A Web Site For The Future Masonic Lodge Master

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

The most important things in life are not "things".

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are a leader.

Welcome and Fraternal Greetings, Brother. This web site had been created to provide useful and, hopefully, helpful to those Brethren that are currently or shall be sitting in the Oriental East of a Masonic Lodge in the near future.

When a Brother is elected by his Lodge to serve as Master, he is expected to be proficient in several area. Ritual, of course, is a given. The newly installed Master must be able to open and close the Lodge, and move from one degree to another flawlessly. Everyone, of course, will make mistakes, but that must be the exception -- not the rule! No Master falling short of this goal can expect to gain the respect of the sideline members -- especially Past Masters (even though their ritual might have left a lot to be desired).

In addition to ritual, a new Master is expected to run a business meeting without getting bogged down or losing control. A section addressing the required skills has been included.

A new Master is expected to have a reasonable knowledge of the Fraternity, its legends, symbols, and other historical information. A section on that has also been included.

Does all of this sound like a lot of work? It is -- however, a wide range of responsibilities accompany the exalted title of "Worshipful Master" -- and the members of your Lodge have every right to expect you to be equal to the task.

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world.

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision.

Some Excellent Research and Study Resources

What Is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry Defined
Every Master should be knowledgeable about our Ancient Craft. If you were asked, "What is Freemasonry?", what would you say? How would you answer this important question from potential candidates or other non-Masons among your acquaintances? There are, of course, many excellent answers. One such answer is included here. Written by two Missouri Freemasons, a Past Grand Master and a Past Grand Orator, this article can provide you with a wealth of information that you can use to answer this important question. It is well worth reading.

The Regius Manuscript
Most Masonic scholars and historians agree that modern Freemasonry evolved from medieval operative stonemason guilds. Therefore, it would serve a new Master well to know something about that period as many of our regulations and procedures stem from that period of history. The best place to start is to read Freemasonry's oldest extant document -- The Regius Poem. It was written in the year 1390. However, based on linguistics, scholars believe it is a copy of a manuscript that was written some 300-400 years before the date of the Regius Manuscript.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive.

General Information For The New Master

The Master's Book
One question often asked by Wardens and new Masters is, "Is there a book or reference I can read to learn more about the art of becoming an outstanding Master? Yes, there are several sources, but one of the best is a book written by an Iowa Past Grand Master -- one of Freemasonry's most knowledgeable and eminent historians and authors. Entitled, "The Master's Book", it has been used by newly installed Masters and Wardens planning their year in the East for almost a century. It is an excellent source for advice and ideas even though it is somewhat dated.

Maine Masonic Text Book
Originally entitled, "Drummonds' Monitor, the Grand Lodge of Maine has updated this text to cover many of the most important sections of our Fraternity. While there will be slight differences between Maine's ritual and procedures, it is still well worth your time to read this important text.

The Masonic Manual
Although written by MWB Robert Macoy in 1867, the principles and ideas set forth are as valid today as they were in that long ago time.

Webb's Freemason's Monitor
Thomas Smith Webb is considered the "father of American Freemasonry". Using William Preston's lectures and ritual, he modified them to suit the United States' Blue Lodges. Missouri's own ritual comes directly from Webb's works.

Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor
Although used by many Grand Jurisdictions, you just might be surprised what you see and read in this little book. Luckily, it is different enough from Missouri Masonic ritual to remain within the bounds of decorum. It is, however, and excellent review of the most salient parts of our ritual -- up to and including the Holy Royal Arch of the York Rite.

To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.

The price of leadership is responsibility.

Running A Business Meeting & Parlimentary Procedures

Suggested Order of Business
Every Master is expected to be competent in the handling of business to come before the Lodge during the "business" portion of a Stated Communication. This document, which can be downloaded and printed, should be given to all Lodge Officers so they know what the "game plan" is, and what the Master is going to do and when. It can, of course, be modified to suit the Master's preferences.

