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TTTTHE SSSSURVEYOR
In the Surveyor
From the East . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2012 Committees . . . . . . . . . 2
Master’s Calendar . . . . . . . . 3
From the West . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Masonic Education . . . . . . . . 4
Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Role of Secretary . . . . . 4-5
Duties of Officers . . . . . . . . 6-8
My Cousin George . . . . . . . . 9
Noteworthy News . . . . . . 10-11
2012 Officers Directory . . . 12
TTTTHE SSSSURVEYORVol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 2012
A New Brother Begins the JourneyBy Chuck Carroll
WHITEFISH BAY, WI
“Is this a lodge or the Love
Boat?” I found myself asking as newly
initiated Br. Adam Roder, in open lodge,
stood in the East and publicly proclaimed
his intentions, and asked his future
father-in-law, Br. Mike Plumley visiting
from Bethany Lodge No. 821 of Black
River, New York, for his daughter’s hand
in marriage.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in
Architectural Engineering from MSOE, Br.
Roder is currently pursuing a Masters
Degree in Science and Structural
Engineering, also at MSOE, while working
as a Building Inspector for the City of
Milwaukee.
Br. Roder is also a member of the
Triangle Fraternity whose membership
includes our Junior Deacon, Br. Joe
Fahrenkopf and our beloved Past Master,
Br. Andy Paradowski.
When asked why he wanted to
become a Mason, Br. Roder replied, “I
would like to become a Mason to become
a part of a Brotherhood of men that I may
come to know, trust and serve.” (A New Brother Continued page 11)
Jerry Thompson Honored for 60 Years On Thursday, September 20, Brothers Joe Fahrenkopf,
Junior Deacon; Otto Tesch, PM, Chaplain; and Chuck Carroll,
Worshipful Master, descended on the home of Brother Jerry
Thompson to deliver a certificate and pin from the Grand Lodge
of Wisconsin, honoring his 60th year of membership in the
Fraternity.
Br. Jerry was stationed near Lompoc, California in 1952
when he got his EA degree at Santa Ynez Lodge No. 262, and was
then transferred to San Luis Obispo where he received his FC
degree at King David’s Lodge No. 209.
Later that year he was raised at Southern Pines Lodge No.
484 in his hometown of Southern Pines, North Carolina. While
stationed in Germany, Jerry got a chance to tour Lucerne,
Switzerland where he met his future wife, Isabel, who was touring
with her mother and sister. Needless to say, he followed her back
to Wisconsin and he has been here ever since! Jerry joined the
Brown Deer Lodge which eventually consolidated with GW1776.
Br. Roder “proposes” to his future father-
in-law.
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 20122
Lodge Phone Number (414) 979-1776
2012 Lodge Committee* Chairs
Lodge Projects
Co-Chairs:
Jim Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414-332-8247 tiler@gw1776.org
William Hutchins . . 262-309-3500 seniorsteward@gw1776.org
Education, Entertainment & Social Events
Co-Chairs:
Otto Tesch . . . . . . . . . . . 414-445-3537 chaplain@gw1776.org
Joe Fahrenkopf . . . . 920-296-3171 juniordeacon@gw1776.org
Community Relations
Co-Chairs:
Frank Nuernberger . 414-357-8141 seniorwarden@gw1776.org
Keith Sargeant . . . . . . . 414-881-7060 juniorwarden@1776.org
Publicity & Member Outreach
Co-Chairs:
Tyler Kristopeit . . . 608-346-0066 seniordeacon@gw1776.org
Seth Swanson . . . . . . 408-315-9601 sswanson@digitaliris.com
*Not sure which committee to join? That’s easy. It’s been
decided for you. All members of GW1776 are members of each
and every committee!
Message
from the
East
W o r s h i p f u l
Master
Chuck Carroll
Special Election EditionThis issue of the Surveyor includes an excerpt from
George Washington's Farewell Address where he discusses the
danger of political parties to the democratic process. Looking
at the current state of politics, we can see that some of his
warnings were prophetic. Seeing the madness that seems to get
worse every four years, it is comforting to know that this sort of
foolishness is not part of our annual elections of officers. As
Free and Accepted Masons, we recognize how important is our
right as individuals, to be able to vote our conscience, free from
electioneering and the dissension of warring factions.
I have appointed our Senior Deacon, Br. Tyler
Kristopeit, to assist Br. Keith Sargeant in the Nominating
Committee. Br. Keith has been working diligently to provide the
lodge with a list of qualified and interested nominees for the
various offices that are up for election, as well as those who are
interested in appointed offices. In this issue of the Surveyor,
you will find an article that divulges the various duties and
responsibilities of the different offices, also the second part of an
article about the Lodge Secretary, and an interesting article
about voting methods, all of which make this a Special Election
Edition of the Surveyor.
What a year this has been! It has been absolutely
fantastic! We set a lot of goals, and even though we didn't
achieve them all, (most being the kinds of projects that take
more than a year to develop) we still made amazing strides. Our
work with the youth in the community was a new thing in our
lodge and continues with an opportunity for our lodge to
become active in DeMolay in the upcoming years through Br.
Dave Bowen's efforts. I had a very active and fun group of
officers to work with this year and a lot of support all year long.
