My To Become A Certified Lodge Instructor Journey

by R. W. Brother Wayne Spooner

In October 2019 at the 180th Grand Lodge of Illinois Annual Communication, the spark to begin this journey occurred. A consistent part of this annual Masonic statewide conference is the distribution of the Grand Lodge Session Preliminary Reports Book; it includes the reports of the Grand Lodge leaders and key Grand Lodge Committees. As you can imagine, it is not a quick read. However, the book’s content provides a substantive and credible illustration of what is going on to support the successful operations and future progress of Freemasonry in the state. While reviewing that book, one committee report really stood out; it provided relevant facts, trends and contained a collective callto-action. It was the report provided by the Grand Lodge Board of Grand Examiners (BOGE). This Grand Lodge committee assists our Grand Master by being the primary stewards, advocates and evaluators of the quality Masonic ritual (including floor work) ceremonies executed in our grand jurisdiction. In particular, an important part of their work is the examination of commissioned Instructors; these are the local teachers and coaches who help the Brethren learn how to execute our ritual work with quality, accuracy and pride.

Quite starkly, the BOGE report outlined the current state of the Instructor population for our grand jurisdiction. Basically, the population of active Grand Lecturers and Certified Lodge Instructors was dwindling at an alarming rate, and the age distribution of the remaining Instructors would likely have several of them retire from active instruction or pass on in a time interval that was more urgent than previously realized. As the 4th largest Masonic jurisdiction in the United States, we had 60 Grand Lecturers and 73 Certified Lodge Instructors to teach a membership population of approximately 50,000 Brethren (spread across 446 Lodges); also, 75% of those 133 Instructors are age 60 or older, and only 7 of the Grand Lecturers are younger than 60 years old. With those sobering facts digested and a solid look in the mirror, the decision was made to pursue becoming a Certified Lodge Instructor

(CLI). That decision to embark on this journey was not made for selfish reasons; it was made to help our Brethren learn and inspire them to extract the amazing life lessons available through the study and understanding of Ancient Craft Masonry, its degrees and associated ritual work.

As Master Masons, we possess the duality of being both students and teachers. Well, to accomplish this new goal, this student went in search of good teachers. A key first step was ensuring a complete and accurate understanding of what a CLI is required to learn and demonstrate during his exam. Those questions were answered by a search of our Grand Lodge Book of Constitutions and ByLaws. In particular, ByLaws Code 139B was informative; it reads “All applicants for commission as Certified Lodge Instructors shall be thoroughly examined as to their proficiency in the standard work, as authorized by the Grand Lodge, of opening, closing, reception of the District Deputy Grand Master and the entire first section of all three degrees.” Yes, that was useful information; however, more details were needed as input to a disciplined study and preparation plan. That’s when a dear Brother shared a spreadsheet checklist which outlined exactly what ritual and floor work components were required. Those details were incorporated into my study plan and weekly allocation of time to attend Masonic Ritual Schools of Instruction, get one-on-one coaching from an Instructor, log quality time with our Blue Book (Standard Ritual Book) and Floor Work Manual, and just practice all of it over and over again. Also, a CLI Petition was submitted to my Lodge and favorably voted on. Eventually, the petition was signed by a Grand Lecturer who endorsed my skill level and readiness as an Instructor. With those two steps completed, my petition was submitted to the Secretary of the BOGE which confirmed my interest in becoming an Instructor and candidacy to get examined.

Two times during the year (in May and November), the BOGE conducts exams for Instructor candidates somewhere in the state. Saturday, November 21, 2020 was a pivotal and memorable day on this journey. On that day, my CLI exam occurred and the performance was deemed successful. It was an achievement, not just for me, but for all of the Brethren who helped this weary traveler get to that destination. Once again, this achievement proves that no faithful journey in Freemasonry is traveled alone. Many hands and sharp minds helped to build this favorable result. Oh, one more really important step in the process is still required. Even though the BOGE does the examination of Instructor candidates and recommends Brethren to the Grand Master for appointment as a Grand Lecturer or Certified Lodge Instructor, it is the decision of the Grand Master to provide an Instructor with his official commission to teach for our grand jurisdiction.

That said, the Grand Master usually acts favorably on the recommendations of the BOGE.

