Posts
 |
| The Lodge of Parallel Saints Degree Team. |
Now that’s how you put on a Masonicon!
Today was the third annual Hudson Valley Masonicon at Hoffman Lodge 412 in Middletown. Eight speakers, plus a newly fashioned degree that impressed me, being reminiscent of how side degrees once were common in lodges. On the down side, we missed Rashied, who had to cancel, but otherwise the hard work that went into planning and hosting the event paid off handsomely.
The presenters were:
➣ Pasquale Leo on “The Point Within the Circle”
➣ Magpie Mason on “Masonic Learning: Search and Research”
➣ Andrew Berry on “My Brother’s Keeper: PTSD Awareness for Freemasons”
➣ Greg McCloud on “Charity in the First Degree”
➣ John Konrad on “Climbing the Ladder”
➣ Kyle Williams on “North Star Program & Officer Development”
➣ Chris Winnicki on “The Roman Catholic Church and Masonry”
➣ Keynote Piers Vaughan on “The Purpose of Initiation in Masonry”
 |
| A slide from Piers’ lecture. |
That degree was called “Lodge of Parallel Saints Degree.”
I didn’t get to see all the talks. For example, I skipped Bro. Leo’s because he and I spoke concurrently; and I had to miss Bro. Kyle (apologies, but I’ve been NorthStar certified for ages) in order to hear Bro. John’s presentation. I found it interesting how those talks I did witness all seemed to be thematically unified. Not the subject matter, although there were a few little overlaps, but the overall gist of the day was encouragement to put the lessons of Freemasonry into practice within lodge and without; to grow beyond performing rituals.
 |
| Tracing Board from the ‘degree.’ |
Speaking of rituals, the brethren did a great job with the “Lodge of Parallel Saints Degree.” Before anyone at Grand Lodge has a heart attack, let me explain this was an exemplification of a recently written ritual. No degree was conferred. Nothing outside or at odds with the Standard Work was introduced to the brethren. A “Lodge of Enlightenment” was opened, and the officers imparted a lesson in, I think it’s safe to say, achieving balance, using the examples of the Holy Saints John as guides. Hopefully this will become a lodge program for the Orange Rockland Sullivan District.
 |
| Vivat! |
