If introductions were bad enough in lodge, it’s 40x worse in the concordant bodies.
If there was one thing I could do away with, that would be introductions. I would introduce true visitors - brothers that were at the lodge for the first time. After that, if I had my choice, I’d do away with them completely. We all know everyone. We know where they came from. We know when their stated meetings are. During announcements, if you are doing a fundraiser, or a degree, let us know. But that’s it. I’m not even keen on introducing brothers from grand lodge, except for the GM, or the district deputy during his official visit. We all know you’re from GL, you have that fancy schmancy purple and gold regalia.
If getting introduced once is bad, getting introduced twice is just downright stupid.
Why do we need to do them? Can anyone give me a proper reason why it’s done at all? You should have introduced yourself before the meeting. Plenty of time for that. There is nothing in the code requiring it. If your reason is to put it in the minutes for posterity, that’s what the tylers register is for. I won’t be offended, and if someone is, perhaps you should consider why?
Remember that part of meeting on the level?
The time spent on the trivialities could be better served on education, and discussions on how to make the lodge better.
I’ve heard the arguments that well, it only takes five minutes. That is how we’ve always done it. As you mentioned, what is supposed to go on in the meeting isn’t wasting five minutes doing something just because we’ve always done it that way. I guarantee you, no, we haven’t. Just because you have always seen it done doesn’t mean for the past 300 years.
I received a message from a PGM this afternoon. He let me know that he had enjoyed this post, and that he once saw a Brother stand up to be introduced 4 different times in a single Lodge meeting.
I am with you. Introduce first time visitors, introduce the GM, introduce the DDGM on his OV. That is enough.
What really makes me shake my head is the Brothers, as mentioned above, who stand to be introduced for more than one thing. If the Master is doing lots of introductions, stand for the highest office held. Stand once. Don't stand because you are an Officer in a different Lodge, then stand because you are on a Committee, then stand because you hold a GL office. Pick only one and stand for it.
And of course you are right. The argument that 'we have always done it that way' is bunk. It's just how it's been done in current memory.
And, it's not just 5 minutes, it's 5 minutes that make us seem extremely strange. For no one else knowingly introduces people who are already well known to each other.
I remember attending OES meetings in the past where it took almost 45 minutes for opening and introductions. It was almost like a marathon before any business was even touched!
And I have to admit, being introduced as a Grand Lodge officer in my home Lodge seems kind of corny. We don’t do that anymore, unless, as mentioned here, if the GM shows up, or the Official Visit of the District Deputy.
I do think, as mentioned, you should introduce first-time visitors, special guests, invited guests, or those who’ve traveled a long distance. I remember when Cameron and I traveled longer distances to visit some Lodges in Western Washington. It is an effort of hospitality, and it is much appreciated.
As for “How long have we done it,” I have to admit there’s a few pages dedicated to introductions in the Lodge officers handbook. Again, this can be challenged by those who believe our Fraternity has devolved into this mess through mid-20th Century innovations. And there might be some truth to this.
There are some who look at the introductions as an opportunity for the Grand Lodge officers to show off their regalia and their position. For some, in the past, that might have been true, but I regard being a Grand Lodge officer as an additional responsibility I have taken, and also an additional resource to assist my fellow members. For example, when I show up to a Lodge and put on my regalia, it’s not so the Brothers come up to me like a bunch of groupies to a rock star, I’d rather those Brothers come up to me if they need help with something. Or have an educational question, or a request to impart knowledge and education to them, or their Lodge. To me, that’s what the gold-trimmed purple Apron and Jewel are for.
But even then, concerning introductions, that can be cleared up with the Worshipful Master before the meeting.
>>"As for “How long have we done it,” I have to admit there’s a few pages dedicated >>to introductions in the Lodge officers handbook."
I am curious as to when our Grand Lodge first published a Lodge Officer's Handbook, or something like it.
While I think that it is a good guide to doing the routine tasks of a Lodge, it does nothing to encourage including things that would be interesting or fun into our meetings.
I have no issue with the book itself, but I think it can cause problems when men take it as some sort of gospel. It would be better if it were made clear that the items within it are suggestions, not required, and subject to Lodge variations as needed.
