ARTICLE LII. (52) Order of Business (343) The order of business of a Lodge shall be: 1. Opening the Lodge. 2. Calling roll of members.
3. Reading minutes of last stated communication. 4. Reading minutes of special communication. 5. Sickness and distress. 6. Reports on petitions previously referred. 7. Balloting on petitions. 8. Presenting and referring petitions.
9. Communications, bills, etc. 10. Reports on other committees. 11. Unfinished business. 12. Election of officers and installation. 13. Conferring degrees. 14. New business. 15. Reading and approval of minutes. 16. Closing the Lodge.
Through examining the above agenda, together with a knowledge of what is and what is not acceptable Masonic work to be conducted outside a lodge meeting, we can come to a better understanding of why it’s important to prioritize attendance at these meetings (health, family, and business permitting). Let’s get to the heart of the content. Reason 1: Experience Opening and Closing Ritual Attending lodge meetings have helped to increase my understanding of the ritual and customs to open and close a lodge in my jurisdiction. I can remember being nervous about what to expect at my first lodge meeting. I didn’t know the formalities or floor w ork. It was great to have spent my first year as a Master of Ceremonies where I played a role in the ceremonies but did not have a speaking part. I was able to watch and learn. This helped tremendously as I traveled and visited other lodges. At some point in your masonic life, you may decide to travel throughout your district, your jurisdiction, and other jurisdictions. While visiting another lodge, you may be asked to fill a station or place. W ouldn’t you like to be prepared if called upon to help a lodge or close? Attending lodge meetings allows you the opportunity to observe and perform the opening and closing ritual. Reason 2: Ensure Accuracy of Lodge Records While attending a lodge meeting, you will likely have the opportunity to hear the minutes from the previous meeting and current meeting. After the Secretary reads the minutes, you will be asked if you notice any errors or omissions. This is your opportunity to ensure the integrity of the records that will live in the lodge’s archives to account for the actions and decisions made. In your absence, there could be errors or omissions from the records that impact future generations of lodge members who want to refer back to the historical records. Additionally, part of the reading of the minutes include the cash receipts and disbursements. The mismanagement of funds can be a major deterrent to brothers continuing to be active in a lodge. Attendance at lodge meetings help to ensure that the finances of the lodge are properly accounted for. Reason 3: Increase Awareness of Official Masonic Activity At each lodge meeting, the Secretary reads communications from the Grand Lodge and other correspondence as indicated by the Worshipful Master. Proclamations from the Grand Master or invitations from other lodges to their respective functions are examples of communications read at each lodge meeting. Any brother that intends to be active in the fraternity near and far should be aware of the activities occurring at the local, district, and Grand Lodge levels of the fraternity. While this information may be obtained informally outside of lodge meetings, it is the formal communication received in a lodge meeting that provides a higher level of credibility to the message and details therein.
Prince Hall Sentinel May 2024 Page | 63
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