Universe

Ok, i have recently been installed as MC, and i was wondering if it is required for me to stand during the business portion of our meetings. I was wondering this becuase i would like to have a laptop to record goings on during the meeting for my own personal record.

any help or guidance in anyway would be greatly appreciated....thanks!

It's up to you but if you're taking notes on your laptop sitting down seems to make a lot of sense.

Bro jimericksen

as far as i know,the Master Councilor should stand while presiding the meeting.from what jurisdiction are you from?

In our Chapter, the MC stands when he presides. As i remember according to our (Robert's Rule of Order) parliamentary procedures...it also goes to other officers who want to participate in the Chapters Business, he should stand first and wait for recognition...

But I think that would be kinda difficult to preside the meeting when you yourself will record the proceedings of the meeting (with your laptop)...

I think it would be for the better if you will ask the assistance of your Scribe so you can easily concentrate in your Business...

Good luck to your Term of Office!

Fraternally,


Bro. Ilad, PMC

According to the "guidelines" in the front of the Ritual, anyone that speaks, including the Master Councilor, should stand.

"When I was a DeMolay", I could cheat a little as the Lodge had a chair in the East tall enough that if I sat no one would know viewing me head on. I usually took a slight lean to shift my weight, but I was usually in a standing position throughout the meeting for the most part. As for recording the meeting, that should really be the focus of your scribe, as you should have all your attention to conducting and mediating the Chapter's business.

Way back when I was in DeMolay (some time ago), I joined the Priory and became an officer. In the Priory Ritual, it says that, unlike the Master Councilor of a Chapter, who should always stand while presiding, the Illustrious Knight Commander should always remain seated, unless the Ritual expressly tells him to stand. That struck me as a nod toward Freemasonry, where the Worshipful Master also sits while presiding (in Indiana at least), again, unless the Ritual tells him to stand.

A little historical perspective, for what that's worth.

Brother Greg:

In Texas Lodges, we do the same thing. It was a struggle at first for me to get used to remaining seated during the Lodge meeting, but I go the hang of it.

That's the relation between the DeMolay and the Ritual: The Ritual says do and you do.

The ritual says you hjave to stand. Stand.

If you have to take notes. Ask some one to do so while you are standing. Or do it by yourself. Some times it's possible to do this. you jut have to bend a little.


Sir Jaimar PMC