The work required to be Worshipful Master is a multi-task job. He is a Manager, Accountant, Chaplain, Organizer, etc. Supporting the Worshipful Master is very easy. He simply needs you to attend Instruction Meetings and Stated Meetings.

Of course, he will also need volunteers to represent various committees. These, unfortunately, are usually filled by Brothers who year-after-year volunteer their time to support the Worshipful Master. It would be refreshing to see new names and faces filling these positions; new Brothers SUPPORTING the Master and each other.

Supporting a new member is a special gift. It has to do with Instruction Meetings. Although it is suggested that every Lodge Brother attend, it is every officers (elected and appointed) responsibility to attend. Only in this way can degree work be accomplished in a truly ritualistic manner. Many times I have sat painfully and watched a degree team unnecessarily fumbling with their words during a degree. Of course, the candidate is not aware of it but good work is something we owe him as he takes his first steps to join our fraternity; the pride in doing good work is something we owe ourselves. We also owe ourselves, as well as the candidate, the pride of appearing at his entering, passing, and raising. After all, we are Brothers, and as such, should begin support for our newly made Brother Masons right from the beginning. This sets the example for him to support his Brothers throughout the future. As he sees us do, he will do!

As you have gathered, the main thrust of SUPPORT is attendance at the meetings. It is only twice a month that we are asked to attend meetings; the Stated Meeting and the Instruction Meeting. The Stated Meetings are for Fellowship. The Instruction Meetings are meant just for that reason, Instruction. Degree work is an ongoing process of learning. Only by repetition can one fully master the work. Whether it is Tyler or Worshipful Master, attending instruction meetings is the only form of learning the work. Consistent good work is accomplished only by mastering the work of the individual chair, and that is only accomplished by attendance.

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