Sunday, February 21, 2010

Questions for Lodge Discussions

Mehr Licht!
More Light!
Number 266 – February 22, 2010

“Your sentiments, on the establishment and exercise of our equal government, are worthy of an association, whose principles lead to purity of morals, and are beneficial of action: The fabric of our freedom is placed on the enduring basis of public virtue, and will, I fondly hope, long continue to protect the prosperity of the architect who raised it. I shall be happy, on every occasion, to evince my regards for the Fraternity.” President, and Worshipful Brother, George Washington: Today is the 278th anniversary of our Brother’s birth; and what a blessing that event was for the United States of America.

Dear Masonic Student,

Masonic Education is very important to the enjoyment of Masonry. I truly believe that every
Freemason has a sincere interest in learning more about our beloved Fraternity. One of the best ways to enjoy learning more about Freemasonry is an enjoyable way that is full of fellowship, and down right friendliness, while forming great friendships with other Freemasons is through involvement in Masonic discussion groups. These discussion groups can range from informal to formal, but one thing they all have in common is that they are fun to be a part of.

The information below contains great topics for Masons to use to get a discussion group going; going for the next get together, or going as in starting one; a discussion group can begin with just a couple to a few Brothers getting together to talk Masonry. Even a Philalethes Chapter can begin with just 5 Brothers, but no matter how Masons come together to enjoy Freemasonry more it’s a good thing.

The questions below came from the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education. I don’t recall exactly which conference, but I think it was the 59th annual in Omaha. If you and at least one more Mason come together to talk Masonry and begin with a discussion on just one of these topics, leaving the others for another time, I know you’ll be having a great time with your Brothers. Here are the topics:

QUESTIONS FOR CRACKER BARREL DISCUSSION

1. What does a "well educated" Mason look like - sound like - act like?

2. What are some of the advantages and liabilities of bringing young men (18-22) into the Fraternity?

3. What are we doing or not providing that causes newer Masons to lose enthusiasm for and commitment to their Lodge (its meetings and activities)?

4. What new learning methods should we be considering for the next generation of candidates, such as media-based lectures?

5. Considering the important task of "passing the torch," what needs to be done to achieve a sense of ownership of Freemasonry in future members? Should we be building a commitment to social change?

6. How can we help candidates understand they are not joining a social club, but accepting a new philosophy and way of life?


I mentioned the Philalethes briefly above; I want to mention to you that a great discussion group will be convened in Bloomington, MN on March 5th & 6th at the Park Plaza Hotel: this is the 82nd annual Philalethes Feast and Forum. It’s a place where Masonic students and Masons who just enjoy talking Masonry can come together in fellowship to see friends and Brothers, and to make new friends with Brothers you haven’t met yet, and simply enjoy being together to talk about Masonry. If you want to be involved in some very enjoyable Masonic discussions come to Bloomington on March 5 & 6, 2010. No registration is required, just come. But to sign up for meals and the Lady’s program if you’re bringing your lady with you just go to the following link – you’ll be on the beam for some great eating, fun and fellowship: https://freemasonry.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=69

Words to live by: “A philosopher who is not taking part in discussion is like a boxer who never goes into the ring.” Ludwig Wittgenstein

To view and participate in this week’s Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. When you have an answer, send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com
The Masonic Monday Question for the week of 02-22-10 is: The idea behind the creation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 was for the principal officers of the few Lodges in a small area of central London to meet together quarterly in brotherly communication and once a year hold a Grand Assembly and Feast. How many Grand Lodge Officers were there in 1717?

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A new Video of our Education committee has been posted on You Tube by Brother Ian Luhm on 2/15; it can be viewed by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIjX1zxpmrE Also you can check out our videos at any time by going to www.youtube.com and typing in glmned, our videos should then come up.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

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