A Senior Warden’s Planning Guide

Bro. Wayne T. Adams
Arundel Lodge, No 76
1998

 

 

BOAZ LODGE, NO.59
P.O. Box 357
Centerville, Maine

ANNUAL BUDGET

ESTIMATED INCOME

N     Dues    $_____
B.    Fees    $_____
C.    Suppers    $_____
D.    Other    $_____

TOTAL ESTIMATED INCOME    $_____

ESTIMATED EXPENSES

A.    Per capita tax    $_____
B.    Secretary supplies    $_____
C.    Bank fees    $_____
D.    Sec./Treas./Custodian fees   
$_____
B.    Lodge maintenance    $
F.    Oil    $_____
G.    Electricity    $_____
H.    Telephone    $_____
I.       Insurance   
$_____
J.      Postage    $_____
K       Printing   
$_____
L.      Special Ladies   
$_____
M.    Other    $_____
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES    $_____
SURPLUS (SHORTFALL)    $_____

LODGE ACTIVITY INDICATIONS
RITUAL
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CATEGORY 1- MINIMAL

1.    Aprons are clean and neat.
2.    Candidates’ uniforms are cleaned regularly.
3.    Master designates a prompter at each meeting.
4.    Master announces rehearsal schedules at each meeting.
5.    Master announces rehearsal schedules in each Trestleboard.
6.    Master and Wardens attend schools of instruction
regularly.
7.    Master instructs J.D. and Stewards

CATEGORY 2 – SATISFACTORY

1.    The floor work shows plan and practice.
2.    The line officers do all of the lectures.
3.    All officers attend schools of instruction regularly.
4.    A ritual instructor is appointed to guide and instruct.
5.    The opening prescribed for the degree is used on
specials where that degree is  exemplified.

CATEGORY 3 – EXEMPLARY

1.    The lodge is known for good floor work.
2.    Non-officers participate in the charges.
3.    A “Blue Lodge Night” is held once a year.
4.    The lodge is known for accuracy of ritual.
5.    Visual aids are clear to all members present.
b.    The officers march in and out of the lodge room.
7.    Spoken parts are delivered clearly and correctly.
8.    Several members are active in outside degree teams.

MASONIC EDUCATION
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CATEGORY 1- MINIMAL

1.    The candidates are given word definition lists.
2.    The Master appoints an education chairman and committee.
3.    The candidates’ instruction includes either
Pollard Plan Booklets or Instruct  Manual.

CATEGORY 2- SATISFACTORY

1.    There are at least 3 active members on the education
committee.
2.    An orientation meeting is held before the E.A.. Degree.
3.    An elder brother is appointed for each candidate.
4.    The instruction utilizes both Pollard Plan Booklet
and Instructors Manual.
5.    The chairman reports on candidate prowess at each
meeting.
6.    A masonic film/or speaker is scheduled at least twice
a year for the whole membership.
7.    Master and Wardens participate in District Masters’
and Wardens’ Association.

CATEGORY 3- EXEMPLARY

1.    The candidates are examined in open lodge.
2.    A fourth night program held once a year at lodge
or District level.
3.    A 3-5 minutee masonic education presentation is made
at each meeting.
4.    There are at least S active members of the education
committee.
5.     The lodge members participate in District or
Regional Advanced Education  Programs.
6.    The lodge has a historian who keeps lodge records,
artifacts, etc.

FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES
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CATEGORY 1- MINIMAL

1.    The lodge has a Trestleboard/Newsletter
2.    Refreshments are served after each meeting.
3.    Suppers are scheduled with each M.M. Degree.
4.    A pot of coffee is available at each rehearsal.
5.    The Master appoints a fellowship chairman and committee.
6.    Visitors are greeted by Master following opening
of lodge.

CATEGORY 2- SATISFACTORY

1.    A Past Master’s Night is scheduled annually.
2.    Greeters are appointed to meet visitors at the door.
3.    Families and widows are involved in lodge installations.
4.    The fellowship committee has three to five active
members.
5.    Members frequently join in group visits to other
lodges.
6.    The Master includes a personal message in the Trestleboard.
7.    The fellowship committee chairman reports at each
stated meeting.

