GRAND LODGE ‘R’ US
Grand Lodge ‘R’ Us Mansour Hatefi,
O
n the eve of the 2007 Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, once again the question is asked: Who or What is “Grand Lodge?” This issue is not peculiar to our jurisdiction since it frequently comes up in other jurisdictions as well, and from time to time finds its way to their official publications.
Most of us have heard it, at one time or another, that this or that is being decided by the Grand Lodge, the implication being that some nameless persons, “higher up”, will make all the decisions without regard to the wishes of the grass roots. Somehow we have been persuaded to think that THEY are the Grand Lodge and do it all, while, WE are powerless. Nothing is further away from the truth. Grand Lodge is not THEY ; it is WE , all of us, every one of us. Certainly administrative work is being done throughout the year, such as by the Grand Lodge Office staff, numerous committees and certain officers, but all have to report to the general assembly where tentative decisions must be ratified to become valid. And since our laws are made and amended only at Grand Lodge Communications, it behooves us to be there, to attend and offer our input. Now, it is true that the constitution of most Grand Lodges defines the membership in the Grand Lodge by naming those who are qualified to sit in the Grand Communications and are eligible to participate in the deliberations and cast their ballots. According to Sec. 7 of our Constitution, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia consists of the elective and appointive Grand Officers, Past Grand Officers, Masters, Wardens, or their proxies, and Past Masters of the constituent Lodges, who are all, with some exceptions, eligible to vote. However, attendance at Grand Communications, in practice, is by no means limited to those who are eligible to vote, since many of the holders of above mentioned titles have no vote and in spite of the fact that according to Sec. 6. of the Constitution, “No one who is not a member of the Grand Lodge shall be admitted to its communications except by permission
PGM, Grand Secretary
of the Grand Master or Grand Lodge.”, traditionally all Master Masons in good standing have been deemed fit to be present at the communications, have been cheerfully permitted to attend these sessions, in order to get acquainted with the workings of the Grand Lodge in action, and enjoy the close working relationship, harmony and fellowship, which should be the ultimate goal of all such assemblies. It must therefore be emphasized that contrary to what some here or elsewhere may think, the Grand Master and the Grand Line officers do not comprise the Grand Lodge by themselves, but rather the membership, either directly or through their representatives are the ones who, in effect, are the Grand Lodge, and determine the path our Fraternity should take. The future of
our Grand Lodge, indeed Freemasonry,
will take shape from the choices WE make, both as individuals and as Grand Lodge, and WE are responsible for the consequences of those choices. These choices should be based on ethical and moral values and principles taught in this great Fraternity of ours. Participating in the Grand Lodge communications, where important issues are discussed, major decisions affecting the future of the Grand Lodge and its constituent lodges are made, and Grand Master and his Cabinet is elected, is not only a high privilege, but the duty of the senior officers of each and every lodge. As such we should realize the opportunities which are ours, and make our wishes and opinions known in the manner provided in our Constitution. The Grand Lodge Communications are also of great importance to our Fraternity. They provide us the forum to discuss issues, not only of significance to us but also matters of consequence well beyond our borders, thereby influencing Freemasonry around the world. It has been said that anything that affects Masonry anywhere, affects Masonry everywhere. Therefore, WE all should participate; get involved and share in the responsibility of making wise decisions for the good of the Craft. See you there! ■ The Voice of Freemasonry
5