I agree with the statements made thus far. One point about the timing of the meeting that I feel strongly about is the business items. Business of the Lodge should be done outside the lodge meeting by committees and then the meeting time reserved for reports of the said committees. Too many times, the work is assigned a committee chair and one or two members to get something done/investigated. Then at the meeting a report is requested. But instead of reporting what was found or what is needed, the committee chair starts his work with the lodge members. Discussions ensure, suggestions are made, and time is wasted. Had the work been done by the committee members, the chair could spend 2-3 minutes giving status and save much needed time for education. Just one suggestion for getting our meetings back to the true business of Masonry...educating our brothers and each other in becoming better men.
You are right of course, Committee Reports should be just that, not an opportunity to make the whole Lodge do the work that was assigned to the Committee.
I have seen this a lot lately. More than in the past. A few times I have spoken up, politely mentioned that the appointment of the committee is a good move, and we trust that the committee will do their best to provide us with the best information they can at the next meeting (or whatever time they were told to provide the report.)
There are multiple ways to assist the Worshipful Master in providing a productive meeting without appearing to run the meeting for him.
Perhaps it would be helpful for Lodges to have discussions from time to time about Committees. Which are needed or wanted, and how they can best work.
One thing I need to mention though is that in my view, when it comes to controversial things, a Master needs to appoint members that cross the spectrum of views on the issue in question. A Committee Report won't be accepted if the Master stacks the Committee in order to get the Report he seeks.
My biggest concern is that the esoteric knowledge is completely lost.
I have read extensively on Masonry since joining, especially since I wasn't getting any education in lodge. The golden era of Masonic writing seems to have been in the mid to late 19th century. But even then, the men writing were so afraid of violating their oaths that they didn't give any explicit details to explain the meaning and why they hold their views.
There is a lot of speculation based on educated research of what the ritual's meaning is, but none of the writing I've seen so far is written with the conviction of someone with direct knowledge passed down from the ancients, from mentor to student.
If I am an acolyte to an ancient mystery, I would expect the education to go something like this.
1. Initiation to the ritual
2. Explanation of the literal interpretation of the ritual as it is given to the initiate, and explained to the profane masses. (summary Given in the trestleboard lecture, but not expounded upon)
3. Explanation of the moral interpretation of the ritual. (summary given in the working tools lectures, but not expounded on)
4. Explanation of the mathematical interpretation of the ritual. (No longer given)
5. Explanation of the Astronomical interpretation of the ritual. (no longer given)
6. Explanation of the spiritual interpretation of the ritual and how it relates to understanding divinity. (no longer given)
7. Explanation of why the ritual must be kept secret. Who are we hiding from specifically? What power is afraid of this knowledge being shared with the public? Who is being protected from whom?
I believe that the answers to those questions have been entirely lost, and we are simply grasping at straws. Trying to reconcile our modern science with ancient mysteries when the two may not be related at all, and if anybody actually knows for sure, they aren't sharing.
For your point #7...Brent Morris gave a really good answer. “I don’t care if you know the secrets, I am just not going to tell you what they are”. Why is that? My interpretation is, if I can’t keep my word for such things that ultimately are not a big deal, how can anyone trust me to keep my word for something that is important? A masons word is his bond.
But what is important? most modern interpretations are that the only real secrets are the methods of recognition. If the final password is lost, no big deal, we can make up a new password. The esoterics, however, the code to understanding the ritual and unravelling the allegories and symbols which are easy to memorize for the meanings hidden within them, which are the truly crucial things that must be transmitted from generation to generation should not be so well hidden that one death will lose them forever. Indeed, it should be one of the first things to be revealed.
I don't think that's a really good answer at all. I think it's a cop out. That is what someone who doesn't know the secret himself might say to cover up his own ignorance. If a man had the knowledge he would say, "I know what knowledge you seek, and I can tell you that you must work through (Insert specific program here) to acquire that knowledge. When you have concluded the program, you will have learned what you wish to learn." Or he might say, "I know what knowledge you seek, but I don't have the authority to personally share it with you, please inquire with (Insert appropriate expert/master here) to further your understanding." Or he might say, "I have the knowledge you seek, but I feel you are not yet ready for it. Please continue along (insert course of study here) to prove your readiness." Or he might say, "I lack the knowledge myself, and have no personal interest in finding it. However, inquire with (insert appropriate expert/master) and they may be able to help you along that path."
