Officer Training "Warden's School"

[Keith C]

On Saturday I attended the Officer Training class for my region of PA. This used to be called "Warden's School" but was re-named to be more comprehensive, yet the attendees were almost all Jr and Sr Wardens of their Lodges.

I found it interesting that the program started off with a quiz, based on knowledge from The Ahiman Rezon, The Digest of Decisions and The Secretary's Manual. We then discussed the correct answers and where the information came from.

From there we had training on the duties of the Wardens and the Duties, responsibilities and requirements of Worshipful Masters, with a focus on readying the Wardens for their year in the East. Everything from what Committees are required, when various reports and audits are due, how and when to invite the RWGM to a Lodge and what is required if he accepts.

After a wonderful lunch (The training was held at the Masonic Village in Lafayette Hill, PA) we were brought up to speed on the revised Mentorship Program for new Brothers. It is very comprehensive and has on-line and in person content and continued follow up from the point of preparation for the first degree, through the first year as a Master Mason.

It was a very worthwhile experience.

I am curious if other jurisdictions have similar training and how it works where you are.

 

[Warrior1256]

Sounds great Brother!

 

[chrmc]

Texas has something that used to be called Warden's retreats, but is now Officer's Leadership classes I think. It's a 2 day event, and there is a 101 and a 102 aimed as JW and SW. Both are excellent and again something highly recommended for all officers to take.

 

[dfreybur]

All 3 of my jurisdictions have weekend leadership training for wardens. I've been to these events in 2 jurisdictions so far.

 

[hanzosbm]

We have them, I haven't gone to one yet and am very reluctant to do so.

 

[Keith C]

We have them, I haven't gone to one yet and am very reluctant to do so.

What is the reason for your reluctance?

 

[hanzosbm]

What is the reason for your reluctance?

My understanding is that the purpose is for Grand Lodge to give their ideas on how best to run our lodge. My issue is that, to my mind, Grand Lodge is everything that is wrong with Freemasonry, so they are the last people I'd want to take advice from. Not to mention the strong arming they do to get people into this money making venture for them isn't something I care to support.

 

[Warrior1256]

My issue is that, to my mind, Grand Lodge is everything that is wrong with Freemasonry, so they are the last people I'd want to take advice from. Not to mention the strong arming they do to get people into this money making venture for them isn't something I care to support.

This just shows the difference in jurisdiction. IMHO the Grand Lodge here does not interfere in the every day operations of the lodges. It just enforces the landmarks and approved rituals. When the lodges need assistance from the Grand Lodge they are always willing to lend a helping hand.

 

[hanzosbm]

This just shows the difference in jurisdiction. IMHO the Grand Lodge here does not interfere in the every day operations of the lodges. It just enforces the landmarks and approved rituals. When the lodges need assistance from the Grand Lodge they are always willing to lend a helping hand.

I agree. And, when I was a member of my Kentucky Lodge, I had the same experience. Unfortunately, California is quite different.

 

[Warrior1256]

I agree. And, when I was a member of my Kentucky Lodge, I had the same experience. Unfortunately, California is quite different.

Sorry to hear of this in your present jurisdiction Brother.

 

[chrmc]

My understanding is that the purpose is for Grand Lodge to give their ideas on how best to run our lodge. My issue is that, to my mind, Grand Lodge is everything that is wrong with Freemasonry, so they are the last people I'd want to take advice from. Not to mention the strong arming they do to get people into this money making venture for them isn't something I care to support.

The content is very different in Texas. Here it's run by the Committee of Education and really deal with hands on things that you need to know as an officer. How to conduct a ballot, what's in the lawbook, ideas for running meetings, doing finances etc. Some of it is obvious if one has been involved in organizational work before, but a lot of the more Masonic content I found very useful.

 

[Keith C]

The content is very different in Texas. Here it's run by the Committee of Education and really deal with hands on things that you need to know as an officer. How to conduct a ballot, what's in the lawbook, ideas for running meetings, doing finances etc. Some of it is obvious if one has been involved in organizational work before, but a lot of the more Masonic content I found very useful.

Pretty much the same here in PA. The Education Committee ran the training and the two major areas of focus were what you need to know to have a successful year as Worshipful Master and the new Mentorship program, which just builds and adds to the old system in a way that will better rother and hopefully keep him engaged.

 

[Bloke]

I did a Warden's course many years ago. I went along because it was a per-request, but it was actually a very good experience. I will never forget one of the exercises on communication - sitting back to back, we had to make a shape of out drinking straws, with your counterpart telling you where to place them and being back to back, with no visual assistance. I must admit, I was a bit cocky, but did not do well. It gave me a great lesson about clarity of verbal instructions- and about being cocky !

Even expensive professional seminars can be tedious, but there even then, there is generally something to take away. I think its good to take up these opportunities. And a Warden's course is a good way to meet other future masters...

 

[dfreybur]

The content is very different in Texas. Here it's run by the Committee of Education and really deal with hands on things that you need to know as an officer. How to conduct a ballot, what's in the lawbook, ideas for running meetings, doing finances etc. Some of it is obvious if one has been involved in organizational work before, but a lot of the more Masonic content I found very useful.

When I went to the school in California I expected it to be about business issues. Lodges are non-profit businesses that need to keep running. Having discussed the school with others I did expect that aspect. In contrast when I went to GL schools in Illinois that content was in the secretary training rather than the warden training.

 

[rpbrown]

The content is very different in Texas. Here it's run by the Committee of Education and really deal with hands on things that you need to know as an officer. How to conduct a ballot, what's in the lawbook, ideas for running meetings, doing finances etc. Some of it is obvious if one has been involved in organizational work before, but a lot of the more Masonic content I found very useful.

If I am not mistaken, in Texas the Wardens Retreat is a requirement to move to the progression of Wardens offices. That may have changed in the last few years since I was in the line but we still send incoming JW's and SW's to the classes. Some great information comes out of them.

 

[jgil1970]

If I am not mistaken, in Texas the Wardens Retreat is a requirement to move to the progression of Wardens offices. That may have changed in the last few years since I was in the line but we still send incoming JW's and SW's to the classes. Some great information comes out of them.

Either the Officer Leadership Training or the LIFE program are required. The preferred one is the OLT, but since TX is humongous, some Lodges aren’t able to send someone each year, so the LIFE program is the alternative. I have attended OLT 101 and 201. We were told that the Committee on Education is also coming up with a 301 for WMs to attend, but as of last November, it had not been completed.