Maintained By: Committee on Masonic Education

Sponsored By: Grand Lodge of Kentucky F & A.M.

• Welcome to the 2013 Masonic Ed Program.

• Making the transition from Masonic Birth to

Masonic Death, we explore the aspects and
attributes from our Masonic beginnings and
beyond, as a Craft and as Officers,
culminating with a better understanding of a
Masonic Funeral
 Masonic Education Committee

James Gibson PM Chairman Woodstock #639

Rick Tyler PM Plain City #449

John Cissell PM Buechel #896

Cameron Poe PM Lexington # 1

Ricky Howard PM James W. Alley # 869

Most Worshipful Grand Master

Grand Lodge of Kentucky F&AM

2013
• C- Communicate to each other,
Candidates, New brothers and in our
Lodge Meetings
• A- Assist Brothers, Lodges,
Communities, and especially Widows
• R- Respect the signs of Freemasonry,
the apron you wear, and each other
• E- Educate new brothers, yourselves on
our Constitution, Rituals, and Lectures
• C- Character (Character building
is essential to Masonry)
• A- Attitude ( Show a positive
attitude toward and about the
Fraternity)
• R- Responsibility ( We have a
responsibility to our obligations, and our
brothers)
• E- Excellence ( By striving for
excellence, we create a legacy for
Freemasonry in the future)
 General Housekeeping

• Exits
• Bathrooms
• Food, Drink, Tobacco
• Breaks
• Talking
• Cell Phones
 Goals & Objectives
• Understand the duties of the Master, and
Wardens
• Recognize and practice proper Masonic
Etiquette
• Know the process from a petition , through
participating on an Investigating Committee,
and through the Balloting for membership
• Participate in quality ritual work, including
mentoring through proficiencies
 Goals & Objectives (continued)
• Understand our Constitutions and by-laws
• With the advance of technology, prepare for
and understand how social media can help or
hurt your Lodge
• Understand the proper rites, ceremonies, and
protocols for conducting or attending a
Masonic Funeral
 Resources
• Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of
Kentucky Free & Accepted Masons
• The Kentucky Monitor Henry Pirtle
• The Trestle Board H.B. Grant
• ThKyRtl
• The Kentucky Ritual
• Grand Lodge of Kentucky Public Relations
Manual
JAMES GIBSON
RICK TYLER
 DUTIES OF THE MASTER
(Ky Constitution Section 89)
•The following is a list of the powers and duties of
the Master of the Lodge as outlined by the:

•Book of Constitutions
•Powers of Lodge (Sect 75)
•By-Laws of Lodge
 Master shall have power to:
• Issue, or cause to be issued, all summonses or notices which may be
required;

• Discharge all the executive functions of his Lodge; and

• Perform all acts, by ancient usage proper to his office, which are not
prohibited by the Constitution or Ordinances of Grand Lodge.

• Preside and have general supervision over his lodge and decide questions
of law and order, but any member of the lodge may appeal from the
decision of the Master to the Grand Master, and from his decision to the
Grand Lodge. Sect 89 (1)
• To see that the by-laws and resolutions of his lodge are observed,
and that the constitution, rules, and edict of this Grand Lodge are
duly obeyed. Sect 89 (2)

• To see that monthly activity reports are promptly made to this Grand
Lodge.

• To attain such proficiency in the work as will enable him to conduct

the ceremonies of his lodge in a creditable manner.

• To call communications of his lodge as provided in BOC Section 107.

• To attend: Grand Lodge, District Meeting and Educational Programs.