Jack, I know where Glenn is coming from, and I totally agree with him on this. It’s not about the Secrets themselves – the whole thing, in itself, is indeed a symbol. A symbol of integrity.
Even if I entrust you with a piece of knowledge, and admonish you to keep it “Between you, me and the fencepost,” it is expected that you don’t disclose the information when asked. Even if that other person that asks you has that knowledge already themselves. That’s where the key is. Glenn’s analysis explains it the rest of the way, and I invite you to review it from this point of view.
I see how that applies to the Wds, Sns, and Tkns, but not to geometry, astronomy, etc. The science of astronomy is pretty solid since Galileo and Copernicus. Why shouldn't we explain to a newly raised 3rd degree that HA's story is an allegory of the annual solar cycle as suggested by that book I suggested. Or if it isn't an allegory of that, what does the allegory represent?
I see we're on the same page on what I meant as per the Secret-keeping. As for the sciences you mention, I don't think the secrets so much apply here. In fact, in the Shop where I work, I talk of some of these subject with my customers, if they bring it up and they're interested. There are cases where the customers might be more interested in the subjects that some of our active members in the Fraternity.
I think the Masonic Lodge is a place where the membership would become students to attain this Ancient Knowledge, and also teachers to impart any Ancient Knowledge that they might have learned in their years. Customers come to a barbershop to get a haircut, not necessarily to obtain Ancient Knowledge -- although they very well might get that. However, it should be expected to obtain that knowledge upon joining an Institution such as the Freemasons.
I agree with you about the golden age of Masonic writing. There was a strong movement that tried to push all Masonic education towards a historically provable basis. That movement was quite successful, and people curtailed writing about Masonry in a romantic way, or treating the esoteric side of Masonry as had been done in the past.
I think that this was an error. I think that people are smart enough to understand the difference between legendary history, and factual history. I think that both have value. But, that was the end of the great age of Masonic authorship.
I don't think that the esoteric knowledge is completely lost, but I think it is only revealed in fragments, and only after search. I think it is up to us to complete the whole from those fragments. I also don't think that Freemasonry and Freemasonic writings are the only place this knowledge can be found, and that a wider search will reveal additional insight.
Let’s try your point No. 4, concerning the explanation of the mathematical interpretation of the ritual. There is a considerable amount of interest by many of our newer member in this part of Masonic education. VWB John Shull of Tenino Lodge was one Brother who brought this to the forefront, and it brought visitors to our Lodge during his tenure with our Fraternity. Unfortunately, his passing brought that to a trickle, as I was more of a student than a teacher when it came to subjects such as Sacred Geometry. I’d like to see more of this education; it fascinates me.
And your point No. 5. Explanation of the Astronomical interpretation of the ritual. As you might know, I gave this a try about 6 years ago in Lodge, in giving a presentation on Astronomy, but from the reverse standpoint from what you’re looking at here: the importance of Astronomy in how it affects our everyday lives and our well-rounded knowledge and wisdom. I even put that in my presentation: “While we are employed in the study of this science...” and explained why learning more about this Ancient Science is important to us as Freemasons. A few understood my point, many thought I gave a nice presentation on a subject that interested me, and unfortunately, a few thought I was wasting their time. One of them later said, “We don’t need a class on astronomy, we need a class on MASONRY!” It takes quite an effort for a Brother to anger me, and this was one of those situations. At a later date, I returned to this topic with that Brother, who sees one side of Freemasonry – the side of revolutions against Tyrannical rule. And that’s okay, it provided good Masonic Education as well. But it’s important that we cover ALL the bases of knowledge and wisdom. Freedom from tyranny is one of them. So is astronomy and mathematics.
As for 6, now this is a guess – there might be many in this day and age that are wary of discussing too much in the divinity and spiritual side of this Institution, out of fear of angering the churches or the fact that we shouldn’t be talking of Religion or politics in Lodge. This myth, of course, has been long-since busted, but it hasn’t totally gone away.
I checked when you joined Lodge -- it was after I made the Astronomy presentation, which I did in the Fall of 2015.
