‘Widows Sons may return to lodge’

    

Cornerstones photo

Widows Sons chapter in New York City.

In an edict published yesterday afternoon, our Grand Master granted a moratorium on the 2017 restrictions placed on the Widows Sons motorcycle riders here in the Grand Lodge of New York.

The Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, according to its website, is “an International Association comprised of Master Masons in good standing who are members of their local Widows Sons Chapter.”

The website also says: “The Widows Sons was founded in 1999 with the intention to offer aid and assistance to Masonic Widows and Orphans. Still holding strong to that commitment, the Widows Sons offers regular charitable donations to Masonic and other charities to help benefit many people throughout the world.”

Also:

“Our focus is to:

- Contribute to the relief of our Widows & Orphans;

- Introduce the sport of motorcycling to our Masonic Brothers;

- Raise Masonic Awareness in the world of sport motorcycling;

- Support our Blue Lodge through regular attendance and assisting with lodge events; and

- Represent the fraternity in a positive light at all times.”

In his action Saturday, Grand Master Richard Kessler says “during this past summer recess, several motorcycle enthusiasts who are Master Masons in good standing have petitioned...for reconsideration based upon their assurance of good conduct and pray for an appeal to reverse the original decision and edict prohibiting any communication or interrelation with ‘The Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association’ and its affiliates by fellow Masons.”

The previous edict from MW Jeffrey Williamson, dated September 19, 2017, asserted there had been “multiple instances of disparaging conduct unbecoming of a Master Mason by an assortment of members of the organization clearly demonstrating that ‘The Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association’ has not achieved a level of Masonic maturity, decorum, and dignity required by those who seek association with the Grand Lodge.” It also mentioned how grand lodges elsewhere in the country held misgivings about this group.

The riders’ website reports there are 387 chapters worldwide, with 280 in the United States. Three in New York are listed: Cornerstones Chapter in New York City; Stonecutters Chapter on Long Island; and Traveling Men Chapter at Troy.

Cornerstones photo

Cornerstones Chapter in New York City.

The 2017 edict did not forbid the existence of the Widows Sons (the absence of an apostrophe drives me bananas), but did bar the riders from functioning on Masonic locations and at Masonic events in the Grand Jurisdiction of New York. A biker could race his Screamin’ Eagle through the gaping loophole that is the silence on what the Widows Sons could do in public, which probably explains Cornerstones Chapter’s continued activities between these two edicts as documented in photographs on its Facebook page.

Personally, I’m indifferent to the Widows Sons. I’d rather see more personal development circles, mindfulness exercises, book clubs, and historical societies in Freemasonry but, if the bikers honor their good behavior pledge, who am I to say?

     

‘Next Friday: seems like old times’

     
It’s that time of year. Already.

On April 30, 1789, Bro. George Washington, America’s most famous Freemason—a title he retains to this day!—was inaugurated as his country’s first president in a ceremony at Federal Hall on Wall Street. Next Friday, a group of New York Masons will host their annual re-enactment of that historical event, right where it happened 228 years ago. From the publicity:

Re-enactment

of George Washington’s

Inauguration as First President

of the United States

Friday, April 28 at 11 a.m.

Federal Hall National Memorial

26 Wall Street, Manhattan

The George Washington Inauguration Reenactment Committee requests the pleasure of your company at the annual re-enactment. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the ceremony at 11:30 sharp.

The Most Worshipful Jeffrey M. Williamson, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, will be in attendance, accompanied by his Grand Line. A true replica of the Bible upon which our First President took his Oath of Office will be on display during the event, courtesy of St. John’s Lodge No. 1, AYM.

Take a lunch break and join your brethren in commemorating our Founding Fathers. Federal Hall is providing us with a hospitality room where we will serve sandwiches, side dishes, refreshments, coffee, and cookies immediately after the event.

Please forward this notice to your brothers throughout the jurisdiction, we would love to pack the Hall.


