Vero Beach Lodge Officers 2023

Treasurer

W. Cory J. Rudder, PM

Senior Steward

Bro. Kevin Gilbert

Tyler

Bro. Jeremy Lynn

2023 Committees

Finance: Larry Johnson, William Ringler, Mason Russell

Vigilance: Cory Rudder, Matthew Reuther, Shawn Day

Petitions/Investigations: Ken Greenhill, Lou Abreu, Mason Russell

Masonic Education: Jeff Kagan, Matthew Reuther, Mike Reichenbach, Mason Russell

Lodge Mentor: Top line signer of petition

Board of Relief: Shawn Day, Larry Johnson, Jeff Kagan

Charity: Master and Wardens

Lodge Property: Jeff Kagan, Cory Rudder, Larry Johnson

Funeral: Filled when needed

Lodge Instructor: Mike Reichenbach

E.A Catechism: Masonic Education Committee

F.C Catechism: Masonic Education Committee

M.M Catechism: Masonic Education Committee

Freemason Lodge Officers

Officers are elected by the members of the lodge, although a few are appointed by the Worshipful Master. In most lodges, the officers serve in their positions for one year. The names and duties of the officers are mostly taken from very old customs practiced by the medieval stonemasons’ guilds, where Freemasonry originated.

In England in the 1400s, under the reign of King Edward III, local (or what we now call municipal) governments grew out of the merchant and craft industries of the towns. The guilds had lots of money and property, as well as organizational and administrative experience. Heads of the guilds became heads of town councils, mayors, sheriffs, and more.

One of the ways a local official proclaimed his rank was by wearing a badge of office, or jewel, on a chain around his neck. This practice survives today. Masonic lodges do the same thing to identify their officers, carrying over this old guild tradition. Masonic jewels of office are symbolic (naturally).

The first Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was established in 1717 in London. In 1718, English Freemasonry spread to France and Spain, and after 1729, to India, Italy, Poland, and Sweden. Freemasonry spread to other parts of Europe and eventually made its way to the American colonies. In 1733, the first American lodge was established in Boston, under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England. The United States now has grand lodges in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Masonic officers are generally part of what is called a progressive line, also known as “going through the chairs.” It is a line of succession that moves up one position at a time from one year to the next. When a man is appointed to the Junior Steward’s position, in a perfect set of circumstances, seven years later he will be Worshipful Master. Although this curious plan for leadership has its drawbacks, it was designed based on the philosophy of equality among Masons. The progressive line is most common in the United States, but it exists in many other jurisdictions, as well.

There is supposed to be no politicking or campaigning for an officer’s position. In the ideal lodge situation, each man simply advances each year, learning each position’s duties and a portion of the Masonic ceremonies. By the time he becomes Worshipful Master of the lodge, he has sat in every chair except, perhaps, the Secretary and Treasurer. He has learned public speaking, management of a volunteer organization, decorum, and responsibility. And eliminating the annual popularity contest for election that many groups suffer results in a smoother, friendlier line of succession. Any man, regardless of his social, business, or economic position outside the lodge room, may aspire to be Master of his lodge.