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It is in the business of making men into Royal Arch Masons. ... A companion who leads a Chapter must be willing to plan ahead, to provide good leadership.
OPERATION OF THE ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER The Chapter is a business. It is in the business of making men into Royal Arch Masons. It is the first step down the path of the York Rite. It works to make Masons into better Masons and men through its ritual and teachings. A companion who leads a Chapter must be willing to plan ahead, to provide good leadership and to strive to leave his Chapter in better shape than he found it in. This doesn't necessarily reflect poorly upon his predecessors. Instead, every man should leave his Chapter in better shape than he found it, building upon the successes of the past. Here are some things every High Priest should strive for. Short, disciplined meetings Business meetings (regular convocations) should be between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes opening and closing of the Chapter. That's really easier to accomplish than it may first appear. If the officers know their parts, opening and closing doesn't take all that long. If the officers have to read their parts, it doubles the time of the opening, and sets a poor tone for the meeting. The High Priest sets the example, and the other officers will normally follow suit. Leadership is strongest when it is by example. Try it, it really works! Every meeting needs a written agenda. While you don't have to pass one out to each member, the High Priest needs to have a written order of what will take place at the meeting. Meet with the secretary before the meeting, and learn what needs to take place. Consult the minutes of the previous meeting to see what needs to come before the companions at this meeting. Why have a written agenda? Because it is hard to keep track of everything that needs to take place at a meeting. Memories get shorter as we get older, and when sitting in the East, it is too easy to forget an important item. One way to move the meeting along is to have a timetable with your agenda. I assign each item a specific amount of time, and try to hold to that schedule. Example: 7:30 p.m.

Opening

7:45 p.m.

Welcome of visitors

7:50 p.m.

Sickness & Distress

7:55 p.m.

Minutes

8:00 p.m.

Reports

I think you get the idea. Sometimes more time is required for a particular area. Fine. Some areas may need additional time. By setting a timetable, you can help to limit discussion that is starting to become repetitive. It also helps to keep you on track so your meetings don't last quite so long.

If your meetings are timely, and without a lot of "hot air", people will return for future meetings. Conduct business, and don't be afraid to use the gavel. It works. Schools of Instruction Good ritualistic work doesn't just happen. It's planned for. Every Chapter usually has some kind of regular school of instruction conducted under the auspices of the Grand Chapter. While you may have mandatory schools, there's no reason not to invite your Grand Chapter representative to come and do a special school. You can also hold "mini schools". At each meeting, take 5 to 10 minutes to focus on a small part of the ritual. Discuss its meaning for today's lifestyles or how it is meant to impact the candidate. This will sharpen the companions and help to reinforce the teachings of the fraternity. When you schedule these kinds of meetings, keep them moving along and fun. Make participation rewarding. Encourage questions and comments. You might even consider taking a part of the ritual and allowing the members to discuss what each part means. By taking small bits and pieces, it will increase their knowledge of Royal Arch Masonry. Keep in mind that the ritual is a very personal experience. Each companion will be touched in a different way. Don't be afraid to share your feelings; .and. encourage others to contribute. Leadership Training Seminar The only way officers can become leaders is to teach them. A few may have natural leadership instincts, but most of us have to learn it. Invite someone to come in and teach elements of leadership. One wise approach is to invite an outside speaker. There's usually a cost. You can help to defray the expenses by working in cooperation with several Chapters. Not only will this reduce your costs, but it will help you develop working relationships with the lodges around you. Make Chapter an event Chapter meetings don't have to be boring. With a little effort, you can make it something to look forward to. At the very least, try to have a meal with each regular convocation. Strive for good food that is reasonably priced. Often you can find companions willing to cook the meals. If not, local delis can offer a variety of low cost meals that are both tasty and have a wide appeal. Try adding a speaker occasionally. Publicize it to the members. Keep them aware of the Chapter and its happenings. Have Active Committees Committees should be functional. They greatly reduce the workload on the High Priest and provide ways for members to be active. Each Chapter has a certain number of committees that must be named each year. Choose your committee people wisely. Not only should they bring knowledge with them to do the job, but those appointed to a committee should be able to function together well. A good High Priest will set goals and objectives for each committee. This will give them something to strive for. No committee will meet if they have no clue what they're to do.

Committees that are non-functioning may no longer be needed. It is always a good idea to do away with things that no longer serve a purpose. To continue committees for the sake of tradition wastes both time and human resources. Committee members" once they know their objectives, should meet regularly and report back to the Chapter during the regular convocations. There should be a place on the agenda for reports, and for opportunities for the lodge to act on their recommendations. Committee meetings don't have to be formal meetings. I have often found things work better when meetings are over a cup of coffee. Likewise, committee chairmen should delegate responsibilities so that everyone on the committee is doing something. Make everyone feel needed and useful. If they feel needed, they'll be back, and having fun. Investigating Committees An investigating committee is appointed by the High Priest to investigate each and every petition to your Chapter. Members of this committee need to take their responsibilities seriously, reporting their discoveries back to the Chapter. What is the committee looking for? After all, the man's already a Mason. Some argue that we shouldn't have to investigate a man who is already a member of the Craft. There are several good reasons for a Royal Arch Chapter to investigate candidates for degrees. One is to be certain that the man is serious and willing to conform to the requirements of membership. It is important to be sure that this man isn't going to be a disruptive force within your Chapter. Some people have personalities that clash easily with others. I have seen organizations destroyed by the actions of one person. The most important reason to have an active investigating committee is to learn what the future companion hopes to gain from his membership in the Royal Arch. This is your opportunity to get to know his interests. With such knowledge, you can find places to make him feel welcome and needed. Inquire about his hobbies. Learn all you can so you can help to make him feel a part of the Royal Craft as quickly as possible.

Excerpted from :The Royal Arch Primer” 2nd Edition Rev. Jan L. Beaderstadt KYGCH Published by Coffee Time Press ISBN 0-9724115-1-9