 What We Should Know About
The Master’s Authority
• Shoulders all of the responsibilities
• Rulings during meetings
• Decides what can and cannot be discussed
• Speaking after being ruled out of order can be
considered a Masonic offense
• Accept request by Master to serve on a
Committee
 Sitting in the East
• Brethren do not take a seat without invitation
from Master
• Offered the Crown and gavel
• Highest Ranking Grand Lodge Officer or
Representative
 Properly Clothed
• Do not enter the Lodge room without apron,
not even as you are tying strings
• As a point of courtesy and respect, Brethren
will be fully clothed and ready for labor
 Stand when speaking
• No man sits while speaking in a lodge room,
no matter if he is addressing an officer or
another brother
• All lodge activity is based on each man in the
Lodge being a servant of the Brethren.
• It is simply a form of respect
 Side Talking or Whispering
• While degree work is being performed
• During regular business
• Shows irreverence and is considered bad
manners
• Unless you have requested the Master to
speak, silence is the rule
• The Lodge is a temple and we strive to make
the best ashlars
• Speak clear and concise.
• Give proper signs and due guards
• Address the brethren properly, “ Worshipful
Master, Wardens, and Brethren”
• Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of the
Commonwealth of Kentucky Free & Accepted
Masons
• Right Worshipful, Right Reverend
• Worshipful Brother
• Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master
 Speaking
• To offer a motion, give a heads up to Master
before meeting to ensure he can allot specific
time for that topic
• Ask him before hand if he will be able to
recognize you to speak
 Obey the Gavel
• The Master can put or refuse to put any
motion
• He can rule a brother out of order at any time
• He determines what will and will not be
discussed
• When a brother is rapped down, he must
obey at once. There is a fine line between bad
manners and a Masonic offense
 Correcting Verbal Errors
• No one but the Master should correct any
errors during the course of ceremony or ritual
• Having several brothers trying to correct
causes more confusion
 Practical Jokes or Levity
• The great lessons of Masonry which are
taught by our rituals should never be
demeaned by levity or pranks
• The Lodge room is not a proper location for
the telling of jokes, pranks, levity, horseplay,
or off-colored or offensive stories
 Turn cell phones off
• All cell phones should be turned off so as not
to create a distraction or disrupt the Lodge
proceedings
• No picture taking during a Tyled meeting.
 BE PREPARED
• Annual plan
• Budget
• Goals (Educational – Building Plans)
• Newsletter
• Agenda (stated and called meetings)
• Study the Parliamentary Procedure
(Roberts Rules of Order)
 RITUAL
• To have knowledge of the work and lectures
of the First, Second, and Third Degrees
• To be knowledgeable of the ritual for
conducting stated meetings
– Balloting
– Receiving dignitaries
– Draping the charter
 APPOINTMENTS
There really is wisdom
in the council of many
• Standing Committees
• Special Committees
• Coaches
• Mentors
• Ritualists
 PRACTICE
EVERYTHING

• Opening / Closing
• Degrees
• Funerals
• Balloting
• Introductions
 Additional Keys to Success.
• Superintend the official acts of all officers of his lodge and to see that
respective duties are properly discharged.
• To have knowledge of the work and lectures of the First, Second, and
Third Degrees
• To be knowledgeable of the ritual for conducting stated meetings
– Order of Business
– Balloting
– Receiving dignitaries
– Draping the charter
• Conduct Masonic Funerals
 ENJOY YOURSELF
• Know your responsibilities
• Work on your weaknesses
• Exploit your strengths
• Don’t let the negatives get to you
– Situations
– People

HAVE FUN
• To serve as Master in the absence of the Master;
• To prepare the calendar for your year as Master;
• To see that the Master’s Orders are carried out in full.
• To prepare the Senior Warden's Trestle board articles,
when required;
• To prepare an estimated budget for your year as Master
• To consider brethren to be appointed to the line during
your year as Master and to ask them if they will serve.
• To be knowledgeable of the work and lectures of the Third
Degree and the ritual to qualify as Worshipful Master;
• To be qualified to give the work of the Senior Warden in
the three degrees;
• To attend all degree practices designated by the Master.
 HOW IS ANNUAL PLANNING DONE?
• Get a Calendar for your upcoming year.
• Write in those dates that you know are fixed:
– Personal Dates!!!! (Birthdays, Anniversary, Vacation…)
– Holidays
– Stated Meetings
– Installation
– District Meetings
– Annual Communication
 Budget
• Does your Lodge have one now?

• What are you sources of income?

• What will you have to spend money on?

• To Serve as Master in the absence of the Master and
Senior Warden.
• To assist the master in the discharge of his duties.
• To be knowledgeable of all work, lectures and ritual
parts in the South in all three degrees.
• To make sure the Stewards know their duties.
• To prepare the Junior Warden's Trestle board
articles, when required.
• To make sure the Stewards are informed about
degree work.
• To call the craft from labor to refreshment.
• To call the craft from refreshment back to labor.
• The Junior Warden is in charge of the craft while
the lodge is at refreshment.
• To attend all degree practices designated by the
master.
• And in practicing degrees we now explore…
The rite of circumambulation, derived
from the Latin word “circumambulare” to
walk around anything is the name given to
that observance in all the religious
ceremonies of antiquity which consisted
in a procession around an altar or some
sacred object.
 Reference – Kentucky Monitor pg - 345