Sure there was some resistance, but when you are working with
men of such high caliber as our lodge members, "resistance is
futile!" I remember an old saying, "All through life my brother,
if you'd be a happy soul, keep your eye upon the donut, and not
upon the hole!"
GW1776 is only 12 years old. That is a very young
lodge. According to the historical documents that I have had a
chance to peruse over the past few years, there were some very
big birth pains and we're still experiencing some growing pains,
but that is to be expected. I have every confidence in the young
men coming up in this lodge and while I definitely had doubts
and fears when I first joined this "older gentleman's" lodge
seven years ago, those worries have long since passed. I have
gotten to know the young men that have since been raised and
who will be our future leaders and I know it will be alright.
I know that there are a lot of members who have not
been at many meetings this year but I encourage you to come on
election night. No Mason is required to attend meetings, but on
election night you have a chance to exercise the most important
and meaningful right of being a Mason. Your right to vote is
more than a privilege; it is a sacred duty. Your vote determines
the direction the lodge will take in the upcoming year. Will we
continue to move forward? Will we take a step backward? Will
we remain stagnant? How important is your vote? Last year, I
was elected by a two-vote margin. It is not for me to tell you
how to vote. Under the Trial Code, Chapter 101 of the
Wisconsin Masonic Code Annotations, it lists as unmasonic
conduct, among other things:
To try in any manner to influence the vote of
another either for or against any person for a
Masonic office...
No, it's not up to me to tell you how to vote, but what I can tell
you is that if you don't come to vote for the men who will lead
the lodge into the future, then you have no stake in the future of
the lodge.
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 2012 3
October 2012S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
November 2012S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
The Master’s Calendar 2012
October Highlights
October 2, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Stated Meeting
FC Degree for Brother Adam Roder
6:00 p.m. Light Supper
October 16, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Stated Meeting
6:30 p.m. Light Supper No Reservations Necessary
October 18, Thursday, Stein Club at Sprecher
October 29, Monday, 7:00 p.m. District 12 Meeting at Henry
L. Palmer Lodge, Light Supper at 6:00 p.m.
This is a mandatory meeting for lodge officers, all
Master Masons are invited and encouraged to attend.
October 30, Tuesday, Masonic Haunted Cinema NightMasonic Haunted Cinema NightMasonic Haunted Cinema NightMasonic Haunted Cinema NightJoin us for a Special Evening of Tricks & Treats as we present
Mel Brooks’ Classic Horror/Comedy,
“Young Frankenstein!”
October 31, Wednesday, Halloween
November Highlights
November 6, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Stated Meeting
Election Night at the Lodge
6:30 p.m. Light Supper
November 11, Sunday, Veterans Day
November 15, Thursday, Stein Club at Sprecher
November 16, Friday, Surveyor Deadline
November 20, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Stated Meeting.
6:30 p.m. Light Supper
November 22, Thursday, Thanksgiving
From the West (Wing of the Hospital)
Brother Senior Warden, Frank Nuernberger was recently admitted to St. Mary’s
Hospital after experiencing a stroke. The day after he was admitted to the ICU, Barb and I
went to see him. He was in good spirits, and I even witnessed a couple of belly laughs from
him! I chided him for not meeting the Surveyor deadline for his Message from the West, and
then offered to take dictation for any message he would like to pass on to the brethren. Here is
his Message From the West.
–ed.
Elections are coming up. Vote for the party of your choice, but regardless of
the outcome, have a party!
Right now, I can’t think straight. When things like this happen you find out
you have more friends than you realize.
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 20124
Masonic Educationby Richard D. Marcus, PM
VotingVotingVotingVoting
Methods Methods Methods Methods
Elections and electioneering have been going on in
Wisconsin extensively of late, but the fall is the time when lodges
meet to vote on new officers. I would like to comment on the types
of voting methods used, and why our methods are different for
officers, new members, and voting on ordinary motions in Lodge.
Masonic lodges operate their meetings within the basic
framework Robert's Rules of Order; it is therefore instructive to
look there for voting methods. You might be surprised, but Robert's
Rules has Milwaukee heritage. During the severe winter of 1874 in
Milwaukee, Major Henry Martyn Robert of the Army engineering
services wrote his Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative
Assemblies here. It was first published in Milwaukee in 1876 and
then in Chicago.
Later rising to the rank of Brigadier General, Henry
Robert's intention was to promote orderly discussion by any group
or business not just rules for legislative bodies.
Voting methods are usually classed into voice, show of
hands, taking a rising vote, written ballots, secret ballots, and
electronic voting. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
A voice vote (viva voce) is used in many small meetings,
but is subject to the interpretation of the chair as to whether yes or
no predominates. Hence, a show of hands (or as we say, "vote as a
Mason") has the advantage of being recorded in minutes and being
open to all to see. For most ordinary matters, voting as a Mason is
sufficient. Unless the issue is for bylaw changes in a Lodge or votes
in Grand Lodge requiring super-majorities of 2/3, we use majority
rules.
But some issues are deemed to be special. Voting for
officers is done on a written ballot with tellers reporting the
outcome. This has the advantage of giving anonymity in their vote.
The primary problem with paper ballots, collection, and verification
is the extra time it takes. Majority rule is used in these sorts of
elections.
