the district deputy's report on planning for
progress
From The Grand Lodge of Maine
TO THE DISTRICT DEPUTY
This reporting
format entails at least three one-on-one discussions between the District Deputy
and the Master of each Lodge.
The Purpose
The purpose of these discussions are to help him plan and
chart his progress.
MEETING ONE
REPORTS
PARTS I AND II
When: At least 60 days before his installation
Purpose:
(1)
To help him define his goals and, together, to complete with him Part I
of this report.
(2)
To help him identify him what assistance he may need from Grand Lodge to
attain his goals and, together with him to complete Part II of this report
Report
Due: Both reports are due in the Grand Secretary’s office not later than 30
days prior to the new Master’s installation.
Use: The Grand Master will have a copy of this report and will,
on occasion, discuss with the new Master his goals. The second report will be
used to alert Grand Lodge Committee Chairman to contact the new Master to
arrange for the assistance he needs.
MEETING TWO
REPORT
PART III
When: Your official visitation
Report Due: Not later than 14 days after your official
visitation.
Use: This report contains information needed by the Grand
Secretary and the Grand Lodge Committee on the condition of the Fraternity. The
report on the work presented is also used by the Grand Lecturers and the
District Ritual Instructors.
MEETING THREE
REPORT
PART IV
When: Not later than 30 days prior to the end
of the Worshipful Master’s term of office.
Due Date: Not later than his successor’s
installation.
Use: The
incoming master will have a frank assessment of the condition of his Lodge. The
new District Deputy, if there is one, will also benefit from such an assessment.
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THE DISTRICT DEPUTY’S REPORT
ON
PLANNING FOR PROGRESS
Part I: Goals
Note: Refer to Appendix A below for
Suggested Goals.
The Master and Wardens of
________________________________Lodge # ____________ and other members of the
Lodge have reviewed the overall condition of their Lodge and have set the
following goals. The District Deputy and District Representative have worked
with them to assist in formulating short range (1-2 years) and long-range (3-15
years ) plans.
Ritual:
Short range goals
Long range goals
Masonic Education
Short range goals
Long range goals
Fellowship Activities & Membership Involvement
Short range goals
Long range goals
Care and Share
Short range goals
Long range goals
Maintenance of the Lodge Hall
Short range goals
Long range goals
Community Outreach
Short range goals
Long range goals
Other Goals & Objectives based on your assessment of
lodge needs.
Short range goals
Long range goals
We reviewed the above goals together on
________________________, 20XX
By: _______________________________ and
___________________________________
Worshipful Master
District Deputy
APPENDIX A to Part 1
This list is not all encompassing nor is it intended that every
item should be a goal for your lodge. If you are satisfied with your
lodge's performance in a given area, do not list it as a goal. The
descriptions identifying minimal, satisfactory, and exemplary are
provided for your guidance. Only YOU can determine what is your standard
for minimal, satisfactory or exemplary performance for your lodge.
Ritual
Suggested Goals and Objectives:
Minimal
1. Aprons are clean and
neat.
2. Candidates uniforms
are cleaned regularly.
3. Master designates a
prompter at each meeting.
4. Master announces
rehearsal schedules at each meeting.
5. Master announces
rehearsal schedules in each trestle Board.
6. Master and Wardens
attend Schools of Instruction regularly.
7.
Master ensures that the schedule of the Schools of Instruction for his
District is included in his Lodge Trestleboard.
8.
Master ensures that all ritual required regalia is in place and all
chairs are filled prior to opening his lodge.
Satisfactory
1.
The floor work shows plan and practice.
2.
The line officers do all of the lectures and charges.
3.
All officers attend the Schools of Instruction regularly.
4.
A ritual instructor or mentor is appointed to guide and instruct the
candidate all the way through his degree work.
5.
The opening and long form closing prescribed for the degree is used on
special communications where that degree is exemplified.
6.
There is a process that ensures that the Masters and Wardens attend
Schools of Instruction.
Exemplary
1.
The lodge is known for good floor work.
2.
The Lodge is known for accuracy of ritual.
3.
The visual aids for the degrees are up to date and visible to all within
the Lodge hall.
4.
Spoken parts are given clearly with adequate volume and proper emphasis
during the delivery. (Ritual is not monotone, but given with enthusiasm)
5.
Members participate in outside degree teams.
6.
Members
serve as guest officers at sister lodges or assist them in their degree work.
Masonic Education
Suggested Goals and Objectives:
Minimal
1.
The candidates are provided the name/s of people that can answer their questions
about Masonry.
Satisfactory
1.
There is a committee on education that is available for assisting the candidate
through his degree journey by meeting with him prior to each degree to give the
candidate an idea of what is to occur and the symbolic journey that the degree
represents.
2.
Candidate instruction includes the Pollard Plan booklets and also
includes the Grand Lodge of Maine candidate videos.
3.
An elder Brother or Mentor is appointed for each candidate.
4.
The candidate instruction utilizes the Pollard Plan Instructors Manual.
5.
The preparation room has visual aids to motivate and instruct the
candidate as he prepares for his degree journey.
