D4 Deputy - Jul., 2006

VWB C. Blair Leckie
Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4
of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington
for
2005-2007

Mailto: cblairl@excite.com

For the one hundred and forty ninth time, one more annual communication of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington has come and gone. The attendance was up a bit, the environment and enthusiastic support of the community of Ocean Shores was most enjoyable. All of the duties of Grand Lodge were properly performed and the mantle of leadership passed from one strong and eminently capable Grand Master to another. One left feeling encouraged and that the condition of the Craft in our jurisdiction is robust and blessed with excellent leadership into the future.

Most all of the by laws and constitutional changes coming before Grand Lodge passed. Number 2006-1, a provision that would extend Grand Lodge membership to all Elected and Appointed officers of constituent lodges, while it is being carried over for a vote next year, did not pass. With all due respect to the majority who voted against this measure, I wonder why they did so?

Our new Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Chuck McQuery, has for his theme this year, “Walk the Talk.” As Masons, we talk a great deal about losing membership, about being in competition for the time and attention of our members, especially the younger ones. We talk about making changes to adapt to the times and to receiving a commitment to the Craft from our members. At a more esoteric level, we pride ourselves on meeting on the level and how all brothers are equal no matter what their station in life, their color or their creed. Yet, when it comes to being a voting member of our Grand Lodge, we discriminate. Dues are collected on every member of the jurisdiction, life memberships notwithstanding. Yet, only sitting Masters, Wardens and Past Masters are allowed to vote. We encourage the participation and dedication of every mason yet only a select few are mutually respected and allowed a vote in our proceedings.

I acknowledge the point that appears to be the primary concern many brothers express that a younger mason can’t grasp the complexities involved in the issues of self-determination and voting at Grand Lodge. But, in my travels throughout District Four I observe younger masons who are enthused, dedicated, seeking knowledge and informed. I also observe some past masters who are indeed masters of the past, who tend to be uninformed and content with the status quo.

It seems counter productive to disenfranchise a large and contributing group of Master Masons simply because they have not been Masters of their lodge. At our Grand Communication, I couldn’t help but note the irony that a brother being honored on the floor of Grand Lodge for his many years of dedication and service to Masonry and De Molay had to be reminded that, although he was an exemplary mason, not being a past Master, he could not vote.

My brothers, as we enter in to a new Masonic year I encourage you to give this issue some thought and to discuss it amongst yourselves. Obviously, my opinion is clear. I remain respectful of those who disagree with me but, at the same time, I ask, “Isn’t it time that we actually do meet on the level?”

Thanks to both the District Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them. The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA. Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.