Robert's Rules of Order
A new Master is expected to be able to run a business meeting (i.e., Stated Communication) efficiently and without confusion. While, technically, all ritual and orders of business are at the total discretion of the Master, there are certain forms and formats that should be followed. Also, while it is helpful for a new Master to be familiar with Robert's Rules of Order, this is not a Masonic requirement. There are certains procedures in Robert's that are inappropriate and illegal in a Masonic Lodge (e.g., a motion from the floor to close the Lodge). The Master alone can make that type of decision, but Robert's Rules of Order can form an excellent knowledge base for parlimentary procedures.

Survival Tips on Robert's Rules of Order
If you have had a chance to review Robert's Rules of Order, you already know that they can often be confusing. This information provides some excellent advice on handling certain situations as they arise.

The Governing Laws of Freemasonry
Need to know more about the complex topic of Masonic Law? If so, then click on the icon at the left to download an istructive document that must just be of help.

And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Charity. But the greatest of these is Charity (Love).

Today a reader ~~ tomorrow a leader.

Masonic Leadership Information

Attracting Masonic Leaders
This link provides an excellent insight as to the type of men we desperately need as Masonic leaders in our Lodges.

The Elements of Masonic Leadership
This is a short article, but it provides an excellent analysis of several of the important elements of Masonic Leadership. It is well worth your time to read.

Leading Brethren in Freemasonry
This is a short article, but it provides an excellent analysis of the important of Masonic Leadership. It is well worth your time to read.

Masonic Leadership: Doing The Right Things
A short article that presents several ideas for developing effective Masonic leadership.

Ideas and Leadership
A short article that presents several ideas for developing effective Masonic leadership.

Leadership Values and Ethics
Although written for the business world, there is a great deal of excellent practical advice contained at this link for Masonic Lodges and new Masters. There are also several articles relating to success as a leader, motivation, team building, and a host of other relevant leadership articles. It is well worth your time to visit this web site.

A Compendium of Articles
This web site presents a number of Short Talk Bulletins on a wide range of topics, including Masonic Leadership. It is well worth your time to review what is available for your reading and Masonic education.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him, in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on.

Masonic Funerals

Masonic Funerals
Conducting Masonic Funeral Services is an important part of being the Master of a Lodge. It is important that the new Master be well-informed on the procedures to be followed when a Brother passes away and Masonic services are requested by the family. This link will take you to two articles written by Missouri Freemasons that can provide valuable insight.

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.

And God said, "Let there be Light", and there was Light.

Historical Background Information

Commentary: Although the historical backdrop of our degrees is the building of King Solomon's Temple for Yahweh, most Freemasons know little more about that point in time than what is mentioned in our degrees. The following articles provide information about the building of the Temple that is not mentioned in our degrees. A new Master should be familiar with this information so as to better instruct the members of his Lodge -- especially, new members to the Craft.
The Biblical Temple
Most of the events concerning the building of Solomon's Temple are taken from the Old Testament. This article presents the actual scripture contained in Kings and Chronicles.

The Historical Temple
One of the most important historical books written about events taking place in the Old Testament is Flavius Josephus' "Antiquities of the Jews". The information provided in this section discusses the building of Solomon's Temple. It is well worth reading in order to broaden your knowledge about that event.

The Curiously Confusing Cubit
Just how long is a "cubit"? Well, that depends. Some might argue that it is 18" -- which might be true if Solomon's Temple had been built by Jewish stonemasons. But, as we well know, it was not -- so read this small article to find out the real story.

Every one is entirely free to reject and dissent from whatsoever herein may seem to him to be untrue or unsound. It is only required of him that he shall weigh what is taught, and give it a fair hearing and unprejudiced judgment.

Anti-Masonic Information

Commentary: Sadly, there are both groups and individuals that are vehemently opposed to the Masonic fraternity. They typically fall into two categories. The first are those individuals that want to benefit financially through the sale of anti-masonic materials. The second group includes those that call Freemasonry satanic, anti-Christian, anti-religion, anti-government, and a host of other completely insane accusations. Generally, these people know absolutely nothing about the Masonic fraternity, and their charges are outrageous and bizarre. As Master, you should be familiar with some of the anti-Masonic literature and web sites so you can be both informed and, when required, respond intelligently. The following web sites contain anti-Masonic information.

Religious Anti-Masonic Persecution
This link provides an overview of the accusations made against Freemasonry by religious zealots. Well worth reading.

