Continue toward the east? (warning wall of words ahead)

Need some advice. I have talked to some of the other brothers in my Lodge about this, but thought I would ask here as well for a more neutral opinion.

Should I continue up the line from the SD seat?

Last year a hole developed in our line when the JD decided he would not move up. There is more to the story but not worth the typing. Our incoming Master asked if I would fill the hole. I took the decision seriously asked my wife what she thought and others about the time commitment. My wife is supportive. The brothers were supportive, although misleading about what was really expected time wise. I was told Stated meetings and some degree work. Well that seemed obvious and not too bad. Last year was my first full year in the Lodge after being raised so I may have been a bit naïve. Now I find my self being asked to attend Distirict LOA meetings monthly, Lodge officers meeting monthly, degree practices monthly and a Wardens conference over three days in March. I was also asked last year to join the Temple Board which I did. The TB meets once a month, but due to a building project is having emergency meetings an additional one to two times a month.

My biggest problem stems from my job. I’m an airline pilot and gone from home 13-15 days a month on average.

My wife is still supportive, as long as it’s something I want to do. The brothers in my Lodge are supportive, but I think it’s because their really isn’t another good option but me. If I don’t move up we will have to recycle someone.. Possibly two at the same time because the JD still isn’t sure if he wants to move up. If he does go up we then don’t have a JD.

I simply can’t do all that is requested. The lodge deserves someone that can offer more than I have time to give, but I’m not sure there is anyone.

I read and see stories about thriving vital Lodges, I don’t belong to one. It kind of sucks. About half the time I want to just be a side liner and watch the chaos and the other half I want to jump in and try to help. It seems futile.

Any advice?

Eject, the lodge got a long with out you for years, and it will go on after you are dead.

You've already answered the question.

Freemasonry should not be stressful. Going to Lodge and being involved in it's leadership should never be a heavy burden or painful task.

WOW! To jump right in at JD or SD is quite shocking... My lodge is finally seeming to come out of subbsistence mode and barely start growing again, but we still make the officer's line a full 5 to 7 year committment! I think that the time requirements were grossly mis-stated to you... I was asked to join officer's line right afte my 3rd degree too, but they would have started me as Junior Steward and then you go upp throug all positins... I dont know if our Lodge even allows people to NOT move up if they put in their time in the lower offices... When an officer leaves the whole group steps up, and each officer is helped with their learning by a past master... Then they serve out the next term in their new position. There must be VERY few in your Lodge if they started you as JD or SD... Had you waited & participated in the lecture work you might have learned about the hidden time obligations ahead of time, but that's tough to handle. I'd suggest you do what you can comfortably do. Anything else is asking too much. I was told when getting interviewed for initiation that one of the hardest things you're going to have to learn is when to say NO to taking on further obligations! You must focus on your Duty to Good, to Family, and to Self. If you take on more than you can comfortably manage, you're not living according to your first degree lessons... Prioritize your duties accordingly, and you should be able to breathe more easily! sorry for wall of text, my cellphone doesnt work too good on arfcom... I hope this posts, I'm out in the boonies with crummy reception! if this fails to post Imagine my dismay typing so much on a phone...

It posted. Thanks.

Yup straight into the SD seat. With the expectation that I sit in the east for 1st degrees. JW does 2nds etc. We had a 1st scheduled last month, but had to cancell because of weather. Rescheduld for next Thurs but I am out of town. Kind of glad actually.

One plus is if I continue I am up and out in 3 1/2 more years. My kids will still be young. If I'm going to do it, its either now or not for 15-20 years.

I agree!
When you accept an officer's position, it is a 1 year commitment/personal contract.
When you feel you have the time to commit & know it's the right time, do it.

If it interferes with your family or vocation, just say "NO". Over the years, I've witnessed fairly new brothers get burned out by over zealous officers pushing them up the line. The newer brother doesn't want to disappoint the lodge and accepts more then he can chew. The SD is a good job, with lots to learn, especially the 2nd section of the 2nd and 3rd degree. We wouldn't expect you to sit in the East too. Take it slow at your pace, don't over commit, don't let them over commit you either.

Brother Curry, your avatar would make a nice shirt logo btw.

Thank you all for the replys. I'm still torn. The current JD just told me last night he will be moving up. Maybe I could just switch with him. I have not been in that chair yet.

We'll see. I have a couple months until I need to finalize my decision.

Maybe we can get it added into the build your own shirt designs in the ARFCOM store. I would buy one.

That pretty well says it right there. I assume it's PMs encouraging you to move up the line (?) which is fine, but remember that once in the South, you are showing your willingness and desire to move to the West and ultimately to the East. And if you do all those stations well, it will take a lot of your time for the next 3 years. I'll probably be in the South next year, but I'm retired, so I'm more flexible on my personal time.

In a heart beat.




––- I have just gone through the personal loss of my father. I sit in the east in two appendant bodies and in the south in blue lodge. All I had to do was ask for assistance and my brothers stepped up without complaint. In my absents my Grotto has raised over $15,000 for our charity. Life in the lodge will progress without you.

Just ask a brother to help, we all have our personal obligations we must deal with.

this. our lodge had several years in a row of men taking positions and not showing up to fulfill the duty. it hurts the lodge and your brothers. no shame in admitting you simply can't take on the responsibility. you can always jump into the line when you have the time.

i got raised and 2 weeks later was made lodge treasurer when ours resigned. when i changed lodges i was asked to step into the JW station this year essentially skipping everything below it. i felt honoured i was asked but new i was not ready for the job. i explained this to them and they put in me in anyway. i have made some mistake stepped out of bounds a few times but my brothers have been their to support me and help me along the way.

if you have trouble attending pass on the position.

I was in the exact same position 2 years ago was junior deacon and joined the York right and before I knew it was getting pulled away from my family way to much.
I decided the blue lodge was to important and stopped everything else to focus on my JD duties. Then the SD disappeared so I filled in and did a decent job but not a perfect job. When asked to move to the JW spot I said no. I served again this year as SD and have done all my parts in every degree two or three times and feel good about we're I am. When asked why I didn't move I just said It serves no one to pretend and when and if I move and and become WM I want to know I have served every station and done it well. That way when I do sit in the east I will have the respect of the senior members as they will know I have made my way east as it used to be done. By slowing the advancement it has also allowed us the bring in new brothers and put on quality degrees and as a result we have begun to grow and as a result some of the older brothers have returned and begun attending again.one of our PGM said after out last degree he was happy to come and see a good degree because coming to a bad one was not worth it to him to regularly attend.
You have to do whats best for your family and you if you don't have the time to serve stay we're you are or just move down and fill the JD seat which helps the lodge and is easy fill on meetings you can't attend. SD and WMs are tough to fill in for unless you are deep in talent sitting on the sidelines.I can also attest to the fact that moving chair by chair removes a lot of stress because your duties increase incrementally and do not overwhelm you, it becomes enjoyable and not stressfull.
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