6.
On selected Stated Meetings when there is no degree work scheduled, there
will be a program on General Masonic Information.
Exemplary
1.
The candidates are afforded the opportunity to be examined in open lodge
by a Brother who doesn’t need the cipher to ask the questions.
2.
A fourth night is held once a year at either the lodge or District level.
3.
The Lodge has a historian who provides an annual report of the activities
of the lodge to the Brethren.
Fellowship Activities & Membership Involvement
Suggested Goals and Objectives:
Minimal
1. The Lodge publishes a
Trestle Board and mails it to the Membership.
2. Refreshments are
served after each meeting.
3. Suppers are always
scheduled with each Master Mason Degree.
4. A pot of coffee is
available after each rehearsal.
5.
The Master appoints a greeter to ensure that nobody enters the lodge
without being personally welcomed and made to feel an important part of the
activities that evening.
6.
Visitors are properly introduced and greeted by the Master immediately
after the opening of the Lodge.
Satisfactory
1. A Past Master’s night
is scheduled annually.
2 New Masons are
immediately involved with lodge activities.
3. Lodge Officer
Installations are well advertised and families are included.
4. Members frequently
gather in groups and visit other Lodges.
5.
There is an active traveling gavel program in the District. The lodge
has a practice of gathering and visiting another lodge in order to earn the
traveling gavel.
6.
The Master includes a personal message in the trestle Board.
7.
There is a fellowship committee that reports to the membership
frequently.
Exemplary
1. Community outreach
activities are in place.
2. A Sports outing.
3. A Family picnic.
4. A family brunch.
5. An outing with the
wives.
6. A bus trip to a
distant lodge.
7. A social activity with
another fraternal organization.
Care and Share Program
Suggested Goals and Objectives:
Minimal
1.
Cards are sent to the ill and shut-ins.
2.
The Master appoints a committee.
3.
The lodge maintains a current list of all widows and schedules programs
for the widows and other ladies.
Satisfactory
1. The Care and Share
Committee reports at each stated meeting.
2.
The committee maintains a current list of all elder Masons.
3.
Widows are visited by a lodge member at least once per year.
4. The committee ensures
that elderly brothers have transportation to Lodge Meetings.
5. The committee
schedules regular visits to hospitalized and shut in brothers.
Exemplary
1. The committee develops
projects to assist widows.
2. The committee develops
projects to assist elder Masons.
3. The committee assures
that widows are invited to Lodge Installations.
4. There is a community
outreach program.
The Lodge Building
Suggested Goals and Objectives:
Minimal
1. The Lodge is clean.
2.
All equipment is stored out of sight.
3.
The lodge does not have a musty odor.
4.
The preparation room is picked up and is attractive.
5.
The Master appoints a building chairman and committee.
6.
The lodge has the basic equipment to feed the lodge a supper.
7.
There is suitable space for storage of lodge records and educational
materials.
Satisfactory
1. The interior is
freshly painted.
2.
The carpeting/linoleum is clean and not worn.
3.
The lighting fixtures provide adequate light and are properly
controllable to emphasize appropriate portions of the ritual work.
4.
The building chairman gives periodic reports to the membership.
5.
There is a defined lodge library for Masonic literary materials.
6.
The furniture upholstery meets a “living room” standard.
Exemplary
1. The parking area is
paved.
2. The Lodge grounds are
landscaped and kept mowed during the summer recess.
3. The exterior of the
lodge is well maintained.
4. There is a display
area for lodge artifacts and items of Masonic interest.
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THE DISTRICT DEPUTY’S REPORT
ON
PLANNING FOR PROGRESS
Part II: HELP REQUESTED
The Master of _______________________________ Lodge
#____________ has requested support and/or assistance from Grand Lodge in
meeting the following goals identified in Planning for Progress, Part I –GOALS.
RITUAL:
_________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
MASONIC EDUCATION:
____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT:
__________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
CARE AND SHARE:
________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
_________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
OTHER:
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
The Master and District Deputy reviewed these needs
together this date.
Dated: __________________
Signed: ______________________________
_________________________________
Worshipful
Master District Deputy Grand Master
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THE DISTRICT DEPUTY’S REPORT
ON
PLANNING FOR PROGRESS
Part
III – The District Deputy’s Official Visitation
I made my official
visitation to ________________________________________ Lodge No. ______ at
_____________________ on ___________________, 200__.
The Charter and/or Certificate of Charter were
present and scanned. [___] yes [___] no
The books of the Secretary were present and
scanned. [___] yes [___]
no
The books of the Treasurer were present and
scanned. [___] yes [___]
no
Accounts of the lodge are audited annually by
the Finance Committee. [___] yes [___] no
The annual reports of the Lodge are spread in
full upon the records. [___] yes [___] no
The Lodge has a current copy of the “List of
Lodges, Masonic” [___] yes [___] no
otherwise known as the Tyler’s Book dated ________________
There have been changes to the by-laws during
the past year. [___] yes [___] no
The changes were approved by the Grand
Lodge. [___] yes
[___] no
The Lodge has copies of the Constitution and
Standing Regulations. _______ copies
The Lodge has worked [___]EA [___]
FC [___] MM candidates during the present Master’s term of office.
