Admonition Before Elections


To the Brethren in open Lodge convened

For the Election of the W. Master

(By Bro. Vincent Lombardo)

"From time immemorial it has been an established customs among Free and Accepted Masons, for each lodge, once in every year, at a stated period, to select from among those brethren who have served the office of Warden, an expert Craftsman to preside over them in the capacity of Master." From this we deduce that the task of the W. Master is that of President.

In another portion of our rituals he is tasked "to instruct and employ the brethren in Masonry", thus making him an Instructor or Teacher, and an Employer.   Now, to be an instructor or a teacher one needs to have knowledge; a knowledge at least superior to that of his pupils, and encompassing a variety of disciplines, up to and including all the "hidden mysteries of nature and science."  And, as an employer, one needs to be organized, methodical and forward-looking, so to employ the brethren to their fullest abilities, and not let them fall asleep or drop out.   Admittedly, this is a tall order, such that, perhaps, not many will qualify for this exalted position, but the brethren are entitled to demand from their Master this much, or as much of it as possible, and award the power of the gavel to him who come the closest to this ideal.   And those who contemplate one day to be Masters will have a goal to attain; that of developing themselves in these qualifications as much as they can, during the time they work their way up to candidacy for this prestigious and demanding position.

Yet in another portion of our rituals the Master is called "a Ruler in the Craft", that is: a person who rules or commands, and as such, one who, while holding the gavel, disposes and directs, steering his lodge in its planned course unremittingly, and even firmly when needed, for the lodge and its destination comes second to nothing else and no one.   Some have even suggested that the gavel gives him the powers of a Despot, though in another place he is obliged "to submit to the awards and resolutions of his brethren in general lodge convened … " reducing his exalted status to that of a Servant - and not just a "run-of-the-mill servant, but one who has promised at his installation: "not to be insensible to his duties, nor to his responsibilities for the faithful discharge of the same."   This promise demands of him to be vigilant and present, at all times, for a ship without its steersman is doomed to drift to hopelessness, and disaster.   As a servant, he is not below his brethren, but first among equals; a steady light beam at their service, for their motivation, guidance, and instruction.

In another place he is prompted to administer the duties of that high office to the best of his skill and ability and, in another, is obliged not to permit or suffer any deviations from the established usages, customs and landmarks. That makes him an Administrator and a Policeman as well — a rare breed of a servant.

I am giving you this perspective on the role of the Master you are now about to elect for the ensuing twelve months (or until a new master is elected and installed in his stead) in order for you to reflect and be cautious on your choice of the Master - and to remind you that at installation you will be required to promise him Obedience, in addition to your obligation to "answer and obey all lawful signs and summonses you receive from him or your lodge", and the regular attendance you have agreed to observe.

I had in the past the opportunity to remind you that a Lodge is not someone else's enterprise or recreational facility, accessible with a membership card whenever one feels like it. It is not. The lodge is a living organism, a family of brothers, where every member participates and pulls his weight, to the extent of the length of his cable tow, and according to his skills and abilities.

You now know with clarity what you are entitled to expect from the Master you are about to elect - and what that Master is entitled to expect from you.

You will now attend at the Altar and cast your ballot for the election of your Worshipful Master.


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