Page 34 - MFM May 2015 C

Instruct the Instructors

RWB Brian J. Murphy, DGM

A very wise man once said, “Tell me protocols. It is irresponsible, and should be deemed
and I forget. Teach me and I remember. unacceptable, if inconsistency and discrepancy become
Involve me and I will learn.” That standard and common place. It is my opinion that these
very wise man was Brother Benjamin disparities are not a result of aloofness or disinterest.
Franklin, who, throughout his entire They are a result of - do I dare say? - Ignorance. In
life possessed a deep penchant for other words, simply not knowing what to do! If a
study, discovery and invention which Lodge meets, opens, closes, conducts occasional degree
resulted in profound advancements work, etc… then it is obvious that its shortcomings can
in science, literature, politics, not be attributed to anything other than not having been
diplomacy and education. As a prominent figure in properly instructed.
America’s Enlightenment, Franklin was instrumental While it has been often quoted by this author that the
in the establishment of our education system with the most important person in a lodge room is the newest
founding of public schools and universities. The point or youngest Brother in attendance, and/or maybe that
is, we would be well-advised to heed Brother Ben’s member who might be ‘on the fence’ with regards
words of wisdom. to his commitment, it has also been noted that the
most important elected Officer in the room is likely
Personally, I’ve always subscribed to the following the Secretary. While the Master has the authority and
philosophy: ’There are only two reasons why someone responsibility of governing his Lodge, he is, in all
doesn’t do something, - they either don’t know what likelihood, going to serve for a limited time. On the
to do, - or they simply don’t care’. While we may other hand, as the saying goes, ‘Secretaries are for
acknowledge that benevolence is a powerful force, we life.’ - and good Secretaries are undeniably paramount
must accept the fact that benevolence itself can not to the success of a Lodge. The influence of these two
be forced …by any power. In short, you can’t make elected officers notwithstanding, it is my most humble
someone care. opinion that the next highest office of consequence and
significance in a lodge is that of Instructor.
Freemasonry’s honored sacred rites, traditions and As you can clearly see, as spelled out in our Code,
rituals have been passed down through generations of the Lodge Instructor plays a very important role
caring brothers who invested their time and energy to in the success of a lodge. All too often the Brother
ensure that the Masonry they were taught is, in turn, the recommended and subsequently appointed Instructor
same Masonry we are to teach.

As per our Constitution and Codes, the following should be duly noted:

3120. INSTRUCTORS. It shall be the duty of the Instructor to:
A. Hold schools of instruction and instruct the officer of the lodges in the ritual:
B. Prepare officer of the lodge to prepare for advancement;
C. Instruct in those portion of the Constitution and Statutes of Grand Lodge which
relate to the government of the lodge;
D. Instruct in the proper administration of the affairs of the lodge; and
E. Encourage preservation of the Ancient Landmarks.

Each Grand Master annually shall appoint and commission one Instructor in each lodge, who shall serve
his pleasure and whose commission shall expire on the first day of the next Annual Communication
following his appointment. The Grand Lodge Officer, within whose district the lodge lies, shall recommend
appointment of such Instructor after consulting with the Senior Warden or Worshipful Master elect if he is
not the Senior Warden. Following the close of the Annual Communication, commissions shall be signed by
the Grand Master and Grand Secretary and mailed to the lodges for presentation to the Lodge Instructor. In
the performance of his duties the Instructor shall be the personal representative of the Grand Master.

Our rituals are what differentiates and distinguishes us is a ‘seasoned’ member who may be extremely (or
from the rest of the world. As Masons, we have sworn moderately) proficient at ritual work, but may lack
to uphold the Ancient Landmarks of the Order which competency in administration. As the ‘keeper of the
have been so earnestly entrusted to our care. We have work’, every Lodge Instructor is entrusted with a copy
been charged to never suffer them to be infringed or of ‘Vigilante Days and Ways’, wherefrom he may ensure
countenance a deviation from the established usages and that all words and actions pertaining to our rituals and
customs of our beloved fraternity. Yet, all too often our ceremonies are followed to the letter. Every lodge is
beautiful ceremonies and rituals are shrouded in doubt also provided with printed copies of various writings,
and confusion with regards to proper procedures and i.e. the Coaches Handbook, Officer’s Guide, Masonic
Page 34 Manuals, etc… Introduced in 1996 by MWB David