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A new structure for Grand Lodge
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Presented at the Vancouver Grand Masonic Day, February 19, 2005
by RW Bro. Keith V. Godfrey, Chairman, Research Committee of Grand Lodge
A Model for Discussion
1. Introduction
When considering the issue of the term of service of the Grand Master, one is very quickly drawn into a discussion of other issues. A full consideration of these issues is outside the scope of this introductory paper, but will be addressed in the final version. Briefly, a major question is "What is the function of Grand Lodge?" As a basis for discussion it is suggested that the primary function of the Grand Lodge is to ensure regularity within the jurisdiction so that brethren can have access to the wide world of Freemasonry. In order to do this, Craft lodges must be warranted and their masonic behaviour monitored to ensure that Ancient, Free and Accepted Masonry is being practiced in the jurisdiction. This gives the basis to apply for recognition from other Grand Lodges, which in turn opens the doors of lodges in other jurisdictions.
Although it is understood that there are other very important functions performed by Grand Lodge, this fundamental function will form the basis for the discussion in this introductory paper.
2. The structure of Grand Lodge
In order to perform the functions of Grand Lodge, a structure is required. That structure in this Jurisdiction (and many others) consists of a general membership defined in the Book of Constitutions (Section 3A). Within that definition, a ranking and precedence is specified. It will readily be evident that within that order there are two categories of officers -- what we could call "Active" and "Honorary". Recognizing that this division is somewhat arbitrary, the Active Officers would be the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Director of Ceremonies, Grand Historian, Grand Marshal and Grand Chaplain. This division is made on the basis of ongoing activity that is required and/or a report on activity is made. On this basis, we should add to the "Active" component the various Standing and Ad Hoc committees and the Board of General Purposes. The remaining Officers (Grand Deacons, Grand Superintendent, Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Pursuivant, Grand Stewards, Grand Organist and Grand Tyler would fall into the "Honorary" category.
On the basis of this division, the discussion in this paper will focus on the "Active" component of the structure of Grand Lodge. Within that Active component there are activities that are primarily "Leadership" and those that are primarily "Management" with the emphasis on the word "primary". Recognizing that the distinction can be somewhat blurred, the Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, the Board of General Purposes and the various Standing and Ad Hoc Committees function primarily in the Management sphere, with the other officers providing a Leadership role.
This is not clearly evident from the various descriptions in the Book of Constitutions and as will become evident, part of the restructuring model discussed in this paper will be concerned with providing more definition for the various offices.
The structure presented in this brief outline paper is the result of consultation of the original committee chaired by RW Bro. Stephen Godfrey in conjunction with the Research Committee chaired by RW Bro. Keith V. Godfrey who is primarily responsible for the preparation of the paper. To emphasize, the intent of the paper is to provide a format for discussion. None of the proposals are intended to represent a recommendation to be adopted by this Grand Jurisdiction, but rather through informed dialogue to consider and develop appropriate changes to the structure of the management and leadership for our Grand Lodge that will enable the Craft in this jurisdiction to move forward into and through the 21st century.
It is hoped that at this Vancouver Grand Masonic Day held on February 19th 2005, the brethren present will contribute their thoughts and as importantly take the dialogue back to their lodges, so that the changes—if indeed any are considered to be desirable—can be thoroughly discussed before that matter comes before Grand Lodge.
3.1 The Grand Master
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Term:
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1 year renewable annually for a maximum of a further 2 years.
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By:
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Annual Election at a Grand Communication.
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Qualifications:
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Must have served as Deputy Grand Master for a minimum of 1 year to be nominated for initial election.
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Duties:
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To provide leadership and guidance to the Craft in British Columbia.
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To represent the Craft to other jurisdictions and to the public at large.
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When necessary, to interpret the Constitution and rule on such matters pending confirmation at a Grand Lodge Communication.
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To preside at all Grand Lodge Communications and Ceremonies unless same is delegated to the Deputy Grand Master or District Deputy Grand Masters or other Grand Officers.
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To chair the Grand Warden’s Selection Committee.
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3.2 The Deputy Grand Master
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Term:
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1 year renewable annually for a maximum of a further 2 years.
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By:
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Annual Election at a Grand Communication.
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Qualifications:
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Must have served either as Junior Grand Warden or Senior Grand Warden for at least 1 year.
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Duties:
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To be responsible for the overall management of the Craft.
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To chair the Board of General Purposes.
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To assist the Grand Master in representing the Craft to other jurisdictions and to the general public.
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3.3 The Senior Grand Warden
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Term:
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One year.
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By:
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Appointment by the Grand Master from a selection of 3 candidates nominated by the Grand Warden’s Selection Committee.
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Qualifications:
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Must have served as a District Deputy Grand Master.
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Duties:
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To serve on all Standing Committees and the Board of General Purposes.
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3.4 The Junior Grand Warden
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Term:
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One year.
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By:
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Appointment by the Grand Master from a selection of 3 candidates nominated by the Grand Warden’s Selection Committee.
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Qualifications:
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Must have served as a District Deputy Grand Master.
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Duties:
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To serve on all Ad Hoc Committees and the Board of General Purposes.
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3.5 The Management Committee
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Meetings:
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Monthly.
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Chairman:
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The Grand Master.
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Members:
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The Deputy Grand Master
The Senior Grand Warden
The Junior Grand Warden
The Grand Secretary
The Grand Treasurer.
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3.6 The Grand Warden’s Selection Committee
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Meetings:
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Annually in April.
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Chairman:
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The Grand Master.
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Members:
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The Deputy Grand Master
The Grand Secretary
Two Past Grand Masters appointed by the Grand Master.
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3.7 The District Deputy Grand Master
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Term:
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One year, renewable for a further one year.
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By:
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Appointment by the Grand Master.
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Qualifications:
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Must have served either as District Education Officer
or as District Secretary in any district in the jurisdiction.
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Duties:
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To represent the Grand Master in his district.
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To ensure regularity of working of all Craft lodges in his district.
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To provide leadership to the lodges of the district.
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3.8 The District Education Officer
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Term:
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One year, renewable for a further one year.
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By:
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Appointment by the District Deputy Grand Master.
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Qualifications:
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Must have served as District Secretary for one year.
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Duties:
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Under the general direction of the District Deputy Grand Master, to organize and provide Masonic Education for the lodges in the district. To assist the Craft lodges in developing and implementing education programmes in each lodge.
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3.9 The District Secretary
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Term:
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One year.
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By:
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Annual election by the lodges in the district.
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Qualifications:
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Must be a Past Master.
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Duties:
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To assist the District Deputy Grand Master in the performance of his duties. To organize and record District functions.
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3.10 The Board of General Purposes
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Meetings:
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Quarterly.
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Chairman:
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The Deputy Grand Master.
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Members:
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The Senior Grand Warden
The Junior Grand Warden
The Grand Secretary
The Grand Treasurer
District Deputy Grand Masters elected from each region
The Chairs of the Standing Committees
The Chairs of the Ad Hoc Committees
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