We have one election that is particularly Masonic, and that
is the election of new members using a ballot box with each member
voting with anonymity. New member voting is intended to require
unanimous consent. Clearly, bringing new members into the lodge
is important for a lodge to survive over time, but all must see the
new members to be worthy brothers for a lodge to prosper. It is
therefore the single issue over which we need unanimous consent.
The time and care given to our voting methods shows the
seriousness we place on the decisions we make.
John J. Robinson’s
A Pilgrim’s PathOne Man’s Road tothe Masonic Temple
by Barb Carroll
A Pilgrim's Path – One Man's Road to the Masonic Temple
by John J. Robinson provides intriguing answers to the puzzling
misinformation, confusion and outright lies spread about Masons
and Masonry. Robinson writes as a non-Mason who is
never-the-less an expert on the history and background of Masonry.
He relates how an incomplete understanding of the Craft can lead
even Masons to engage in odd behavior, such as extreme secrecy
which prevents men from encouraging their sons to join DeMolay
or a Masonic lodge, and can, in some cases even threatens family
life and marriage.
Sometimes the misinformation is deliberate, as in the case
of a unscrupulous fraud who tried to get in the good graces of the
Roman Catholic Church by forging a document he claimed was
written by Albert Pike, an intellectual Freemason, member of
Southern Jurisdiction Scottish Rite, prolific writer and Confederate
general. Even though Leo Taxil admitted to the forgery, and
bragged about it, it was taken as absolute truth by the Catholic
Church and other anti-Masons.
Robinson also asserts that Masons have for too long
"hidden their light under a bushel" much to their detriment. He
suggests ideas for making public the good
that they do in their communities in the
form of scholarships, reading
comprehension programs, children's
hospitals and myriad other beneficial
services.
This is a fascinating read which
can help Masons understand why they
sometimes seem to be under attack and
helps to provide appropriate answers to
those attacks. Immediately following the
publication of A Pilgrim's Path, John J.
Robinson joined a Masonic lodge.
THE ROLE OF THE
SECRETARY: PART IIThe Secretary’s Responsibilities as they
relate to the Worshipful Master and the Grand Lodge
By Tyler Kristopeit
This is the fourth in a series of articles on topics that were
discussed at the 2012 Statewide Secretary’s Seminar, attended
by our Senior Deacon and Assistant Secretary. –Ed.
Henry Martyn Robert
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 2012 5
“It is your duty to observe the will and pleasure of the
Worshipful Master in recording the proceedings of the lodge;
transmit a copy thereof to the Grand Lodge when requested; to
receive all monies paid into the lodge and pay them over to the
Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor. Your good inclination to
Freemasonry and this lodge will induce you to discharge the
duties of your office with fidelity, and by so doing you will merit
the esteem of your brethren.”
As you may have gathered from part one of this article, the
Secretary’s role is one that is better described in long lists than an
interesting composition. Nevertheless, I shall attempt in part two to
describe the Role of the Secretary as it relates to the Worshipful
Master.
To begin: what qualities should a Worshipful Master
realistically expect from the Secretary his brothers have elected?
The Grand Lodge of Tennessee suggested, in 1997, that the ideal
Secretary possess the following qualities:
1. Quick comprehension.
2. Prompt attention to business.
3. Good penmanship.
4. Neatness in the manner of keeping his books.
5. Sterling integrity in his financial dealings with the Lodge and
its members.
These all seem blatantly obvious to me, with the exception
of point number three. As someone who is notorious for his bad
handwriting, I may be biased – but I feel, in this decade, number
three should be substituted with “Computer Proficiency.” A
Secretary should be expected to communicate “on the level” with
all brethren. If the brother uses the phone – the Secretary should call
him. If he uses email – the Secretary should be able to email him.
Fortunately for the script-challenged, such as myself, computer
technology has allowed for every brother – regardless of ability –
to create legible, uniform records that are viewable by all.
Knowing these qualities, what duties does the qualified
Secretary have to the Worshipful Master? Undoubtedly, first and
foremost on this list can be quoted from the Installation: “To
observe the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master…”. This
observance should not just be done merely for recording the
proceedings of the Lodge, but in all aspects of the Lodge’s
operation (in accordance with Masonic Code).
Think of the Lodge as having a corporate structure: the
Worshipful Master is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the
Secretary the Chief Operations Officer (COO). The Secretary
should be free to make decisions regarding the operation of the
Lodge, as essentially the head of operations, until the Worshipful
Master – as the Executive – directs him otherwise. When the
Secretary and Worshipful Master are of differing opinions, the
Worshipful Master must always prevail except in the case of
breaches of the Masonic Code.
If the Secretary is the COO, then the Treasurer is without
question the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Masonry has evolved
these positions into having ‘checks and balances’ over each other –
to increase accountability. This becomes the second duty the
Secretary has to the Worshipful Master: alerting him to any
financial misconduct or malfeasance on the part of the Treasurer
(just as the Treasurer has the same supervisory responsibility over
the Secretary). Speaking with Secretaries from around the state at
the seminar, it is amazing how often this responsibility is
overlooked – and it makes me happy that our Lodge has not been
forced to endure these sorts of problems like other lodges have.
