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SECRET MONITOR
This photo is from our visit to the Grand Installation in Brisbane 2013 and includes a number of members from across the state. Visitation is a key aspect of our order both within our jurisdiction and to sister Grand Bodies. Back Row (L to R): Stephen Flower (Lismore), Neil Batemen (Central Coast), Bert Gude (Sydney), Peter Binden (Yass), Ted Griffiths (Tamworth), Greg Scott-Pacey (Harrington) Front Row (L to R): Ian Newbery (Nowra), Allan Uner (Sydney), Don Savage (Bathurst), Gregg Nason (Canberra) and Malcolm Sharpe (Sydney)
‘In as much as the peculiar characteristic of the Order consists of giving friendly monition and warning to its members in time of danger, and in affording support and assistance to them in time of sorrow and distress, it is expressly enjoined on the Visiting Deacons as the chief duty of their office is to search or apparent, and to visit those afflicted with sickness or sorrow, or otherwise in need of fraternal help and consolation. A statement that this duty is specially recognised as a distinguishing feature of the Order shall appear in the by-laws of every Conclave; and the officers of every Conclave shall be a fundamental principle of the Order and be practically carried into effect during their term of office.’ ‘The Grand Visitors point out the fundamental principle underlying all the teachings of the Order, with regard to the duties of Conclaves, may be summed up in an affirmative reply to the old question, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ and that the function imposed upon Visiting Deacons at their appointment is that of officers selected to discharge, on behalf of the Conclave, this duty of keeping in constant touch with the rest of the Brethren and of conveying to the Conclave, at its periodical meetings of their welfare, or should providence so will it, their ill-fare.’
The Structure of the Order The Order of the Secret monitor possesses its own phraseology. Its Lodges are ‘Conclaves’ and usually meet quarterly. Members are ‘inducted’ in the first degree, ‘admitted’ to the second degree and the Supreme Ruler is ‘commissioned.’ Every Brother is placed in the charge of a Visiting Deacon, of which there are four. It is the duty of the Deacon to contact them at intervals between the meetings, and at each meeting to report to the Conclave. Should any trouble befall a Brother, he should apply for help to his Deacon, who is bound to do all he can for him. It is an admirable scheme, but its success depends almost entirely on the conscientiousness of the Deacons. History and Structure in NSW & ACT The first Conclave in NSW was the Sydney Conclave, consecrated by RW Bro G.C. Kingscott PGC, District Grand Supreme Ruler of the Southern jurisdiction of Australia, on 23 June 1945. The first autonomous jurisdiction in Australia was that of NSW & ACT formed in 1958 with the first Grand Installation held in 1959. This Grand Council of NSW & ACT celebrated its Golden Jubilee Installation on 10 October 2009 at The Sydney Masonic Centre. There are currently 30 Conclaves within the jurisdiction, 14 meeting in the metropolitan area, 15 in the country area and one travelling Conclave.
For further general information please access the website www.osm-nsw-act.org
SEPTEMBER 2013 ASSOCIATED MASONIC ORDERS
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