Did Bro. Washington improvise the “So help me God” at the end of his oath? Read all about it here.
     

‘Rewarding loyalty and faithfulness that has no equal’

     
Freemasonry is not the first word that comes to my mind when Syria or Lebanon are mentioned, but the truth is the Grand Lodge of New York established its District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon in 1955, the diamond jubilee of which was celebrated recently with a visit by Grand Master Jeffrey M. Williamson. (New York Freemasons can read all about it in the current—Spring 2017—issue of The Empire State Mason Magazine, a Special Commemorative Edition marking the anniversary.) There are ten lodges comprising the District, seven of which pre-date the District’s existence, with the first two having been warranted in 1924—Syrio-American Lodge 1 and New York Lodge 2.

I think that’s kind of amazing.

Grand Master Williamson traveled extensively, visiting lodges (Suleiman 1905, El Berdawni 1907, Three Pillars 1912, and others), but also taking in the natural beauty and historic locations the land offers. There was a stop at Kahlil Gibran’s tomb, sightseeing amid the Cedars of God, a visit to the City of Ehden, a tasting at Ksara Winery—with the chance to meet RW Asaad Zogheib, mayor of Zahleh—and also time for the pleasures of the hookah!

Courtesy The Masters Craft

This edition of The Magpie Mason began four months ago, when Bro. John Bridegroom of the Masters Craft shared this photo on Facebook. John is the prolific creator of Masonic jewels, pins, coins, and other goods, as well as the Art Director for The Journal of the Masonic Society. I asked the Grand Master about the new medal so I could publish information about it here. He asked me to wait until publication of this issue of the ESM, so here we are.

While at the diamond jubilee celebration, MW Williamson welcomed RW Andre Layoun, PDDGM to the podium, and announced: “In commemoration and celebration of 60 years of loyalty and faithfulness demonstrated by the brethren of the District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York is pleased to proclaim the creation of a new Grand Lodge medal. This medal is named in honor of RW Khaled E. Tabet, the first District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon, from 1955 to 1964.”

Writing the article in the ESM, Williamson continues:

“The award consists of a bronze top bar engraved with the words “New York.” Below the ribbon is the round bronze medallion struck with the actual likeness of RW Khaled E. Tabet. Around the medal are engraved the words “Loyalty and Faithfulness.” The medal is suspended on a distinctive red and white ribbon, along with a green stripe running through the center, symbolizing the national flag of Lebanon. This medal will be conferred by the Grand Master to any deserving member within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, specifically for loyalty and faithfulness to our Grand Lodge.

“The first recipient of the RW Khaled E. Tabet Medal is RW Andre Layoun, who was District Grand Master for 23 years, from 1971 to 1994. His term of leadership within our District Grand Lodge was concurrent with the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990. It is estimated that there were over 250,000 fatalities during this period. RW Andre Layoun’s loyalty to Freemasonry in general and to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York in particular has no equal.”


Huzzah!
     

‘Looking to October in Tappan’

   

Magpie file photo

DeWint House historic site, owned and maintained by the Grand Lodge

of New York for the enjoyment of the public, located in Tappan, NY.

It’s hard to think of October right now, but Grand Master’s Day will take place Sunday, October 2 at DeWint House in Tappan, New York.

Masons, family, and friends are invited to take part in what I consider to be one of the most enjoyable afternoons on the Masonic calendar. I have been attending since, I think, 2009, and the weather has been perfect all but once, and even that was just a little brief rain.

A terrific buffet brunch (the most important meal between breakfast and lunch!) at The ’76 House (110 Main Street, Tappan) begins at 11 a.m. Seating is very limited, so advance payment is required to hold your place. Those details still to come.

At 1 p.m., the festivities at DeWint House (20 Livingston Avenue, Tappan) will begin. The program details are still to come.


Click here to see more of this wonderful historic site and museum, but better yet, get there some time to visit. If you cannot attend Grand Master’s Day, go to DeWint House during its regular hours and see this treasure for yourself.
      