As the Chief Operations Officer of the Lodge, there are
numerous reports and communication responsibilities that are part
of the Secretary’s job. The Secretary must be willing and able to
constantly communicate with, and on behalf of, the Worshipful
Master. The Worshipful Master should always be informed of
important events in the Lodge, reports due to the Grand Lodge, and
any important events that are happening in the lives of our brothers.
The Secretary should be the one to initiate regular communication,
not just wait to hear from the Master.
Finally, the Secretary has a duty to work with, to never
undermine, and to do everything in his power to help each
successive Worshipful Master. Worshipful Masters ideally change
every year. On the other hand, the Secretary is often seen as a pillar
of permanency and stability in the Lodge and, thereby, brothers
often choose to retain a Secretary over many years. In fact, it is not
unheard of throughout the state for a lodge Secretary to serve in
excess of 50 years (there are a number of them out there today,
believe it or not). Add the expertise a Secretary generates over years
of service with the fact that a Secretary has often times served as a
Worshipful Master, and you can easily see why the craft often
expects a longer term of service from its Secretary.
While this more often than not can be advantageous, the
Lodge must always be wary of the understandable and seemingly
natural inclination on the part of Secretary to become “the power
behind the throne” or the real decision maker of the Lodge. It was
communicated at the Secretary’s Seminar that this, unfortunately,
happens at many Lodges around the State – and is thoroughly
un-Masonic. Ideally, based on what the Grand Secretary said in his
address this January, is that the effective Secretary must be able to
compensate for the varied abilities (and lack-thereof) of every
Worshipful Master the lodge elects.
The effective Secretary, drawing from his experience and
wisdom, must provide good counsel to the Master; must aid in his
decision process, advising him against bad decisions and ideas;
must also make up for any inabilities the Master might have; and,
finally, must never publicly disagree with the Worshipful Master.
If the Secretary chooses to voice his dissent it should be only in
private conversation with the Worshipful Master. Following these
simple steps has always, historically, insured the integrity of the
Lodge’s leadership structure – and also will allow each successive
Master the fair shake and full support they deserve as the Lodge’s
leader for the Masonic year.
In closing, the pen (or, rather, the quill) may be the symbol
of the Secretary’s office, as the Secretary records the proceedings
of the Lodge. But, if ever there was a search for a new symbol for
the Secretary’s office, I would suggest the ‘rubber band’. This ‘new
symbol’ would be appropriate in so many ways, given that the
Secretary must be uniquely flexible year-in and year-out while
completing the work that, in more ways than one, binds our Lodge
together over the often lengthy years of his service.
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 20126
Duties and Responsibilities of Lodge Officersby Chuck Carroll
Over the years I have often found myself having
conversations about the duties and responsibilities of the various
officers of the lodge. Sometimes it begins with criticism, other
times from sheer curiosity, but mostly from misunderstanding and
misinformation. There are many sources from which to learn what
it is the officers are supposed to do, and the first place to look is
the most obvious and well known: in the ritual of opening a lodge.
The Deacons
According to the ritual, the Junior Deacon sits just to the
right and in front of the Senior Warden and is required to answer
the door and pass messages between the Senior and Junior
Wardens as well as to others in the lodge when directed to do so.
It is the Junior Deacon who introduces a new candidate to the
lodge, and prepares him for the rites of degrees.
The Senior Deacon, who sits at the right of the
Worshipful Master, answers a different door and delivers orders
from the Worshipful Master to the Senior Warden or to anyone,
anywhere when the Master tells him to do so. The Senior Deacon
introduces visitors and leads candidates around the lodge.
There is a unique relationship that develops between the
Deacons and the candidate, as they are the ones who have the most
contact with the candidate during the degree rites. It is they who
answer for the candidate and in so doing, give the candidate his
first impression of the ritual of Masonry. It is therefore most
important that the Deacons know their parts and take their
responsibilities seriously.
The Secretary & Treasurer
The ritual of the lodge describes the Secretary as one
whose primary function is to accomplish whatever the Worshipful
Master intends and desires. The Secretary records the minutes of
the meetings and makes copies available to the Grand Lodge. He
takes money for the lodge and gives it to the Treasurer, who
provides a receipt as part of the checks and balances of financial
transactions to avoid even the appearance of misappropriation.
The Secretary sits to the left of the Worshipful Master.
The Treasurer, whose position is to the right of the
Worshipful Master, though in our lodge, like so many others, the
Treasurer sits next to the Secretary, keeps a true account of lodge
finances, takes money from the Secretary and makes any payments
that the lodge has agreed to when the Worshipful Master tells him
to do so.
There is also consideration in the ritual to allow for a
single position of Secretary-Treasurer. In most cases, the
combined position is usually due to decreasing numbers of
members or decreasing interest and activity by members. The two
positions must coordinate their efforts in order to succeed in their
endeavors.
The Wardens and Worshipful Master
The Junior Warden is in charge of refreshments and is to
keep an eye out for anyone who would over-indulge, thus
preventing drunkenness and gluttony. His duty includes
announcing the refreshments and returning the members to the
business of the lodge for the good of all, when told to do so by the
Worshipful Master.
The Senior Warden helps the Worshipful Master open
and close the lodge and keeps the peace, exhorting brothers, when
necessary, to avoid strife in the lodge.
