Yes. This was my experience when I was in the East and implemented round robin type discussions. But, once everyone became comfortable with it, participation was universal.
That's good. In my opinion, we have to send our Brothers home after a meeting feeling as if they have gained something by being there. That's how we succeed over the long term I think.
The best experiences I have had with Masonic Ed involve a 10 to 20 minute presentation in Lodge followed by semi-focused discussion of the presentation over a beverage after closing.
The key IMO is to a) ensure a post-closing social, and b) to focus those socializing on discussing the presentation for at least a bit, before moving on to general chat.
>>>The key IMO is to a) ensure a post-closing social, and b) to focus those socializing on >>>discussing the presentation for at least a bit, before moving on to general chat.
Thanks for this. I think it is right. Like you, my own favorite Masonic experiences have often been the discussions that take place following the stated meeting.
But, I think another key to making that work is keeping the stated Meetings to a proper length. Some Lodges go on and on for so long that everyone almost runs out of the building the second that final gavel falls.
During my 2 years as Master of Renaissance, I included education as a part of our stated meeting. Renaissance is a table lodge so we have the opportunity to "double dip".
I would choose an educational topic for discussion, from the lectures or rituals for discussion in lodge.
After the lodge is closed, we retire to a dining area to enjoy the festive board portion of the meeting. Good food, wine, and fellowship.
Because the lodge meets in a public venue for the festive board, our education or discussion topics need to be on topics that are not part of the secrets we promise conceal and never to reveal.
We have had many great philosophical discussions on morality, friendship, doing good, being a better man, etc. Many first time visitors, enjoy this aspect so. much, they return for more and many of them petition for plural membership.
Neither my in-lodge education, nor the festive board topics, are one-sided. I set the stage, present the topic, and then engage everyone in conversation.
In my humble opinion, if we do not include Masonic education as part of our meetings, we are not serving our members as we should.
>>>Neither my in-lodge education, nor the festive board topics, are one-sided. I set the stage, >>>present the topic, and then engage everyone in conversation.
I agree. I think that this discussion aspect is really important. And we can all learn from each other, because we all have differing perspectives and experiences.
>>>In my humble opinion, if we do not include Masonic education as part of our meetings, we are >>>not serving our members as we should.
Agreed. Unfortunately it is neglected in far too many Lodges. At least in my Jurisdiction.
A Grand Master of Ontario said in 1931 referring to education: "How can you expect to hold a man's interest in something of which he knows little or nothing."
As you know, my stance is that Masonic education, whatever the flavor, should be the focus of any stated meeting. I do away with a lot of fluff found in most meetings to A) be mindful of a brothers time and B) make room for meaningful education and fellowship after the meeting. Too many lodges skip that last part.
>>>...Masonic education, whatever the flavor, should be the focus of any stated meeting.
Agreed.
>>>I do away with a lot of fluff found in most meetings to A) be mindful of a brothers time and B) >>>make room for meaningful education and fellowship after the meeting. Too many lodges skip >>>that last part
Yes. That's the thing. If the meetings are too long, no one will want to spend time together after them. And, if they are too long, people won't want to add in education.
In my view, we address this by putting the educational program right up front at the start of the meeting, and then keep everything else as short as possible.
After reading all the remarks here so far, I agree 100% with everyone-education is the sole purpose. We learn via allegory and symbolism, the best way to understand these is through discussion. By Insights we haven't considered or seeing things from another person's perspective goes a long way, equally from a scholar to a laymen.
>>>the best way to understand these is through discussion. By Insights we haven't considered or >>>seeing things from another person's perspective goes a long way, equally from a scholar to a >>>laymen.
Agreed. One of the most powerful things about Freemasonry, in my view, is our ability to sit down with and learn from others who's lives and experiences are so much different from our own. It expands our circle of understanding. And well done Masonic education will put that positive attribute to work.
We have a started meeting tonight and we have 4 to 5 men coming to join us to get to know out lodge in hopes of petitioning.
