Sister and Brothers:
Once again we are writing to remind you of a few of the irregularities that we have found in our visits to the various Chapters throughout the State.
First of all with Chapters preparing for next year’s upcoming installations (and time quickly passing us by) just a reminder that any “elected” officer in your Chapter cannot assume another position until and unless “their successor has been elected and installed”. It has come to our attention that some Chapters have ignored this procedure and have proceeded to have officers installed without following the regulations. This is clearly stated in the Red Book and our Constitution. If a person has been elected in one Chapter and has dual membership with another, they cannot simply leave their elected position and be elected in their second Chapter. Elected officers (the top four) cannot resign – if they do not come to any more meeting, someone can fill that office pro-tem, but again the foregoing applies – “until their successor has been elected and installed”.
Also, remember that the elected individual should fill their station at initiation and/or visitation if at all possible and have a substitute fill the vacant office/offices. Speaking of substitutes, please try and utilize your Chapter members for the stations you need filled before calling on outside Chapters and/or Grand Officers to fulfill this duty. This would also be a good way of having newer members help out – especially at a regular meeting.
Unless an officer is ailing, aged, or has other difficulties, at a visitation if they cannot fill their station, they should not be present in the Chapter Room – again there are always exemptions based on an individual’s situation, but this should be clearly identified prior to the visitation with either the Worthy Grand Matron or Deputy Grand Matron.
Another problem we have encountered in our visits at regular meetings has been not filling the necessary positions within the Chapter for a meeting. Many times over the past few years we have seen the warder and sentinel positions not filled. Once again, the necessary officers for a meeting is spelled out in the Red Book. It should be the Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Secretary, Conductress, Warder and Sentinel. These office MUST be filled to open a Chapter.
As always, please do not rely on the words “we have always done it this way” and please do not rely on someone else’s input – when there is doubt, please contact the Worthy Grand Matron/Patron, Deputy Grand Matron/Patron or the Jurisprudence Committee.
The Instruction Committee this year has worked well in the Chapters that have opted to have the individual attend the rehearsals to help out. We have seen much improvement in the work from this result and we thank them and you for allowing us this privilege.
Remember, we cannot stress – the Red Book and the Constitution govern our rules and regulations in New Hampshire.
Thank you,
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