Page 20 - MFM April 2017

Montana Freemason April 2017 Volume 93 Number 1 Montana Freemason April 2017 Volume 93 Number 1
Proxies Worshipful Master’s Duty

Whenever the Master, Senior Warden or Junior To Attend Session
Warden cannot attend the annual communication
he may grant a proxy, in writing, to some member Every year, Worshipful Masters and Wardens
of his Lodge to act in his stead. The proxy must be promise to submit to the “ancient charges and
issued by him at least two days prior to the annual regulations of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.”
communication and he must notify the other officers Before being installed. These charges “point out the
of the granting of the proxy. The proxy card must duties of a Master of a Lodge,” and are deemed so
be presented when checking in and registration. If important that they are read to ensure accuracy.
either the Master, Senior Warden or Junior Warden
has died during his term of office or has permanently What do these charges mean? Here is some food
moved from this jurisdiction, the Lodge may, at a for thought. You promise a regular attendance on the
regular meeting held at least two days prior to the committees and Communications of the Grand Lodge
annual communication, elect a proxy for such officer. on receiving proper notice and to pay attention to all
If the member designated as proxy does not use it; the the duties of Masonry on convenient occasions. A
credential cannot be used by anyone else. If a proxy Lodge is a constituent of the Grand Lodge when in
is being given, it should be given to a member of the session. In order for a lodge to be an indispensable
Lodge other than a Past Master, as they have a vote. component, it must be represented. Thus, its
If attending as a Proxy, the member must present his presence is mandatory, either personally or by proxy.
current Montana Dues Card and the Proxy card to the Additionally, our Code requires that each Lodge be
registration committee. Tie Vote. The Grand Master represented by the attendance of their Master and
shall have a regular vote in all Matters before Grand Wardens.
Lodge. In the case of a tie vote, he may also cast the
deciding vote.
Concerning Balloting and Voting
25050. REPRESENTATION IN GRAND LODGE.
Each chartered and duly constituted Lodge shall In Anderson’s Constitutions and in Mackey’s
be represented in Grand Lodge at every non- Jurisprudence, we find that the “immemorial
ceremonial communication by one or more of its usages” concerning balloting and electing that it be
Master and Wardens, or by an elected representative. independent and secret. The secrecy of the ballot
Where a Master or Warden is unable to attend, the is as essential to its perfection as its unanimity and
lodge Instructor shall be given the preferential its independence. We frequently hear those who
representation. propose we change our procedures to match that of
political parties or other organizations in the name of
transparency but to do so and give away the ballot
secrecy would be un-masonic.
Notice for Balloting
On Grand Lodge Officers On legislation M.W. Brother Dean Lindahl (5),
Grand Secretary (1982-2001) frequently stated that
During the 151th Annual Communication, the “The only good legislation, is legislation that will do
voting delegates will be voting for the following something for the Mason in his Lodge that he can see,
officers: and makes the Lodge better.”
Deputy Grand Master
Senior Grand Warden
Junior Grand Warden
Grand Treasurer Presentation of Lodge Banners
Grand Secretary
The various duties, requirements and eligibility of Continuing with the long-standing tradition, Lodges
these officers are specified within the Constitution are again requested to bring their Lodge Banner
and Code of Statutes. for display during the Annual Communication. The
Banners will be posted about the Lodge room. Please
make arrangements to ensure that your Lodge is
represented with your banner.

Page 20