Too shy to speak
Last week was my first lodge meeting where nothing special was happening. Strange as it may seem, I've only been a member for 4 months and the first 3 had either my initiation, visit from DDGM, or my being passed. This last meeting was just a plain old meeting dealing with our normal business.
I was curious how long the meeting would last and what it encompassed. It was certainly a bit more relaxed than my previous meetings but protocol was still adhered to of course.
One thing that left me wondering however was whether as a FC if I had a true voice in lodge or if I was expected to watch and learn. In particular, an issue came up that involved spending some lodge money. I won't get into detail but the expense seemed dictated to us and I wasn't at all in favor of it. When it came time to vote on the issue, one other brother raised the same concern I had and it opened a discussion and an acceptable resolution to the issue.
The question I left with was "should I or could I have spoken up about my concern? Is an FC allowed to do so? Would the bretheren look down on this 'uppity' FC who is possibly rocking the boat?".
I guess it will be a moot point when I get raised next month.
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I am not too sure of the etiquette concerning EA/FC voicing their opinions on a motion during Open Lodge [I would assume that it would be OK; but as mentioned before I am also new to the world of Masonry]. Though, I have found that attending the GP meetings makes it easier for a new member to voice concerns or make comments about motions that will eventually be brought up during regular Lodge Meetings. They tend to be less formal and most concerns/issues are usually resolved before the next regular meeting. And even given that you are being Raised next month and may feel more confident raising concerns during Open Lodge, I would still recommend attending GP meetings.
Having attended every GP meeting since being initiated as an EA, I have found that not only is my voice being heard [without fear & formality of Open Lodge] but I also have come to understand the inner workings of Masonry and the direction/motivations of the Lodge that I joined.
Hi OttawaMan,
It is not only acceptable for you to state your piece in lodge, it is highly encouraged. Involvement of new members is tantamount and the lodge cannot be closed until everyone has had a chance to speak.
If you were in the U.S. You wouldn't have the option, as they do all their business in the 3rd. It's not a model designed to retain their new members at all.
The lodge must have an Initiatic Focus, which means that the brethren must always remember that striving to improve themselves in Masonry and assisting candidates and fellow brethren in doing the same is chief among their duties.