to grow one.” The potential of anorganization depends on the growth of its leadership.14. The Law of Buy-In. People buy in to the leaderfirst, then the vision. If they don’t like the leader butlike the vision, they get a new leader. If they don’t likethe leader or the vision, they get a new leader. If theydon’t like the vision but like the leader, they get a newvision.15. The Law of Victory. Leaders find a way for the teamto win. “You can’t win WITHOUT good athletes, butyou CAN lose with them.” Unity of vision, diversity ofskills plus a leader are needed for a win.16. The Law of Momentum. You can’tsteer a ship that isn’t moving forward. Ittakes a leader to create forward motion.17. The Law of Priorities. Activity is notnecessarily accomplishment. We needto learn the difference. “A leader is theone who climbs the tallest tree, surveysthe entire situation, and yells “WrongJungle!”” If you are a leader, you must learn the three“Rs”... a) what’s Required b) what gives the greatestReturn c) what brings the greatest Reward.18. The Law of Sacrifice. A leader must give up to goup. Successful leaders must maintain an attitude ofsacrifice to turn around an organization. One sacrificeseldom brings success. As he worked to turn aroundthe Chrysler Corporation, Lee Iacocca slashed hisown salary to $1 per year. “When you become a leader,you lose the right to think about yourself.”19. The Law of Timing. When to lead is as importantas what to do and where to go. Only the right actionat the right time will bring success.20. The Law of Explosive Growth. To add growth,lead followers. To multiply growth, lead leaders. “It ismy job to build the people who are going to build thecompany.”21. The Law of Legacy. A leader’s lasting value ismeasured by succession. “Leadership is the one thingyou can’t delegate. You either exercise it – or abdicateit.”Page 31

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4The Law of Navigation“Anyone Can Steer The Ship, But It Takes A LeaderTo Chart The Course”The Law of Navigation is fairly self-explanatory.It emphasizes the need for leaders to PLAN for theirorganization.Stovepipe leadership does not work. Without theGrand Lodge infrastructure, constituent Lodges arerudder.This section is best understood as it was presentedby viewing the following link on the internethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_UQwco2KT8“Contrary to the opinion of many people, leadersare not born. Leaders are made, and they are made byeffort and hard work.”– Bro. Vince Lombardi, 1913-1970History of U.S. MasonryFormation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717.Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is being the firstNorth American Grand Lodge to be chartered,established, and opened, in April of 1733, a Lodge thatis still active to this date.Agrarian or “planter” SocietyHistory of U.S.–Perpetually changingMay 10, 1869 the Union and Central PacificRailroads joined their rails at PromontorySummit, Utah Territory, the completion of the firstTranscontinental Railroad.Industrial societyHistory of major U.S. military engagements1775-1783 American Revolution1812-1815, War of 18121846-1848, U.S. Mexican War1861, (Bro vs Bro) Civil War1898, Spanish American War1914-1918, World War I1941-1945, World War II1950-1953, Korean War1960-1975, Viet Nam War1990-1991, Persian Gulf War,(Op Desert Storm/Op Desert Shield)2001-Present, War in Afghanistan(Op Enduring Freedom)2003-Present, War in Iraq(Op Iraqi Freedom)World Power/Leader societyOctober 4, 1957, with the launch of Sputnik 1 by theSoviet Union.1804-1806: Bros. Lewis and Clark Corps of DiscoveryManifest DestinyScientific Society and westward expansionPage 32The Space Age

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Computer microminiaturization -advances,spanning from the advent of the personal computerin the late 1970s, to the Internet's reaching a criticalmass in the early 1990s, and public adoption of thistechnology the two decades after 1990.The Information AgeBefore: Stovepipe management societyNow: Team management by consensus SocietyToday’s roll: dealing with changeChange is continualThe nature of changeChange is essential to survivalThe changes affecting an organizationChange and stressEstablishing empathy - The People FactorStrategies for managing changeCommunication during changePlanning for organizational changePage 33