The District Deputy has observed
__________degree presentations during the past year. The work has been
generally
[___] Excellent [___] Very Good [___] Good
[___] Marginal
The elected Officers conferred the Degree for
the Official Visit [___] yes [___]
no
If no, what positions were substitutes?
WM [___] SW[___] JW [___] SD [___] JD[___]
SS[___] JS[___] MAR [___] CHAP[___] Lecture
[___] Charge[___].
The Lodge has a Plan for Progress and is
actively involved in short
[___] yes [___] no
and long range goal setting, with a process to track these goals.
Ritualistic Work
Reception of the DDGM and Lodge Opening
1. The DDGM is properly received into the Lodge and
accorded appropriate honors?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
2. The formal opening of the Lodge is correctly done with
minimal ritual errors?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
3. If work is in a degree other than the Master Mason, the
Lodge is called from the higher degree to the lower degree and back up again at
the end of the degree work in accordance with page 185 of the cipher?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
4. The candidate was properly prepared and
clothed for the degree and in a room that was neat and orderly? Proper ritual
was used during his presentation to the SD?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
5. The Candidate was properly examined and
received into the Lodge by the Senior Deacon?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]very
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
6. The circumambulations and examinations by
the JW, SW, and WM were done proficiently?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
7. The candidate received proper instruction
from the SW for advancement to the altar and proper positioning to receive his
obligation?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
8. The candidate is placed in proper position
at the altar by the SD to receive his obligation?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
9. The obligation is given clearly, with
feeling, and with minimal ritual errors?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
10. The demonstration of the du guard and sign
by the WM are done correctly?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
11. The WM and SD give proper instruction in
the grip and word and the candidate is properly instructed on entering or
retiring from an opened Lodge?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
12. The second section is conducted in a solemn
and dignified manner with the appropriate demeanor?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poo
13. The lectures and charges are given by the
officers/members of the Lodge being inspected?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
14. The lectures and instructions to the
candidates are given clearly and with feeling?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
15. Prayers by the Chaplain are given from
memory and are delivered proficiently, clearly, and with feeling?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
16. The charges to the candidate are given
proficiently from memory and with feeling.
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
17. The Officers closed the lodge
properly [___]
very good
[___]
good
[___]
poor
Overall Evaluation of the Ritual
Presentation
The work was done in a way as to make a
meaningful and lasting positive impression upon the candidate. The work was
conducted in a manner that conveyed the deep spiritual meaning of the degree
being conferred.
Justification:
__________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
fair
______________________________________________________________________
[___] poor
Overall Ritual Rating
[____]
Excellent At least 12 of the 16 items were rated very good (1
through 16), none poor The Overall Evaluation of the Ritual
Presentation (Above) must be rated very good.
[____]
Very good At least 10 of the 16 items were rated very good, none
poor The Overall Evaluation of the Ritual Presentation (Above) must be
rated very good.
[____]
Good At least 10 of the 16 items were rated good. The
Overall Evaluation of the Ritual Presentation (Above) must be rated good or
better.
[____]
Poor Less than 10 rated good with 1 or more rated poor or
The Overall Evaluation of the Ritual Presentation (Above) rated Fair or
below.
Floor Work
1.
Floor work indicates that there
have been rehearsals and officers worked well together?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
2.
All floorwork is conducted in a dignified manner and has a positive
effect on the presentation of the lessons taught in the degrees?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________ [___]
very good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
good
______________________________________________________________________ [___]
poor
Floor Work Rating
[____]
Excellent (Both items rated very good)
[____]
Good (One item less than very good)
[____]
Poor (One item less than good)
District Deputy
Grand Master
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THE DISTRICT DEPUTY’S REPORT
ON
PLANNING FOR PROGRESS
Part IV - END OF YEAR
SUMMARY
_____________________________ Lodge, No.
_________
Ritual on the night of the official visitation:
Exceeded standards [____] Met standards
[____] Did not meet standards [____]
Comments:
_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Ritual for the year (Observations made during
unofficial visits)
Exceeded goal [____] Met goal
[____] Did not meet goal [____]
Comments:
_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Masonic Education
Exceeded goal [____] Met goal
[____] Did not meet goal [____]
Comments:
_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Fellowship Activities and Membership Involvement
Exceeded goal [____] Met goal
[____] Did not meet goal [____]
Comments:
_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Care and Share
Exceeded goal [____] Met goal
[____] Did not meet goal [____]
Comments:
_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Maintenance of the Lodge Hall
Exceeded goal [____] Met goal
[____] Did not meet goal [____]
Comments:
_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Committee Outreach:
Exceeded goal [____] Met goal
[____] Did not meet goal [____]
Comments:
_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Other:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
The Master agreed
with my evaluation except as follows:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Master's
Comments:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
I have made
further comments on attached sheet/s. [____]Yes [____]No
Dated:
______________________________________, 20__
Respectfully
submitted,
__________________________________
District Deputy Grand Master
__________ Masonic District
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