‘Metro Masonic webmasters conference to be planned’

     
The Digital Square Club of New York enjoyed a successful conference during St. John’s Weekend in Utica last month. Masonic webmasters and other online publishers met in person and by teleconference to learn from each other about the nuances of online communications.

Courtesy Thomas J. Fuzia

I wasn’t there (I don’t know if bloggers meet the criteria), but it seems the real highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the new Digital Cornerstone Award to RW Ron Steiner, who has labored long in helping New York Freemasonry with both public relations and encouraging the use of the web years ago, when hardly anyone in the fraternity knew how to maintain a competent web presence for their lodges. Congratulations, Ron!


Ken Stuczynski, webmaster of Grand Lodge and chairman of the Communications Committee, reports the likelihood of another conference in the Metro area later this year or early 2017 specifically to help the region in most need. (You’d think lodges in the media capital of the world would be more hip, but maybe that’s not the case, although Stuczynski does praise “incredible, cutting-edge work” being done here.) Stuczynski and Grand Master Jeffrey Williamson will speak. I’m sure others will too. I will attend that one.

The Digital Square Club website is being revamped too.


EDIT OCTOBER 7: We could be looking at a Saturday, January 21 meeting for the Metro lodges.
     

‘A Way of Life’

     

An update on some Grand Lodge news from last week and this week.

Courtesy Frank Gaskill

Jeffrey Williamson was elected and installed Grand Master of Masons

in the State of New York at Masonic Hall in Manhattan May 3.

Courtesy Frank Gaskill

Past Grand Master Bill Thomas and wife Susan Taylor Thomas
unveil his portrait at Masonic Hall.

Courtesy Jason Sheridan

Every Grand Master commissions a lapel pin to herald his term in office,
and MW Williamson will distribute these at St. John’s Weekend in Utica next month.

The Grand Master of Cuba visited the Grand Lodge of New York. (Grand Master Thomas had visited the Grand Lodge of Cuba late last year.) From left: Bill Thomas, Past Grand Master of New York; Lazaro F. Cuesta Valdes, Grand Master of Cuba; Jeffrey Williamson, Grand Master of New York; and Vincent Libone, Past Grand Master of New York.

Click to enlarge.
In consideration of the Tennessee and Georgia situations.

     

‘A QUEST fit for a Mason’

     
Every year I tell myself I must get to QUEST, but No. 36 won’t be the one either. No reason why you can’t attend, though. The publicity:

Click to enlarge.     

   

‘Grand Master’s Day’

   

Magpie file photo

It’s that time of year! Well, not really. Grand Master’s Day 2015 was canceled for October 4, but has been rescheduled for March 13, 2016 at DeWint House in Tappan, New York.

Masons, family, and friends are invited to take part in what I consider to be one of the most enjoyable afternoons on the Masonic calendar. I have been attending since, I think, 2009, and the weather has been perfect all but once, and even that was just a little brief rain.

A terrific buffet brunch at The ’76 House (110 Main Street, Tappan) begins at 11:30 a.m. Seating is very limited, so advance payment is required to hold your place. Make $25-per-person check payable to The ’76 House, and remit to Ken Merring. Contact him here.

At 1 p.m., the festivities at DeWint House (20 Livingston Avenue, Tappan) will begin. The program starts with brethren from West Point Lodge No. 877 presenting the colors with the assistance of cadets from the U.S. Military Academy and Masonic War Veterans of the State of New York, the National Sojourners, and the Heroes of ’76. In addition to addresses by both Grand Master William J. Thomas and Deputy Grand Master Jeffrey M. Williamson, there will be entertainment provided by the Chorus of Tappan Zee, and Mr. Jack Sherry appearing in his guise as Benjamin Franklin.

Continuing the tradition, a tree—a sycamore this time—will be dedicated in honor of the Grand Master.