I'd like to do it again. I will be chatting with the Lodges in the area, and see which one would like me to do it. I would be fine with doing it in multiple Lodges, like WB Baxter Harwood did. I truly enjoy giving education to Brothers in general, and particularly to Brothers who appreciate it, and ask more questions.
W Andre Dewald is very interested in Sacred Geometry, and gives superb presentations on it. He would certainly be someone worth asking to visit and present to an area Lodge.
>>"As for 6, now this is a guess – there might be many in this day and age that are wary >>of discussing too much in the divinity and spiritual side of this Institution, out of fear of >>angering the churches"
I think that there is a lot of truth to this. That is why for example, so many Lodges changed the names of their buildings from Masonic Temples to Masonic Centers. This was a cheap PR stunt that gained us no benefits, but harmed the Fraternity by denying its spiritual nature.
Here is a different approach. Prior to each meeting I developed an flyer for that month and I wrote the names instead of using labels, and the ladies were invited for dinners. Our lodge had past GM's for guest speakers. We also shared degree work and PM's dinner to support our other lodges in the district. I encouraged moving the traveling gavel every month. I also had a visiting member of another lodge to give the charge. Last but not leased after the meeting good spirits were available downstairs it worked great.
Thank you Brother. I think that all of those are excellent ways to encourage men to want to attend, and it sounds like they worked out very well for your Lodge. Thank you for sharing them here!
You mention the personal touch with how you printed flyers and hand addressed them to the Brothers. I think that is excellent. It shows a Brother that we truly want him with us, and often times, I think that can make all the difference in the world. If a Brother feels like no one really cares, or will even notice if he attends or not, he is much less likely to join in, and that is no good for him or the Lodge.
I think it is important for us to remember that what a man is given freely, he will likely not value. But what he must work to have, he will value highly. I believe that is one of the reasons Freemasonry has always veiled its truths.
Reading the post I started wondering if degree Workings are not mystery teachings in themselves. Lectures teach you on objective mind level, but our ritual Workings go to the depths of the subliminal or subconscious mind.
This is not directed at anyone in particular.
If introductions were bad enough in lodge, it’s 40x worse in the concordant bodies.
If there was one thing I could do away with, that would be introductions. I would introduce true visitors - brothers that were at the lodge for the first time. After that, if I had my choice, I’d do away with them completely. We all know everyone. We know where they came from. We know when their stated meetings are. During announcements, if you are doing a fundraiser, or a degree, let us know. But that’s it. I’m not even keen on introducing brothers from grand lodge, except for the GM, or the district deputy during his official visit. We all know you’re from GL, you have that fancy schmancy purple and gold regalia.
If getting introduced once is bad, getting introduced twice is just downright stupid.
Why do we need to do them? Can anyone give me a proper reason why it’s done at all? You should have introduced yourself before the meeting. Plenty of time for that. There is nothing in the code requiring it. If your reason is to put it in the minutes for posterity, that’s what the tylers register is for. I won’t be offended, and if someone is, perhaps you should consider why?
Remember that part of meeting on the level?
The time spent on the trivialities could be better served on education, and discussions on how to make the lodge better.
I’ve heard the arguments that well, it only takes five minutes. That is how we’ve always done it. As you mentioned, what is supposed to go on in the meeting isn’t wasting five minutes doing something just because we’ve always done it that way. I guarantee you, no, we haven’t. Just because you have always seen it done doesn’t mean for the past 300 years.
Education is more important than introductions.
Rant mode off.
I received a message from a PGM this afternoon. He let me know that he had enjoyed this post, and that he once saw a Brother stand up to be introduced 4 different times in a single Lodge meeting.
I am with you. Introduce first time visitors, introduce the GM, introduce the DDGM on his OV. That is enough.
What really makes me shake my head is the Brothers, as mentioned above, who stand to be introduced for more than one thing. If the Master is doing lots of introductions, stand for the highest office held. Stand once. Don't stand because you are an Officer in a different Lodge, then stand because you are on a Committee, then stand because you hold a GL office. Pick only one and stand for it.
And of course you are right. The argument that 'we have always done it that way' is bunk. It's just how it's been done in current memory.
And, it's not just 5 minutes, it's 5 minutes that make us seem extremely strange. For no one else knowingly introduces people who are already well known to each other.