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Page 34

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Bruce A n fi n s o n“Montana’s Musical Ambassador”Page 35

Should local lodges and Grand Lodge stress the promotion of the lodge in the community orshould the emphasis be on expanding, building, and promoting the local lodge internally?Ken Badget, SGS & Tom Hamm, JGSPage 36Good afternoon,Brothers. It is mypleasure to be amongfriends and brothers inthis beautiful setting inMontana.I must confess, thetopic of “Masonrywithin, Masonrywithout” initiallysounded like it wouldbe relatively easy toaddress. Then I satKen Badget, SGSdown to formulate mythoughts and found myself much like most Brotherswhen this subject comes up – slightly confused. Mywife agreed to read my first draft and proof it forerrors. Her reaction was lukewarm and she asked meif she could be honest. “Of course,” I replied.“Well,” she said. “It sounds like everything onMasonry that’s ever been written. I think you’d bebetter off to be yourself.” I re-read my speech. Mywife was right. I hate it when that happens.This conference has been filled with many finedissertations on a number of important topics ---topics that are very relevant to today’s’ Masonry. Ipersonally feel that this conference and the topicschosen are to provide a forum where discussionand debate can ensue and in creating debate anddiscussion, we strengthen this fraternity ethically,morally and ritualistically.Masonry doesn’t just happen. It’s a desire in mostof us to find a place where our values are mirrored,encouraged and made stronger. Ritual isn’t requiredjust to conduct a successful meeting. Ritual by its verynature is repetition and rote. It is full of symbolism thatreflects our duties and beliefs and it’s that repetitionwhich makes the things we say and do within ourLodges’ walls a deeper part of who we are, and who webecome. It makes them part of our thought processes,engrained and adhered to as naturally as we recite ourown names. In that sense, these rituals unconsciouslybecome part of our everyday selves and our duties toeach other and all mankind. Our communities don’tknow us as individuals based on our work within ourlodge walls, but rather by the kind of men formedwithin those walls and how we act as such.Think of it this way – running your car through acar wash makes it look clean and shiny. It looks likethe kind of vehicle that would be reliable and thatanyone would be proud to drive. But all of the soapand quarters in the world won’t make that car what itshould be if the engine isn’t tuned and running well.The external appearance is never an indication of theinternal workings.And that, gentleman, brings us to the matter athand. I would argue that in our zeal to clarify ourplace in our communities we have allowed too manyoutside influences to dictate our path. Movies, theweb, and recent books either portray us a villains orheroes, when in truth we are neither. We are goodmen, bound by our belief in The Great Architect ofthe Universe, by our obligations to one another andby the security that being with others of a like mindbrings to us.In keeping with the spirit of open debate, theGrand Jurisdiction of Wyoming has been affordedthe opportunity to discuss the volatile issue of “shouldlocal Lodges and Grand Lodges stress the promotionof the Lodge in the community or should emphasisbe on expanding, building and promoting the localLodge internally”. This is a very dear subject to someand very sore one for others. A reading of the crystalball says that this topic is really about membership.With membership always in the minds of the GrandLodge – community involvement is the immediateanswer to retain or gain more members. This isa membership element that is often emphasizingquantity over quality in its search for new members.This then leads us to the question of whether we areplacing too much emphasis on promoting ourselvesin the community, or should we be ensuring that weare internally strong first?This complicated subject deserves more than justa cursory glance. Our fraternity attempts to take agood man and make him better. Our earliest ritualsand degree work teach us that it is the internal partof the man that we are most interested in and not theexternal. Using this logic, the internal workings andqualifications of the Lodge, or Grand Lodge for thatmatter, must be strong and well guided. For without astrong understanding of Masonry, how can we expectto be strong externally – in the community?The very acts of a true Mason living his obligationscreate public interest and a genuine like of his actions.