Click here to see more of this wonderful historic site and museum, but better yet, get there some time to visit. If you cannot attend Grand Master’s Day, go to DeWint House during its regular hours and see this treasure for yourself.
    

‘Freemasonry is a verb in New York’

     

Where else should a Knight of the North be than in the service of the NorthStar Project?

NorthStar is a Grand Lodge of New York initiative being rolled out under the direction of Deputy Grand Master Jeffrey Williamson. While it is a strategy to improve membership development and membership retention, it is a comprehensive approach that makes Masonic education the common ground on which Masons young and senior may build tomorrow’s Freemasonry together. It will put very deliberate action into key teachings of the fraternity, and that’s why it will succeed.

NorthStar is understood under two denominations: Candidate Selection Process and Success Coaching. The former is a vetting system that will screen potential petitioners to ensure appropriate and informed guarding of the West Gate. This is apart from, and in advance of, the procedural investigation of a candidate already undertaken by the lodge. I’m always reluctant to use business jargon in discussing Freemasonry, but I suppose this can be considered Quality Assurance. Candidate Selection permits the prospective petitioner to learn about both the Masonic fraternity at large, and the particular lodge he has contacted, while allowing the lodge to assess the man, and decide if he is the right fit for Freemasonry, and, if so, which lodge would be best for him. The right lodge may turn out to be a different lodge than that he contacted to inquire into membership. Success Coaching is the logical next phase of the strategy. If you are familiar with the term “godfather,” as employed in Continental Masonic systems, then you know this Grand Lodge is embarking on a change of culture that will instill action into brotherhood.

Freemasonry is a verb in New York.

In this endeavor, the Success Coach fulfills a great duty to the candidate, from the petitioning phase through his Masonic maturation. Just as the Selection Process is distinct from the standard candidate investigation, the coaching is not to be confused with the mentoring that helps the candidate prepare for the initiatory degrees. It is to be the method of instructing the new Freemason in the meaning of Masonry. This plan acknowledges that Freemasonry is a lifetime pursuit, and that Masonic education is essential for advancing on the path. While many mistake Masonic education for ritual instruction and etiquette lessons, it is explained in perfect clarity in NorthStar that education shall encompass “the Craft’s history, purpose, operation, symbolism, law, philosophy, obligations and ideals.”

This is where I’ve always wanted to be in Freemasonry—aiding others in acquiring the meaning of Masonry, and metabolizing the tenets and values for the improvement of the individual, and the invigoration of the fraternity. As of Monday night, about 75 of us from various Metropolitan lodges are certified to bring the NorthStar Project to fruition in our lodges and other lodges. This is a very ambitious enterprise that could reform an entire culture in the Craft that for decades has acquiesced to initiating every man with a pulse who asks, before practically abandoning him to find his own way after his Third Degree, and then barely noticing his absence and inevitable quitting the fraternity. To too many Masons for too long that has been the accepted lodge model, but NorthStar delivers the guidelines that bring focus and purpose to the art of initiation and to the making of a Mason. Light added to Light.

     

‘Masonic town hall meetings’

     

RW Jeffrey Williamson
at Grand Masters Day
last August in Tappan.

With the resumption of Masonic labors next month will come the continuation of Deputy Grand Master Jeffrey Williamson’s tour of New York State to host his Town Hall meetings. From the publicity:

Please be aware of and support the Deputy Grand Master’s upcoming Town Hall meetings in the Metro area.

On Saturday, September 12, a Town Hall meeting will be held in the Richmond District at 8 a.m. at the Staten Island Temple (236 Main Street). Later, at 3 p.m., a Town Hall will be held for the First, Second, and Third Kings Districts; the Queens District; and the Ninth Manhattan District at the Whitestone Masonic Temple (14939 11th Avenue, Flushing).

Please make every effort to attend to learn where the Grand Lodge is heading and to provide your input into the future planning. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your District Deputy Grand Master or myself here.