I remember attending OES meetings in the past where it took almost 45 minutes for opening and introductions. It was almost like a marathon before any business was even touched!
And I have to admit, being introduced as a Grand Lodge officer in my home Lodge seems kind of corny. We don’t do that anymore, unless, as mentioned here, if the GM shows up, or the Official Visit of the District Deputy.
I do think, as mentioned, you should introduce first-time visitors, special guests, invited guests, or those who’ve traveled a long distance. I remember when Cameron and I traveled longer distances to visit some Lodges in Western Washington. It is an effort of hospitality, and it is much appreciated.
As for “How long have we done it,” I have to admit there’s a few pages dedicated to introductions in the Lodge officers handbook. Again, this can be challenged by those who believe our Fraternity has devolved into this mess through mid-20th Century innovations. And there might be some truth to this.
There are some who look at the introductions as an opportunity for the Grand Lodge officers to show off their regalia and their position. For some, in the past, that might have been true, but I regard being a Grand Lodge officer as an additional responsibility I have taken, and also an additional resource to assist my fellow members. For example, when I show up to a Lodge and put on my regalia, it’s not so the Brothers come up to me like a bunch of groupies to a rock star, I’d rather those Brothers come up to me if they need help with something. Or have an educational question, or a request to impart knowledge and education to them, or their Lodge. To me, that’s what the gold-trimmed purple Apron and Jewel are for.
But even then, concerning introductions, that can be cleared up with the Worshipful Master before the meeting.
>>"As for “How long have we done it,” I have to admit there’s a few pages dedicated >>to introductions in the Lodge officers handbook."
I am curious as to when our Grand Lodge first published a Lodge Officer's Handbook, or something like it.
While I think that it is a good guide to doing the routine tasks of a Lodge, it does nothing to encourage including things that would be interesting or fun into our meetings.
I have no issue with the book itself, but I think it can cause problems when men take it as some sort of gospel. It would be better if it were made clear that the items within it are suggestions, not required, and subject to Lodge variations as needed.
I agree with the statements made thus far. One point about the timing of the meeting that I feel strongly about is the business items. Business of the Lodge should be done outside the lodge meeting by committees and then the meeting time reserved for reports of the said committees. Too many times, the work is assigned a committee chair and one or two members to get something done/investigated. Then at the meeting a report is requested. But instead of reporting what was found or what is needed, the committee chair starts his work with the lodge members. Discussions ensure, suggestions are made, and time is wasted. Had the work been done by the committee members, the chair could spend 2-3 minutes giving status and save much needed time for education. Just one suggestion for getting our meetings back to the true business of Masonry...educating our brothers and each other in becoming better men.
An excellent suggestion.
You are right of course, Committee Reports should be just that, not an opportunity to make the whole Lodge do the work that was assigned to the Committee.
I have seen this a lot lately. More than in the past. A few times I have spoken up, politely mentioned that the appointment of the committee is a good move, and we trust that the committee will do their best to provide us with the best information they can at the next meeting (or whatever time they were told to provide the report.)
There are multiple ways to assist the Worshipful Master in providing a productive meeting without appearing to run the meeting for him.
Perhaps it would be helpful for Lodges to have discussions from time to time about Committees. Which are needed or wanted, and how they can best work.
One thing I need to mention though is that in my view, when it comes to controversial things, a Master needs to appoint members that cross the spectrum of views on the issue in question. A Committee Report won't be accepted if the Master stacks the Committee in order to get the Report he seeks.
My biggest concern is that the esoteric knowledge is completely lost.
I have read extensively on Masonry since joining, especially since I wasn't getting any education in lodge. The golden era of Masonic writing seems to have been in the mid to late 19th century. But even then, the men writing were so afraid of violating their oaths that they didn't give any explicit details to explain the meaning and why they hold their views.
There is a lot of speculation based on educated research of what the ritual's meaning is, but none of the writing I've seen so far is written with the conviction of someone with direct knowledge passed down from the ancients, from mentor to student.
If I am an acolyte to an ancient mystery, I would expect the education to go something like this.
