As with most things, acceptable practice can vary widely by jurisdiction and the situation. If it is a sensitive Masonic subject, then it would be appropriate to keep the matter between you and the Grand Master. As far as the method, our new Grand Master actually prefers email and it has been this way for some time.
As you can see from the Grand Lodge of Missouri AF&AM's website, almost every officer lists his email address and almost all of them are personal emails. http://momason.org/officers/" rel="nofollow - http://momason.org/officers/ For those who have an "official" email address, this is just an alias and the email is automatically forwarded to their personal email. Rest assured, this is not private information and can be viewed by anyone anywhere.
As far as invitations for Grand Lodge officers to attend lodge events or functions, the preferred method is by email. We have a form that is filled out by the requesting lodge's secretary and that is attached to an email to the Grand Secretary which is in turn distributed to the Grand Lodge Officers. The Grand Secretary keeps a simple Excel® spreadsheet which is forwarded back to the lodge secretary so he can keep a headcount of Grand Lodge officers who will be attending the event.
Our new Grand Master has also established two Google® groups; one for secretaries and one for DDGMs. I am a member of both groups and the Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Lodge office staff participate in both of them. Obviously these groups are for secretaries to communicate with each other and likewise for the DDGMs. They are not meant to be used for "sensitive" situations.
IMHO, taking advantage of "modern" technology does not do anything to take away from our ancient mysteries. It is simply, for most of us, a better and more efficient way to communicating with each other.
------------- Wentzville (MO) Lodge #46 - PM Pride of the West (MO) Lodge #179 - PM (twice) Pauldingville (MO) Lodge #11 - Secretary Warrenton (MO) Lodge #609 - Secretary Past DDGM - 25th Masonic District
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