CATEGORY 3 – EXEMPLARY (Some combination of the following:)

1.    A Table Lodge.
2.    A sports outing.
3.    A family picnic.
4.    A family brunch.
5.    An outing with wives.
6.    A St. John’s Day observance.
7.    A bus trip to a distant lodge.
8.    A Valentine’s suppei and I)artY for spouses.
9.    A social activity with another fraternal organization.

THE LODGE BUILDING
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CATEGORY 1- MINIMAL

1.    The lodge is clean.
2.    All equipment is stored out of sight.
3.    The lodge does not have a ”  musty 
odor”.
4.    The preparation room is picked up and attractive.
5.    The Master appoints a building chairman and committee.
6.    The kitchen has the basic equipment to serve a meal.
7.    There is a suitable place for storage of lodge records
and educational materials

CATEGORY 2- SATISFACTORY

1.    The interior is freshly painted.
2.    The carpenting/linoleum is not worn.
3.    The lighting fixtures provide adequate light.
4.    Building chairman gives report at each meeting.
5.    There is a defined lodge library for Masonic materials.
6.    The furniture upholstery meets a “living  room  
“ standard.

CATEGORY 3- EXEMPLARY

1.    The parking area is paved.
2.    The lodge grounds are landscaped.
3.    The exterior of the lodge is well maintained.
4.    There is a display area for historical/Masonic items.

 

CARE AND SHARE
PROGRAM

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CATEGORY 1- MINIMAL

1.    Cards sent to the ill and shut-ins.
2.    The Master appoints a five-member committee.
3.    The lodge schedules a widoWs night annually.
4.    The lodge maintains a current list of all widows.

CATEGORY 2- SATISFACTORY

1.    Care and share committee chairman reports at each
meeting.
2.    The committee maintains a current list of all elder
Masons.
3.    Widows are visited by a lodge member at least once
per year.
4.    The committee assures that elderly brothers have
transportation to lodge.
5.    The cormmttee schedules regular visits to hospitalized
and shut-in brothers.

CATEGORY 3- EXEMPLARY

1.    The committee develops projects to assist widows.
2.    The committee develops projects to assist elder masons.
3.    The committee assures that widows are invited to
lodge installations.
4.    Lodge maintains equipment that may be loaned to handicapped
brothers and widows
(wheelchairs, crutches, hospital beds, etc.)

STANDARDS FOR MEASURING THE FIVE HALLMARKS OF A SUCCESSFULL LIVING
MASONIC LODGE

    Lodge Name___________________    Lodge
Number_______
    Date__________    District________

    Symbols to use:
S = Lodge is presently and satisfactorily accomplishing this standard.
V   Lodge will be working to meet this standard during the
year.
N = Lodge needs to work on this standard in the future.

Hallmark One: Preparation
of the Craft
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    Meaningful instruction, coupled with inspiration and
enthusiasm, serves to both encourage and provide the means for individual
brothers to discover meaning and significance in their lives and inner
beings as a result of their Masonic ritualistic journey.

Indicators of Success:

______The ritual work performed by the officers is exemplary in nature
and degree teams are us only on special occasions.

______Rehearsals are held regularly and conducted under the direction
of a certified ritual instructor.

______Attendance of officers at district schools of instruction is high.

______Line officers clearly understand what is expected of them in terms
of performance in the degree work, their duties and responsibilities,
and advancement through the line.

______An exemplary program of candidate instructed is provided by a team
of knowledgeable lodge members which begins with the accepted candidate
and continues through the three degrees.

______Candidate instruction is carried out within the physical setting
of the lodge.

______An eIder brother is specifically assigned to help candidates with
their lessons.

______ Candidate lessons are given in open lodge and proficiency must
be demonstrated before advancement to the next degree.

______Visual and printed resource materials are used in the candidates
instructional process  including the revised Pollard Plan.

______ Educational programs for all lodge members are scheduled on a regular
basis, especially on stated meetings when there is no degree work.

______ Members of committees of inquiry are given proper instructions
to ensure that they clearly — understand their duties and responsibilities.

