Our lodge opens this to the senior and junior deacons as well as all three pillared officers. We’ve made it a point to put this retreat in our budget annually due to the importance. I did hear a few lodges received the grand lodge scholarship as well.
A lodge doesn’t stand still. It’s either growing or it’s dying, there’s no long term in-between.
Growth takes investment. That means people, time and money. It takes members willing to show up, step in, and carry their part. If we want strong leadership and a healthy lodge, it’s on us to put something into it, not just expect something out of it.
In North Carolina Masonry, we have a similar leadership development program known as the Davie Academy - aptly named in honor of William Richardson Davie, our first Grand Master and a former Governor of North Carolina, Founder of UNC in Chapel Hill NC the first public University.
The Davie Academy is designed to prepare future lodge leaders through a structured, immersive experience focused on leadership, administration, and the deeper responsibilities of the Craft. The program typically spans three days.
Topics often include Lodge leadership and officer responsibilities, Masonic law, governance, and protocol, Effective communication and conflict resolution, Membership engagement and retention & Strategic planning for lodge sustainability.
The cost is approximately $1,500 per participant, and in our lodge, we make it a priority to invest in this development by sending our Senior Deacon as part of his progression toward the East.
It has proven to be a valuable program ensuring that those advancing through the officer line are well-prepared to serve. It was founded and sponsored by our Scottish Rite, and volunteered by our Grand Lodge members.
Are the courses and curriculum for these trainings made available, for free? Yes, live instruction is nice to have, builds brotherhood, and can help eliminate the tenacious myth that "a lodge is just like a business" (which is wrong, if you treat a man like a tire, he will roll away). So yes, live contact with experienced mentors is some of the juice.
But, are there easier ways to ensure attentive ears have an instructive tongue available? Online learning is a thing, as are books. In my case, I was handed a copy of Claudy's "The Master's Book," partway through my first year in the West. I read it. It was short, to the point, and pretty well written. It helped. But, this only happened because my Lodge had copies available, and a PM made sure one was put in my hand with directions to give it close look.
Claudy had nothing to say that was specific to any jurisdiction. Could the CGMM-NA create a similarly useful online "Master's Course," available nationwide? Could all the GMs find their way to asking every Warden to take it?
At our last Lodge Leadership retreat (last weekend) we experimented with filming some of the classes to assess whether it makes sense to make them available online. I'm one of the instructors for the LLR. I haven't see the results yet. I dread seeing them, I can't stand listening to myself talk (which I've discovered is very common - not listening to me, but to themselves).
On the one hand, I get it, technology marches on, but then to me, a huge part of the point of the LLR is the human connection, the fellowship, and talking with other brothers. Watching a 50 minute video is just not the same thing. I would much rather travel to that person's lodge and give that class than to have them sit through a video recording of it.
“I can't stand listening to myself talk (which I've discovered is very common - not listening to me, but to themselves).” Agreed! I’ve heard people say they enjoy listening to my voice, which puzzles me; they must enjoy listening to Winnie the Pooh cartoons, as I think I sound like a damn drone like Eeyore. Another case was when I gave a committee speech at the 2015 Annual Communication. I thought I had my speech nailed, but when I walked up those stairs to the Grand East and got behind the microphone, I was stumblin’ and bumblin’. I thought my speech sounded like Porky Pig. I appreciated the Thank You’s from MW Grand Master Sam Roberts and the others up there, but I was ashamed of myself when I headed back into the crowd, where I was totally surprised that not one, but two Past Grand Masters thought I did a good job. “Damn good job” was what one of them said. Same with several others in the back, including then-WB Cameron himself. I thought he was just being nice, but he was dead serious, he had heard a LOT of speeches and presentations in his career so he knows what’s good and what’s shit. I couldn’t believe it. To this day, I have to take their word for it, because their analysis is totally different than my own. There are probably studies about this subjective/objective analysis of our own speech to others.
“I would much rather travel to that person's lodge and give that class than to have them sit through a video recording of it.” You’re not the only one who thinks that. At the GL office, Brothers call in asking for assistance with Code matters, Grandview, and other things. Some of the questions have answers in YouTube videos and sections in the Help column of a site. They are not interested in watching a damn video or reading what they see as word salad. They want to talk with a live person who knows what they’re talking about, or can guide them to someone who is in the know on the subject. In-person is better, but the phone is the next best thing if the person calling lives 4-6 hours away in another part of the state.