1. Initiation to the ritual
2. Explanation of the literal interpretation of the ritual as it is given to the initiate, and explained to the profane masses. (summary Given in the trestleboard lecture, but not expounded upon)
3. Explanation of the moral interpretation of the ritual. (summary given in the working tools lectures, but not expounded on)
4. Explanation of the mathematical interpretation of the ritual. (No longer given)
5. Explanation of the Astronomical interpretation of the ritual. (no longer given)
6. Explanation of the spiritual interpretation of the ritual and how it relates to understanding divinity. (no longer given)
7. Explanation of why the ritual must be kept secret. Who are we hiding from specifically? What power is afraid of this knowledge being shared with the public? Who is being protected from whom?
I believe that the answers to those questions have been entirely lost, and we are simply grasping at straws. Trying to reconcile our modern science with ancient mysteries when the two may not be related at all, and if anybody actually knows for sure, they aren't sharing.
For your point #7...Brent Morris gave a really good answer. “I don’t care if you know the secrets, I am just not going to tell you what they are”. Why is that? My interpretation is, if I can’t keep my word for such things that ultimately are not a big deal, how can anyone trust me to keep my word for something that is important? A masons word is his bond.
But what is important? most modern interpretations are that the only real secrets are the methods of recognition. If the final password is lost, no big deal, we can make up a new password. The esoterics, however, the code to understanding the ritual and unravelling the allegories and symbols which are easy to memorize for the meanings hidden within them, which are the truly crucial things that must be transmitted from generation to generation should not be so well hidden that one death will lose them forever. Indeed, it should be one of the first things to be revealed.
I don't think that's a really good answer at all. I think it's a cop out. That is what someone who doesn't know the secret himself might say to cover up his own ignorance. If a man had the knowledge he would say, "I know what knowledge you seek, and I can tell you that you must work through (Insert specific program here) to acquire that knowledge. When you have concluded the program, you will have learned what you wish to learn." Or he might say, "I know what knowledge you seek, but I don't have the authority to personally share it with you, please inquire with (Insert appropriate expert/master here) to further your understanding." Or he might say, "I have the knowledge you seek, but I feel you are not yet ready for it. Please continue along (insert course of study here) to prove your readiness." Or he might say, "I lack the knowledge myself, and have no personal interest in finding it. However, inquire with (insert appropriate expert/master) and they may be able to help you along that path."
Jack, I know where Glenn is coming from, and I totally agree with him on this. It’s not about the Secrets themselves – the whole thing, in itself, is indeed a symbol. A symbol of integrity.
Even if I entrust you with a piece of knowledge, and admonish you to keep it “Between you, me and the fencepost,” it is expected that you don’t disclose the information when asked. Even if that other person that asks you has that knowledge already themselves. That’s where the key is. Glenn’s analysis explains it the rest of the way, and I invite you to review it from this point of view.
I see how that applies to the Wds, Sns, and Tkns, but not to geometry, astronomy, etc. The science of astronomy is pretty solid since Galileo and Copernicus. Why shouldn't we explain to a newly raised 3rd degree that HA's story is an allegory of the annual solar cycle as suggested by that book I suggested. Or if it isn't an allegory of that, what does the allegory represent?
I see we're on the same page on what I meant as per the Secret-keeping. As for the sciences you mention, I don't think the secrets so much apply here. In fact, in the Shop where I work, I talk of some of these subject with my customers, if they bring it up and they're interested. There are cases where the customers might be more interested in the subjects that some of our active members in the Fraternity.
I think the Masonic Lodge is a place where the membership would become students to attain this Ancient Knowledge, and also teachers to impart any Ancient Knowledge that they might have learned in their years. Customers come to a barbershop to get a haircut, not necessarily to obtain Ancient Knowledge -- although they very well might get that. However, it should be expected to obtain that knowledge upon joining an Institution such as the Freemasons.
Not sure if that answered your question...
I agree with you about the golden age of Masonic writing. There was a strong movement that tried to push all Masonic education towards a historically provable basis. That movement was quite successful, and people curtailed writing about Masonry in a romantic way, or treating the esoteric side of Masonry as had been done in the past.
I think that this was an error. I think that people are smart enough to understand the difference between legendary history, and factual history. I think that both have value. But, that was the end of the great age of Masonic authorship.
I don't think that the esoteric knowledge is completely lost, but I think it is only revealed in fragments, and only after search. I think it is up to us to complete the whole from those fragments. I also don't think that Freemasonry and Freemasonic writings are the only place this knowledge can be found, and that a wider search will reveal additional insight.