It is historically connected with the reference to

the apparent course of the sun about the earth.
Since in the ellipse of the ecliptic there are no
square corners, a Senior Deacon, who
understands the symbolism and antiquity of this
rite, will avoid cutting corners at any change of
direction, no matter how desirable or pretty such
a maneuver may appear in a military parade.
• The practice of walking in a circular
procession around a holy place, such as
an altar or other holy and consecrated
object.
 EA Degree
In this degree we escort the candidate
about the lodge with the guide on
his right until after he is obligated. Then
the guide escorts him from the left.
• In the EA degree circumbulation is
performed once around the altar so that
the brethren may see that the candidate is
in proper form.
• Then again to the Senior Warden to teach
him how to approach the east for his first
step in Masonry.
• Then again to the Senior Warden to teach
him how to wear his apron as an EA
Mason.

• Then again to salute the wardens as a EA

Mason.
• Then again around the altar to the
northeast corner to be presented his
working tools of an EA.
• Then finally again to the west of the altar
to salute and be dismissed for the first
section of the EA degree.
• In this degree circumambulation is
performed approximately six times.
 Displaying the three Great Lights

In our Th Ky Rtl Ritual it says that the

Senior Deacon must keep the altar on his
right at all times. In order to do this, he
would have to pass between the Master
and the altar.
Years ago, the Holy Bible was on the
secretaries desk on top of a black velvet
pillow. The Senior Deacon would have
the two Stewards form an arch above him
with their staffs and escort him to get the
Holy Bible and display it on the altar.
Then when they closed the lodge the
Stewards would escort the Senior Deacon
between the Master and the Altar in the
course of the sun to close the three great
lights of Masonry.

This was at the Order of the Master.

 Installation Circumambulation
Closed

During the Master Elects installation the craft will

form a procession and proceed around the altar
three times after the master is installed and
before the installation is proclaimed.

Reference - Kentucky Monitor pg - 259

• The first circumambulation brothers make
they will give the sign of a Entered
Apprentice.

• The second circumambulation brothers

make they will give the sign of a Fellow
Craft.

• The Third circumambulation brothers make

they will give the sign of a Master Mason.
We perform Circumambulation in all our
degree work, lodge dedications, officer
installations and laying of cornerstones.

We as Kentucky Freemasons, when

Performing Ritual work are never to make
right angles or square corners in military
style.
 John Cissell
Cameron Poe
 Constitution Sections 121-126
• Must be signed by Petitioner
• Have all pertinent information
• Must be recommended by 2 Master Masons who
are members of the Lodge petitioned
• Must be received at a stated meeting
• 1 lunar month between petition reception and
balloting
• Balloting to receive the degrees or affiliation shall
be done on the Master Masons Degree and only
at a stated communication.
• Petitioner may withdraw his petition at any
time prior to report of investigating
committee ( In writing)
• Balloting for the degrees or affiliation shall be
taken on in a Master Mason’s Lodge and only
at a stated communication
 Demit
• The rejection of an applicant for affiliation
does not affect his Masonic standing. His
certificate of demit shall be restored to him if
rejected
 Soliciting Petitions
• Trial Code 2 (k) (15)
• Soliciting Petitions for initiation into Masonry
is a violation of Masonic law, is contrary to the
accepted teaching of the fraternity, and un-
masonic
 Petition Information
• Full Name • Proper fees
• Residence • References
• Occupation • Recommendation from
• Business Address 2 Lodge members
• Date of Birth • Belief in God
• Criminal Background • Dependents
• Marital status
• Previous petitions
Cameron Poe
John Cissell
 Important!!
• Masonry is concerned with the total
individual. In recommending the petitioner,
direct your attention to those qualities which
will promote the welfare of Freemasonry in
peace and harmony.
 Digest 30
• The Committee on Investigation should
inquire into EVERYTHING affecting the
qualifications of a candidate: whether he is
possession of his physical and intellectual
faculties, possess a good reputation in his
community, and whether the lodge has
jurisdiction over him
 Instructions to Committee
• Does he belong to other • Can he attend lodge
civic groups, fraternities regularly
• Does he attend • Does wife object to him
regularly being a Mason
• Criminal history
• Sound of mind, health,
and limb
• Marital Status
• Marital history
How to Perform Examinations

