WHAT'S YOUR LINE?
This Short Talk Bulletin was prepared by the headquarters staff of M.S.A.,
using information from a variety of Masonic publications and discussions with
many Masonic leaders.
In "meeting upon the level," we frequently lose sight of the fact that the
Brother sitting next to us has a vocation, avocations, and special talents. We
think of him only as a Mason--and accept him as such. This is particularly true
in larger lodges, where our only contact with one another is in lodge. We have a
tendency to deal in "small talk'' or merely talk about the weather, the degree
work or Masonic experiences. It's usually only after we have gotten to know the
brother pretty well that we get around to asking, "What's your line of work?"
And we're usually surprised that his "line" is different than we had imagined.
The man we have pegged as a lawyer may turn out to be a bus driver. And the
man we thought might be an electrician could very possibly be a dentist.
We arc usually surprised to learn of the vast~ amount of varied talent that
congregates around our altars. Good men from every walk of life are truly
attracted to the Ancient Greek. It is a sad fact, however, that in our eagerness
to gain members, we neglect them by not using their talents. During a
candidate's progress through tic three degrees, he is tic most important person
in the lodge. We heap all kinds of attention upon him as we provide him with the
symbolic working tools. Then, once he has been raised to the Sublime Degree of a
Master Mason, we turn our attention to the next candidate.
The newly-raised Mason has become a statistic He's still in the darkness.
He's neglected. He has all of those shiny new working tools. He has his "union
card." But, hi is "unemployed." There aren't any designs Upon the trestleboard
for him to use. He becomes bored, frustrated, disinterested, a stranger in a
strange place, bewildered. It's an easy thing for him to NOT come back to the
lodge room. Then it's an easy thing for him NOT to pay dues to an organization
that's not interested in him. And he can easily, in a year or so, show up as
"dropped NPD."
There are some forward-looking lodges which are doing something about such
situations by making an earnest effort to get all of heir members involved,
including the NEW Mason .
The first and foremost idea is to find out all they can about each member of
the lodge. Then to match his skills, talents, abilities, and interests to the
needs of the lodge, taking into account the physical limitations of each member.
To do this, involves a great deal of thought, organization and WORK.
Basically, what is involved is: (a) developing a questionnaire which will
provide NEEDED information; (b) devising a system to secure the information; (c)
compiling the information; (d) USING the information; (c) maintaining and
up-dating the information; (f) making the information avail- able to the
progressive line.
In developing the questionnaire, consideration must be given to what data is
essential and needed. Too many questionnaires are cluttered up with questions
that are useless. For instance, can you imagine the responses you would get if
you had a blank to indicate "SEX"?
A basic form developed by the Masonic Service and Education Committee of the
Grand Lodge of Michigan was used effectively by many lodges in that
jurisdiction. It included these basic questions: name, address, business
telephone number, home phone, occupation, special talents. Interested in
participating as follows: [ ] as an officer; [ ] a member of the lecture team; [
] organist; [ ] pianist; [ ] soloist; [ ] Glee Club; [ ] choir; [ ] Membership
Committee; [ ] Education Committee; [ ] Intender; [ ] Trestleboard Editor; [ ]
Staff member; [ ] other
A notation at the bottom of the form indicated:
"Your suggestions for the improvement of the lodge would be appreciated. A
self-addressed envelope is enclosed-- please send us your ideas. They will be
given careful consideration and will be kept in strictest confidence. Send them
anonymously if you wish. We are particularly interested in improving our lodge
programs to benefit and interest you. If you have specific suggestions please
describe them."
If you are planning to use the questionnaire to select committees, or to
locate potential sources for repair or maintenance work, you would want to
include questions regarding hobbies, skills and talents. There are so many
Masons who have no interest or ability in ritual work but who would delight in
the opportunity to prepare and serve refreshments; do cabinet or electrical
work; paint; or do landscaping and gardening. They would like to be involved.
They want to do their part; to feel needed and appreciated .
Shut-in Brethren have been found to be a great source of energy in serving on
"telephone committee" used to remind the other Brethren of lodge activities. In
making the calls, they learn of Brethren who fall under the heading of "sickness
and distress." They learn of widows in need of assistance. They serve as the
eyes and ears of the lodge. Most of all, they find an opportunity to serve the
lodge and their Brethren, and in doing it they are able to minimize their own
problems and loneliness. You have no doubt heard the ridiculous stories about
the world-renowed Chef who ended up as a mechanic in the Army; and the
electrical engineer who ended up as an Army cook. Putting round pegs into square
holes may have bureaucratic advantages. However, experience shows that Masonic
lodges function much better if the members' skills are used to fulfill lodge
needs. It's an important function of lodge leadership to put the right peg in
the right hole.
Following is a more elaborate Masonic Lodge Talent Record which covers a wide
variety of talents. Armed with the information provided by such a form, a
Worshipful Master or Warden can be better informed on who can be put to work
where.
MASONIC LODGE TALENT RECORD
Date: Name of Member Home address Phone: Business address Phone: Occupation
Formal education Masonic Birthday Hobbies Major interests Physical limitations
Members of family with special skills, hobbies, and interests
INTERESTED in the FOLLOWING LODGE WORK
Posting of Candidates
Being an Intel/instructor Degree
Lecturer
Investigations
Sick Visitation
Attend Funeral Services
Exhibit hobby collection
Prepare Educational items
Give Book Reviews Library
Work Masonic Research
Write for Lodge periodical
Present Masonic talks
Temple maintenance
carpentry electrical
other Committee work
Take part in plays
Visit other Lodges Musical:
pianist
soloist
choir
organist
Glee Club
Audio/Visual Equipment Liaison with other bodies
Telephone Committee
Youth Activities
Take photographs
Help with refreshments
Becoming an officer
Other work
LODGE WORK that INTERESTS MY FAMILY
Present music
Take part in plays Assist in serving refreshments Exhibit hobby collection
Take part in an entertainment Take photographs Other work
(For more practical discussions of the Masonic "work ethic," be sure to read
next month's Short Talk Bulletin, "WORK" by Brother Alphonse Cerza.)
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