Four Qualifications Every(ish) Senior Masonic Lodge Officer Should Have…In Our Opinion
When we speak of “Senior Lodge Officer,” we are referring to the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary, and Treasurer.
When we say “every(ish),” we do not mean that every senior lodge officer should have every qualification, but rather that every qualification should at least be accounted for amongst the senior lodge officers.
This story is written from the Ontario perspective, as that is our jurisdiction. However, most jurisdictions will have similar qualifications. In some cases (in most cases) the qualifications can be acquired online.
It is also important to note that this story concerns qualifications separate from any Grand Lodge or Masonic Jurisdictional requirements, which are incredibly important.
These Masonic requirements may include (but are not limited to) having an up-to-date copy of your Grand Lodge’s Constitution, “Book-Of-The-Work(s),” up-to-date minute book and financial statements, and Lodge safety plans as well as all necessary insurance documents.
Always check with legal counsel regarding any local qualifications as it relates to civil/civic organisations.
Always check with your Masonic Grand Lodge Representative regarding any masonic requirements for Lodges and/or officers therein.
One: Smart Serve (or) Equivalent Certification for the Safe Serving Of Alcoholic Beverages
- The Smart Serve responsible sales, service and delivery training program is approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) as the only responsible alcohol training program for Ontario. Smart Serve is a dedicated advocate for a safer and healthier Ontario.
Not every Masonic jurisdiction allows for the consumption of alcohol within a Masonic building or in connection to/with a Masonic event.
However, if a Lodge is located within a jurisdiction that allows for such, ensuring the senior officers have the proper qualifications (as well as the building in which the alcohol will be served) is of vital importance.
Two: Working Together — The Code and the AODA
- This 5-part eLearning series (20 minutes) is for public, private and not-for-profit sectors and completes the training requirements for section 7 of the Integrated Accessibility Standards of the AODA.
In 1921, our then Grand Master wrote: Freemasons are committed to doing what is best for society.”
Doing what is best for society means ensuring our Masonic buildings are accessible-so everyone can within these buildings connect with friends, family, and fellow community members and enjoy Masonic fellowship.
This also means taking the time to make sure the lodge’s Senior Officers are trained and qualified as it relates to working with those with disabilities, and any statutory requirements regarding how to make your building accessible.
Three: Basic First Aid Training Qualification
You never know when an emergency medical situation will arise, or to whom.
That many of our Lodge members/membership are getting older. As such, Masonic membership is perhaps more at risk for medical emergencies.
Basic first-aid can help save lives and, at a minimum, put members minds at ease during meetings.
It may be worth hiring first-aid and/or paramedic services to attend a masonic event (especially if members of the public will be in attendance).
Four: A Secure/Secured Building (Including Safety Certification and Occupiers Safety Requirements)
It’s an unfortunate reality (but a reality nonetheless) that Masonic buildings need to take steps to ensure their security. It is also equally true that different Masonic jurisdictions have different requirements as to occupiers safety and liability requirements.
Senior masonic lodge officers should be aware of these requirements, as well as the security procedures for their masonic building.
We are proud to note that our “home-base,” the Windsor Masonic Temple, has (within the last year) taken great steps to improve its security (for both membership and guests) and is continuing to do so.
With all of the above qualifications, and/or with any qualifications, certification periods can possibly lapse over time. For example, the “Smart Serve) qualification lasts for five years. First Aid qualification lasts for any time between one to five years-it depends on the certificate/qualification provider.
Did we miss anything…let us know in the replies.
All opinions expressed are those of Square & Compass Promotions and the guest(s), and do not reflect the opinions of the Windsor Masonic Temple and/or any Masonic group.