______ The lodge room and preparation room are kept neat and attractive
as well as candidate uniforms so that a favorable impression is presented
to the candidate as he enters upon his Masonic journey.

Hallmark Two: Strengthening
the Brotherhood
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    An environment will be provided in which brothers can
discover the life-long networking of care and protection within the entire
Masonic family and in which they will practice the art of brotherly love,
relief and truth.

______ The lodge involves the candidate and new Master Mason in the labors
of the craft that are meaningful to him and beneficial to the craft as
a whole.

______ The lodge has an active Care and Share Committee which makes regular
reports to the membership.

______The lodge has an active Masonic Widows program.

______The lodge has designated greeters to welcome visitors from other
lodges.

______The master and his officers routinely greet lodge members and visitors.

______First-time visitors are properly recognized and introduced following
the opening of the lodge.

______Masonic youth organizations are invited to present programs at least
once a year.

______ The lodge supports Masonic youth organizations both financially
and through member participation in some of their meetings and installations.

______ At least one carefully planned special program of interest to all
family members is scheduled during the year.

Hallmark Three: Putting
the Craft to Labor
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    The lodge has a clear sense of direction and coordination
which sets the craft at labor within the community at-large so that empathy,
relief, equality and justice become the common attributes of society.

______ The lodge sponsors at least one Masonic scholarship.

______ The membership, individually and collectively, support programs
of substance abuse prevention.

______ Lodge members participate in special community activities and events.

______ At least one lodge community-based program, project, or activity
is scheduled each year.

______ Lodge members participate in training programs designed to help
them use Freemasonry in
their everyday lives    and for the benefit of the community
in which they live.

Hallmark Four: Providing
Leadership
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    The importance of leadership development and the creation
of a visionary process, both of which are essentially necessary for consummating
the mission of Freemasonry within and outside the fraternity, are recognized
and put into practice by the master and other officers of the lodge.

______ The master bf the lodge models effective leadership practices.

______ The wardens of the lodge have attended at least one session of
the Masonic Leadership Academy.

______ A majority of the line officers attend district schools of instruction
including the non-ritual school.

______ A majority of the line officers attend meetings of the district
officers’ association.

______ Officer team meetings are held on a regular basis for the purpose
of officer education, planning, and in-put into the decision-making process.
Agendas are prepared and distributed several days before the meetings.

Hallmark Five: Prompting
Awareness
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    The importance of good communication and education
is recognized and valued, as well as how these lead to ever-widening awareness
of the nature of Freemasonry both within and outside the Fraternity.

______ The officers are installed at semi-public meetings.

______ An open house is held at least once a year which includes guided
tours of the lodge hall and the presentation of information relating to
its history and Freemasonry in general.

______ The lodge has held its own fellowship night or has actively supported
and participated in a district fellowship night.

______  Lodge memorial services are rehearsed and conducted in a
dignified and impressive manner.

______ Lodge scholarship presentations are made at a well-planned semi-public
meeting which is scheduled expressly for this purpose and which includes
an appropriate educational program.

______ Articles related to lodge meetings, programs, service to the community,
etc. are submitted to the newspaper for publication.

______ The lodge building is kept attractive in appearance and in good
repair.

Signed by:

Master of Lodge __________________
District Deputy __________________

APPLICATION
FOR COMMUNITY BETTERMENT GRANT

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Directions

The Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation is proud of what the brethren
in our lodges are doing to better their communities. In order to encourage
and assist, the Foundation will match Lodge funds dedicated to specific
projects up to the amount of five hundred dollars ($500).

Lodges are restricted to one Community Betterment Grant per Grand Lodge
fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).

Please type your statements in response to the questions in the application.
You may attach supporting information if you wish. It is necessary that
your statements be as complete and accurate as possible in order that
we may make certain that funds are being used as intended and according
to the regulations governing charitable funds.

This grand opportunity does not place your Lodge in competition with
other Lodges for funds.

It is suggested that the Master call a Planning Meeting of the officers
and members who will be involved in the intended project and that the
statements in this application be based upon their careful consideration
of the needs for and the execution of the project.

Be sure that the Master has signed the application.

