2008-09
June 2009
REPORT OF THE GRAND LECTURER
VWB JIM MENDOZA
While visiting a lodge and after witnessing a somewhat lackluster opening, then Deputy Grand Master Chuck McQuery offered this thought: The reason that we exemplify ritual is to put us in a Masonic frame of mind – a frame of mind that allows us to conduct our business in a manner that ensures that peace and harmony does in fact prevail. Suffice to say the message was received, and the closing was performed with a higher degree of proficiency and meaning.
In this unpredictable and always-on-the-go world in which we live, the ritualistic ceremonies performed in the sanctuary of Masonry provide us with a sense of security, stability, connectedness, and belonging. However, any ritual, if indifferently practiced, can indeed become rigmarole. Conversely, when practiced well, our ritual is a transmission of wisdom from ages past.
When performed well, our ritual penetrates the mind and heart of the young initiate and the most senior Past Master. The value of our ritual is that the Mason of today can relate to those of generations past because both have reacted to an identical personal experience. The Mason of today can feel vaguely akin to the glory of the past, yet to him the ritual is as fresh as the sunrise. It is the ritual that helps to make us brothers. It binds each of us by a private but meaningful tie.
Grand Master, you placed upon me the responsibility of aiding the brethren in improving the ritual and protocol displayed in our jurisdiction. This task was tackled on three fronts. First, ritual workshops were held throughout the jurisdiction in a variety of formats. For the most part, these were well attended and well received. At the risk of stating the obvious, it is reassuring to see that the brethren care about the standard work and the associated protocols. If I might be so bold, I realize that we live in a time when we have to be mindful of others feelings, but when we hear a brother exemplify mediocre work and say “good job” I will submit to you that we have cheapened the work. My Brothers, our ritual is a legacy passed down from generations past – a legacy that we will soon pass on to the next generation of Masons, a legacy that deserves to be elevated and uplifted – not cheapened. The further implication, my Brothers, is that if you are to be critical be prepared to aid your brother in his improvement.
Second, we experienced an increase in participation in the Lodge Officers Competition. This year 17 lodges representing six districts participated in the Lodge Officers Competition. With input from Worshipful Brothers John McKinley of Thornton F McElroy No. 302 and Anthony Monaco of Daylight No. 232, the competition was reformatted to include balloting and protocol. Also as Lodge officers need to be prepared to deal not only with the business set forth in the agenda, but also with the unexpected, the competition introduced a surprise element of opening on either the 2nd or 3rd Degree.
The increased participation notwithstanding, like my predecessor, I am puzzled by the tepid response to the Lodge Officers Competition. As VW Chuck Compton stated in his report last year, despite the fact that winners are named, winning is not the objective. The objective is to improve oneself in Masonry. To be sure, winners are selected, but for the express purpose of highlighting excellence and providing a standard by which all lodges can be measured. I encourage all of you to visit Greenwood No. 253, Genesis No. 305, and Silverdale No. 311 to witness firsthand how these lodges elevate and uplift our Standard Work.
Third, a call was put forth for “a few good men” to learn and exemplify at least one of the Lectures of our Degrees before the conclusion of this Grand Year. Committing a Lecture to memory is no small undertaking, and I am pleased to report that 28 brethren answered the call, and 11 of those brethren met the Challenge. To those brethren who are still working on their chosen Lecture, please know that I will continue to make myself available to you and offer whatever assistance I can to help you meet your challenge.
In promoting this challenge I was met with an interesting question on more than one occasion: Why should anyone commit a Lecture to memory when we have the Electronic Lectures? My Brothers, the Electronic Lectures are an outstanding resource, the ultimate Hail Mary pass when a brother is unavailable, and a great tool to aid brethren in learning and reaffirming the symbolic meaning of the degrees. That said let us not abdicate one of the greatest privileges that we have as Masons – the opportunity to deliver the ritual, the opportunity to affect a candidate through the medium of face-to-face communication, the opportunity to continue our respective journeys to become better men.
I reiterate that I consider the Electronic Lectures to be an outstanding resource. However, like everything we use in the course of our day-to-day affairs, the Electronic Lectures are in need of a retrofit. To that end, a process has begun to bring to the Craft an updated version of the Electronic Lectures. Presently, the Middle Chamber Lecture is being retooled to improve the audio and video quality as well as creating a “slides only” file to be used by those brethren who have committed the Lecture to memory. The Entered Apprentice and Master Mason Lectures will go through the same process. I have no doubt that the brethren will be pleased, and the team looks forward to working with the next Grand Lecturer as we finalize Version 2.0 of the Electronic Lectures. My deepest appreciation to the team members for contributing their technical and artistic expertise.