Lastly, you might have this question, “Is the journey worth it?” The answer is a resounding “Yes.” And now, the real fun begins by being able to help Brethren unlock the life-changing value of learning and performing our unique ritual work with excellence and pride. Also, for the talented and dedicated Brethren who share a passion for our ritual work and helping others learn, they can confidently count me amongst the humble sets of hands and sharp minds who will happily serve to assist them along their journey to become a Certified Lodge Instructor. v

R.W. Brother Wayne Spooner, Grand Lodge Membership Committee Chairman

The Illinois Masonic Outreach Services (IMOS) is promoting a new program focused on Career Building and Development. This is an expansion of our supportive programming that we already offer to our Master Masons, their Spouses, and Widows. IMOS has an opportunity to provide a trusted and credible resource to help our members and their families address their professional / career development and employment networking needs. We have an extremely valuable - yet untappedasset associated with the personal and professional talents, skills and contact networks available through approximately 50,000 Freemasons (along with their families) who are members of our Lodges across Illinois. Regardless of whether a member of this population is actively in career or retired, he or she has an opportunity to share valuable information and help others gain access to potential employment opportunities. More importantly, through the unique

IMOS Introduces New Career Support Initiative For Our Masonic Family

fraternal relationship amongst Freemasons, they seek opportunities to help one another; we can channel that desire and passion to “teach people how to fish for themselves” in addition to providing our traditional IMOS services. Lastly, we want to provide a welcoming place sponsored by the fraternity for members to indicate their employment needs with dignity and in a private manner.

There has never been a more prudent time to assist our members with career help. As the pandemic continues, now, more than ever, we are seeing devastating layoffs, a change in roles, and furloughed employees. Some of our members have lost their jobs entirely while others were forced to take a leave of absence to stay home with children who are virtually learning.

When IMOS comes across a prospective applicant who could benefit from our career development services, it will be the job of our excellent team of caseworkers to screen that person to understand the particular career needs and resources that they could best benefit from. We recognize that not all applicants are coming from the same position and their needs can differ. While some applicants may be coming from a professional background, with an already established network/resume/LinkedIn profile – others may not understand how to even get started in their job search or have a current resume developed. Others may wish to learn how to advance their skillset or are underemployed. Our IMOS Career Development program will be something of benefit to all!

Mission:

To help our members and their families improve their professional, career development, education/retraining, networking and employment needs now and for their futures.

Vision:

The Career Building program is an expansion of our supportive programs that we already offer to our Master Mason’s, their spouses, and widows. Our goal is to provide individuals with tools towards career growth. These services include the following:

1. Free Career Growth Resources

Have you experienced being without a job and not sure what the first step is to take?

IMOS Career Building Program provides information on free job search strategies and resources for those seeking employment. These strategies include customizing resumes, cover letters, information interviewing, job search boards and so much more!

2. Scholarship Opportunities

Are you looking to improve your job set skills or learn a new trade?

The Grand Lodge of Illinois and Charities have an amazing opportunity to offer scholarships towards continuing education and training. Including our IMOS Scholarships (only for Master Mason, Spouses’, and Widows), IMCAP Education Grant Partnership, and among a variety of others available through the Grand Lodge of Illinois. These resources and scholarship opportunities are providing on our IMOS website.

3. IMOS Sponsored LinkedIn Group

Are you a professional seeking employment and networking?

IMOS sponsored LinkedIn Group entitled, “Illinois Freemasonry Networking — GL of IL A. F. & A. M.” has been developed to assist towards the professional and career development to provide employment opportunities for group members. This could include members who own or lead businesses that could post their employment opportunities as well.

4. Masonic Mentors

Do you enjoy being a leader and helping your Brothers and their families?

IMOS would love to partner with our established network of men who serve as the Worshipful Master, District Deputy Grand Master, and Area Deputies of their area. These roles are responsible for assisting Master Masons in need of locating and finding gainful employment. IMOS would like to work with the individuals on exactly how to do this!

5. Professional Career Counseling and Job Coaching

Do you find yourself feeling lost or stuck about your career purpose is and where to begin?

IMOS recognizes that many applicants need more “one on one” assistance in getting started. IMOS can connect you with established career counseling professionals for these services. These services can assist our members with job preferences, building resumes, cover letters, job assessment tools to identify interests and so much more. In some situations, IMOS may be able to help cover these costs. v

For more information, check us out on our IMOS website at: www.ilmasonicoutreach.org ; Support Initiatives; Career Development. Or, contact IMOS Director, Talia Dean, for more information at: outreach@ilmason.org.