There will be people who disagree with us on these matters, but it’s not so much an opinion as it is an observation. This is what we perceive of ourselves, and it’s what we notice when we instruct people.
When speaking, you are hyper-aware of your nervousness—a beating heart, sweaty palms, or a lost thought—and you assume the audience sees this as clearly as you feel it. However, the audience cannot see your internal state. What feels like a "stumble" to you usually appears as natural, human conversation to them.
2. Audience vs. Speaker Perspective
Speakers are focused on delivering the content perfectly.
Audiences are focused on understanding the content, receiving value, and engaging with the speaker.
If you deliver a clear, useful message, audiences often overlook minor errors in word choice, pauses, or stumbling.
3. Your Internal Critic is Magnifying Mistakes
When you stumble, you likely dwell on it, which can cause you to rush through the next few lines or become more anxious. The audience, however, moves on instantly. A 5-second stutter or pause feels like an eternity to the speaker, but to the audience, it's barely noticeable.
4. Nervousness Looks Like Energy
Most of the nervousness you feel often presents to the audience as excitement or enthusiasm rather than fear or incompetence.
What to Do
Trust the Feedback: Believe your colleagues when they say you did well.
Don't Over-script: People often stumble more when trying to recite a perfectly memorized script because a tiny mistake feels fatal. Instead, focus on key points and speak naturally.
Pause and Continue: If you stumble, don't over-apologize. Simply pause, take a breath, and continue. Pausing actually makes you look more confident and allows the audience to digest your words.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself as you would a friend; you would not tell a friend they "bombed" over a few stumbles.
In summary, you are not wrong to feel like you struggled, but you are likely wrong in your evaluation that it made the presentation bad.
As an instructor for a few of the classes at our Lodge Leadership Retreat, I am biased, but I have been going to the LLR for 10 years (except for the covid years) as an attendee before I was invited to teach. As I've repeatedly said, the LLR is my favorite weekend of the year. It is something I look forward to and I am just gobsmacked (love that word!) that not all lodges have brothers attending.
I also feel that it doesn't matter if you're a new master mason, or a Past Master with 45 years under your belt - there is always something to learn. I would never discourage someone from broadening their horizons. It was nice that I did see some of our long time masons attend, I hope they were able to go back to their own lodges and relate their experiences.
“…it doesn't matter if you're a new master mason, or a Past Master with 45 years under your belt - there is always something to learn.” It’s true that I’ve heard positive remarks from Brothers under all these categories. In fact, I have yet to hear anyone say anything bad about the LLR or the Warden’s Conference before it.
“I am just gobsmacked (love that word!) that not all lodges have brothers attending.” Even my home Lodge is not flush with cash, but at least 3 of our active members attended (and loved it!) It’s not a financial thing, it’s an attitude thing.
Congratulations on a great article!! You are so right, MW Cameron about the value of "a little education" to help discover how to be a better lodge leader. As a past presenter and Co-Chair of the (then) Wardens' Conference - now Lodge Leadership Retreat I have seen Masons come to this training eager to learn about lodge management and leadership. And, they soak up the knowledge! The Lodge Leadership Retreat and similar training is one of the most inexpensive and most cost effective methods to help your lodge -- and yourself!
I think the opportunity to meet and discuss so many different perspectives and possibilities was one of my favorite parts about the retreat. It was great to see so many willing and dedicated Brothers in one place talking about solutions and lessons learned, all working towards the same goal, improving the Craft.
I learned so much the three years I attended. My lodge would send the Senior Deacon, Junior & Senior Wardens. I met great Masons and heard great speakers. I believe it comes down to an old training schedule phrase, “What if we train them and the leave? What if we don’t and they stay?”. If a lodge won’t invest in themselves, what will they invest in?
In New York, we have The Road to the East Course and The Master's Chair Course, open to all and only a small fee for the materials and snacks. They are held once or twice a year, and are required for being installed.
