wisconsin masonic handbook - Oshkosh Masonic Lodge 27 F & AM

395 Pages·2004·7.85 MB·English

WISCONSIN
MASONIC
HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION

This Handbook is the result of many hours of labor of
many who have preceded us in this greatest fraternity the
world has ever seen. We have updated and revised it to
the best of our knowledge and ability for you, the
freemason of Wisconsin. This book will change as
needed with time, but the use of it will never change. It is
to be used as a reference book to help you and your
Lodge to be successful in your community.

The book is to be used with a computer and the various
sections of interest to be printed as needed. The whole
book may be printed and put in a three ring binder of
earlier editions. If you do not have a computer you can
take this disc to a Quick Print, Staples, or other printing
store and have it printed for a nominal fee.

The Grand Lodge Long Range Planning Committee
members who helped revise this 2003 edition of the
handbook; Keith Krinke, John Luy, Lowell Scott, Dr. Virgil
Sharp, Craig Campbell, Ray Heilborn, Davey White Jr.,
Dr. John Wilke and J. B. VanHollen would like to dedicate
this book to the, present, past and future Masons of
Wisconsin.

Thank You,

Grand Lodge Planning Committee

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ERROR/COMMENT SHEET

It is recognized that even with the best efforts and the most careful
critique, errors may occur. It would be most appreciative if you would jot
them down on this form and forward them to the Grand Lodge Office.

This HANDBOOK was developed for your benefit. You are
further invited to comment and/or submit ideas on improvement
of the HANDBOOK. All comments will be read at each of the
long range planning committee’s meeting. The committee will
respond to all inquiries.

PROBLEM OR COMMENT:

RESPONSE:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LODGE ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

Chapter 1 - Duties of Lodge Officers
A. Introduction
B. Worshipful Master
1. Finance committee
2. Appointing officers
3. Degree work
4. Committee appointments
5. Masonic memorial services
6. Interview committee
7. Lodge counselor
8. Leadership training
9. Officer’s meetings
10. Committee reports
11. Building operation
C. Wardens
1. Senior Warden
2. Junior Warden
a. DeMolay
b. Job’s Daughters
c. Rainbow Girls
d. Installation
e. Dinners
D. Treasurer and Secretary
E. Chaplain
F. Deacons
G. Stewards
H. Counselor
I. Tiler
J. Trustees

Chapter 2 – Conducting Lodge Business
A. Introduction
B. Stated communications
C. Special communications
D. Opening and Closing
E. Order of business
F. Guidelines for a well run communication

Chapter 3 – Success Systems
A. Introduction
B. Counselor system
C. Leadership training
D. District support team
E. Scholarship program
F. GMAA
G. Spruce – Up Award
H. Traveling gavel
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I. Masonic Lodge service award

Chapter 4 – Committees
A. Introduction
B. Suggested committees
1. Attendance
2. Program
3. Degree
4. Posting
5. Publicity
6. Refreshment
7. Visitation
8. Greeting
9. Furniture/Props
10. Finance
11. Membership
12. Education
13. Interviewing
14. Charities
15. Youth

Chapter 5 – Lodge Programming
A. Introduction
B. What You Need To Know Before You Can Plan
C. Suggestions for Programs
D. Sample Programs
a. Recognition and Occasion Programs
1. Anniversary
2. Father and Son Night
3. Fifty-Year Certificate Presentation
4. Installation Night
5. Mason of the Year
6. New Member’s Night
7. Past Masters’ Night
8. Patriotic Night
9. Youth Recognition Night
b. Education Programs
1. Wisconsin Masonic Benevolences Night
2. Masonic Round Table Discussion
3. Re-obligation Night
4. Table Lodge
5. Square and Compasses Week
6. Educational Talk Programs
c. Religious Programs
1. Brotherhood Night
2. Christmas Program
3. Vesper Service
d. Social Programs
1. All Masonic Night
2. Sports Night
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3. Sweetheart Night
4. Friends’ Night
5. Lodge Picnic/Golf Tourney
6. Ladies at the Table Lodge
e. Other Interesting Ideas for Programs
Chapter 6 – Lodge Budget
A. Introduction
B. How Prepared

Chapter 7 – Masonic Protocol
A. Introduction
B. Reception of Visitors
1. Examination
2. Dignitaries
3. Grand Lodge Officers
C. Correspondence With Other Jurisdictions

Chapter 8 – Lodge Buildings
A. Introduction
B. Committee on Temple Plans and Financing
C. Permitted Uses
D. Prohibited Uses
E. Property Tax Status
F. Insurance Coverage Furnished by Grand Lodge and Required for Constituent Lodges
1. Institutional Property
2. Building and Contents
3. Crime
4. Paraphernalia]
5. Comprehensive Public Liability
6. Workers Compensation
7. Miscellaneous
8. Claims

Chapter 9 – Masonic Youth Organizations
A. Introduction
B. DeMolay
1. History
2. Membership
3. Purposes
4. Parent Information
5. Executive Officer
6. Application to Establish a Chapter
7. Reinstating a Chapter
8. Steps Suggested for Organizing a Chapter
9. Sponsorship Responsibilities
10. Advisory Council Guidelines
C. Job’s Daughters
1. History
2. General Concepts of the Order
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3. Membership
4. Institution of a Bethel
5. Bethel Meeting Attendance
6. Humanitarian and Philanthropic Projects
7. Social Activities
8. Bethel Guardian Council
9. Grand Guardian Council
10. Supreme Guardian Council
11. Landmarks
D. Rainbow for Girls
E. Other Youth Groups
F. How Can Lodges Help Youth Organizations