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4Emulation of these Masonic attributes and why helives them, creates an interest in how he achievedthem. Subtle advertising such as wearing a squareand compass, or advertising that states “ to be one askone” for example, will allow a man who is genuinelyinterested in bettering himself or doing more for thecommunity, know where to turn. Membership in ourorganization relies on a man asking to become a partof what we do. A man so interested joins because hewants to become part of something bigger and betterthan himself, and admires the strength of character hehas observed in the Brother answering his questions.Recent books and movies have highlighted Masonry,creating quite a stir in the public. Young men of thecomputer age have taken to studying the craft longbefore they come to us for membership, and not allthey learn is accurate.In our jurisdiction, we have an awards programcalled the Master Builder Program. This program isdesigned to create an active Lodge by racking up certainrequirements both mandatory and discretionary.This program is heavily focused on communityinvolvement and has become a basic check off list forLodges in pursuit of the Master Builder Award. It isa beautiful award, and winning Lodges are honoredeach year at Grand Lodge with either the starter plaqueor a hanger to put on the plaque they already have. Inreality, it is a record keeping nightmare for the LodgeSecretary and really says nothing about the internalstrength of the Lodge. There are Lodges within thisJurisdiction that have the “Master Builder” title yetcannot open or close their Lodge without a ritual intheir hand. Is this the measure of a “Master Builder”Lodge? Are we merely basing the success of a Lodgeon its completion of a check-off list, rather than howwell the Lodge members can carry out the ritualisticduties of Masonry? Maybe this award should be renamedthe “Community Involvement Award” andrather than falling by the wayside, awards for ritualand floor work should be reinstated.I know that involvement in our communities iscritical, but before we can proudly step out as Masonsinto a community which knows little of us –or worsethinks we are in league with the devil or some other evilconspiracy - we had better be prepared. We have to beinternally strong in the Lodge and more importantlywithin ourselves. Our obligations, rituals and otherteachings are by their very nature a philosophy forthe living our lives. How we interact with our fellowman – more especially a Brother Mason- is a directreflection of how we deal with our obligations ona daily basis. It is this that the community sees ona daily basis – brothers interacting on the level,standing uprightly for that which is good and beingon the square with each other. Handshakes to us aresymbolic and not just a courtesy. It is these actionsthat make our Lodges strong internally and are thenreflected by our actions within the community.Grand Lodges should be looking at the local Lodgeswith an eye to how well each Lodge handles thebusiness of Masonry. A Master Builder Lodge, to me,would be mirrored by the expectations of that MasterBuilder we know so well – Grand Master Hiram Abiff.Would he accept mediocre work from a Lodge overtheir outstanding performance in the community?Would the tests at each gate of the Temple become lessimportant and then the title Master Mason becomeonly what is expected? I think that our Grand MasterHiram would be proud of a Lodge that strictlyadhered to the Landmarks, performed the ritual withpride and confidence, and daily lived the obligationsthat we have given to each other. Here, Brothers, is thetrue strength of Masonry – the ability to grow stronginternally and then to proudly project that strengthinto the world of the profanes.Masonry asks more of us and it is our response whichis too often lacking. We are to live our obligations, nottout them, seeking the betterment of humanity and inthe process we end up bettering ourselves. The samecan be said about Lodges. If we do not expend thetime and effort to strengthen the Lodge, then we arenot taking the time or investing Masonic effort intoeach member which, in and of itself, will strengthen orhinder the Lodge and in a way that of the community.There is a logicalsequence of eventsthat must occur tostrengthen a Lodge.First, the Lodge mustbe strong in the basicsof Masonry and beso recognized by theGrand Lodge. AsTom Hamm, JGSthe Lodge becomes stronger,it is then more capable of projecting itself into thecommunity in a favorable light. Then Masonicstrength coupled with community activity will createa more harmonious and successful opportunity forthe Lodge as well as the community. That examplewill naturally inspire others to become welcomemembers of our craft.Finally Brothers, Masonry and the community arevery closely intertwined. It is from the communitythat we get our members, but it is in the Lodge that webuild that member into a better man, that man whobecomes our Brother. Strengthening the Craft as aPage 37

