South Coast Region 11

Regional Protocol and Ceremonial Facilitator

Action Plan 2000 - 2002 presented by VWor Bro. E.C. Herring, PDGIW

Lodges of Instruction

To convene a meeting of all Preceptors and Deputy Preceptors to discuss standard procedures for all Lodges of Instruction within the Region. NOTE: The first meeting is scheduled to take place at the Nowra Masonic Centre on Sunday 23rd July 2000.

Further meetings to be held twice yearly at various locations within the Region and more often at District level if required.

To reach consensus within the Region for the application of the following items:

• Suggestions of best ways of learning ritual
• Splitting of charges and to determine the most appropriate
• To compile a register of Brethren proficient at specific charges. This could lead to voluntary competitions between selected groups at District and Regional level.
• Lodges of Instruction to have special meetings for training on specific issues outside of the scope of the ritual

i) Discussion of Codifications
ii) How to conduct formal business
iii) Correct use of signs
iv) Motions and correct procedures
v) The proper use of the Festive Board
vi) Responsibilities of the Master and other officers
vii) Special nights for Wardens, Directors of Ceremonies etc
viii) Masonic Tribute

To initiate, implement and supervise a pilot scheme in proficiency in all aspects of Lodge procedures and Lodge Management in conjunction with the Regional Education and Membership Facilitator and report to the Regional Grand Counsellor for further action.

To design and produce a teat questionnaire for the Proficiency scheme, advertise the scheme, and assess the papers for the information of the Regional Grand Counsellor and further action.

Regional Team of Grand Directors of Ceremonies

To convene a meeting of selected Brethren to act as Grand Directors of Ceremonies within the Region. The first meeting is scheduled to take place at the Nowra Masonic Centre on Sunday 16th July 2000 to discuss and adopt uniformity incorrect procedures as;

• The importance of carrying out the duties correctly and be seen as an example
• The correct position of a GDC in the Lodge Room at all times
• The procedures to be adopted prior to entry and after retiring from the Lodge Room, including the Festive Board
• Correct method of conducting Brethren and giving the appropriate signs
• General training and tests of proficiency

These initiatives to be carried out in conjunction with the Grand Director of Ceremonies or his appointee.

Further meetings to be held twice yearly at various locations within the Region and more often at District level if required. Reports of all meetings will be forwarded to the Regional Grand Counsellor and to the Grand Director of Ceremonies for information and evaluation.