Our lodge opens this to the senior and junior deacons as well as all three pillared officers. We’ve made it a point to put this retreat in our budget annually due to the importance. I did hear a few lodges received the grand lodge scholarship as well.
A lodge doesn’t stand still. It’s either growing or it’s dying, there’s no long term in-between.
Growth takes investment. That means people, time and money. It takes members willing to show up, step in, and carry their part. If we want strong leadership and a healthy lodge, it’s on us to put something into it, not just expect something out of it.
In North Carolina Masonry, we have a similar leadership development program known as the Davie Academy - aptly named in honor of William Richardson Davie, our first Grand Master and a former Governor of North Carolina, Founder of UNC in Chapel Hill NC the first public University.
The Davie Academy is designed to prepare future lodge leaders through a structured, immersive experience focused on leadership, administration, and the deeper responsibilities of the Craft. The program typically spans three days.
Topics often include Lodge leadership and officer responsibilities, Masonic law, governance, and protocol, Effective communication and conflict resolution, Membership engagement and retention & Strategic planning for lodge sustainability.
The cost is approximately $1,500 per participant, and in our lodge, we make it a priority to invest in this development by sending our Senior Deacon as part of his progression toward the East.
It has proven to be a valuable program ensuring that those advancing through the officer line are well-prepared to serve. It was founded and sponsored by our Scottish Rite, and volunteered by our Grand Lodge members.
Are the courses and curriculum for these trainings made available, for free? Yes, live instruction is nice to have, builds brotherhood, and can help eliminate the tenacious myth that "a lodge is just like a business" (which is wrong, if you treat a man like a tire, he will roll away). So yes, live contact with experienced mentors is some of the juice.
But, are there easier ways to ensure attentive ears have an instructive tongue available? Online learning is a thing, as are books. In my case, I was handed a copy of Claudy's "The Master's Book," partway through my first year in the West. I read it. It was short, to the point, and pretty well written. It helped. But, this only happened because my Lodge had copies available, and a PM made sure one was put in my hand with directions to give it close look.
Claudy had nothing to say that was specific to any jurisdiction. Could the CGMM-NA create a similarly useful online "Master's Course," available nationwide? Could all the GMs find their way to asking every Warden to take it?
At our last Lodge Leadership retreat (last weekend) we experimented with filming some of the classes to assess whether it makes sense to make them available online. I'm one of the instructors for the LLR. I haven't see the results yet. I dread seeing them, I can't stand listening to myself talk (which I've discovered is very common - not listening to me, but to themselves).
On the one hand, I get it, technology marches on, but then to me, a huge part of the point of the LLR is the human connection, the fellowship, and talking with other brothers. Watching a 50 minute video is just not the same thing. I would much rather travel to that person's lodge and give that class than to have them sit through a video recording of it.
“I can't stand listening to myself talk (which I've discovered is very common - not listening to me, but to themselves).” Agreed! I’ve heard people say they enjoy listening to my voice, which puzzles me; they must enjoy listening to Winnie the Pooh cartoons, as I think I sound like a damn drone like Eeyore. Another case was when I gave a committee speech at the 2015 Annual Communication. I thought I had my speech nailed, but when I walked up those stairs to the Grand East and got behind the microphone, I was stumblin’ and bumblin’. I thought my speech sounded like Porky Pig. I appreciated the Thank You’s from MW Grand Master Sam Roberts and the others up there, but I was ashamed of myself when I headed back into the crowd, where I was totally surprised that not one, but two Past Grand Masters thought I did a good job. “Damn good job” was what one of them said. Same with several others in the back, including then-WB Cameron himself. I thought he was just being nice, but he was dead serious, he had heard a LOT of speeches and presentations in his career so he knows what’s good and what’s shit. I couldn’t believe it. To this day, I have to take their word for it, because their analysis is totally different than my own. There are probably studies about this subjective/objective analysis of our own speech to others.
“I would much rather travel to that person's lodge and give that class than to have them sit through a video recording of it.” You’re not the only one who thinks that. At the GL office, Brothers call in asking for assistance with Code matters, Grandview, and other things. Some of the questions have answers in YouTube videos and sections in the Help column of a site. They are not interested in watching a damn video or reading what they see as word salad. They want to talk with a live person who knows what they’re talking about, or can guide them to someone who is in the know on the subject. In-person is better, but the phone is the next best thing if the person calling lives 4-6 hours away in another part of the state.