The Worshipful Master opens and presides over the
lodge, gives the members work to do, and sees that all are given
the instructions needed to complete their tasks.
The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens
constitute what is known as the Three Principal Officers of the
lodge and are all that is necessary for opening a lodge of Master
Masons and conducting the business of the lodge. But just because
they can run a lodge without participation from any other officer
or member, doesn’t mean that they should have to do that.
Regardless of the amount of authority any lodge officer wields, the
true power in a Masonic lodge comes from the members
themselves.
These duties as laid out in our ritual, recited in flowery,
archaic English, during the opening and closing of lodge meetings,
give only a basic and rudimentary description of what the officer
positions entail, and only for seven officer positions. The Senior
and Junior Stewards, Chaplain, Counselor, Tiler, Soloist, Organist,
are only mentioned in passing or in directions of certain actions
throughout the rituals of the three degrees. So, where do we look
for these? Where do we find more detailed information about all
of the lodge officers? There are many sources, and there are many
variations.
The Chaplain, for example, was not originally a lodge
officer in American Masonry. Albert Mackey, in his Encyclopedia
of Masonry informs us that the office of Chaplain:
What non-Masons think Masons do.
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 2012 7
is one which is not recognized in the ritual of the United States of
America, although often conferred by courtesy. The Master of a
Lodge in general performs the duties of a Chaplain.
Of course, eventually Chaplains were appointed in
American lodges. In Wisconsin, the Chaplain did not even have an
assigned seat in the lodge until late in the 20th Century. Even now,
in District 12 there is a lodge that seats its Chaplain, not in the
Southeast, but in the North. The duties and rituals of the Chaplain
also vary from lodge to lodge, although there has been an effort by
the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin to bring order and continuity to this
position. The Chaplain’s duties, once performed by the
Worshipful Master, primarily have to do with reciting prayers and
scripture. But his duties have been expanded to include presiding
over memorial services at Masonic funerals, visiting sick and
distressed brothers, their widows, and orphans, and generally being
the spiritual conscience of the lodge.
In 2009, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
of Wisconsin produced The Lodge Chaplain’s Handbook. This
eighteen page manual is essential to a Chaplain’s success. It can
be downloaded from the Publications section of the Grand Lodge
website: http://www.wisc-freemasonry.org
There are also publications available at the Grand Lodge
site for the Lodge Counselor, and for the Senior Warden. Further
details of duties and responsibilities can be found in the Masonic
Code and in our own lodge By-laws. Traditions passed down from
generation to generation also help define the roles that officers
play. For example, in our lodge, it is traditional for the Junior
Warden to provide meals before or after stated meetings, as well
as for any special events or dinners that are planned by the lodge.
The Stewards are expected to assist the Junior Warden in setting
up and cleaning up afterwards. In other jurisdictions, the Junior
Warden merely supervises the Stewards, who are responsible, not
only for set-up and clean-up, but also for providing the meal.
Before delving into the nebulous realm of traditions, let’s
look at what we have available to us, aside from just the directions
given in the lodge rituals, starting with the Code. Chapter 56 of the
Wisconsin Masonic Code deals specifically with the duties of the
Master. It basically describes the Master as having “absolute”
power with some restrictions. As for the duties of the other elected
and appointed officers, the code says this:
57.03 Duties. The duties of an officer of a lodge are those which
pertain to his office and which are prescribed by the ancient
usages of Free Masonry.
To find the ancient usages, we can refer back to the ritual
work as well as to Rev. James Anderson’s Constitutions and The
Ancient Landmarks as expounded by Roscoe Pound and Albert
Mackey. Having already listed the duties according to our ritual,
we look at what Rev. Anderson has to say about the subject in
Chapter V. Of the Management of the Craft in Working:
The most expert of the Fellowcraftsmen shall be chosen
or appointed the Master, or Overseer of the Lord’s Work; who is
to be call’d Master by those that work under him. The Craftsmen
are to avoid all ill Language, and to call each other by no
disobliging Name, but Brother or Fellow; and to behave
themselves courteously within and without the Lodge.
When a Fellowcraftsman is chosen Warden of the Work
under the Master, he shall be true both to Master and Fellows,
shall carefully oversee the Work in the Master’s Absence to the
Lord’s Profit; and his Brethren shall obey him.
All Masons employ’d shall meekly receive their Wages
without Murmuring or Mutiny, and not desert the Master til the
Work is finish’d.
While the Ancient Landmarks have not been officially
adopted, as such, by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin which is the
supreme Masonic authority in the state, the Grand Lodge does say
it is “subject only to the Ancient Landmarks.” These Landmarks
do not spell out the duties of Lodge officers, but do discuss the
necessity of a lodge being governed by a Master and two Wardens.
However, the eleventh Landmark actually goes into great detail to
describe the duties of the Tiler of the Lodge in guarding the door
from eavesdroppers.
