Useful links:
Sponsor MasonicSoftware.com
hy
Stewart M. L. Pollard
We would like lo thank R.W. Bro. Pollard for this extremely
important view of the role of Ihe Past Master. Bro. Pollard is the immediate
Past Executive Secretary of the MSA.
Anyone who has served in the East of any Masonic body, but
more especially in the East of a symbolic lodge, has a special feeling of
satisfaction and pride in his accomplishments in that office. It is only natural that he will also have
a feeling of regret that he was not able to ac complish everything he had hoped
during his term. He will also have second thoughts on how he handled some
situations. Most of all, though, he has a deep and abiding concern for his
lodge.
But, what about “life after service in the East?” What
happens then? The answer will de pend a great deal upon the individual and his
at titude. There are some who relinquish the gavel with great reluctance. . .
and there are some who never seem to give it up. And, yes, there are a few
(fortunately a very few) who walk away from the job and never appear to look
back and seldom come back. Fortunately, the vast majority of Past presiding
officers take on a status of “senior ad visors” who greatly assist their
successors in the government of the Craft.
Many lodges take full advantage of the talents of these
experienced leaders. They are used on “executive councils”, as Trustees,
Committee Chairmen, coaches, and as protem officers.
So long as they are used to good advantage and are made to continue to
feel needed and useful, they will continue to be great assets to the organiza
tion. It is when they are ignored and “cast off” that they look around for other
outlets for their talents.
Some lodges which have a number of Past Masters available
have formed them into a “Past Masters Association”, and when there are several
lodges in close proximity they often form a regional association of Past
Masters. One of the most successful of this type is the Past Masters Association
of the District of Columbia.
Thanks to the talents of a dedicated Secretary, it publishes a quarterly
newsletter which is sent to all of its members “wheresoever dispersed”, keeping
the membership informed of activities in the various lodges, news of the
activities of the members, losses through death, changes of address, mar riages,
etc. It is a most appreciated service which promotes pride, continued interest,
and as a periphery benefit, it increases contributions to the Masonic and
Eastern Star Home and other fund raising activities of the D.C. Iodges. Dues in
the Association are kept at an absolute minimum, with a number of the D.C.
Iodges paying the dues in the Association for all of their Past Masters. This
serves as an additional link in the chain of communication. The Past Masters
Association meets several times each yearusually at the “festive board.”
That special kinship which Past Masters have with one
another is evident in many ways. In many lodges it is customary for the Past
Masters to sit together (frequently in the Southeast cor ner) where they have
been likened to “buzzards sitting on a fence.” It seems they want to be near the
Secretary so that they can see and hear everything that is going on, and, of
course they are willing, ready and able to assist, prompt or correct the Master.
If you were to eavesdrop on them, you’d hear frequent comments such as, “ During
my year, we did such and so; ‘ or, “Remember when such and such happened?” And
there is usually a good amount of reminisc ing done. But, it is part of that
special fellowship which Past Masters enjoy.
In a number of retirement communities across the country,
you will find that the strong “tie that binds” has brought Past Masters
together. They have been the founders of literally hundreds of Masonic clubs in
those communities, and have been instrumental in increasing attendance at local
lodges. And, bless ‘em, many of them have become active in those lodges,
bringing with them a wealth of experience and knowledge. Some of them have gone
through the line again. Essen tially, they give proof to that old adage that
Freemasonry is a universal society of friends and brothers.
We frequently hear Past Masters referred to as the
“backbone of the lodge.” That just might be a gross understatement of fact. Past masters may be described as the
backbone of the entire fraternity. After all, ALL Grand Lodge officers are,
first, Past Masters. It is their knowledge, ex perience, enthusiasm and interest
which makes any Grand Lodge “tick”. Almost without excep tion, Past Masters are
men of vision, who are continuously working for the good of the Craft, steering
the course for its future.
The final paragraph of the January 1931 Short Talk
Bulletin, “The Past Master,” reads: “The honorable station of Past Master can
not be honored by the brethren if it is not honored by its possessor.”
Fortunately, almost all who have earned the title of Past Master continue to
serve their lodges with distinction. It is a title which has been earned by
their total involvement in lodge activities and by their personal sacrifices. As
with all honors and titles, Past Masters find that there are new rights and
privileges which go with the title. There are also additional duties and
responsibilities...and new challenges.
Among the initial shocks that a new Past Master faces is
that the telephone stops its cons tant ringing, that he now has time for a
personal life and an opportunity to read and study. Many find that in their
first year as a Past Master they gain more Masonic knowledge than in all the
preceding years. To aid them in this period, there are several of The Masonic
Service Association Short Talk Bulletins which are recommended reading: “The
Past Master” (Jan. ‘31); “Lodge Courtesies” (Aug. ‘24); “Master” (Feb. ‘41); “Past Master’s Jewel” (Apr. ‘45);
“The Master’s Jewel Speaks” (Oct. ‘43).
With the title of Past Master, he is also accord ed the
accolade of “Worshipful”indicating that he is an honored and respected brother.
It is a reputation which he must continually strive to uphold.
Yes! Past Masters can be properly referred to as the
“backbone of the Craft.”
It is a wise Master who recognizes the talents of the Past
Masters and who uses them to good advantage. They can serve as a “sounding
board” for the programs and activities a master is con sidering. He can “pick
their brains” for ideas and he can count on the Past Masters to give him the
wisdom of their experience. The
Master serves as the rudder, steering the course, but it is often the Past
Masters who assist him to “keep it on an even keel.”
Why are a Past Master’s compasses, in his jewel, open at 60
degrees on a quadrant instead 90 on a square?
The compasses open sixty degrees are in easy position to
construct a square. The Master has worn the square while he presided; now, as
Past Master, he is supposed to be in possession of the knowledge necessary to
make a square, hence the position of the compasses and the quadrant.
There are many geometric methods of erecting a square; the
Past Master’s jewel hints at one of the simplest and most used methods as best
for the Past Master to employ in instructing his successor.
From “101 Questions about Freemasonry” available through The Masonic Service Association.