On Visiting Brethren
Brethren who attempt to attend a tyled Masonic
meeting and do not have another known brother
to vouch for them should be examined to
determine if they are a Mason in good standing.
This strict trial and due examination is required by
Masonic Law.
A printed form of visitor's cards should be kept
in the Tyler's room to be used the first time
each visitor attends lodge. This form is on page
319 of the Kentucky Monitor.
The Master should appoint a committee of at
least three brothers to examine the visitor.
They should first ask to see a valid dues card
and compare the signature on the dues card to
that on the visitor’s card noted in #2 above.
The committee and visitor(s) should then retire
to a convenient room where the visitor(s)
should give Tyler's Oath. (page #320, Kentucky
Monitor). The committee members should also
give the Tyler's Oath in the appropriate fashion.
After this point each visitor shall be examined
separately.
If the Tyler's Oath is satisfactorily given the
committee may proceed to ask the visitor(s) any
questions on the catechism it deems necessary
to determine if they are Masons in good
standing
If the meeting has already begun and the
committee finds the visitor(s) has proven
himself to be a Mason in good standing then
they shall report so to the Tyler. The Tyler will
inform the visitor(s) of the degree the lodge is
open on and announce that the committee and
visiting brother wish to enter. The Senior
Deacon will introduce the visiting brother west
of the altar at the direction of the Master. (see
page 321 Kentucky Monitor).
    If the committee determines the visitor has not
proven himself as a regularly made Mason in
good standing then they should inform him in a
courteous manner without giving any reasons
for their conclusion.
Reference: Kentucky Monitor 
See pages 322-323 in the Kentucky Monitor for
definitions of Strict Trial, Due Examination and
Lawful Information. 
 Rick Tyler
Cameron Poe
 Constitution Section 25, 26, 128-134
• Digest 14-15, Trial Code

• In ALL cases every ballot shall be strictly secret,

whether favorable or unfavorable ballot was
cast…
• No member shall act for another in casting a
ballot.
• Every member shall vote unless excused; the
power to excuse rests within the lodge by
majority
 Ballot Secret
• No vote shall be taken nor any means be used
to ascertain, directly or indirectly, the sense of
the lodge in reference to any petition, as to
whether it will be probably rejected or
otherwise.
• The ballot must be unanimous to elect a
candidate to receive the degrees or for
affiliation .
 Balloting
• Preparing the Ballot • Accountability
• Conducting the Ballot • Secrecy
• Who is excused • Recent Constitutional
• Spoiling the Ballot changes concerning
• balloting for re-
Discussion
instatement from
suspension
 Balloting
• Affiliation- Unanimous
• Re-affiliation- three- fourths
• Waiver of jurisdiction- 3 negative votes-veto
• Honorary Member- Unanimous after 30 days
• Adopting By-Laws- two-thirds
• Removing Officers from Office- two- thirds
• ( Master or Secretary by letter to Grand Lodge)
• Suspending- three- fourths majority (Sec.
178)
• Re-instatement- Unanimous
James Gibson
Digest Section 18
 Focus
• The premise is to provide quality, effective
Rituals that will impact the candidate in a
profound way, thus enriching him with the
traditions and legacies that have at all times
characterized Freemasonry.
 Personality vs. Car Wreck
• Rituals are for the Remember, the
Candidate, not to candidates are entitled
entertain the Craft to the same quality ritual
• Proper and complete work and consideration
obligations our forefathers
• Power to heal experienced. If all they
remember are the
• The candidate does not
laughing, they won’t take
benefit from joking and our fraternity serious
levity and may not come back.
 Opening on different degrees
• EA • FC
• Seven or more • Five or more
• Master, Senior Warden, • Master, Senior Warden,
Junior Warden, Senior Junior Warden, Senior
Deacon, Junior Deacon, Deacon, Junior Deacon
Secretary, & Treasurer
Cameron Poe
Rick Tyler
 Constitution Sections 135- 137
• Proficiency Exams- Make sure the proctor is
prepared and knows what to ask!!
• EA- All parts through explanation of working
tools
• FC, MM- Through Investment
• Has to be performed in open lodge!!
• Motions
– When appropriate
– When out of order
 Rick Tyler
Rick Howard
• For an official visit from the Grand Master, his
proxy or other Masonic dignitaries.

• The Marshal / Senior Deacon will be in charge

of arranging the reception of guests.