From a study of the various sources discussed thus far,
what I have come to realize is that officer duties and
responsibilities can vary from lodge to lodge based on traditions
passed down in each lodge. One of the best sources for anyone
who is considering taking on the responsibility of an office in the
Lodge is actually the charges given to the officers, by the Installing
Master, during their public installation:
TILER
Brother Tiler, the sword is placed in the hand of the Tiler to
enable him to guard against the approach of cowans and
eavesdroppers, and allow none to pass or re-pass except such as
are duly qualified. Your duty is purely traditional and largely
symbolic; dating back to a time when Masons met in secrecy out
of necessity to avoid death or persecution. Masonic principles
teach men to be square with each other, and thus we despise deceit
and eavesdropping. Since the business conducted in a Masonic
meeting today carries no such grave consequences, you are
charged with the responsibility of simply preventing those who are
unqualified from entering or observing. Your early and punctual
attendance will afford the best proof of your zeal for the institution
and its heralded traditions.
COUNSELOR
Brother Counselor, as Counselor, your responsibilities include
working with the candidates of the lodge who have been elected
for or received degrees. Your goals are to increase the knowledge
and understanding of the younger craftsmen in Masonry by
teaching the Posting Examinations, Wisconsin Program, and other
materials. You are further charged to take a leadership role in the
general Masonic educational activities of the lodge. Your
diligence and dedication to your expected tasks will be measured
through the growth of the lodge and the increased Masonic
understanding of its members.
STEWARDS
Brother Stewards, your duties are generally to assist the Deacons
and other Officers in performing their duties. Additionally, you are
to see that the tables are properly furnished at the hour of
refreshment, and that every brother is suitably provided for. Your
regular and early attendance will afford the best proof of your
devotion and attachment to the lodge. Your eagerness and steady
progress advancing to the Deacons’ chairs will confirm to the
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 20128
brethren that you are qualified and committed to becoming the
next officers.
DEACONS
Brother Deacons it is your province to attend on the Master and
Wardens and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the
lodge, such as in the reception of candidates into the degrees of
Freemasonry, the introduction and accommodation of visitors, and
in the immediate practice of our ritual. Few stations within the
lodge have as strong an impact upon its success as the Deacons.
New candidates will frame their impressions about your lodge
based on the quality of your execution. Your faithful attendance at
each meeting is necessary to prepare you for the responsibilities
of directing the lodge in the future, as well as to refine and perfect
the ritual that is so much a part of your stations and so vital to the
future of the lodge.
CHAPLAIN
Brother Chaplain it is your duty to perform those solemn services,
which remind us of our Creator whose spirit is refining our souls,
strengthening our virtues, and purifying our minds, that we might
fulfill our lives in service to Him, as we serve others in
Freemasonry and all people throughout the world. Yours is a
most-important office. Since this fraternity shapes and creates the
bonds of brotherhood; those lasting friendships which are more
family-like than casual, it is your responsibility to console those
family members upon the passing of a departed brother, and to
lead the Lodge as we pay our respects in honoring him with a
Masonic Memorial Service. You also bear the responsibility of
keeping all the brethren focused on the Sacred Law which is our
Masonic Trestle board; steering and counseling them when their
actions, prejudices, and desires infringe upon others; reminding
them of their higher duty to the peaceful and harmonious service
of God and man.
SECRETARY
Brother Secretary, it is the Secretary’s duty to observe the will and
pleasure of the Worshipful Master in recording the proceedings of
the lodge; transmit a copy thereof to the Grand Lodge when
requested; to receive all monies paid into the lodge and pay them
over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefore. Your good
inclination to Freemasonry and this lodge will induce you to
discharge the duties of your office with fidelity, and by so doing
you will merit the esteem of your brethren.
TREASURER
Brother Treasurer, it is the Treasurer’s duty to receive money paid
into the lodge from the hands of the Secretary, keep a just and true
account thereof, and pay them out by order of the Worshipful
Master and consent of the Lodge. At every meeting you are to
report on the income and disbursements of the lodge and a copy
of your report shall be submitted to the secretary to be included in
the minutes of each meeting. I trust your regard for the Fraternity
will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the duties of your
office.
JUNIOR WARDEN
Brother Junior Warden, your jewel is the Plumb, which
admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God
and man, to hold the scale of justice in equal balance, to observe
the just medium between intemperance and pleasure, and to make
our passions and prejudices coincide with the line of our duty. To
you is committed the superintendence of the Craft during the hours
of refreshment. You shall act as liaison between the lodge and any
related youth groups and shall make periodic reports to the Junior
Grand Warden and to your Worshipful Master. Your regular and
punctual attendance is particularly requested and I have no doubt
you will faithfully perform the duties which pertain to your station.
Look well to the South.
SENIOR WARDEN
Brother Senior Warden, your jewel is the Level which
demonstrates that we are to seek the common ground. We use the
level to illustrate the compromises necessary to work together and
to agree; and, though distinctions among men are necessary, no
high station should make us forget that we are brethren. Your
regular attendance at our stated communications is essential. In
the absence of the Master you are to govern the lodge; in his
presence, you are to assist him in the government of it. I firmly rely
on your knowledge of Masonry and attachment to the lodge for the
faithful discharge of the duties of this important trust. Look well to
the West.
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
The installation of the Worshipful Master takes a different
approach. The Installing Master first declares his own opinion of
the elected Master:
I find him to be of good morals and great skill, true and trusty -
and as he is a lover of the fraternity wheresoever dispersed over
the face of the earth, I am sure he will discharge his duty with
fidelity.
