Ottawa 1 Masonic Education Newsletter

Transcription

1 January 2012 Issue 1 Ottawa 1 Masonic Education Newsletter FIRST EDITION Brethren, Welcome to the first edition of this newsletter dedicated to Masonic education and instruction within Ottawa 1 District. My goal is to highlight some of the vast resources available for brethren who wish to pursue further Masonic education, based on the experiences of brethren within Ottawa 1 who have been actively researching and studying Masonry. Any future editions will depend upon your contributions and suggestions. Please feel free to comment and/or provide material for future editions. You may have noticed that the Grand Lodge website is undergoing a major revision and some of your Masonic education bookmarks to that site may no longer be valid. Once finalized, I am looking forward to seeing how Masonic educational materials will be structured on the website. In a future edition, I hope to present an overview of the Grand Lodge library located in the Grand Lodge offices in Hamilton, a resource that be may not well known to the newer Masons within Ottawa 1. As always, do not hesitate to contact me. Brian Griffin Masonic Education, Instruction, Protocol & Etiquette Ottawa bwgsmg@sympatico.ca INSIDE THIS ISSUE Book Review The Making of a Mason..2 Protocol and Etiquette Avoid the Double Salute.2 Masonic Papers The Fundamental Nature of Freemasonry Conference on Masonic Education Announcement 4 College of Freemasonry Courses Available.5 Enrollment Form..6

2 BOOK REVIEW THE MAKING OF A MASON A well-known Masonic writer within the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the United Grand Lodge of England, Bro. George Draffen felt there was a lack of Masonic education for candidates advancing too quickly through the Craft degrees. The structure of this small book follows a familiar flow when compared to our own Mentorship Program, with an explanation of the symbolism following each degree including a pre-initiation section. Although a small book (150 pages) published in 1978, it is written in the context of a jurisdiction I have had little exposure to, and keeping in mind there are differences between our jurisdictions, the use of language and topics covered is a refreshing and insightful approach to the philosophic aspect of Masonry as you may read below: Another of Masonry s great teachings is equality, symbolized by the level. This does not represent that impossible doctrine which would erase all distinctions, and holds that in all respects all men are the same, for it is evident that in many respects men are very unequal, as in physique, in talent, in gifts, in abilities, and in character; it is rather, the principle that we owe goodwill, charity, tolerance and truthfulness, equally to each and all, and that within our fraternity all men travel the same road of initiation, take the same obligations, pay the same dues, and have the same duties, rights, and privileges. p. 117 P&E ESSENTIALS - AVOID THE SECOND SALUTE Quite often brethren will conclude their remarks to the Worshipful Master with the salute corresponding to the degree at work. It should be remembered that the Book of the Work directs that a brother shall salute the Worshipful Master as follows: When entering the Lodge When leaving the Lodge When addressing the Worshipful Master; and When called for in the Ritual It follows therefore that a salute is not required: After you have received instructions from the Worshipful Master (the Wardens and Deacons will, of course, be guided by the Book of the Work) After you have finished speaking to the Worshipful Master Also remember that salutes are only given to the Worshipful Master, or to the brother who is in possession of the gavel in Lodge. Source: P&E Essentials No. 11, March 2011 CEREMONY OF INSTALLATION AND INVESTITURE - OVERVIEW - Thursday, March 29, 2012, 7:30 pm Westboro Masonic Temple 430 Churchill Ave Ottawa ON 2

3 THE FUNDAMENTAL NATURE OF FREEMASONRY An age-old question that has plagued many for centuries has to do with the fundamental nature of the Craft. Three questions that continually need to be considered are: Who do we think we are? Who does the public think we are? And truly, who are we? We seem to have divided ourselves in the following groups: 1. This group believes that we are a social club and a support group. They believe that the Craft exists for bonding through events that are both member and family oriented. They support our concordant and appendant bodies and are very much in favour of public relations and new member initiatives. They may feel that the lessons learned from the ritual and the public charities that we support are valid but the main reason for us to exist is for fun and fellowship. 2. This group feels that our sole function should be to support our philanthropies and our community service programs. It may be apparent to them that Masonic fellowship and teachings are compelling, but they are necessary in order to have an organization in place for the continuation of public giving. 3. These members of the Craft are involved primarily to receive Masonic light. They believe that the histories and philosophies of Masonry are the principal reasons for our existence. They may feel that the best way to increase our membership is through word of mouth and that the mystery of the Craft is what sets us apart from other organizations. They seek introspection and edification. These three groups represent the reasons that many of us give for Masonry to exist, namely Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. These three groups are often at odds with each other as to how the Craft should be managed and led. This becomes apparent when new ideas are explored and old customs are challenged. Of course the lines of definition that separate the three groups are sometimes vague and we may individually change our thoughts as to who we are over time. Many true Masons however, feel that we can equally serve all three beliefs. This is not however, as easy as it seems. The direction of many of our lodges is determined by how the majority of members of each lodge view the reason for the Craft to exist. Some lodges are primarily made up of one or two of these groups, while others are a mixture of all three. Astute Masonic leaders may determine the direction to lead their lodges by assessing the Masonic interest of the active members. Programs can then be developed that match the Masonic expectations of each member. Each lodge may vary significantly in its approach. Non-members who examine the Craft may feel that these three concepts do not dispel rumors or false accusations that have been directed towards Masonry. They may feel that our purposes are not clear and that more explanation is needed. There is a need for each one of us to have a working definition of what Masonry is, not only as an explanation to others but also to ourselves. Each of us needs to decide what we personally feel the Craft is and how we fit into it. We need to respect the opinions of other Masons who may not see the Craft in the same light. The fundamental nature of the Craft may be as simple as Tolerance, Freedom and Integrity. You decide. Neil E. Neddermeyer, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota The Northern Light, AASR Northern Jurisdiction magazine, November