Special recognition must be extended to WB Anthony Monaco for having to endure through a rather pitchy version of Ave Maria. To be sure, there are a fair number of brethren involved in this project. Each brought to the table a unique talent. The lesson here is that we have many talented brethren that ready, willing, and able to serve – all we need to do is put them to work.
Brethren, I would argue that every Mason needs these three pillars in his library to support his journey from being a good man to a better man: The Collected Works of William Shakespeare, your Holy Book – in my case, the Holy Bible – and our Masonic ritual. Where Shakespeare imparts general culture, and your Holy Book forms the foundation of your faith, the Masonic ritual aids in creating the chivalrous gentleman, the noblest product of this civilization’s most enlightened age. The timeless principles of our ritual take on new and different meanings and interpretations throughout one’s life; yet, no matter his age or situation, each brother incorporates the principles of the ritual into the essence of his being.
If I might close with a very personal perspective: Many, if not all of you, know of Susan Boyle, who was a competitor of some merit on the BBC television show "Britain's Got Talent." In case you missed it, Ms. Boyle is a 48-year-old unemployed charity worker who lives with her cat in a small village in Scotland.
Those who have seen the initial video of Ms. Boyle will recall that as soon as she walked on stage, the audience began to snicker and roll their eyes. No doubt those in the audience saw Ms. Boyle as another talent-challenged dreamer with squeaky pipes to match her frumpy demeanor. The infamous Simon Cowell, the show's host, asked her some pre-performance questions in his famously condescending style, and to the audience's enjoyment, she answered awkwardly.
By now, if you don't know the story, you could have guessed it. A crowd that was prepared to be underwhelmed was in fact overwhelmed as Ms. Boyle hit every note in “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. The judges and viewers were left having to acknowledge that they wrongly had written off Ms. Boyle based on her looks, only to see their diminished expectations dwarfed by her spirit.
I must admit that I can count myself as one who was also quick to dismiss Ms. Boyle. I prejudged her by her appearance and was fooled. If I had simply remembered some of the lessons taught while employed in our gentle craft I would not have been so dismissive.
Our Masonic journey requires that we divest ourselves of the superfluities of life as a reminder that it is the internal not the external qualities that should recommend a man to be a Mason. By doing so we are able to see the beauty of our brother’s soul and the goodness of our brother’s heart – much like Ms. Boyle’s audience did when she hit her first note. If I had taken a moment to recall that the level reminds us that we are of the same stock and partake of the same nature, I would have seen how precarious her position was, how vulnerable she was, and would have been more empathetic from the outset.
As I watched Ms. Boyle’s performance I did, however, remember one very important Masonic lesson: None of us stands alone. Ms. Boyle had a vocal coach who encouraged her and a mother who inspired her. As members of this great fraternity, we are fortunate to be surrounded by brethren that we trust enough that when they whisper good counsel, we know that it is intended to draw us out more fully, not to shut us down even partially.
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Doug, if I may: It has been a distinct privilege to serve you and our Craft as Grand Lecturer. This privilege was enhanced by the fact that I was allowed to share in your legacy as a one who served in this office before. I trust that your expectations of me have been fulfilled, and that my service has reflected favorably upon the Craft. I leave this office with the hope that the brethren have been inspired to nobler deeds, higher thoughts, and greater achievements.
Respectfully & Fraternally Submitted,
VWB Jim Mendoza, Grand Lecturer
March 2009
From Whence Came You?
When this question is asked in lodge, the Standard Work notwithstanding, the Worshipful Master is not just talking to the Senior Warden. He is asking all of us to make a personal inquiry into the direction from whence we came, and the direction in which we are going in our respective personal and Masonic journeys.
Based on the book by E.L. Doctorow, the Broadway musical Ragtime is a tapestry of New York area life in the first decades of the twentieth century. Throughout the story, people from radically different walks of life see their lives intersect with unexpectedly emotional results. One such intersection was between the characters of Mother, a seemingly content homemaking wife, and Tateh. At the outset, Tateh is a poor immigrant artist. Motivated by his desire to make a better life for his daughter, he invents a projector that allows him to transform himself into a successful movie director.
As Mother and Tateh ponder how simple and profound their respective children’s lives are, Tateh states the following profound dialogue: “I am an immigrant who takes pictures so that his daughter can dress like a princess. I wish to drive from her memory the tenement stench and filthy immigrant streets. I will buy her light, and sun, and the clean wind of the ocean for the rest of her life. Now you know me. Now you understand.”
We as Masons are not unlike Tateh. Tateh’s journey toward self improvement began when he landed on America’s shores. His journey continued as he transformed himself into a successful movie director. His journey became defined by his desire make a better life for his daughter.
