A Journey To Become A Certified Lodge Instructor

by Right Worshipful Brother Wayne Spooner, Grand Examiner

Where This Journey Began

In October 2019 at the 180th Grand Lodge of Illinois Annual Communication, the spark to begin this journey occurred. A consistent part of this annual Masonic statewide conference is the distribution of the Grand Lodge Session Preliminary Reports Book; it includes the reports of the Grand Lodge leaders and key Grand Lodge Committees. As you can imagine, it is not a quick read. However, the book's content provides a substantive and credible illustration of what is going on to support the successful operations and future progress of Illinois Freemasonry. While reviewing that book, one report really stood out; it provided relevant facts, trends and contained a collective call-to-action. It was the report provided by the Grand Lodge Board of Grand Examiners (BOGE). These Brethren assist our Grand Master by being the primary stewards, advocates and evaluators of the quality Masonic ritual (including floor work) ceremonies executed in our grand jurisdiction. In particular, an important part of their work is the examination of commissioned Ritual Instructors; these are the local teachers and coaches who help the Brethren learn how to execute our ritual work with quality, accuracy and confidence.

A Sobering Look at Our Ritual Instructor Ranks

Quite starkly, the BOGE report outlined the current state of the Ritual Instructor population for our grand jurisdiction. Basically, the population of active Grand Lecturers and Certified Lodge Instructors was dwindling at an alarming rate, and the age distribution of the remaining Instructors would likely have several of them retire from active instruction or pass on in a time interval that was more urgent than previously realized. As the 4th largest Masonic jurisdiction in the United States, we had 60 Grand Lecturers and 73 Certified Lodge Instructors to teach a membership population of approximately 50,000 Brethren (spread across 446 Lodges); also, 75% of those 133 Instructors are age 60 or older, and only 7 of the Grand Lecturers are younger than 60 years old. With those sobering facts digested and a solid look in the mirror, the decision was made to pursue becoming a Certified Lodge Instructor (CLI). That decision to embark on this journey was not made for selfish reasons; it was made to help our Brethren learn and inspire them to extract the amazing life lessons available through the study and understanding of Ancient Craft Masonry, its degrees and associated ritual work.

Becoming a Student Again

As Master Masons, we possess the duality of being both students and teachers. Well, to accomplish this new goal, this student went in search of good teachers. A key first step was ensuring a complete and accurate understanding of what a CLI is required to learn and demonstrate during his exam. Those questions were answered by a search of our Grand Lodge Book of Constitution and ByLaws. In particular, Bylaws Code 139B was informative; it reads "All applicants for commission as Certified Lodge Instructors shall be thoroughly examined as to their proficiency in the standard work, as authorized by the Grand Lodge, of opening, closing, reception of the District Deputy Grand Master and the entire first section of all three degrees." Yes, that was useful information; however, more details were needed as input for a disciplined study and preparation plan. That's when a dear Brother shared a spreadsheet checklist which outlined exactly what ritual and floor work components were required. Those details were incorporated into my study plan and weekly allocation of time to attend Masonic Ritual Schools of Instruction, get one-on-one coaching from a Grand Lecturer, log quality time with our Blue Book (Standard Ritual Work Book) and Floor Work Manual, and just practice all of it over and over again. Also, a CLI Petition was completed and submitted to my Lodge which was favorably voted on. Eventually, the petition was signed by a Grand Lecturer who endorsed my skill level to become a Ritual Instructor. With those two steps completed, my petition was submitted to the Secretary of the BOGE which confirmed my interest in becoming a Ritual Instructor and candidacy to get examined.

Exam Day

Two times during the year (in May and November), the BOGE conducts exams for Ritual Instructor candidates somewhere in the state. Saturday, November 21, 2020 was a pivotal and memorable day on this journey. On that day, my CLI exam occurred and the performance was deemed successful. It was an achievement, not just for me, but for all of the Brethren who helped this weary traveler get to that destination. Once again, this achievement proves that no faithful journey in Freemasonry is traveled alone. Many hands and sharp minds helped to build this favorable result. Oh, one more really important step in the process is still required. Even though the BOGE does the examination of Ritual Instructor candidates and recommends Brethren to the Grand Master for appointment as a Grand Lecturer or Certified Lodge Instructor, it is the decision of the Grand Master to provide a Ritual Instructor with his official commission to teach for our grand jurisdiction. That said, the Grand Master usually acts favorably on the recommendations of the BOGE.

Was It Worth It?

Lastly, you might have this question, "Is the journey worth it?" The answer is a resounding "Yes." And now, the real fun begins by being able to help Brethren unlock the life changing value of learning and performing our unique ritual work with excellence and confidence. Also, for the talented and dedicated Brethren who share a passion for our ritual work and helping others learn, they can confidently count me amongst the humble sets of hands and sharp minds who will happily serve to assist them along their journey to become a Certified Lodge Instructor.

Provided by The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois.