The Art of Trestleboard Creation

The Art of Trestleboard Creation RW KEITH A HERMAN GC, GMAR 2017 R I S I N G S U N # 1 5 T H E G R A N D LO D G E O F N E W J E R S E Y F. & A. M. M A S O N I C L E A D E R S H I P CONFERENCE

DELIVER AN INTERESTING TRESTLEBOARD

Responsibility The entire Trestleboard is the Master s responsibility. He should be cognizant of the fact that the Trestleboard will be read by not only the Elected Line and the Lodge Brethren but by members of Appendant and Concordant Bodies. Often, non-masons will obtain the Trestleboard at open meetings and other public functions of the Lodge.

Purpose The primary purpose of the Trestleboard is to contact the Brethren and provide information, keeping them apprised and hopefully interested in their Lodge. Key points derived from the Trestleboards are: the number of Candidates in waiting and their status, the corresponding Degrees scheduled, other activities especially those which are community oriented, and the Master's Message.

Contents Lodge meeting dates and events. Names of Petitioners and Candidates. Degrees to be conferred. Tokens to be presented. Names of deceased Brethren. Lodge Officers. Other Lodges in your District meeting nights with contact information. Committees. Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master and District Ritual Instructor contact information. Grand Lodge and District events. Past Masters List

Message The Master s Message, becomes the vehicle of Masonic Principles and fellowship It seeks to apply and interpret these precepts to everyday life in such a way that every Mason can understand and implement the symbols and philosophy derived from the Message s teachings.

Message Determine The Purpose For Writing The Message Reasons for the content of the Message might include: To make the Brother proud of the Fraternity and the Lodge to which he belongs. To communicate the Master s vision of Freemasonry and to connect the Brother to it. To encourage the Brother to participate and become involved in the Lodge and the Fraternity.

. Organize The Main Points Message Introduction - Begin with the most important point. The substance of the message should be presented within the first two (2) sentences. Support the Message - Choose a subject and begin by listing the main points. Organize those points based upon importance. Two paragraphs will support the principle being conveyed. Write succinctly - Relate the subject matter in a relaxed manner, keeping in mind proper English and good grammar. Summary Conclusion - Organize the concepts of the Message and reiterate their purpose. This can be accomplished in no more than two to three sentences.

Keep the Message Brief Brevity Good Messages are concise and to the point. The shorter the sentences and paragraphs, the more closely the Message will be read and understood. It is recommended that a Master s Message should be of 225 to 250 words. This is sufficient to convey the principle to the reader.

Tips A Master s Message is not intended to express greetings or share upcoming Lodge activities. It should not thank Members of the Lodge for their participation in Lodge events. Neither should it scold Brethren nor describe the Lodge s issues. The Message is not meant to showcase the Master s education or knowledge. Remember to open with Dear Brother (as it is a personal message from the Worshipful Master), and to close with Fraternally.

Resources Use of available resources for pertinent information and subject matter in writing your Master Message may include: Internet Masonic Bible Masonic Service Association Short Talk Bulletins Masonic Library Editions Experienced Masons Ritual Cipher Research Lodges

WHY A survey of Masons across the country found that on average, only 15% of Masons attend their Lodges at least twice in a year. In other words, 85% of the members have no face-to-face Masonic involvement. For the majority of Masons, the only Masonic contact they receive is what is written to them. The Master s Message becomes an integral part, if not their only source, of Masonic knowledge and instruction to the Craft. The Master s Message, becomes the vehicle of Masonic Principles and fellowship It seeks to apply and interpret these precepts to everyday life in such a way that every Mason can understand and implement the symbols and philosophy derived from the Message s teachings.

Editors

Planning Trestleboard should be to the Brethren 5 to 10 business days before the meeting. In essence this means a Trestleboard needs to be ready for distribution 2 weeks prior to the first regularly stated meeting. Prior to those two weeks the Lodge Secretary needs an edited message with all content that is going to be published. The complaint the WM does not want to hear is that the Trestleboard was not delivered in a timely fashion.

Samples Snow and potholes are something I have become accustomed to during the months of January, February, and March. When the snow was in abundance and the weather was cold, the roads were covered with ice and snow and, therefore; the potholes were not visible. In fact, the potholes were forming due to the weather conditions and the effects of the elements on our roads. In late February and early March, the snow cleared and the potholes sprang to life and changed what were once familiar roads into obstacle courses that snapped and chewed at your existence. Some of these were minor irritations and others may have made you feel as if you were sinking into an abyss. We all try to avoid them and navigate our way cautiously avoiding the potential havoc wreaked by their unfeeling characteristics. We survive, arrive at our destination, move on, the potholes are repaired and we soon forget the agitation created by those transgressions which so annoyed us at the time. The potholes of masonry are similar and quite different as we are dealing with our brethren and ourselves. We navigate pathways to build our Masonic Temple that begins with the vestibule and progresses as we develop as Masons. During this time we interact with others who teach, influence, lead, and in some cases, follow. These paths we travel as Masons are filled with potholes; some of which are obvious and avoided, others are shown to us, some are minor, and others jar and shake us in ways we have not expected. Unlike the roads we travel which are repaired and unthinking, Masonry provides ritual and bylaws to guide our route. This Masonic route also has potholes along the journey which are not forgotten as they become part of you and the brethren about you. The Masonic potholes are not transient but should be formative. The reminders may be external such as your brethren, who may be witnesses of the pothole event as well as your internal recollection of that occurrence. A Masonic repair is given to us in the closing charge and applies both externally and internally. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, and discreet... Remember to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance. remind an erring brother of his failings, to aid in his reformation, to vindicate his character when traduced and to suggest in his behalf the most charitable judgment. This is the fill that can continue to build the Masonic edifice that we each strive to erect during our Masonic journey. Drive well my brothers

Nutley Lodge #25

Atlas Pythagoras #10

St. Johns #1

Mozart Lodge #121

Rising Sun #15

Merchantville Lodge #119

THANK YOU RW KEITH A. HERMAN RISING SUN LODGE 15 KAHERMAN@MSN.COM 609.440.2217 PRESENTATIONS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN THE MEMBERS ONLY SECTION OF THE GRAND LODGE WEBSITE NEXT WEEK. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO LOG IN, PLEASE EMAIL THE GRAND LODGE SOCIAL MEDIA COMMITTEE WITH YOUR NAME, MEMBER ID, LODGE NAME & NUMBER AND THE MONTH AND YEAR YOU WERE RAISED. GLOFNJ@NJMASONIC.ORG