Chapter 10 – Ceremonies
A. Introduction
B. Public and Other Non-Ciphered Ceremonies
1. Public Opening and Closing of a Lodge (Official)
2. Installation of Officers
3. Apron Presentation by Bro. Samuel S. Watson
4. Apron Presentation by Bro. Chester Van Vleet
5. Apron Address author unknown
6. Bible Presentation by Br. Joseph Fort Newton
7. Bible Presentation by Roy L. Nicholson
8. Re-obligation Ceremony
9. Poem, “Emblems of the Craft”
10. Presentation of Fifty Year Award
11. Oration, “The Flag of the United States”
12. Poem, “The Flag Goes By”
13. “Freemasonry The Gentle Craft”
14. Cornerstone Laying Ceremony
C. Memorial Services
15. Masonic Memorial Service #1
16. Masonic Memorial Service #2
17. Masonic Memorial Service #3 (1945 Revised Service)
18. Masonic Memorial Service #4 (1947 Alternate Service in the Lodge)
19. Masonic Memorial Service #5 (1956 Service by Rev. J. George Senty, D.D.)
20. Masonic Memorial Service #6 (Our Tribute of Affection)
21. Table Lodge for Ladies
22. Table Lodge for Men
23. Past Master’s Installation

Chapter 11 – Charities
A. Introduction
B. Wisconsin Masonic Benevolent Activities Board
C. Three Pillars
1. Masonic Health Care Center
2. Masonic Village on the Square
3. Wisconsin Masonic Home
D. Wisconsin Board of Masonic Service and Assistance
E. Wisconsin Masonic Foundation
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F. Masonic Medical Fund of Wisconsin
G. Local Lodge Charity
H. How You Can Help Wisconsin Masonic Charities
1. Cash Gifts
2. Life Income Gifts
3. Charitable Lead Trust
4. Life Insurance Gifts
5. Bequests

Chapter 12 – Masonry and Religion
A. Introduction
B. Masonry and Religion Night/Clergy and Craft Night
C. Masonic Memorial Services
D. Criticisms of Freemasonry

Chapter 13 – The Charges and Landmarks
A. Introduction
B. The Charges
1. Charges Used by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin
2. “The Old Charges” from Anderson’s Constitution
C. The Landmarks
1. Wisconsin and the Landmarks
2. What are the Landmarks
3. Mackey’s Landmarks
4. Pound’s Landmarks
5. Landmarks Adopted by Other Grand Lodges
6. Conclusion

Chapter 14 – Educational References
A. Introduction
B. Committee on Masonic Education
C. Midwest Conference on Masonic Education
D. The Masonic Service Association of the United States
1. Introduction
2. Scope
3. Short Talk Bulletin
4. Hospital Visitation Program
E. Slides
F. Videocassettes (VHS)
G. Masonic Speakers
H. Research Lodges
I. Masonic Libraries
J. The Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Library
K. Masonic Books Recommended For Reading
L. Masonic Periodicals
M. Other Sources of Masonic Information
N. Correspondence Courses
1. Masonic Education Correspondence Course (MECC)
2. Masonic Code Correspondence Course (MCCC)
3. William’s Lodge
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Chapter 15 – Foreign Relations
A. Right of Visitation
B. Recognition of Other Grand Lodges
C. Committee on Foreign Relations
D. Grand Jurisdictions Recognized by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin

Chapter 16 – Grand Lodge History
A. How Established
B. Growth
1. Earliest Lodges in the State
2. Further Chartering
C. Sources of Detailed History
1. Official Proceedings of the Grand Lodge
2. Freemasonry in Wisconsin
3. Brochure by Past Grand Master Charles F. Lamb
4. The First One Hundred Years
D. Relationships to U.S. History

Chapter 17 – Legal Status of Lodges
A. Introduction
B. Insignias and Emblems
C. Lodge Trustees
D. Liability of Trustees
E. Liability of Lodge Officers
F. Public Meals in Masonic Buildings
G. Raffles

Chapter 18 – Public Relations
A. Introduction
B. Lodge Tressleboard
C. Telephone Communications
D. The Wisconsin Masonic Journal
E. Local Newspapers, Radio, and TV
F. Guidelines for Writing a News Release
1. Preparing the News Story
2. Titles
3. How to Write Press Releases
4. How to Prepare Copy
5. Do’s and Don’ts
6. Checklist for Press Releases
7. Pictures
8. Press Contact File
9. Radio and Television
G. The Masonic Exhibit Booth

Chapter 19 – Directories
A. Introduction
B. Directory of Lodges
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C. Grand Lodge Directory
D. Personal and Other Special Directories

Chapter 20 – Edicts, Decisions and Announcements from the
Grand Master or the Grand Lodge
A. Introduction
B. Documents to be Preserved

Chapter 21 – Perpetual Membership
A. Introduction
B. Procedure for Adoption
1. Alternate Procedure for Adoption
2. Determination of Purchase Price
3. Procedure Steps
C. Summary of Perpetual Membership for Wisconsin Lodges
1. Introduction
2. Benefit to Lodge
3. Purchase Price and Installment Payments
4. Questions and Answers
D. Summary of Perpetual Membership for Master Masons
1. Introduction
2. Basic Concept
3. Purchase Price
4. Installment Payments
5. Application for Perpetual Membership
6. Certificate of Perpetual Membership
7. Dues Card
8. Questions and Answers
E. Recognition Plaques

Chapter 22 – Membership
A. Introduction
B. Prospective Members
C. Defaults
D. Delinquent Members
E. Membership Profile Form

Chapter 23 – Prince Hall Masonry
A. Introduction
B. Prince Hall Freemasonry How Established
C. Prince Hall Freemasonry in Wisconsin

Chapter 24 – Automating Your Lodge
A. Introduction
B. Blue Lodge Information System (BLIS)
1. System Requirements
2. Technical Support
3. Grand Lodge Website
C. Other Uses of Computerization
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