Past Masters Must Do This

Tonight is my Lodge’s Installation and I am deliverying the Address to the Brethren.

You may recall I set myself the challenge of learning it in 30 days in this article, which I successfully did. Given I had plenty of time up my sleeve from when I started the challenge to now, I have spent that extra time studying it’s meaning and also working on delivery.

One of the most important verses is right at the start where it describes those who must Rule and Teach juxtaposed against those who must submit and learn, with humility in both being an essential qualification.

In this verse I want to pay particular attention to the Rule and Teach, but more specifically to those who are to Teach. This is specifically referring to the Past Masters of the Lodge, those who have been Rulers, they are now called to teach.

But too many Past Masters don’t actually apply the humulity that is essential to take their place as teachers. Rather, many act as psudeo Leaders.

This tendency to act as pseudo leaders rather than humble teachers sets in motion a chain of events that can ultimately threaten the Lodge.

Let's examine how this unfolds.

When Past Masters maintain a ruler mindset, clinging to the authority they once held, it creates an immediate and palpable effect on the current Master and officers. These dedicated Brethren, who have stepped up to guide the Lodge, suddenly find themselves undermined at every turn. A suggestion from the East is met with a stern glance from a Past Master. A new idea from a Warden is swiftly shot down with a reminder of "how we've always done things." This constant intervention erodes the confidence of our current leadership.

As a result, we witness our officers becoming increasingly hesitant. The Master, who should be confidently wielding the gavel, second-guesses every decision. Wardens, who should be learning and preparing for their own time in the East, become reluctant to voice their ideas or implement changes.

Now, many Past Masters might argue that they are indeed teaching by closely overseeing the current leadership and correcting them at every turn. "We're showing them the correct way," they might say. But let's pause and consider this approach. Is it truly teaching, or is it simply perpetuating a cycle of rigid adherence to "the way things have always been done"? Often, what these well-meaning Past Masters are passing on isn't the correct way, but rather the wrong way that was taught to them, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of misguided tradition.

But guess what this also does. It stops Brethren from wanting to continue towards the chair, or when they have completed their time as Master, they decide to leave the Craft.

It's time for a paradigm shift. I call upon our esteemed Past Masters to take a step back and reflect. Remember that essential qualification of humility that we spoke of earlier? Now is the time to apply it. Instead of hovering over the East, critiquing every move of the current Master, why not redirect that wealth of experience and knowledge where it's truly needed?

Imagine the impact if our Past Masters fully embraced their role as mentors to our Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, and Master Masons. These younger Brethren are hungry for knowledge, eager to understand the deeper meanings of our Craft. They need guides who can illuminate the path ahead, not taskmasters who insist on a single, narrow way forward.

Consider the tremendous support our Past Masters could provide to the Director of Ceremonies. By mentoring officers in the intricacies of our ceremonies, they could help ensure that our rituals are performed with understanding and reverence, not just rote memorization. This is teaching in its truest form – passing on not just the words, but the spirit behind them.

Picture a Lodge room alive with the sound of Master Masons practicing their charges under the patient guidance of a Past Master. These seasoned Brethren have a wealth of experience in presenting these important lessons. By sharing their insights on delivery, emphasis, and meaning, they can help breathe new life into these timeless teachings.

As for me, this is the path I intend to follow in our Lodge. I will step back and allow our Worshipful Master and his Wardens the space they need to rule and govern effectively.

My role as a Past Master is to support, to guide when asked, and to teach those who seek knowledge. By doing so, I hope to contribute to a Lodge where leadership flourishes, where tradition is honored but not stifling, and where every Brother, from the newest Entered Apprentice to the most experienced Past Master, has the opportunity to grow and contribute.

In this way, we can create a Lodge that is vibrant, growing, and true to the highest ideals of our Craft. Remember, Brethren, our duty as Past Masters is not to rule from the sidelines, but to ensure that the light of Masonic knowledge continues to shine brightly for generations to come.