Masonic Community Conversations | New Members Seek Chair Position Insights

A growing number of new Masonic members are engaging in discussions about upcoming chair positions as the year closes. Many members seek advice on responsibilities for roles like Senior Steward and Junior Deacon, highlighting the importance of shared experiences from those who have walked the path.

Fresh Perspectives on Progression

A new member, eager to step into leadership roles, highlighted the impact of family and military commitments on decision-making. "Do you have the time and desire to take on these responsibilities?" he asked, emphasizing the need to balance obligations.

Member Insights

Contributions from several seasoned members reinforced both the potential rewards and challenges of chair positions:

• Experiential Learning: "I was put into the Junior Steward chair and worked my way up. It was rewarding," shared one member. "Don't rob yourself of the experience and delight of filling each chair."

• Early Involvement: Another noted, "We usually start new brethren with roles like IG or JD/SD so they can participate without too much pressure."

• Commitment Concerns: A cautionary note emerged: "Only accept a chair if it won’t affect your family and work life."

Interestingly, the theme of starting low seems prevalent. Many recommend non-advancing roles: "Spend a year as a non-advancing officer to acclimate to the experience," observed one member.

Community Sentiment

Feedback reveals a blend of enthusiasm and caution regarding chair positions:

• Positive sentiment around early engagement

• Concerns for those with family and work commitments

• An opinion stated, "If your lodge takes the stewards’ jobs seriously, it can require a lot of work, but it’s worth it for degrees."

"You get out of Masonry what you put into it," a veteran member emphasized, illustrating the direct relationship between effort and reward.

Key Findings

• 🌟 Prioritize Commitments: "Family, work, Masonry—in that order," is the mantra from several members.

• 📈 Organizational Benefits: Early involvement can pave the way for higher roles and deeper understanding of operation.

• ⚖️ Work-Life Balance: Members with military ties face unique challenges and urge caution in commitment levels given their frequent relocations.

As discussions unfold within the Masonic community, there's a strong indication that more members will pursue leadership roles in 2025. The willingness to share experiences from seasoned members might inspire new members, even as some may hesitate due to time constraints.