Let’s try your point No. 4, concerning the explanation of the mathematical interpretation of the ritual. There is a considerable amount of interest by many of our newer member in this part of Masonic education. VWB John Shull of Tenino Lodge was one Brother who brought this to the forefront, and it brought visitors to our Lodge during his tenure with our Fraternity. Unfortunately, his passing brought that to a trickle, as I was more of a student than a teacher when it came to subjects such as Sacred Geometry. I’d like to see more of this education; it fascinates me.
And your point No. 5. Explanation of the Astronomical interpretation of the ritual. As you might know, I gave this a try about 6 years ago in Lodge, in giving a presentation on Astronomy, but from the reverse standpoint from what you’re looking at here: the importance of Astronomy in how it affects our everyday lives and our well-rounded knowledge and wisdom. I even put that in my presentation: “While we are employed in the study of this science...” and explained why learning more about this Ancient Science is important to us as Freemasons. A few understood my point, many thought I gave a nice presentation on a subject that interested me, and unfortunately, a few thought I was wasting their time. One of them later said, “We don’t need a class on astronomy, we need a class on MASONRY!” It takes quite an effort for a Brother to anger me, and this was one of those situations. At a later date, I returned to this topic with that Brother, who sees one side of Freemasonry – the side of revolutions against Tyrannical rule. And that’s okay, it provided good Masonic Education as well. But it’s important that we cover ALL the bases of knowledge and wisdom. Freedom from tyranny is one of them. So is astronomy and mathematics.
As for 6, now this is a guess – there might be many in this day and age that are wary of discussing too much in the divinity and spiritual side of this Institution, out of fear of angering the churches or the fact that we shouldn’t be talking of Religion or politics in Lodge. This myth, of course, has been long-since busted, but it hasn’t totally gone away.
I would have loved to see both those presentations. I feel I have so much to learn and No one to teach me.
I checked when you joined Lodge -- it was after I made the Astronomy presentation, which I did in the Fall of 2015.
I'd like to do it again. I will be chatting with the Lodges in the area, and see which one would like me to do it. I would be fine with doing it in multiple Lodges, like WB Baxter Harwood did. I truly enjoy giving education to Brothers in general, and particularly to Brothers who appreciate it, and ask more questions.
W Andre Dewald is very interested in Sacred Geometry, and gives superb presentations on it. He would certainly be someone worth asking to visit and present to an area Lodge.
>>"As for 6, now this is a guess – there might be many in this day and age that are wary >>of discussing too much in the divinity and spiritual side of this Institution, out of fear of >>angering the churches"
I think that there is a lot of truth to this. That is why for example, so many Lodges changed the names of their buildings from Masonic Temples to Masonic Centers. This was a cheap PR stunt that gained us no benefits, but harmed the Fraternity by denying its spiritual nature.
Here is a different approach. Prior to each meeting I developed an flyer for that month and I wrote the names instead of using labels, and the ladies were invited for dinners. Our lodge had past GM's for guest speakers. We also shared degree work and PM's dinner to support our other lodges in the district. I encouraged moving the traveling gavel every month. I also had a visiting member of another lodge to give the charge. Last but not leased after the meeting good spirits were available downstairs it worked great.
Thank you Brother. I think that all of those are excellent ways to encourage men to want to attend, and it sounds like they worked out very well for your Lodge. Thank you for sharing them here!
You mention the personal touch with how you printed flyers and hand addressed them to the Brothers. I think that is excellent. It shows a Brother that we truly want him with us, and often times, I think that can make all the difference in the world. If a Brother feels like no one really cares, or will even notice if he attends or not, he is much less likely to join in, and that is no good for him or the Lodge.
I think it is important for us to remember that what a man is given freely, he will likely not value. But what he must work to have, he will value highly. I believe that is one of the reasons Freemasonry has always veiled its truths.
This answers many of the questions that were raised in this thread. Thank you!
Reading the post I started wondering if degree Workings are not mystery teachings in themselves. Lectures teach you on objective mind level, but our ritual Workings go to the depths of the subliminal or subconscious mind.
I believe that you are on precisely the correct course with this comment.