I'm giving a 10 minute talk on the 4 Cardinal Virtues and will be doing it during our public meal. Since I've been a member there had been little to no education, so I don't know how it well it will go.
I think it's important that having new interested men come and do more than simply give him a meal and send them on their way. With a little bit of chat from the brothers. I'm hoping to keep them coming back and delivering something about Freemasonry when they visit. I'm hoping it will spark some discussion in the lodge after our reading of the last month's minutes and getting through all of the minutia of a typical meeting.
Time will tell, but I hope this becomes more of a tradition than a rare occasion.
I too find myself less and less interested in attending long meetings that have no content beyond the mundane business of keeping things going. I want great fellowship and edifying discussion, and I'm willing to travel to where that is happening if it isn't happening where I am.
When I was Lodge Education Officer of my lodge, I always ensured that the presentation was delivered in the socratic method. I had listened to too many lodge presentations where the presenter read a piece he had written as the brothers sat glassy-eyed wondering what he was talking about. A brother who can facilitate engaging dialogue among the brothers will hold their interest, and serves to better educate them. I too, believe that education is the purpose of a stated Masonic gathering.
I too think that a program involving discussion among everyone is far superior to a lecture. Unless of course the person doing the lecture is a truly superb speaker, with a unique perspective on the subject.
But in a similar way, the quality of discussion can be greatly enhanced with a highly skilled person leading it.
Years ago, members of a Lodge across my Jurisdiction kept telling me about these really awesome discussions that they had at each Stated Meeting. They believed the discussions were so great because they moved the seating from its standard location in a Lodge. So, I attended to see just what was happening for myself. What became obvious to me, within minutes, was that their unique seating arrangement had nothing at all to do with the quality of discussion. Rather the Mason who lead those discussion had Oprah level skills. That fellow could get anyone to open up about the scariest of topics.
Getting everyone to commit to education is the easy part. Establishing a theme that becomes the lodge's personality requires more thought. About three years ago my lodge spent a lot of time figuring out what kind of education we wanted and so far it's paying off.
We segmented education into several categories. 1) Tactical: Masonic protocol and floorwork. 2) Proficiency: Ability to deliver our Standard Work for Stated Communications and Degrees, and the ability to step up on demand, 3) Practical: How do the lessons and messages in our ritual translate to the thoughts and actions that fill our every day lives. 4) Spiritual: Exploring esoterica and translating it to one's inner meaning. 5) Trivia: Mostly history.
We've gravitated to the Practical. It's a topic that requires very little audience preparation but fosters a great deal of audience participation. This topic, when properly presented, also enables us to invite non-Masonic visitors to participate in the discussion. This has been a great way for us to better know our prospects before they petition, and for them to determine if the personality of our lodge fits their needs and expectations.
Thanks for sharing this breakdown that your Lodge developed. The segmentation makes a lot of sense.
And I think that your gravitation to 'practical' makes a great deal of sense. I'd certainly enjoy discussion along those lines, and discussions around your 'spiritual' category. But 'tactical,' 'proficiency,' and 'trivia' would bore me to death. And I assume that they would have the same impact on most Masons.
But, I think sometimes that is where we get into trouble with Masonic education. We focus on 'tactical,' and 'proficiency' and I don't think either of those actually add measurable value to our lives.
Every single book I have ever read about Lodge management and leadership says this is the determining factor in attendance, albeit it not ALL programs need by Masonic in nature.
And in our obligation as Worshipful Master, we are required to NEVER hold a Communication without giving, or causing to be give, a lecture or part of a lecture.
It is not spelled out in our Code, but it is clearly spelled out in our Ritual which is here also considered Masonic Law. Unfortunately, a lot of Worshipful Masters, and Lodges, ignore it, giving precedence to whatever business may be at hand.
As to the questions at hand…philosophy might be tough, but some brethren will absolutely love it. It takes all types to make a successful program of education for a lodge.
>>>It takes all types to make a successful program of education for a lodge.
