"Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast"
- Romeo and Juliet (II.ii.94)

Greetings Brethren:
Our Masonic journeys take us many places, but they all begin with that first inquiry and asking for a petition. When we start out, everything that we see more experienced brethren do seems daunting and beyond our abilities. Still, with patience and encouragement, practice and execution, we find ourselves progressing both through the chairs and our Masonic path.

As a lodge officer, if you were to begin at Junior Steward and progress through the chairs to the East, it would be a nine-year journey. Some lodges (of necessity) see brethren advance faster but wherever possible there should be no rush. Take the time to learn each office, its ritual requirements as well as its duties. We have a life-long journey before us and should not be in a rush.

In Beyond the Northeast Corner: The Entered Apprentice Degree (the masonictrowel.com, Chapter X), Richard H. Sands notes that the Entered Apprentice was beginning his career and worked for seven years with a Master Mason before he could become a Fellow of the Craft (Fellowcraft) and earn his own wages. We must guard against rushing through the chairs to attain a rank or title as a means to itself. Certainly, we may become a Worshipful, Very Worshipful, Right Worshipful, or even Most Worshipful Brother, but to what end are we receiving that? If it is to have the title, we miss the central part of our teachings. Having attained the rank of Worshipful Brother, we are now obligated to work for the lodge and to serve it. We must teach and nurture our younger brethren so that our lodge continues to grow in strength. If we only want the rank, we do not deserve it.

When someone asks you to consider a “higher” office, ask them what about you motivates them to offer such support. It will tell you a lot about the impact that you are making on your journey and ensure that your motivations are right.

I am reminded of Brother George Dyck (deceased). He was a member of my Mother Lodge and never able to go through the chairs because he felt that the demands of his work prevented him from giving the lodge’s offices the effort and attention that they deserved. However, he delivered the Charges at the end of each degree with great dignity and fervour. His passing to the Grand Lodge Above left a void in our lodge and its brethren, but he was an excellent example for a young mason to follow. He attained no higher rank than Brother, but he wore it with justifiable pride.

We have a lifetime to work in the Craft. Find the balance so that you are able to enjoy each step and to be a serviceable brother to your lodge. We need every committed brother to make us stronger.

Fraternally,

MW Bro. Patrick Davis
Grand Master 2024-25