Traditional Responsibility of the Line

One of the traditions of the Fraternity is to advance our leaders within the elected "line" of officers in recognition of service, merit, and potential leadership. There is little question of the honor and respect due those of our Lodges who take on the role of leading their brethren through a Masonic year, but we, and they, must be aware there is more beyond the rights and privileges of holding an office. Freemasonry is a study in self-improvement, developing self-leadership, and the art of building a spiritual Temple.

For the faithful Mason, there are three levels of responsibilities as a Lodge leader, namely expectations before being elected, duties while in office, and actions after office. In Masonic sense we find another application the ever-present three steps to becoming a Master, namely preparation, execution, and reflective action. This can be seen in how a Lodge builds its leadership core and how it elects its officers. Unfortunately some Lodges do not approach their leadership needs in this manner and are more reactive than active. Members do not prepare, do not step forward, or are not willing to assume the responsibility of office, and the Lodge has to call on past officers, or even worse, "just find" someone to "fill" the office. The future of a Lodge is built upon its present, not just its past.

Each Lodge has to address its officer core in the same manner as the prospective officer and apply the three steps to becoming a Master. The first step is in preparation, which means that a prospective officer must look at the role and responsibilities associated with the office. This does not mean simply watching someone in office, but reading the Monitor of the Lodge and The Laws and Constitution of the Grand Lodge, studying Lodge leadership materials, discussing Lodge goals and problems with members, and reflecting on possible solutions. Determining the "designs upon the Trestle board" is the critical first step to becoming a Master and it is this time when the first stones are set in place for service. Regardless of office, this "pre-office" time and effort are most important to the success in being an good officer.

The second step is in the execution and this is in serving the Craft. Regardless of office, advanced planning and communication are key components to success, along with the many elements of involvement, interaction, attention to detail, and follow-up. The Entered Apprentice's charge of " acting upon the square, doing unto him as you wish he should do unto to you" should be an officer's constant reminder to serve the Lodge, his Brethren, and Freemasonry. Our fraternity is at all times a "Band of Brothers", bound by Brotherly affection.

The remaining step is to reflect upon one's service and extend the hand of Brotherly love to those following, especially those taking on the office completed. Passing the legacy of experience, support, and understanding is most important in developing new leaders and maintaining the vitality of the Lodge. Being a Past Master of a Lodge is not the goal, but rather the responsibility of assisting in guiding the Lodge to better days. Wisdom draws upon experience to change the present and thus promote happiness, which is the ultimate goal of the Craft.