Officer Pages

FROM THE SECRETARY’S DESK

Brethren:

First, let me welcome you to our lodge, your Masonic Temple. I hope to impart a bit of humor here, before I get to the seriousness of this article. I became a Secretary to two lodges as a proxy. In the first case, I had no prior experience; in the second, I have slightly over four years of experience and I learn something new every single day I hold the title. The humor in this is that I did not seek the office, I was thrust into them out of desperation, I was offered the position because a Master felt I had the necessary skills and I accepted the responsibility because the need was there.

Occasionally it comes into question as to whom I work for and like all you brethren I have my opinion. It is my opinion, that my work is for Freemasonry in general, but specifically my work is for the Craft. In doing so, I owe administrative allegiance to the Grand Master, Grand Secretary, and Master of the Lodge. That administrative allegiance comes in the form of honesty, honesty when asked my opinion, honesty in interpreting the AMC, honesty in following the guidelines of the Secretaries Manual.

Occasionally, a Secretary is asked to forego a formality, to cut a corner, to look the other way, to ignore what he has heard. Though the thought behind such a request may be admirable, that of acquiring another member into Freemasonry or expediting an action, the willingness to ignore rules, regulations, by-laws, constitutions, or edicts is certainly not, and as such, it is an insult to the recipient, especially the Secretary.

We have been taught, we have studied, and we have learned, that from time immemorial or if you prefer, from modern Freemasonry that speed has not been nor is it intended to be of paramount importance; honesty, truthfulness and accuracy of work is. The lesson I wish to leave you with is this: Be honest in handing out that application, be honest and truthful when applying your information and signature to that affiliation.

Remember that once upon a time it took years to become a Mason. I would rather raise one good and honest Mason than a dozen for the sake of numbers. I would rather that a man, experience his becoming a Mason alone than with other candidates, that it be his degree. I pray that you will assist me in maintaining and keeping the integrity of the office of Secretary. Though I work for men in high office, I serve the individual Brother Mason.

Fraternally,

WBro. Al Camacho, Secretary