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 4whole is achieved by the actions of the local Brothersand by the insistence of the Grand Lodge to achievea certain degree of Masonic competence. Promotingthe successes of local Lodges by the Grand Lodgeand then rewarding them, will help in making eachLodge a more complete and comprehensive Masonicinstitution. By promoting Masonic ideals and adheringto the Masonic rituals and Landmarks, we can buildand expand our Masonic Lodges without having tosacrifice community involvement. Remember, it isthe internal part that we are most interested in notthe external, but a wise and continued strengtheningof the internal will by its very nature strengthen howwe are perceived in the community and eventuallyhow we become more involved externally in thecommunity.Page 38

Montana Freemason RMMC Special Issue August 2013 Volume 88 Number 462nd Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference AttendeesGrand Jurisdiction of MontanaGrand Jurisdiction of New MexicoThom Chisholm Grand MasterWilliam Childers Grand MasterDon Cerovski Deputy Grand Master Kevin Schwebel Deputy Grand MasterBrian Murphy Senior Grand Warden Jefferson Jordan Senior Grand WardenLewis Smith Junior Grand Warden Dennis Anderson Junior Grand WardenBruce Lahti Grand TreasurerDan Sutcliffe Grand SecretaryReid Gardiner Grand SecretaryDanny Lucero Grand LecturerLewie Fletcher Grand MarshalErnie Shoup Senior Grand DeaconBill Murphy Senior Gand StewardAdam Hathaway Junior Grand DeaconFrank Noble Grand Sword BearerJohnathon Dahlquist Grand PursuivantGrand Jurisdiction of UtahJohn Thompson Grand HistorianAllen Record Grand MasterDan Gardiner Ass’t Grand SecretaryDrew Sanders Deputy Grand MasterTerry Davis PMGerald Everett Senior Grand WardenLyle Cusson PMWesley Ing Junior Grand WardenBill Sampson MMLawrence Fielden Grand SecretaryGavin Wordrope Grand OratorGrand Jurisdiction of ColoradoRobert Wolfarth Grand LecturerDana Speaks Grand MasterJeff Hamilton Senior Grand DeaconDan Gannon Deputy Grand MasterMichael St Laurent Grand PursuivantDexter Koons Junior Grand WardenGeorge Winters Grand HistorianErnie Pyle Grand SecretaryRobert Elsloo Senior Grand DeaconGrand Jurisdiction of WyomingVernon Turner Junior Grand DeaconClarence Vranish Grand MasterRalph Newby Grand MarshalWilliam Townsend Deputy Grand MasterJohn Trainor Grand MusicianRichard Lewis Senior Grand WardenBenyon St John Grand SecretaryGrand Jurisdiction of IdahoKenneth Badget Senior Grand StewardKeith Brooks Grand MasterThom Hamm Junior Grand StewardDan Heberling Deputy Grand MasterTom Smead Grand OratorArt Shoemaker Senior Grand WardenJohn Warner Junior Grand WardenMonte Bollar Grand SecretaryGuest JurisdictionsJim Hensley Senior Grand DeaconGrand Jurisdiciton of ArizonaBill Curtis Junior Grand DeaconJeff Carlton Past Grand MasterKent McCandless Grand MarshalScott Thomas Junior Grand DeaconRob Troxel Junior Grand StewardRuss Graves Past Grand TylerGrand Jurisdiction of NebraskaBrian Becker PMJohn Maxell Senior Grand WardenGrand Jurisdiction of NevadaRick Myers Senior Grand DeaconMike Hoaglin Grand MasterJohn Buffington Deputy Grand MasterGrand Lodge of ScotlandDan Newman Senior Grand WardenBob Cooper Grand Historian & Grand ArchivistRonald Pulse Grand Bible BearerLarry Kesler Grand TrusteeJerry Ogle Senior Grand DeaconPage 39

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