Our respective Masonic journeys began in our hearts with a desire to become better men by casting off all ties to the old world so that we might enter into the world of Freemasonry. As we moved through the degrees, we were progressively provided with tools that would serve us on our journey. While on this journey, it remains incumbent upon each of us so to act as to better ourselves and in turn better the world around us.
As we continue on our Masonic journeys our road ahead will be different from the road behind. That does not mean that we should forget from whence we came. For it is from whence we came that helps define where we are going. So the next time the Worshipful Master asks, “From Whence Came You?”, make your own personal inquiry and reflect on the road behind and the road ahead.
December 2008
As this article is being written, installations of new officers are occurring throughout the jurisdiction. It would not be out of place to review the ritualistic responsibility that our newly installed Masters owe to the Craft. It is fair to expect that the Master of the Lodge must be able to open and close lodge on any degree; and to confer all three degrees in an accurate and impressive manner.
The Master may, of course, call upon any officer, Past Master, or other qualified brother to take any part in the ritualistic work that may normally devolve upon him, either as a method of training subordinate officers for higher duties or as a means of putting more brethren to work. However, when this is done, the Master still remains entirely responsible for the quality of the ritualistic work. Whatever portions of that work the Master may choose to delegate to others, he should certainly be able to do himself.
The nice thing about our fraternity is that the newly installed Master has resources available to aid him in meeting the ritualistic responsibilities of the office. Past Masters are an outstanding source of knowledge and guidance. They have been there before, and you just may find that when you talk to them they are not necessarily the curmudgeons that you might have thought they were. Additionally, you should maintain open and cordial relations with your counterparts within your respective District. You will find these brethren to be a valuable lifeline.
To the newly installed Worshipful Masters, your brethren are looking for more than just a caretaker in office. They deserve a leader who will inspire them to nobler deeds, higher thoughts, and greater achievements. As such they are looking to you to pass onto to them – by both word and example – the wisdom of your experience. That experience should include availing yourself of your brethren both within and without your lodge.
November 2008
Leave Your Handprint on a Heart
Set mostly before the arrival of Dorothy to the Land of Oz, the Broadway musical Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. In the penultimate scene of the show, the song “For Good” is introduced.
The song's lyrics concern how both Elphaba and Glinda have been changed by their friendship. In creating this number, songwriter Stephen Schwartz drew inspiration from his daughter. Schwartz asked his daughter what she would say if she would never see her best friend again, and her answer became the genesis for the song.
Recently the Craft has received news concerning some of our most distinguished brethren that no doubt has given us all pause for reflection upon the many friends we have made while employed in the quarries of our gentle Craft. On reflecting upon the many brethren who have affected our as Masons, the words (paraphrased) of “For Good” speak volumes: It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime. So let me say before we part, so much of who I am is made of what I’ve received from you – you’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart. So whatever our stories end, please know that you’ve rewritten mine by being my friend and brother.
As so my brothers, much like the songwriter asked his daughter, ask yourselves what you would say if you thought for a moment that you would never see your brethren again. Then after you answer that question, be sure to share your answer with your brethren, and leave your handprint on his heart.
October 2008
…to learn … to improve myself in Masonry
In my first message to the Craft, I announced three initiatives that I was undertaking. As we approach the end of this calendar year, I thought it might be a good idea to let you know how things were going.
By the time you read this article, your lodge should have received information on the Lodge Officers Competition. The format of this year’s Lodge Officers Competition will focus on the core competencies that any corps of officers must display:
o The ability to open and close lodge on any degree;
o The ability to properly receive the Grand Master or Deputy of the Grand Master
o The ability to properly ballot on a candidate.
My thanks to WB Anthony Monaco and WB John McKinley for their insight and suggestions for this year’s competition. My Brothers, I hope that you will respond favorably when your Deputy announces your competition date, and that you will challenge yourselves to learn and improve in Masonry.
We have held two Grand Lecturer’s Workshops – both in Eastern Washington – that were well received. These workshops have been a great forum for clearing up misunderstandings and honing the ritualistic skills needed to be an effective officer. To date I have two more workshops scheduled in Western Washington and look forward to adding more.
As for my biggest project, I am pleased to report that thus far more than 20 brethren have signed up for the Grand Lecturer’s Challenge. Already two brethren have exemplified a recently learned lecture, and one brother has challenged himself to learn and exemplify all three lectures before the end of this Masonic Year. To the Grand Lecturer’s Challenge is an effort to find “a few good men” who are willing to learn and exemplify one of the lectures of the three degrees before the end of the Masonic year. If you want to be part of the Challenge, please feel free to contact me at jim@mendozaline.net. I would love to add you to the growing list. I will recognize your efforts at either your District Meeting or at Grand Lodge.