There will be people who disagree with us on these matters, but it’s not so much an opinion as it is an observation. This is what we perceive of ourselves, and it’s what we notice when we instruct people.
I love AI:
1. The "Illusion of Transparency"
When speaking, you are hyper-aware of your nervousness—a beating heart, sweaty palms, or a lost thought—and you assume the audience sees this as clearly as you feel it. However, the audience cannot see your internal state. What feels like a "stumble" to you usually appears as natural, human conversation to them.
2. Audience vs. Speaker Perspective
Speakers are focused on delivering the content perfectly.
Audiences are focused on understanding the content, receiving value, and engaging with the speaker.
If you deliver a clear, useful message, audiences often overlook minor errors in word choice, pauses, or stumbling.
3. Your Internal Critic is Magnifying Mistakes
When you stumble, you likely dwell on it, which can cause you to rush through the next few lines or become more anxious. The audience, however, moves on instantly. A 5-second stutter or pause feels like an eternity to the speaker, but to the audience, it's barely noticeable.
4. Nervousness Looks Like Energy
Most of the nervousness you feel often presents to the audience as excitement or enthusiasm rather than fear or incompetence.
What to Do
Trust the Feedback: Believe your colleagues when they say you did well.
Don't Over-script: People often stumble more when trying to recite a perfectly memorized script because a tiny mistake feels fatal. Instead, focus on key points and speak naturally.
Pause and Continue: If you stumble, don't over-apologize. Simply pause, take a breath, and continue. Pausing actually makes you look more confident and allows the audience to digest your words.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself as you would a friend; you would not tell a friend they "bombed" over a few stumbles.
In summary, you are not wrong to feel like you struggled, but you are likely wrong in your evaluation that it made the presentation bad.
As an instructor for a few of the classes at our Lodge Leadership Retreat, I am biased, but I have been going to the LLR for 10 years (except for the covid years) as an attendee before I was invited to teach. As I've repeatedly said, the LLR is my favorite weekend of the year. It is something I look forward to and I am just gobsmacked (love that word!) that not all lodges have brothers attending.
I also feel that it doesn't matter if you're a new master mason, or a Past Master with 45 years under your belt - there is always something to learn. I would never discourage someone from broadening their horizons. It was nice that I did see some of our long time masons attend, I hope they were able to go back to their own lodges and relate their experiences.
“…it doesn't matter if you're a new master mason, or a Past Master with 45 years under your belt - there is always something to learn.” It’s true that I’ve heard positive remarks from Brothers under all these categories. In fact, I have yet to hear anyone say anything bad about the LLR or the Warden’s Conference before it.
“I am just gobsmacked (love that word!) that not all lodges have brothers attending.” Even my home Lodge is not flush with cash, but at least 3 of our active members attended (and loved it!) It’s not a financial thing, it’s an attitude thing.
Congratulations on a great article!! You are so right, MW Cameron about the value of "a little education" to help discover how to be a better lodge leader. As a past presenter and Co-Chair of the (then) Wardens' Conference - now Lodge Leadership Retreat I have seen Masons come to this training eager to learn about lodge management and leadership. And, they soak up the knowledge! The Lodge Leadership Retreat and similar training is one of the most inexpensive and most cost effective methods to help your lodge -- and yourself!
I think the opportunity to meet and discuss so many different perspectives and possibilities was one of my favorite parts about the retreat. It was great to see so many willing and dedicated Brothers in one place talking about solutions and lessons learned, all working towards the same goal, improving the Craft.
I learned so much the three years I attended. My lodge would send the Senior Deacon, Junior & Senior Wardens. I met great Masons and heard great speakers. I believe it comes down to an old training schedule phrase, “What if we train them and the leave? What if we don’t and they stay?”. If a lodge won’t invest in themselves, what will they invest in?
In New York, we have The Road to the East Course and The Master's Chair Course, open to all and only a small fee for the materials and snacks. They are held once or twice a year, and are required for being installed.