The Custodians of the Work

My name is Rich Friedman and I am the Chairman of the Custodians of the Work. On behalf of the Custodians of the Work, I welcome you to the Grand Lodge Website. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and what the Custodians do.

Who are the Custodians and what do they do?

The Custodians of the Work are established as a Standing Committee of Grand Lodge organized under Section 102 of the Book of Constitutions.

Section 123 of the Book of Constitutions states the following:

“The Custodians of the Work shall have general administrative authority over all the duties and functions of the Grand Lecturer and his Assistants.” (See also Sec 334 Supplement)

Section 334 of the Handbook of Masonic Law states:

“… no change shall be made in the Work as established by Grand Lodge except upon the report of such Committee and the favorable action of Grand Lodge thereon.”

To get away from the legal aspect and deal in today’s terms, the Custodians are the only committee which can propose a change to the Ritual. Such proposal can only be made at Grand Lodge and will not take effect unless voted on by the members of Grand Lodge in any given year.

Any Brother can suggest changes to the Ritual for review by the Custodians regardless of their rank or title. I can assure you that the Custodians take their responsibilities in this area with a deadly serious focus and that any request will receive a great deal of due diligence by all of our members. Any Brother suggesting a change will hear back in writing as to what has been decided by the Custodians as a whole.

In order to suggest changes a Brother can send in their request to the Grand Secretary’s office or directly to the Custodians. To reach me directly:

Richard C. Friedman
7 Thomas Circle
Fairport, NY 14450
richddgm@frontiernet.net

It is the belief of the Custodians that it is the ritual which not only sets our Craft apart from other “service organizations” but also lays at the heart and soul of what it means to be a Freemason.

We believe that the ritual outlines the Masonic “way of life” that this world so desperately needs. For the individual Mason, adhering to the ritual in daily life will benefit each of us greatly and will keep us within “due bounds with all mankind.” I can honestly state that I refer to the ritual every day in some way shape or form.

We would make the argument that living out the ritual in our daily lives is the very best Membership Development and Membership Retention program that there is.

As the months go on we hope that you will enjoy our “Custodians Corner” and we fervently hope that we can stimulate each Brother to read, learn and take to heart the meaning of our magnificent ritual.

The Custodians of the Work are:

Brothers:

• Richard C. Friedman, Chairman
• Lawrence J. Hammel, Jr.
• Stewart C. McCloud II
• Frederick M.S. Downs
• Peter R. Kermani
• George S. Nasra
• Charles E. Arnold
• William G. Vassily, Emeritus
• Maurice Solomon, Emeritus

See you in the quarries.