From The Inspector by Justin J. Daza-Ritchie. P.M.,Inspector, 709th Masonic District
Dear Brethren,
This summer the Inspectors from across Southern California met to discuss the upcoming Masonic year, and the several priorities Masons have identified at town hall meetings held across the state. There was response from thousands of brothers, and four fraternal priorities were decided; Meaningful Degrees, Rewarding Member Experience, Strong Lodges and Halls, and Our Impact on Society.
For my purpose in this article I focus on meaningful degrees. The several Lodges in the district do a fine job in conferring the 3 degrees of Masonry. This is obviously important, as 81% of the brothers surveyed said that Degree conferrals are the most meaningful and interesting activity in a Lodge, and we owe our side liners and candidates meaningful work.
I fear not that we will be able to continue the fine job done by our Lodges in the 709th District. Part of this confidence comes from the fact that a new Officer’s Coach training program has been created, which will be rolled out following annual communication. I am not yet familiar with the details, but it should have the effect of keeping our Officer’s Coaches sharp, and can be used to identify new Coaches as other opportunities present themselves.
Many brethren have heard of a Ritual Floorwork Manual jealously guarded by Inspectors. Well, in 2016 the OC’s will be able to access them online as well, and will have better access to materials to tune up our Lodges already well performed ritual.
The Ritual Competitions will not cease. In the coming year there will be two types of competition; individual and team. This year Culver City-Foshay Lodge competed in the 2nd section of the 3rd Degree, and did quite well. The purpose behind these competitions is not winning, but creating a win for candidates by getting Lodges to practice regularly and attain greater technical proficiency in the working of our Degrees.
We will undoubtedly learn more at our Annual Communication this year. I look forward to visiting with you all at your Lodge.
Fraternally,
Justin J. Daza-Ritchie. P.M.
Inspector, 709th Masonic District