Then an oath is administered in the form of a series of
questions designed to sum up the most obvious responsibilities of
the Master and answered in the affirmative. The oath involves
agreeing to conform to moral law as well as the laws of the nation;
to be courteous and faithful, respect genuine brethren and reject
imposters; not admit strangers without credentials, or make a
Mason without due inquiry into his character; conform to the
Constitution, By-Laws and Edicts of the Lodge and Grand Lodge;
approve minutes; attend committees and communications
regularly; observe the landmarks; and not recognize an irregular
lodge or Mason.
The Masonic Code dedicates an entire chapter to listing
the duties and responsibilities of the Worshipful Master, while
relegating the duties of all other officers into a single short
paragraph. The Master is the one who is praised when things go
well, and blamed when they go awry. It is understandable in that
light, that so much attention should be paid to the duties of the
Master of the Lodge.
In the May/June 2012 issue of the Surveyor, you will find
an excellent article on pages 7-8 about the Lodge Trustees. Part
One of the article about the Lodge Secretary is to be found on page
4 in the Summer Issue.
If you really want to understand a particular lodge
officer’s duties and responsibilities, find a brother who is or has
been in that office, and ask him. In other words, “To be one, ask
one.”
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 2012 9
Washington’s Original Farewell Address, pages 16 (above)
and 18 (below)
My Cousin, Georgeby Chuck Carroll
George Washington and Political Parties
In his Farewell Address, Washington took time to establish his
opinion of the role of political parties in the election process. As
you will see in the following transcripts of pages 16-18, he was
not a fan of the Party system of government. -ed.
“I have already intimated to you the danger of Parties
in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them
on Geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more
comprehensive view, & warn you in the most solemn manner
against the baneful effects of the Spirit of Party, generally.
“This Spirit, unfortunately, is inseperable from our
nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human
Mind. It exists under different shapes in all Governments,
more or less stifled, controuled, or repressed; but in those of
the popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness and is truly
their worst enemy.
“The alternate domination of one faction over
another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party
dissention, which in different ages & countries has
perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful
despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and
permanent despotism. The disorders & miseries, which result,
gradually incline the minds of men to seek security & repose
in the absolute power of an Individual: and sooner or later the
chief of some prevailing faction more able or more fortunate
than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of
his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.
“Without looking forward to an extremity of this
kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight)
the common & continual mischiefs of the spirit of Party are
sufficient to make it the interest and the duty of a wise People
to discourage and restrain it.
“It serves always to distract the Public Councils and
enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community
with ill founded Jealousies and false alarms, kindles the
animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally
riot & insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence &
corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government
itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy
and the will of one country, are subjected to the policy and
will of another.” –George Washington
Thanks to the University of Virginia Press for the transcription
and document images of George Washington’s Farewell
Address. The Papers of George Washington Digital Edition, ed.
Theodore J. Crackel, et al, Charlottesville: University of
Virginia Press, Rotunda, 2007-.
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 201210
Noteworthy News in and About the Lodge
Ashlar Awards Given Out
The first ever Ashlar Award presentation at GW1776
Lodge was made by Br. Otto Tesch, PM to Worshipful
Master Chuck Carroll and Senior Steward William Hutchins
at the Stated Meeting held September 18th. The award
recognizes a senior and a junior member of the lodge who are
responsible for being mentors to a new brother, guiding him
through all three degrees and culminating with his Master
Mason posting. The award consists of a certificate and a pin
that represents the Perfect Ashlar. The candidate, in this
case, Br. Seth Swanson, does not receive a pin, but is
encouraged to take up the task of guiding a new brother
through the process.
MM Posting Cards Dealt in Lodge
Brothers William Hutchins, Seth Swanson, and
Wiley Gladney were presented with their Master Mason
Posting Cards at the September 18th Stated Meeting. The
Masonic Code stipulates that all brothers who have posted in
the MM degree are entitled to a Certificate of Proficiency.
However, these certificates have not been in use for some
time. Early this year, our Lodge Counselor, Br. Walt Smith,
PM, suggested that our lodge come up with a card to give out
to those who have posted. Br. Smith received such a card
from the Michigan Lodge where he was raised.
He had asked Br. Seth, who is a wiz at computer art
design, to help him design a card, but coincidentally, the
Grand Master had the same idea and came up with a card
from the Grand Lodge to be distributed to those who post in
the MM degree, along with an edict that prevents Wisconsin
Freemasons from joining appendant Masonic bodies without
first obtaining their MM posting card.
These were the first cards to be presented at
GW1776 Lodge since the June edict.
Mason of the Year
Brother Walt Smith, PM, Counselor, was
unanimously proclaimed Mason of the Year at GW1776 at
the September 18th Stated Meeting.
Brother Walt, a recent recipient of the Ritual Posting
Card, has shown great dedication to the Lodge this year. As
Lodge Counselor, he faithfully attacked his responsibilities
with a determination that is unequaled by all others, taking
an active role in the progress of every candidate for the
degrees in the lodge.
Gw1776 Masons Get up to Code
Worshipful Master Chuck Carroll was awarded a
Diploma of Achievement for Successful Completion of the
Masonic Code Correspondence Course, May 15, 2012,
along with a pin displaying the course initials with square
and compasses. Senior Deacon Tyler Kristopeit has also
taken the course and is awaiting the results.
