This past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Nat and I were in Bettendorf for the annual meetings of the Grand Chapter and Grand Council. I have been going to these for years, really can't remember the first, think it was in Sioux City when Jerry Marsengill was Grand High Priest and Maxie Yates was Most Illustrious Grand Master. I remember the large portraits of each made on bed sheets hanging behind the head table at the banquet. Those old (now past on) past presiding officers seemed like giants to me, a young boy not even allowed in the meetings. I remember companions Tom Corothers, Jim Irish, Dick Campbell, Maxie Yates, Marion Charlton, Pappy Heur, Jerry Marsengill and many others.
They made sure things were always done right. They were not afraid to speak up, to speak their minds. They weren't always right, but usually they were. I miss those men. While this years session was okay, it and several of the past years have seemed to just be missing something. I think it is the lack of leaders speaking up, the kind of leaders who when they stood up to talk everyone listened and respected. There are still those around and even serving today that have that ability, but it seems to be in less fashion to speak your mind. I do not mean any harm or am I referring specifically to anyone.
Our organizations seem to lack organization. This is as true for the commandery as much as the other masonic bodies. Have we forgot formality? Have we forgot proper procedures? Have we forgot that as head of an organization we are to lead it, be a professional. To take our responsibilities seriously.
This past weekend made me think on these important questions. Not that anything was done "wrong" or "disrespectful" cause it wasn't. Only things have changed alot. And I miss the older ways. Yes I encourage FUN, but Fun is not our sole purpose.
I would like to hear others comments on this......are we lacking leadership? education? How to we improve?
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Well, I was at Jerry's session also because I followed him as GHP. You are, of course, correct. There is a lot missing For one thing the guys back then talked to each other and knew the Code and followed it. They understood Masonry, having had a lot of experience in it. They were intelligent committed Masons who loved the fraternity and wanted to do things to make it better. Somewhere along the way we have lost that leadership.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, They also had FUN, Lots of it There was humor and "side fun degrees" after hours. We laughed, sat around talking and telling jokes until all hours and loved each other deeply. With you I miss those days. It was not all about being introduced and feeling self-important. And the local Companions attended. No competition to see who was best. Just working together as to who best can work and best agree. I miss it lots.
To say that the York Rite is lacking leadership is quite an understatement. It is disorganized, and those in positions of leadership are more interested in protecting their turf, rather than doing what's best for the fraternity.
ReplyDeleteWhere would the world be without rhetorical questions???
ReplyDeleteAmen to Kurt!
I have said for years you can't make a leader, you are one or not, but you can develop one's leadership skills.
Just as important.......we need followers too!
Tom Dean
Bryce & Tom:
ReplyDeleteI pray that those who just took office make me eat my words...