Agreed. We all have different experiences, perspectives, and interests. I think that is one of the reasons that in general guided discussions seem to be better received than lectures. It allows all those diverse voices to be heard.
I the term "Masonic Education". It implies there is a dogmatic truth that we collectively need to learn. We are on our own individual journey to digest whatever "truth" we might find. So I, rather, prefer "discovery" to "education".
We need to share what we have discovered about Masonry and how it fits into our lives. We are all Masonic seekers, who need to share what we have found.
Masonry teaches us to expand our horizons, seek new depths, analyze and synthesize, interpret symbols, think in allegories; and most important learn from others.
What, when, how, who in our ritual is important, but WHY is the essence of Masonic discovery: not a collective discovery, but ours alone. We can share it or conceal it, our individual choice.
The goal must be to take a man who is on a narrow path and broaden his prospective; to see ideas he has never before considered, to help him understand the limitless opportunities that exist, to see his part in a universal world and encourage him to seek it.
I agree, 100% about the term 'Masonic Education.' It is less than ideal. For the reason you mention, and because it certainly implies that whatever else it will be, it will be dull. But, while I like 'Discovery' I'm not sure that it would be understood in a broad context.
>>>The goal must be to take a man who is on a narrow path and broaden his prospective; to see >>>ideas he has never before considered, to help him understand the limitless opportunities that >>>exist, to see his part in a universal world and encourage him to seek it.
Excellent. And I think that our Craft is perfectly designed to deliver just that.
I started having the educational part at every Stated meeting at the start of the new year 2024
Not sure what they all think but we still do it
Sometimes it takes a year or two for older Brothers to warm up and start participating and asking questions.
Yes. This was my experience when I was in the East and implemented round robin type discussions. But, once everyone became comfortable with it, participation was universal.
That's good. In my opinion, we have to send our Brothers home after a meeting feeling as if they have gained something by being there. That's how we succeed over the long term I think.
The best experiences I have had with Masonic Ed involve a 10 to 20 minute presentation in Lodge followed by semi-focused discussion of the presentation over a beverage after closing.
The key IMO is to a) ensure a post-closing social, and b) to focus those socializing on discussing the presentation for at least a bit, before moving on to general chat.
>>>The key IMO is to a) ensure a post-closing social, and b) to focus those socializing on >>>discussing the presentation for at least a bit, before moving on to general chat.
Thanks for this. I think it is right. Like you, my own favorite Masonic experiences have often been the discussions that take place following the stated meeting.
But, I think another key to making that work is keeping the stated Meetings to a proper length. Some Lodges go on and on for so long that everyone almost runs out of the building the second that final gavel falls.
During my 2 years as Master of Renaissance, I included education as a part of our stated meeting. Renaissance is a table lodge so we have the opportunity to "double dip".
I would choose an educational topic for discussion, from the lectures or rituals for discussion in lodge.
After the lodge is closed, we retire to a dining area to enjoy the festive board portion of the meeting. Good food, wine, and fellowship.
Because the lodge meets in a public venue for the festive board, our education or discussion topics need to be on topics that are not part of the secrets we promise conceal and never to reveal.
We have had many great philosophical discussions on morality, friendship, doing good, being a better man, etc. Many first time visitors, enjoy this aspect so. much, they return for more and many of them petition for plural membership.
Neither my in-lodge education, nor the festive board topics, are one-sided. I set the stage, present the topic, and then engage everyone in conversation.
In my humble opinion, if we do not include Masonic education as part of our meetings, we are not serving our members as we should.
>>>Neither my in-lodge education, nor the festive board topics, are one-sided. I set the stage, >>>present the topic, and then engage everyone in conversation.
I agree. I think that this discussion aspect is really important. And we can all learn from each other, because we all have differing perspectives and experiences.
>>>In my humble opinion, if we do not include Masonic education as part of our meetings, we are >>>not serving our members as we should.
Agreed. Unfortunately it is neglected in far too many Lodges. At least in my Jurisdiction.