This application is to be sent to the Office of the Grand Secretary.
Please use the following address:

GRANT
GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, A.F. & A. M.
P.O. BOX 15058
PORTLAND, MAINE 04112-5058

Download the latest Community Betterment
Application
from the Download area.

 

RECOMMENDED ORDER OF BUSINESS
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SALUTE TO THE FLAG

WELCOME TO ALL PRESENT

INTRODUCE FIRST TIME VISITORS AND GUESTS

WELCOME GRAND OFFICERS

MINUTES

COMMUNICATIONS

WARRANTS

PETITIONS

BALLOTING

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A.    CANDIDATE INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
B.    CARE AND SHARE COMMITTEE
C.    FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE
D.    BUILDING COMMITTEE

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

SICKNESS OR DISTRESS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DEGREE WORK OR PROGRAM

MASTERS REMARKS

REMARKS OF DD. IF PRESENT

CLOSING

CANDIDATE PROGRESS CHART
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Candidate: ______________________________________________
                                         
(name)                                             
(phone)
Elder Bro.: _____________________________________________
                                         
(name)                                              
(phone)
Accepted to receive the Degrees    date______________
Presented booklet #1 Pollard Plan    date____________
Orientation session (Lodge Inst. Comm.)    date __________
Entered Apprentice Degree (Initiated)    date______________
Presented booklet #2 Pollard Plan    date____________
Informal instruction BAD. (Lodge Inst. Comm.)    date ___________
Check: Can give Du-gard & sign on step of Degree ___________
Can arrange lights Knows how to wear apron ___________
Knows how to avouch Understands working tools ___________
Knows how to enter or retire from Lodge of E.A. ___________
Passed satisfactory examination in E.A.. Degree    date_____________
Fellow Craft Degree (Passed)    date______________
Presented booklet #3 Pollard Plan    date ___________
Informal instruction F.C.D. (Lodge Inst. Comm.)    date____________
Check: Can give pass, token of the pass, grip, word_____________
Can give du-gard & sign on step of Degree_____________
Can arrange lights Knows how to wear apron_____________
Understands working tools_____________
Knows how to enter or retire from Lodge of F.C._____________
Passed satisfactory examination in E.G Degree_____________   
date _____________
Master Mason Degree (Raised)    date______________
Presented booklet #4 Pollard Plan    date______________
Informal instruction M.M.D. (Lodge Inst. Comm.)    date_____________
Check:    Can give pass token of the pass, grip, word_____________
Can give due-gard & sign of all 3 degrees_____________
Can give S-grip & M.M. word_____________
Understands 5 points of Fellowship_____________
Can give Gd-I. sign    Knows what it means_____________
Understands application, Committee of Inquiry _____________
Knows how to ballot Knows how to address W.M._____________
Has had instruction in Lodge room Behavior _____________
Passed satisfactory examination in M.M. Degree_____________   
date______________
(Must be within 60 days of receiving Degree)_____________
Received Master Mason’s Diploma    date_____________

This is to certify that Brother ________________________________________________________
has received all the Degrees along with the basic supplementary instruction
as recommended by the Committee on Masonic Education and has been found
to have a good basic knowledge of Masonry.
signed:____________________________________________   
date_____________
                                       
(Committee Cliairman)

The Raymond Rideout Award
rating sheet should be made out by each District Representative each
year.

  • This evaluation should be over the criteria listed on
    the Rating Sheet, on the basis of a “1-10” scoring, with
    1 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest.

  • Please bear in mind that a scoring of 1 or 10 should
    be extremely rare.

  • The choice of a Lodge in your District should be backed
    up with a brief written explanation as to what factors were involved
    in your selection.

  • The rating for Candidate Education should be based on
    the Lodge’s use of the Pollard Plan, the Candidate Instructor’s
    Manual, the use of Candidate Mentors, the Fourth Night Program, etc..

  • The rating for Lodge Education should be based on programs
    for the Education of the Officers and Members.

  • The rating for Lodge Programs should be based on programs
    of entertainment and special interest for the benefit of the Craft.

  • For assistance in evaluating Lodges, please refer to
    the section of the Lodge Leadership Program, page 5, under “Masonic
    Education” which accompanies this rating sheet.