|
In July 2001, shortly after M.W. Bro. Terence Shand was installed as our Grand Master, I had the pleasure of asking him a series of questions with which he answered most openly. The Ontario Mason Magazine committee felt it was appropriate to ask him a further set of questions as his term comes to a close. These questions are based on those that we have heard being asked amongst the membership as we have travelled throughout our jurisdiction. I want to thank you Grand Master, for the honest and forthrite manner in which you answered them. I trust the membership will enjoy reading them and hopefully will encourage them to ask questions of all of the Grand Officers that represent our Grand Lodge. Q. - In the fall of 2001, you appointed an ad-hoc committee to investigate amalgamations and the surrendering of lodge charters. Can you tell us the findings of this committee? A. – The committee, chaired by R.W. Bro. Terrence Horner, continue to meet with groups around the province. A report regarding proposals for change, that ensure the process is a positive action for the mutual benefit of lodges, is forthcoming. Amalgamations that I have attended appear upbeat in nature and consolidate our assets. They seem to address the needs of Masonry in the overall mosaic of that particular community. The surrender of charters is an unfortunate sign of our times, usually in a community where the potential for growth has dissipated. It can, however, prove to be a positive course of action to the out-of-town non-attending member by providing a vehicle and incentive by which he can affiliate to his newfound neighborhood. Q. - There seems to be a larger number than normal amalgamations and the surrendering of charters taking place. Do you see this as a continuing trend? A. – A presentation at the North American Conference of Grand Masters in February suggests that; taking suspensions, demits and deaths into account and without new members, if you multiply the present membership by 0.57 you will arrive at a number you might expect to have in ten years. Our changing environment is universal; we need to continually strive to ensure our Fraternity is a first class, quality organization, worthy of ones consideration for membership. Q. - As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2005, what direction do you see us heading as a fraternity? A. – Oh to be blessed with a crystal ball. I believe we should continue to work towards our Strategic Five Year Plan and dovetail it to the needs of our Fraternity. Several Grand Lodge officers and others representative of our entire jurisdiction, form the planning group that evaluates past achievements, consider what is working well, and then adjust the thrust of our programs accordingly. It steers our future by a team effort and not by one persons agenda. However, we must be cognizant that Freemasonry is a ‘grass roots’ organization that must be efficiently steered from the deck of the lodge by a similar team of enthusiastic lodge members. Q. - What do you think our forefathers would say about the state of our fraternity as it is now? A. – I believe our forefathers would abhor the reading of ritual in lodge and the relaxing of proper protocol in the banquet hall. That so called ‘tradition’ appears after a few short years of usually unsolicited change. That Worshipful Masters conduct meetings and Installations by reading from the convenience of notes rather than from the pride of memory. On the other hand, they would marvel at the drastic change occurring in today’s society. Technological advances occur in mere months that might have taken decades to occur in their time. Our task is to adapt to this rapid growth in a positive manner that ensures the existence of Masonry for future generations. These changing and often troublesome times merely enhance the need for the high moral values that our Order teaches and provides. Q. - I am seeing a lot of discussion on the Internet about Prince Hall Freemasonry. What is their standing with our Grand Lodge and can you explain why? A. – It is interesting to note that Prince Hall Freemasonry existed for some two hundred years before this subject became an issue. Prince Hall Freemasonry in Ontario and jurisdiction (includes Quebec I am told) comprises some 250 to 300 members. We in Ontario enjoy a totally integrated, multicultural jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario acknowledges the legitimacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry and I personally would not want to enter into any negotiation that might tend to give the perception of encouraging segregation. Q. - This past January (2003), there was another "Think Tank" held. Can you tell us the purpose of holding these and what recommendations have come forward? A. – Last January was the fourth such exercise and was held to develop a ‘Strategic Plan 2003 – 2008. Some 28 Masons gathered to review; what has worked well? Did we meet our objectives? What do we perceive as the present and future needs to enhance Masonry in Ontario? The results of these findings will be collated, then published in pamphlet form, for distribution to the committees of Grand Lodge, the D.D.G.M’s, and any other interested Masonic group. Q. - As membership continues to decline, what are we doing to (a) attract new members and (b) retain current members? A. – This might be an appropriate time to answer a question – with a question. What ARE we doing about it? - You and I - One often perceives that it is up to someone other than US. Grand Lodge perhaps? This is just not so. Each of us must live and act by the precepts of Freemasonry to create a positive impression in the community. Then we must ensure that those who get that positive image know that we are Masons and have derived much of our lifestyle from being a Mason. If your workmate or neighbor doesn’t know that you are a Mason how can he be attracted to our Fraternity? Retention is up to us all. We must endeavor to ensure that every member enjoys a sense of ownership in his lodge, participates in its events, feels needed, liked and enjoys the camaraderie that makes an evening at lodge one not to be missed Q. - The Public Relations committees of the Appendant Bodies have now been meeting for more than 2 years, can you tell us what you believe has been accomplished from this. A. – The origin of this is derived from the Ontario Masonic Leaders meetings. We have found it most useful for the leaders of Craft Masonry, Scottish and York Rites, Sovereign Great Priory and our three Shrine Potentates to meet in a spirit of mutual cooperation, to openly discuss matters of concern and to develop ways of ensuring unity. The Public Relations Chairmen of the aforementioned groups were instrumental in the development of the Family of Freemasonry pamphlet and |