4 points
A Grand Master of Ontario said in 1931 referring to education: "How can you expect to hold a man's interest in something of which he knows little or nothing."
A great, and on point quote. Thank you Brother!
As you know, my stance is that Masonic education, whatever the flavor, should be the focus of any stated meeting. I do away with a lot of fluff found in most meetings to A) be mindful of a brothers time and B) make room for meaningful education and fellowship after the meeting. Too many lodges skip that last part.
>>>...Masonic education, whatever the flavor, should be the focus of any stated meeting.
Agreed.
>>>I do away with a lot of fluff found in most meetings to A) be mindful of a brothers time and B) >>>make room for meaningful education and fellowship after the meeting. Too many lodges skip >>>that last part
Yes. That's the thing. If the meetings are too long, no one will want to spend time together after them. And, if they are too long, people won't want to add in education.
In my view, we address this by putting the educational program right up front at the start of the meeting, and then keep everything else as short as possible.
After reading all the remarks here so far, I agree 100% with everyone-education is the sole purpose. We learn via allegory and symbolism, the best way to understand these is through discussion. By Insights we haven't considered or seeing things from another person's perspective goes a long way, equally from a scholar to a laymen.
>>>the best way to understand these is through discussion. By Insights we haven't considered or >>>seeing things from another person's perspective goes a long way, equally from a scholar to a >>>laymen.
Agreed. One of the most powerful things about Freemasonry, in my view, is our ability to sit down with and learn from others who's lives and experiences are so much different from our own. It expands our circle of understanding. And well done Masonic education will put that positive attribute to work.
We have a started meeting tonight and we have 4 to 5 men coming to join us to get to know out lodge in hopes of petitioning.
I'm giving a 10 minute talk on the 4 Cardinal Virtues and will be doing it during our public meal. Since I've been a member there had been little to no education, so I don't know how it well it will go.
I think it's important that having new interested men come and do more than simply give him a meal and send them on their way. With a little bit of chat from the brothers. I'm hoping to keep them coming back and delivering something about Freemasonry when they visit. I'm hoping it will spark some discussion in the lodge after our reading of the last month's minutes and getting through all of the minutia of a typical meeting.
Time will tell, but I hope this becomes more of a tradition than a rare occasion.
That seems like a really good plan to me. Let them see a bit of what Freemasonry is all about before they petition.
So how did it go?
It was good! I'm going to keep doing them I have two weeks to get 10 minutes of material written.
That's awesome to know! Thanks for following up!
Depending on the quality of that education, Yes. The reason? I am uninterested in trading my personal time for a business meeting.
I too find myself less and less interested in attending long meetings that have no content beyond the mundane business of keeping things going. I want great fellowship and edifying discussion, and I'm willing to travel to where that is happening if it isn't happening where I am.
When I was Lodge Education Officer of my lodge, I always ensured that the presentation was delivered in the socratic method. I had listened to too many lodge presentations where the presenter read a piece he had written as the brothers sat glassy-eyed wondering what he was talking about. A brother who can facilitate engaging dialogue among the brothers will hold their interest, and serves to better educate them. I too, believe that education is the purpose of a stated Masonic gathering.
I too think that a program involving discussion among everyone is far superior to a lecture. Unless of course the person doing the lecture is a truly superb speaker, with a unique perspective on the subject.
But in a similar way, the quality of discussion can be greatly enhanced with a highly skilled person leading it.
Years ago, members of a Lodge across my Jurisdiction kept telling me about these really awesome discussions that they had at each Stated Meeting. They believed the discussions were so great because they moved the seating from its standard location in a Lodge. So, I attended to see just what was happening for myself. What became obvious to me, within minutes, was that their unique seating arrangement had nothing at all to do with the quality of discussion. Rather the Mason who lead those discussion had Oprah level skills. That fellow could get anyone to open up about the scariest of topics.
Getting everyone to commit to education is the easy part. Establishing a theme that becomes the lodge's personality requires more thought. About three years ago my lodge spent a lot of time figuring out what kind of education we wanted and so far it's paying off.
