Post by Brian K.LingardI like being Chaplain as for the most part I just sit in the North and
take in the proceedings.
That part is a great one to start with. After I was raised, as a
much younger Mason, I performed my 3rd degree catechism and then
learned the Chaplains parts. Our Chaplain then, Elmer Kaufman, had
had a series of strokes and I filled in for him when he was not well
enough to do the work. The lodge was surprised when I had all three
scripture readings put to memory before the first scheduled degree.
They expected only the opening and closing prayers. In Illinois, just
as an FYI, our Chaplains sit at the left of the Master but on the
floor with the other officers rather than on the dais.
You will find that to know the Chaplains work will be quite useful
particularly if you like to travel and take part in many lodges. To be
esteemed, be useful.
The appointed chairs used to play a much more integral role to lodge
life and I would like to see the Chaplin-Marshall-Tyler & Stewards,
here in Illinois, work together more closely as they used to do. In
the old way of working, the Chaplain, then, was much more integral to
Lodge life. True Clergy, rather than just some handy Past Master who
may know the written ritual by rote memory, often filled the chair.
Many lodges waived the degree fees and dues for ministers so that they
could acquire a particularly skilled and eloquent speaker for the
spot. At a time when feeble Government Paternity had not yet usurped
the constructive purposes of the churches, it was usually the Chaplain
who served as Almoner, keeping abreast of the happenstances involving
the sick or distressed, our widows and any orphans. An examination of
the old minutes of your lodge will probably show the loving and quiet
hand of some former expert, a reach that brought the beauties of our
fraternity out into the profane world to lift us all up when we may
have been down and to soar even higher when His Great Gifts become
manifest.
Chaplains, then also, say before 1914 here in Illinois, used a
variety of prayers suitable for the occasion rather than just a single
standard so there was variety for when a formal celebration was at
hand such as a degree or another selected to remind the Brethren of
their duty should the Lodge be experiencing some temporal trouble. I
wonder how many different prayers are in use jurisdiction to
jurisdiction? Perhaps we should share a few here?
Fraternally,
Torence Evans Ake
Secretary Auburn Park Lodge No. 789 Crete, Illinois
PM Arcadia Lodge No. 1138 Lansing, Illinois