• The procedure for the reception of

distinguished guests is:
• The Marshal / Senior Deacon will make an alarm
at the door.
• As they enter the Master will call up the lodge.
The Marshal / Senior Deacon will be on the left
side of the altar.
• The Marshal / Senior Deacon will recognize each
distinguished guest. Starting with the guest to
his far right.

 
The order of reception for distinguished guests is:
a. Masonic Homes Management

b. Heads of affiliated bodies. (Scottish Rite, York Rite, and

other bodies.)

c. Past District Deputy Grand Masters of your district-

one Representative for all- usually the most senior.

d. Current Committee Members of the Grand Lodge.

(Worshipful) (Public Grand Honors)
e. Current District Deputy Grand Masters from other
Districts. (Worshipful) (Public Grand Honors)
f. Appointed Grand Lodge Officers. (Worshipful)
g. Past Grand Masters. (Most Worshipful)
h. Elected Grand Lodge Officers. (Right Worshipful)*
i. The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky.
• (Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of the
Commonwealth of Kentucky Free & Accepted Masons)
Prior to the entrance of the Most Worshipful
Grand Master:
• Upon the lead of the Master the Public Grand
Honors will be extended to all.

• All district deputies, appointed officers, past

grand master’s and elected officers should be
recognized at all meetings.
 Then Master will request the Marshal /
Senior Deacon escort the Grand Master to the
East. On the cue of the Master the brethren will
give the Grand Master the Private Grand
Honors; the three signs of Masonry (do NOT
clap). The Master will then offer him the hat,
gavel and oriental chair. The Grand Master may
chose to preside over the meeting or seat the
craft at his discretion.
• If the Grand Master is not present, the next ranking officer
should be brought to the east.

• Prior to closing the lodge, the Master shall call upon

distinguished guests for comments.

• Please refer to the order of ranking succession, and remember

that once the highest ranking representative of the Grand
Lodge speaks, the Lodge shall immediately proceed to close.

 
James Gibson
John Cissell
 Grand Lodge of Kentucky
Public Relations Manual
• Plan & Execute effective public relations in the
community
• Thoroughly acquaint with Masonic activities
and events
• Anticipate media questions- press releases,
statements
• Setting objectives & goals
 Press Statement
What is the purpose of Masonry?
• To bring together men dedicated to the
Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of
God with the opportunity to make new
friends, do worthwhile things in their
community and improve them in becoming
better men in society. The door of opportunity
is available for moral, ethical, and spiritual
growth.
 Public Relations
• Increase awareness of our Fraternity
• Understand the needs of the Lodge
– Review objectives
– Establish a 1 year goal
– Obtain a copy of the Master’s programs for the year
– Attend events at neighboring Lodges
– Attend Grand Lodge events
– Be a good communicator, in your lodge, community,
and online…
Rick Howard
Rick Tyler
 Advent of Social Media
• From making a phone call to complete
communications using the World Wide Web
• Cell phones, I pads, tablets, etc.
• Social Media can be an effective public
relations tool, but can also damage the
Fraternity if used improperly
• Setting boundaries
• Strive to maintain with integrity the dignified
character of our profession
 With power comes responsibility!
• Web Masonry- guidelines for establishing a
web site
• Web Protocol- Manual for protocols regarding
web pages & web sites
• Web Protocol for Social Networks-guidelines
for establishing sites pertaining to
Freemasonry on a Social Media Network
• Improper usage of this media can be the
death of our fraternity…
Cameron Poe
Rick Howard
 Constitution Sections 106, 113-117
Digest No. 7, 25
• Have a Ritualist available
• Be prepared to perform the ritual yourself
• Have a system for notifying members
• Jurisdictional issues
• Contacting Funeral Home or Church
• Grand Master’s Resolution
– Masonic work on Sunday
– Dress Code
– Conducting Masonic rites on a demitted Mason
 Thank You
By example, a Mason extends the sphere of
influence of moral values to his own
community. Masonry emphasizes personal
responsibility for one’s own conduct.
Enlightenment through education is a basic
tenet Masons strenuously support. Thank you
for your dedication to the Fraternity and the
basic principles that should at all times
characterize Freemasonry.
• Masonic Education • Grand Lodge of
Committee Kentucky
• James Gibson • MWGM Chris Stout
• Cameron Poe • DGM Rick Nation
• John Cissell • GSW Wilson Wilder
• Rick Tyler • GJW Cloyd Bumgardner
• Ricky Howard • GSec Joe Conway
• GTres Tom Larimore
 FOR A COPY OF THIS
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION:

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