We segmented education into several categories. 1) Tactical: Masonic protocol and floorwork. 2) Proficiency: Ability to deliver our Standard Work for Stated Communications and Degrees, and the ability to step up on demand, 3) Practical: How do the lessons and messages in our ritual translate to the thoughts and actions that fill our every day lives. 4) Spiritual: Exploring esoterica and translating it to one's inner meaning. 5) Trivia: Mostly history.
We've gravitated to the Practical. It's a topic that requires very little audience preparation but fosters a great deal of audience participation. This topic, when properly presented, also enables us to invite non-Masonic visitors to participate in the discussion. This has been a great way for us to better know our prospects before they petition, and for them to determine if the personality of our lodge fits their needs and expectations.
Thanks for sharing this breakdown that your Lodge developed. The segmentation makes a lot of sense.
And I think that your gravitation to 'practical' makes a great deal of sense. I'd certainly enjoy discussion along those lines, and discussions around your 'spiritual' category. But 'tactical,' 'proficiency,' and 'trivia' would bore me to death. And I assume that they would have the same impact on most Masons.
But, I think sometimes that is where we get into trouble with Masonic education. We focus on 'tactical,' and 'proficiency' and I don't think either of those actually add measurable value to our lives.
Every single book I have ever read about Lodge management and leadership says this is the determining factor in attendance, albeit it not ALL programs need by Masonic in nature.
And in our obligation as Worshipful Master, we are required to NEVER hold a Communication without giving, or causing to be give, a lecture or part of a lecture.
We have the exact same obligation spelled out in our Installation Ritual. Unfortunately, in my Jurisdiction it is ignored more often than not.
Masonic education is a requirement according to Masonic Code in NC.
It is not spelled out in our Code, but it is clearly spelled out in our Ritual which is here also considered Masonic Law. Unfortunately, a lot of Worshipful Masters, and Lodges, ignore it, giving precedence to whatever business may be at hand.
I know those guys!!
As to the questions at hand…philosophy might be tough, but some brethren will absolutely love it. It takes all types to make a successful program of education for a lodge.
>>>It takes all types to make a successful program of education for a lodge.
Agreed. We all have different experiences, perspectives, and interests. I think that is one of the reasons that in general guided discussions seem to be better received than lectures. It allows all those diverse voices to be heard.
I the term "Masonic Education". It implies there is a dogmatic truth that we collectively need to learn. We are on our own individual journey to digest whatever "truth" we might find. So I, rather, prefer "discovery" to "education".
We need to share what we have discovered about Masonry and how it fits into our lives. We are all Masonic seekers, who need to share what we have found.
Masonry teaches us to expand our horizons, seek new depths, analyze and synthesize, interpret symbols, think in allegories; and most important learn from others.
What, when, how, who in our ritual is important, but WHY is the essence of Masonic discovery: not a collective discovery, but ours alone. We can share it or conceal it, our individual choice.
The goal must be to take a man who is on a narrow path and broaden his prospective; to see ideas he has never before considered, to help him understand the limitless opportunities that exist, to see his part in a universal world and encourage him to seek it.
So Mote It Be
I agree, 100% about the term 'Masonic Education.' It is less than ideal. For the reason you mention, and because it certainly implies that whatever else it will be, it will be dull. But, while I like 'Discovery' I'm not sure that it would be understood in a broad context.
>>>The goal must be to take a man who is on a narrow path and broaden his prospective; to see >>>ideas he has never before considered, to help him understand the limitless opportunities that >>>exist, to see his part in a universal world and encourage him to seek it.
Excellent. And I think that our Craft is perfectly designed to deliver just that.
Our ceremonies clearly state that we are to be transformed from the rough to the perfect, through education, and education is Masonic Light.
It is part of our stated meeting and I think it should be.
I certainly agree that it should be. But, unfortunately, in my Jurisdiction it is often skipped over, to the detriment of all.