June 2007

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June Message

IMPROVISATION AND INNOVATION

This may seem an odd subject for a Masonic message in a fraternal context where Innovation is actively discouraged, at any rate as it pertains to our practices, within our Conclaves. However, times are a – changing and some improvisation and re-arrangement of our practices and communications outside of our Temples and Rituals, may require consideration. Evolutionary change rather any revolutionary departures could be considered, as has been evidenced lately by advisories from the Rulers on the inclusion of Ladies in our social activities, and even at festive Boards, participation in community charities and functions etc.

The very necessity of having us Masons, come out of the veil of (needless) secrecy and put out our social obligations to the public eye, is in itself a departure from what used to be the norm. Recently, I was in London for the April Investiture Meeting, preceding which the M W Bro Lord Northampton, M.W.Pro Grand Master took a meeting of the Provincial and District Grand Masters, to lay out for discussion, subjects of common interest. One of them was concerning the wearing of Chains by Rulers when representing the fraternity and the respective jurisdiction at a community function.

The Pro Grand Master clarified that it was appropriate for a Ruler to be wearing his Chain when representing his Masonic District or Province at a Community (Charity) function. Obviously there would have to be a discernible reason for the concerned Ruler officially representing the fraternity at the said function, and hence wearing his Chain of office.

Improvisation has also been a possible method of dealing with our Cornwallis Home Project where the ambience of the Home has to be positioned more as an ‘assisted Living’ concept than as an Old Age Home. Moreover, we need to reflect on the necessity for such a facility to be reserved purely for Senior Citizens – why not go for a mix of Residents – some transients in a serviced apartment mode, regardless of age, on daily rentals, juxtaposed with Senior Citizens on the monthly rental modes?

Added to this could be an innovative concept of developing, in the rest of our property, a Masonic / Public Auditorium and Convention Centre, which will add to the Home’s income-generating capacity. Charities need to be self-sufficient within themselves, and their current investments which should be serviced by their own revenues, and not solely by further infusions of Capital (Donations). We do need Donors and Donations but to add thereby to the Corpus of our Charities, not merely to meet revenue expenditure. Obviously all this needs a gradual step-by-step approach to maintain financial discipline.

The Cornwallis Home will continue to need our Brethren’s support for at least another 12 months, as all such new installations need a little time to pick up custom. Moreover, the new International Airport, now under construction in the vicinity of our Home Project, is due for inauguration late next year, when this Home also should take off in earnest. In the interim, we must meet our financial obligations, and my Brethren will hear from me separately on this issue. Some legitimate and careful improvisation and innovative thinking will be required in this behalf as well.