Masonic Musings #26

Photo by Peter Aroner on Unsplash

Something that I've been reflecting on recently is the value of a Mason becoming an Officer, is it worth it and what is the true cost. So often when the question is put to an individual they are excited about being asked, or feel that this is that once in a lifetime opportunity, and they can't say yes fast enough, but at that point has that Brother thought through and been made aware of all the commitments they just signed on for?

Did someone take the time to explain how many more evenings were going to be required (it's more than one a month), or the extra ritual required? What about the expectations, in the case of a junior officer they might include serving on specfic committees or becoming Worshipful Master of the Lodge.

Grand Lodge offices take on even more responsibility including things such as regular visits to other Lodges, presentations that need to be made, followups, Masonic Constitutional Law, committee work, the list is forever growing.

Then there are the financial costs such as travel, clothing, and maybe meals out.

Don't get be wrong having been an officer both at my local Lodge level and at the District Level for my Grand Lodge I wouldn't trade the experience and the opportunity to give back in those leadership roles for anything. I'm also lucky enough to have grown up around Freemasonry so I had at least an idea of what I was walking into, many don't.

Whether to step up to be an officer in a Lodge is a very personal decision, one that each of us should take the time to consider well and evaluate. You need to think about your own journey and how being an officer might impact that. For some, becoming a leader is what they were born to be, some aspire to be, and there are those that will pass on the opportunity. We also need to remain aware of what is going on around us, while being an officer might fit well with our lives when we start, it may not always be so as we continue on our path.

That's where others need to realize that things change, priorities, finances, family, or just plain burnout, might cause someone to step down from an office when the time comes. They may not want another term, or succeed to a higher office and we need to respect that. We also need to keep in mind that not everyone wants the same thing out of Freemasonry and those wants can and do change over time.

So is being an Officer in Freemasonry worth it? For many the answer is yes, however I would caution you to be sure you've examined the path as well as you can, be sure that stone fits into your Masonic Temple, and finally be willing to examine where you are regularly. There are forks in the path and you want to be sure you examine each and not let you passions always dictate the choice.