‘Salon topic: Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry’

    

Freemasons who are curious about Rosicrucianism will have an opportunity next month to learn about one path of that order when Dove Pronaos of AMORC will host a Rosicrucian Salon to discuss commonalities of the two groups. From the publicity:

Dove Pronaos

Sunday, May 18 at 4:30

85 North Main Street

Sayville, New York

Join us for a fascinating public discussion exploring the shared symbolism, history, and spiritual ideals of Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry. Discover how these two mystical traditions have influenced the Western esoteric path and continue to inspire seekers today.

Open to all truth-seekers and curious minds. Come for the insight. Stay for the fellowship.

That address is the home of Connetquot Lodge 838, and it’s about fifty miles east of Masonic Hall. Bro. Jonathan Maldonado, Junior Deacon of the lodge, will lead the discussion.

I don’t endorse AMORC any longer. I wouldn’t say it’s illegitimate or anything nefarious, but I’m no longer sure what it is. To me, that order seems to have lost contact with the Rosicrucianism of C.R., and now is some kind of mix of Eastern ideas and practices. It could be right for you though, so check this out if you’re free.

Dove Pronaos will host a convocation (for members only) from 3 to 4 p.m., so don’t arrive too early.

     

‘Try a Lodge of Discussion’

    

T. Maccarone photo

Last Monday at Connetquot 838.

You’ve heard of “lodge of instruction” and “lodge of improvement” and “lodge of research” and maybe others, but a new term came my way last week: “lodge of discussion.”

That is what took place last Monday at Connetquot Lodge 838 on Long Island. I wasn’t there—wish I had been—and know only what was mentioned very briefly on social media by Deputy Grand Master Steven Rubin:

Members of the lodge engaged in a thoughtful conversation on the culture of their lodge and members’ expectations.

I’d bet that summarizes it succinctly, and I wouldn’t share the details of that conversation anyway. I just think it’s a marvelous idea for a night at lodge. I’m from a lodge founded by advertising professionals, so the activity strikes me as market research. Maybe trying this would help you. Give it a shot. We’re supposed to be mindful of membership retention. Talking over member expectations and lodge identity may prevent the loss of a brother.