Anti-Masonic Tactics
This link provides an brief overview of several of the tactics used by anti-Masons to attack our Fraternity.

Anti-Masonic Political Party
This link provides an overview of the Anti-Masonic Political Party that was formed in response to Captain William Morgan's disappearance and alleged murder.

Illustrations of Freemasonry
Legend holds that Captain Morgan's disappearance was tied to his intent to publish a book exposing Freemasonry's so-called "secrets". While no one knows what happened to Morgan, his book did survive. If you would like to examine what he planned to "expose", you can to so by clicking on the icon at the left.

Anti-Masonic Claims Refuted
This link provides an excellent set of responses to various anti-Masonic charges. It is well worth reading.

The best known vitamin for making friends is "B-1".

A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.

Suggestions, Comments, Recommendations -- and even Criticisms?
Please send us an e-mail. Thanks.

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If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.

Top 10 Reasons To Smile

1) It looks better than a frown.
2) It improves your day.
3) It makes other people's day brighter.
4) Make new friends.
5) Shows friendship.
6) Leaves favorable impressions.
7) Enjoyable to give and receive.
8) Makes you look happy, confident, and self-assured.
9) Puts others at ease.
10) A smile could be the start of a lifetime relationship!

I shall tell you a great secret, my friend -- do not wait for the 'last judgement', it takes place every day.

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.

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What Is Freemasonry?
	Freemasonry Defined Every Master should be knowledgeable about our Ancient Craft. If you were asked, "What is Freemasonry?", what would you say? How would you answer this important question from potential candidates or other non-Masons among your acquaintances? There are, of course, many excellent answers. One such answer is included here. Written by two Missouri Freemasons, a Past Grand Master and a Past Grand Orator, this article can provide you with a wealth of information that you can use to answer this important question. It is well worth reading.
	The Regius Manuscript Most Masonic scholars and historians agree that modern Freemasonry evolved from medieval operative stonemason guilds. Therefore, it would serve a new Master well to know something about that period as many of our regulations and procedures stem from that period of history. The best place to start is to read Freemasonry's oldest extant document -- The Regius Poem. It was written in the year 1390. However, based on linguistics, scholars believe it is a copy of a manuscript that was written some 300-400 years before the date of the Regius Manuscript.

	The Master's Book One question often asked by Wardens and new Masters is, "Is there a book or reference I can read to learn more about the art of becoming an outstanding Master? Yes, there are several sources, but one of the best is a book written by an Iowa Past Grand Master -- one of Freemasonry's most knowledgeable and eminent historians and authors. Entitled, "The Master's Book", it has been used by newly installed Masters and Wardens planning their year in the East for almost a century. It is an excellent source for advice and ideas even though it is somewhat dated.
	Maine Masonic Text Book Originally entitled, "Drummonds' Monitor, the Grand Lodge of Maine has updated this text to cover many of the most important sections of our Fraternity. While there will be slight differences between Maine's ritual and procedures, it is still well worth your time to read this important text.
	The Masonic Manual Although written by MWB Robert Macoy in 1867, the principles and ideas set forth are as valid today as they were in that long ago time.
	Webb's Freemason's Monitor Thomas Smith Webb is considered the "father of American Freemasonry". Using William Preston's lectures and ritual, he modified them to suit the United States' Blue Lodges. Missouri's own ritual comes directly from Webb's works.
	Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor Although used by many Grand Jurisdictions, you just might be surprised what you see and read in this little book. Luckily, it is different enough from Missouri Masonic ritual to remain within the bounds of decorum. It is, however, and excellent review of the most salient parts of our ritual -- up to and including the Holy Royal Arch of the York Rite.

