We all know that recognition between Grand Lodges is extremely important, for it is what allows us to visit and work together across jurisdictional lines.
But I’m not sure that many of us at all understand how it works. What the process is.
If your Lodge or District was able to offer a guest speaker who could talk about this Masonic process and practice, would that be an educational program that you would be interested in attending?
With this question, I’m specifically not asking about any particular recognition between particular Grand Lodges, rather the process and practice in a general way.
Do you think that would be an interesting Masonic Educational topic for your Lodge, or do you find little interest in those specific Grand Lodge workings?
It’s so cold here in Wisconsin that I had to break down and buy a hat with ear flaps from the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. Alas, on Day 1 with the ear flaps my Deputy Grand Master and both Grand Wardens laughed at me. I notice here on Day 2 all three of them ran out and bought their own!
I think that this would be a great program for our Past Masters Night. We draw brothers from multiple districts and the states of Idaho and Washington for that event. Last night we had a Past Grand Master of Idaho and 6 “Grands” from the two states in attendance.
Sometimes the process at the Commission on Information for Recognition of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons of North America is so screwed up that even they don't understand it :)
It is all "politicking" and lobbying... nothing Masonic.
In the midwest, there is no such thing as being cold, just not appropriately dressed. Great way to lead by example, Most Worshipful. In regards to Recognition, that would be a very interesting topic to learn about in Lodge. I have absolutely no knowledge of the process, and am interested in that. But also just having a greater awareness about other jurisdictions would deepen my understanding of Masonry in general.
I'm sure that there is a great list of items that local lodges should be taught about the workings of GL. How does an amendment or change to the WMC make it's way to being read at the annual communication? What criteria would deem a change "unmasonic"? What happens when someone is brought up on masonic charges? How about debunking a lot of supposed "rules" lodges are supposed to follow, that don't actually exist in the WMC? Asking lodges, if there is one thing we can eliminate from the WMC, what would that be and talking about it?
While I personally find the process and history of Grand Lodge recognition (and more importantly withdrawal of recognition) fascinating (and have had numerous conversations with M:W: Bro. Chip Borne PGM of LA regarding), I'm not sure most members would share my enthusiasm for the topic. That said, it is an exceptionally important topic to understand at least the basics of if you travel at all outside your own jurisdiction and could be presented in a manner that adds edification to Lodge members without getting deep into the weeds of arcane Grand Lodge proceedings (although some of them from the mid-1800s read like soap operas of insults playing out over years of proceedings!).
As Bro. Glen notes below there are a wide range of topics that most Masons have taken an oath to understand and uphold, which they do not generally understand well enough to live up to that oath, that are ripe for discussion points at Lodge.
I think that this would be a great program for our Past Masters Night. We draw brothers from multiple districts and the states of Idaho and Washington for that event. Last night we had a Past Grand Master of Idaho and 6 “Grands” from the two states in attendance.
Sometimes the process at the Commission on Information for Recognition of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons of North America is so screwed up that even they don't understand it :)
It is all "politicking" and lobbying... nothing Masonic.
In the midwest, there is no such thing as being cold, just not appropriately dressed. Great way to lead by example, Most Worshipful. In regards to Recognition, that would be a very interesting topic to learn about in Lodge. I have absolutely no knowledge of the process, and am interested in that. But also just having a greater awareness about other jurisdictions would deepen my understanding of Masonry in general.
I'm sure that there is a great list of items that local lodges should be taught about the workings of GL. How does an amendment or change to the WMC make it's way to being read at the annual communication? What criteria would deem a change "unmasonic"? What happens when someone is brought up on masonic charges? How about debunking a lot of supposed "rules" lodges are supposed to follow, that don't actually exist in the WMC? Asking lodges, if there is one thing we can eliminate from the WMC, what would that be and talking about it?
While I personally find the process and history of Grand Lodge recognition (and more importantly withdrawal of recognition) fascinating (and have had numerous conversations with M:W: Bro. Chip Borne PGM of LA regarding), I'm not sure most members would share my enthusiasm for the topic. That said, it is an exceptionally important topic to understand at least the basics of if you travel at all outside your own jurisdiction and could be presented in a manner that adds edification to Lodge members without getting deep into the weeds of arcane Grand Lodge proceedings (although some of them from the mid-1800s read like soap operas of insults playing out over years of proceedings!).
As Bro. Glen notes below there are a wide range of topics that most Masons have taken an oath to understand and uphold, which they do not generally understand well enough to live up to that oath, that are ripe for discussion points at Lodge.