of the Family Breakfast held at Rameses Temple, Downsview. They continue to meet to develop ideas that will enhance the friendly relationship we share with each other and to promote the ‘Family of Freemasonry’ concept.. Q. - In the last interview, you were asked what you considered to be the highlights and disappointments (if any) as Deputy Grand Master. Would you now answer the same question as Grand Master. A. – Without question, a highlight was the manner in
which Lyn and I were cordially and most graciously received as we met with
our membership, their ladies and families on our travels throughout the
jurisdiction. Many happenings will be indelibly etched as happy lifelong
memories. Masonically, Ontario is recognized
worldwide and is held in the highest regard. The privilege to represent
our Craft, at the same time nurture many friends throughout North America
and beyond has been most enjoyable. To have had a supportive Deputy Grand
Master, readily available at ones side is gratifying indeed. The tireless
service and unwavering loyalty of both Grand Directors of Ceremonies and
their Assistants was outstanding. To have the benefit of sage advice from several members of the Grand Lodge team is comforting, as were the two groups of District Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Lodge Officers that Lyn and I were fortunate to befriend and serve with. Unfortunately, two particular disappointments come to mind. Firstly, as mentioned in my 2002 address, the method by which the acclaimed replacement of our Grand Secretary, after many years of devoted service was contrived. Also, the way some lodge members allow personal grievances to fester and become so divisive as to jeopardize the very existence of a lodge. I urge you to ‘nip those personal peeves in the bud’ and if at all possible settle your differences amicable or retire from lodge that harmony may prevail. Q. - As many Grand Masters have done before, you have attended many other Grand Lodge Communications as well as Conferences. What is the reasoning for this and what benefits does our membership derive from this. A. – In Masonic terms, North America is divided into seven regions; the All Canada, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Rocky Mountain, Western and Southwest. Our jurisdiction predominantly supports the activities of the All Canada and Northeast regions. It affords an opportunity to understand how we individually function, to both learn and teach as we participate in the numerous workshops that are made available (twenty at the February conference, one provided by us). Our Fraternity is spread over the four divisions of the globe. Our participation in the World Conference of Masons and Grand Lodges, held approximately every 18 months, provides for the same activities but on a world scale. As previously stated Ontario is highly regarded worldwide. Our participation is beneficial in developing a broader perspective of where Masonry stands globally, where it might be heading and what action might serve to enhance its well being as a universal fraternity. The issue of cost in the participation of these conferences is carefully considered, budgeted for and attended within the confines of the particular budget. Q. - In 2001, the Grand Lodge committee structure was changed, do you see this as having positive results and what are they? A. – The committee restructure of 2001 and the creation of an organizational chart to depict the committees of Grand Lodge has, in my view, provided our membership with a better understanding of where each committee fits in the overall plan. At the committee level it provides for a series of team leaders and their members to devote their energy to a specific area within the committee structure. The committee chairman can then monitor and report its progress to the Chairman of the Board. Its positive impact provides for better promotion of the programs by an improved specialized team. The organizational chart in itself provides the newly made D.D.G.M. a ready reference, one page overview, of the committee structure and programs available to the district and its members. Q. - What advice would you give to your successor? A. – A Grand Master is elected to a position of responsibility and trust at the ‘Will’ of the brethren and for the ‘Benefit’ of those brethren. Weigh each situation equitably, justly, with an open mind and without prejudice. Always keep foremost in your heart and mind that you are here to ‘serve’ the Masons of Ontario and Freemasonry in general. Never take yourself too seriously. Finally, as I did, welcome the challenge and be grateful for the opportunity. Q. Since it’s inception, 10 years ago, the magazine has been a semiannual publication. What is the future of the magazine and do you see it becoming a quarterly publication like the Newsletter? A. – One might infer that my opinion could be somewhat prejudice having been part of its inception. I believe the Ontario Mason magazine is now a welcomed, respected and well-received publication. Its composition, solely by lay volunteers, is commendable. The magazine provides for education, current activities and a comprehensive overview of the happenings around our jurisdiction. Unlike the Newsletter (which is funded by subscription) the Ontario Mason is funded, at no direct cost to all members listed on our database, by your voluntary support of our annual calendar program. Its cost presently absorbs the largest portion of funds available through our Grand Lodge Programme Fund and expansion would necessitate a substantial cost increase. Q. - This is for your wife, Lyn. What would you consider to be the highlights of being the First Lady of our jurisdiction and what advice would you give to your successor? A. – I thank the Masons of Ontario for electing my husband as Grand Master. The opportunity to travel with Terry, to meet new people and make new friends has been a definite highlight. The good times experienced with the ladies of the Grand Lodge officers at various functions has been a real joy. The many courtesies, gifts and your contributions to our Masonic Foundation project, in support of Wegener’s, Ganulomatosis are greatly appreciated. It has left me with many happy memories for which I am most grateful. To my successor; be your own person, express your own opinions, relax and enjoy the two-year experience of opportunity. |
