Grand Lodge meeting...

prezac · 01-13-2008, 06:37 PM

I am planning on going to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska meeting at the end of January this month to help become more exposure to the workings of the craft within the state level. My question here that I bring out is do you know, or how one can help become a grand lodge officer? I am interested, if God and Lodge willing, to help sure my Grand Lodge in this capacity. Any information that you provide would be greatly appreciated.

cookslc · 01-20-2008, 09:42 PM

It is the usual practice that GL officers are drawn from those who are serving or have served in the East. It might be that there would be a place in committee work. If your GL has district deputies, that would be a good place to start.

Glen Cook
F&AM of Utah
UGLE

D. W. Brown · 01-20-2008, 10:44 PM

Oh the Grand Line.. Let's discuss this a little more, as I'm still confused myself.

What exactly is the process for getting in the GL line to become GM and is this documented in any of the jurisdictions?

cookslc · 01-20-2008, 11:03 PM

DWB: What exactly is the process for getting in the GL line to become GM and is this documented in any of the jurisdictions

GAC: In the US? It varies between jurisdictions, but usually begins with some type of appointment: DGLec, DDGM, GLO. Paul Bessel's site on elected GLO's is here: http://bessel.org/gloffrs.htm
It is likely documented in each jurisdictions bylaws, constitutions or codes, though some is tradition. What about yours?

D. W. Brown · 01-20-2008, 11:43 PM

I had assumed (we know what that does) that anyone could run for GM or any other GL position, this being a "democratic" fraternity after all. Quite frankly, I had not given it much thought since I had no aspirations to any GL position. Now that we've broached the topic though, I think it is worth a look see.

cookslc · 01-20-2008, 11:51 PM

Well, leaving aside the issue of whether North American Freemasonry is democratic, many GL's have qualifications for GM, just as many have qualifications for WM, i.e., serving as a Warden, Master or Grand Warden.

You didn't answer the Q about your GL.

Glen Cook
F&AM of Utah
UGLE

D. W. Brown · 01-21-2008, 12:12 AM

I really don't know about my GL, although I do hear this term "Grand Line" mentioned quite often.

I have to say that any true "democratic" system that has an established line of succession to GM is not democratic at all. Hey I have an idea let's say that no one can be President of the U.S. unless he has first served in congress or the senate. Oh any by the way, he has to be picked by a current President to serve in those positions. Does that sound right to anyone?

cookslc · 01-21-2008, 11:53 AM

1. Who said Freemasonry was a democratic institution?
2. I think there a number of reasons to adopt the proposals which you've outlined. In practice, I cannot remember that last time a a successful candidate for the presidency was not a member of Congress or former Governor.
3. There are a number of reasons to expect a Grand Ruler to have experience: How is the budget drafted and adopted? What issues from past budgets do you expect to float into this one? Who votes on it? Who votes at GL and on what? How is per capita set? When was the last per capita increase? What promises or indications were made to employees about future increases? What committees and officers are required? Who will serve on them or as one of them? Has the candidate had the opportunity to serve throughout the state to know who to look for? What parliamentary rules are used at GL? What legislation is expected? Does legislation in this jurisdiction need to go through a particular process before presentation on the GL floor? Can this process be circumvented and if so what are the rules of such? Are there issues in particular Lodges (financial, personal) which put them at risk and what has been tried w/ that Lodge?

So, if you disagree, read your GL code and figure out how you wish to change it.

Glen Cook
Who has changed a Code