A Message from the Grand Senior Warden

Membership and Traditions

Let me start by saying, it has been absolutely an awesome experience in this current journey in the Grand Line. In my 33 years (July 15th) as a Master Mason, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of meeting and serving with many Worthy Masonic Brothers around this great state of Louisiana. Unfortunately, no matter what journey as a Mason you are on as life would have it, the journey has to end.

With that being said, when it ends our membership declines, sometimes at a rapid pace resulting in Brethren at various times of the day having to put on their funeral suit or proper attire to attend. There are Masonic Traditions that should be followed on the other side of this Masonic spectrum. Attracting new members is something that we as Masons should strive to do. Living and exhibiting good characteristics of a man is just a start in attracting good men in order to make them better which of course is one of our mottos. Though we need to in some way keep up in raising new Master Masons with our rapid declination, quality is still better than quantity!

When a petition is received and takes its usual course which includes some type of investigation (background and personal), though one is just as important as the other, when the appointed committee composed of at least 3 Master Masons go to visit the candidate and family if available, dress and act appropriately, this is where we as Masons should especially start to show good qualities. Skipping ahead a bit, if accepted and the date and time are set especially to initiate a new candidate or whether it is to confer the Fellowcraft or Master Mason degree, be professional and proficient as possible. There are Masonic traditions that have been passed down for many years and when possible, should be followed. The esoteric work is mandatory. There are many lectures available and should be used if available to further impress the candidate. Every initiated and passed Mason is required to learn and recite in open lodge the catechism of these degrees before advancing to the next degree. Though the Master Mason catechism is not required to be recited in open lodge, it is strenuously recommended that it be learned like the others in the preceding degrees in order to assist in conferring the degrees.

Again Brethren, our membership is rapidly declining and we should not let that knowledge of our traditions fade away.

Fraternally,

Sonny J. Massey

Grand Senior Warden