4 FROM THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATION: 2012 CONFERENCE ON MASONIC EDUCATION Saturday, June 2, 2012 Ottawa Masonic Centre 2140 Walkley Road Ottawa, Ontario Registration will be limited to 150 participants. The registration fee will include lunch, dinner and all conference materials. This will include the proceedings of the conference, which will be sent after the event. An official hotel will be chosen for the event and an informal dinner may be held at the conference hotel on the evening prior to the conference. Conference theme: the timeless vitality of Masonry, for the past, present and future Mason, including the communication of educational and spiritual issues relating to this why is there apparently no time in which to learn the true essence of Masonry? Eight papers will be presented and participants will choose 4 presentations to attend. CONFERENCE AGENDA Call for Papers: Participants are invited to submit abstracts of papers for presentation at the conference. Each presentation will be 30 minutes or less followed by 30 minutes of questions and answers. Please submit abstracts of papers prior to March 15, Abstracts should be less than 50 words. Should the paper be selected for presentation at the conference it will be published in the proceedings in full. The abstracts of those not presented will also be published with the permission of the author. 8:30 am Registration 9:00 am plenary session in the lodge room, including an invited Masonic speaker 10:00 am to 12:00 pm eight papers with small group discussions, participants will attend two sessions of their choice 12:30 pm lunch 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm the same eight papers and group discussions, participants will attend two sessions of their choice 3:30 pm plenary session, reports from small groups, conclusions drawn from the day s groups 4:30 pm attitude adjustment time 5:30 pm dinner, followed by an after dinner speaker The registration form will be included in next month s Education Monthly. R. W. Bro. John Forster, Chairman of Masonic Education 4

5 OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER MASONIC LIGHT THROUGH THE COLLEGE OF FREEMASONRY MASONIC ARTS AND SCIENCES The Committee on Masonic Education offers a challenging correspondence course of Masonic education throughout this jurisdiction. The College of Freemasonry Masonic Arts and Sciences is a four-part program, taken separately or together as the student desires, and in any order. Upon completion of each of the four programs, a certificate is awarded. To become a member of the College of Freemasonry, you must complete all four programs. The cost of each program is $40.00, or $ for all four combined. Brethren, this is an excellent opportunity, don t miss it. To broaden your Masonic knowledge and education is the key to your enjoyment and Masonic future. This course requires access to reference material readily available within this jurisdiction, and parts of the course pertain specifically to this grand jurisdiction. Application forms are available from the Grand Lodge website or from your district chairman of Masonic education. DDGM/GRAND REGISTRAR CORRESPONDENCE COURSE This course is now a prerequisite for pursuing the office of District Deputy Grand Master or Grand Registrar. Students who successfully complete the course will be well informed of the requirements and expectations of these offices by Grand Lodge, your district and its lodges. Course work is an advance plan that improves performance, builds an accessible reference portfolio and tends to reduce in-office stress. For coordinated team work, enrollment is highly recommended for the district secretary as well. Whether to prepare for election to these offices or simply to broaden your Masonic knowledge, enroll today. The course components are as follows: - Duties and Leadership - Finance and Communications - Protocol, Etiquette, and Ritual. Full tuition is $ For registration concerning the above courses, contact: Mr. Gordon Hendrie 4192 Longmoor Drive Unit 9 Burlington ON L7L 5E3 gordon.hendrie@sympatico.ca 5

6 Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario College of Freemasonry Masonic Arts and Science Course for Master Masons Course Enrolment Form Date: Name: Address: City: Lodge: District: Telephone No: Address: Masonic Rank: Postal Code: (please print clearly) Signature: To order, check the appropriate box: 1. Masonry at Work 2. History & Origin of Masonry 3. Administration & Organization 4. Preparing for Leadership Please fully complete the registration form, together with a cheque payable to Masonic Education Course ; in the amount of $40.00 for each element, or $ for the package of four elements and mail to: Mr. Gordon Hendrie 4192 Longmoor Drive, Unit 9 Burlington, Ontario L7L 5E3 gordon.hendrie@sympatico.ca Revised January