	Suggested Order of Business Every Master is expected to be competent in the handling of business to come before the Lodge during the "business" portion of a Stated Communication. This document, which can be downloaded and printed, should be given to all Lodge Officers so they know what the "game plan" is, and what the Master is going to do and when. It can, of course, be modified to suit the Master's preferences.
	Robert's Rules of Order A new Master is expected to be able to run a business meeting (i.e., Stated Communication) efficiently and without confusion. While, technically, all ritual and orders of business are at the total discretion of the Master, there are certain forms and formats that should be followed. Also, while it is helpful for a new Master to be familiar with Robert's Rules of Order, this is not a Masonic requirement. There are certains procedures in Robert's that are inappropriate and illegal in a Masonic Lodge (e.g., a motion from the floor to close the Lodge). The Master alone can make that type of decision, but Robert's Rules of Order can form an excellent knowledge base for parlimentary procedures.
	Survival Tips on Robert's Rules of Order If you have had a chance to review Robert's Rules of Order, you already know that they can often be confusing. This information provides some excellent advice on handling certain situations as they arise.
	The Governing Laws of Freemasonry Need to know more about the complex topic of Masonic Law? If so, then click on the icon at the left to download an istructive document that must just be of help.

	Attracting Masonic Leaders This link provides an excellent insight as to the type of men we desperately need as Masonic leaders in our Lodges.
	The Elements of Masonic Leadership This is a short article, but it provides an excellent analysis of several of the important elements of Masonic Leadership. It is well worth your time to read.
	Leading Brethren in Freemasonry This is a short article, but it provides an excellent analysis of the important of Masonic Leadership. It is well worth your time to read.
	Masonic Leadership: Doing The Right Things A short article that presents several ideas for developing effective Masonic leadership.
	Ideas and Leadership A short article that presents several ideas for developing effective Masonic leadership.
	Leadership Values and Ethics Although written for the business world, there is a great deal of excellent practical advice contained at this link for Masonic Lodges and new Masters. There are also several articles relating to success as a leader, motivation, team building, and a host of other relevant leadership articles. It is well worth your time to visit this web site.
	A Compendium of Articles This web site presents a number of Short Talk Bulletins on a wide range of topics, including Masonic Leadership. It is well worth your time to review what is available for your reading and Masonic education.

Commentary: Although the historical backdrop of our degrees is the building of King Solomon's Temple for Yahweh, most Freemasons know little more about that point in time than what is mentioned in our degrees. The following articles provide information about the building of the Temple that is not mentioned in our degrees. A new Master should be familiar with this information so as to better instruct the members of his Lodge -- especially, new members to the Craft.
	The Biblical Temple Most of the events concerning the building of Solomon's Temple are taken from the Old Testament. This article presents the actual scripture contained in Kings and Chronicles.
	The Historical Temple One of the most important historical books written about events taking place in the Old Testament is Flavius Josephus' "Antiquities of the Jews". The information provided in this section discusses the building of Solomon's Temple. It is well worth reading in order to broaden your knowledge about that event.
	The Curiously Confusing Cubit Just how long is a "cubit"? Well, that depends. Some might argue that it is 18" -- which might be true if Solomon's Temple had been built by Jewish stonemasons. But, as we well know, it was not -- so read this small article to find out the real story.

Commentary: Sadly, there are both groups and individuals that are vehemently opposed to the Masonic fraternity. They typically fall into two categories. The first are those individuals that want to benefit financially through the sale of anti-masonic materials. The second group includes those that call Freemasonry satanic, anti-Christian, anti-religion, anti-government, and a host of other completely insane accusations. Generally, these people know absolutely nothing about the Masonic fraternity, and their charges are outrageous and bizarre. As Master, you should be familiar with some of the anti-Masonic literature and web sites so you can be both informed and, when required, respond intelligently. The following web sites contain anti-Masonic information.
	Religious Anti-Masonic Persecution This link provides an overview of the accusations made against Freemasonry by religious zealots. Well worth reading.
	Anti-Masonic Tactics This link provides an brief overview of several of the tactics used by anti-Masons to attack our Fraternity.
	Anti-Masonic Political Party This link provides an overview of the Anti-Masonic Political Party that was formed in response to Captain William Morgan's disappearance and alleged murder.
	Illustrations of Freemasonry Legend holds that Captain Morgan's disappearance was tied to his intent to publish a book exposing Freemasonry's so-called "secrets". While no one knows what happened to Morgan, his book did survive. If you would like to examine what he planned to "expose", you can to so by clicking on the icon at the left.
	Anti-Masonic Claims Refuted This link provides an excellent set of responses to various anti-Masonic charges. It is well worth reading.