As I consider these initiatives, I am reminded of these words: When a lamp is lit, it is not put under the meal-tub, but on the lamp-stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In challenging yourself to improve in Masonry, you, my brothers, become like the lamp. I encourage you all to shed light among your fellows and Pass It On.
August 2008
Think of your favorite song. How quickly did you start humming the tune or for that matter break out into song? I’ve always been fascinated by how a song can become part of one’s DNA. My vocal coach provided me some insight on this phenomenon. A memorable song is the perfect relationship of music and lyrics. Music is like seeing someone for the first time, the physical attraction. As you get to know the person, that’s the lyrics – their story, who they are underneath. When a performer effectively brings together the music and the lyrics, the song becomes magical.
I thought about this marriage of music and lyrics while coaching a brother who was struggling with his obligation. I asked him if he was he simply regurgitating the words on the page or if he understood what he was saying. He was puzzled, so I showed him a scene from “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” In this particular scene, the character of Glen Holland is teaching his class about playing music. I paraphrase: “It's about heart, it's about feelings, moving people, and something beautiful, and it's not about the words on a page.” With this perspective in mind, my good brother saw his obligation in a different light and was able to return his proficiency in an inspiring fashion.
My brothers, whether we are coaching a new brother or learning a new part, I submit that we must progress beyond rote memory and move toward a real understanding of the music and lyrics that make up our ritual. Effective delivery of our ritual must be more than mouthing the words. To quote 1 Corinthians 14:15: "I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding."
Think about the last time you heard a lecture of one of our degrees. Were you put to sleep or did the brother delivering the lecture have you on the edge of your seat, leaning forward with anticipation of his next words? Did he deliver something mundane or something magical? The truly effective ritualist will deliver his part with the understanding that he has the very important role of imparting wisdom not only to the youngest Entered Apprentice in the northeast corner of the lodge, but also to every brother in the lodge room. His ultimate goal must be to inspire us as Masons to higher deeds, nobler thoughts, and greater achievements. In doing so, much like the musical performer, he will have effectively brought together the music and lyrics that make up our ritual to create something magical and something beautiful.
June 2008
Being asked to serve as Grand Lecturer is a daunting task. According to the code, the Grand Lecturer shall give needed instruction to the Lodges under the direction of the Grand Master. So what direction have I received from MWB Doug Tucker?
First, our Grand Master has asked me to re-establish some form of ritual competition. Having participated in (and won) what was previously known as the Senior Wardens Competition, this is a topic of great interest to me. To that end, I have asked several brethren to view the current format from a blank slate perspective. The question to answer is this: What are the core ritualistic competencies that should be exemplified? Once the brethren I have tasked with answering this question provide me with their responses, I will create a new competition ritual and accompanying format. I believe that this will bring new enthusiasm to this program, and serve as a springboard for our Grand Master’s second expectation of me.
There is a concern, my brothers, with the quality of ritual and protocol displayed in our jurisdiction. With respect to our ritual, here are my beliefs. It is my belief that it is the ritual which not only sets our Craft apart from other service organizations but also lays at the heart and soul of what it means to be a Freemason. As such, the exemplification of our ritual and its associated protocols deserves our best efforts. To that end, I have begun the process of contacting the District Deputies to set up a series of Grand Lecturer’s Workshops. The format of these workshops will vary with the needs of the District. For example, one District may want a workshop that focuses on opening and closing; while another District may desire a workshop that exemplifies of one of the degrees followed by a Q&A session.
During the course of this Masonic year, I trust that you will attend one of the Grand Lecturer’s Workshops as well as enjoy the various messages that I will provide throughout the year. It is my fervent hope that together we can stimulate each Brother to read, learn, and take to heart the meaning of our magnificent ritual.
Finally, I’m looking for a “few good men” who are willing to challenge themselves to learn at least one of the lectures of our degrees. I would not make this challenge if I had not already done it myself. I can tell you first hand that in challenging myself to learn the lectures I developed a greater appreciation of our craft and its teachings. If you want to be one of the “few good men” and meet the Grand Lecturer’s Challenge, please drop me a line at jim@mendozaline.net.
On last thought: I believe that the ritual outlines the Masonic way of life that this world so desperately needs. For the individual Mason, adhering to the ritual in daily life will benefit each of us greatly and will keep us within due bounds with all mankind. I can honestly state that I refer to the ritual every day in some way, shape, or form. I would make the argument that living out the ritual in our daily lives is the very best Membership Development and Membership Retention program that there is. Brethren, I look forward to serving as your Grand Lecturer.
Fraternally,
VWB Jim Mendoza
Grand Lecturer