Now that they’ve become proficient in the
Masonic Code, their next step is to take the Masonic
Education Correspondence Course, which is based on the
Wisconsin Masonic Handbook, (Green Book). According
to the instructions at the beginning of the course:
It is the desire of the Grand Lodge that this
correspondence course has helped you understand your
fraternity better and allowed you to become familiar with
the Wisconsin Masonic Handbook. It is further hoped that
you will study and research numerous topics in your
efforts to become more knowledgeable of the vast and
colorful history of our Order.
If you would like to learn more about the Masonic
Code, log onto the Grand Lodge web site, click on the
publications tab and take the course! As King Solomon
said,
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!
and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
--Proverbs 16:16
The first Ashlar Awards for GW1776
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 2012 11
TTTTHE SSSSURVEYOR
TTTTHE SSSSURVEYORVol. XIII No.6
©2012
George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM
Trestle Board
A Bi-Monthly Periodical
Established July, 2000
Chuck Carroll, Editor in Chief
Barb Carroll, Proof Reader
Contributors:
Chuck Carroll; Richard Marcus, PM; Frank
Nuernberger, PM; Tyler Kristopeit; Barb Carroll
Photographers: Chuck Carroll; Tyler Kristopeit;
The Surveyor is printed & mailed by Central File
Inc., Br. Dan Chaudoir, President.
Payment for printing is donated directly to the
George Washington Masonic Fund.
Silver Spring Masonic Center
517 E. Beaumont Avenue
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Deadline for submissions for the
next issue of The Surveyor:
Friday, November 9, 2012
Brother Adam Roder, a new Fellowcraft at GW1776
A New Brother (continued from page 1)
Brother Roder is not to be deterred in his quest for
Masonic light. On October 2, he came before the brethren
of the lodge to post his EA degree and his eloquent
answers to the age-old questions put before him made it
seem like he was a guest lecturer giving a talk on the
meanings of Masonic symbols.
Everyone in the lodge was impressed with his
performance and it was my honor to confer the FC degree
upon him that night. Thus far, Br. Roder has proven to be
a feather in the cap of his chief mentor, Br. Joe
Fahrenkopf, and has even impressed our worthy counselor,
Br. Walt Smith. I look forward to his future progress in
the lodge.
Lodge Visitations?
We have only visited a fourth of all the lodges in
our District since June, which means that we still have 11
more to go in order to achieve the Traveling Lodge award,
and only seven months left in which to do it. Any brothers
who would like to continue the District 12 journey that we
started in July should notify WM Chuck Carroll and let
him know that you are interested.
Visit Your Brothers“Charity begins at home,” and this is no less true
for us as Masons. Our first duty is to our fellow brothers
and we should be visiting our brothers who live in the area
but cannot attend lodge for whatever reason. The
Committee that overseas visitations is headed by Brothers
Frank Nuernberger and Keith Sargeant. Ironically,
Brother Frank is one of those who is in need of our visits.
If you have an interest in joining others who are making
the rounds, call Br. Keith.
More Awards to Give OutWe have more awards to hand out to brothers who
have been Masons for 25 years and longer. Those who
live out of the area will have their awards mailed to them,
but those who live nearby, like Jerry Thompson (see story
page 1) deserve at least to have a delegation visit them at
home and make the proper presentation. If you would like
to be one of those who represents our lodge in recognizing
our brothers’ service to Masonry, please contact the
Worshipful Master.
Vol. XIII No. 6 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board October/November 201212
2012 Lodge Officers2012 Lodge Officers2012 Lodge Officers2012 Lodge Officers
Worshipful Master
Charles Carroll
414-336-4252
worshipfulmaster@gw1776.org
Senior Warden
Frank Nuernberger, PM
414-357-8141
seniorwarden@gw1776.org
Junior Warden
Keith Sargeant
414-881-7060
juniorwarden@1776.org
Treasurer
Charles Roeder, PM
262-238-0162
treasurer@gw1776.org
Secretary
Dave Haase, PM
414-964-4080
secretary@gw1776.org
Senior Deacon
Tyler Kristopeit
608-346-0066
seniordeacon@gw1776.org
Junior Deacon
Joseph Fahrenkopf
920-296-3171
juniordeacon@gw1776.org
Chaplain
Otto Tesch, PM
414-445-3537
chaplain@gw1776.org
Senior Steward
William Hutchins
262-309-3500
seniorsteward@gw1776.org
Junior Steward
Brian Bromberek
414-467-8377
juniorsteward@gw1776.org
Counselor
Walt Smith, PM
414-906-1695
counselor@gw1776.org
Tiler
James Roberts, PM
414-332-8247
tiler@gw1776.org
TrusteesFor Information about the Mandatory Monthly Trustee
Meetings Contact: One of these trustees
Trustee '12
Chuck Roeder
262-238-0163
George Burgess
414-332-5723
Jim Roberts
414-332-8247
Trustee '13
Bob Batchelder
414-678-8785
Mark Truesdell
262-332-9444
Trustee '14
David Haase
414-964-4080
Walt Smith
414-906-1695
Lodge Web Site: WWW.GW1776.ORG Lodge Phone Number: 414-979-1776
November 3
is Election Day
at the Lodge
Come for the apples,
stay for the voting!