Thanks, and I look forward to greeting you at these Town Hall meetings.

RW Christopher Hough,

Junior Grand Deacon

Grand Lodge of New York, F&AM

     

‘Grand Master’s Day next month’

     
Usually held on the first Sunday of October, Grand Master’s Day this year is scheduled for Sunday, August 24. The typical great day of events remains unchanged. From the publicity:

Magpie file photo

DeWint House in Tappan, NY.

MW William J. Thomas, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, will make the annual Grand Master’s Day visit to DeWint House, the George Washington Historic Site at Tappan, New York on Sunday, August 24. Masons, families, and friends are invited.

10 a.m. – Worship service at Tappan Reformed Church, located at 32 Old Tappan Road.

11:30 – Luncheon at Old ’76 House, at 110 Main Street. $25 per person in advance only. Make checks payable to Old ’76 House, and mail to Robert Blanke, 27 Pine Lane, New City, NY 10956-6534 no later than August 14.

Magpie file photo

Old '76 House, a great place to eat and drink, and a historic site itself.

1 p.m. – Grand Master’s Day Ceremonies at DeWint House, located at 20 Livingston Street.

Attractions:

An honor guard from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, accompanied by the National Sojourners and the Heroes of ’76, who will present the flag of the United States.

Back by popular demand, we will enjoy the choral group Chorus of the Tappan Zee, singing patriotic songs during the program.

Jeffrey M. Williamson

Remarks by the Deputy Grand Master, RW Jeffrey M. Williamson; and the Address by MW Grand Master William J. Thomas.

Tree dedication honoring RW Norman Moon, Chairman Emeritus of the DeWint House Committee.


Light refreshments will be served following completion of the program.

Everyone is invited to this affair. Bring your families and friends. We always try to promote this beautiful site. Anyone interested in the history of our country, this site had a part in that formation. If you have never been there, now is the time to do it. See the beautiful grounds, and walk in the footsteps of George Washington and his troops. Honor our Grand Master with your presence as Masons. The committee will be happy to show you to the interior of the DeWint House and the Carriage House, filled with artifacts from the Colonial era. This is a site that will fill you with much pride.

For further information, contact RW Louis Irizarry at athelstanian839(at)yahoo(dot)com


I also encourage attendance at Grand Master’s Day. I know Sunday is less than perfect timing for Masonic doings, but even if you want to forego the brunch (you’d be foolish) and the church service, and attend only the event at DeWint House, you’d be glad you did. It’s not an all-day affair. It starts on time at one o’clock and concludes in about an hour. Tour the museums. In addition to the period furnished DeWint House itself, there is the Carriage House, which is packed with antiques and interesting things to see. The grounds of DeWint House are beautiful, with many exotic trees, plenty of flowers, historic sights, etc. It’s always a great day. Click here to see photos of past events at this treasure of a site.
     

21st Century Masonry

     

Bro. Ronald Pollock, president of the 1st Manhattan District Assoc.,
introduces RW Jeff Williamson, our speaker last night.

How good and how pleasant it is to dwell together with brethren who understand Freemasonry.

Last night was the first of what could become annual dinner-lectures hosted by the First Manhattan District Association at the Grand Lodge of New York. RW Bro. Jeffrey M. Williamson was the speaker. With his PowerPoint graphics ready, he discussed “How Can Masonry Survive and Prosper in the 21st Century?”

RW Williamson is one of those leaders whose résumé spans seven pages. He is a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Second Erie District in the Buffalo area. He is Grand King in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He also is a veteran of Grand Lodge’s Educational Services Committee and its Masonic Development Course, and has played a large role in training the jurisdiction’s DDGMs for many years. “I have a universal view of Masonry,” he said. (And he’s a Master Electrician, so “Let there be Light” is no trivial business to him!) He was recommended to the FMDA by Ted Harrison. ’Nuff said.

It seemed every lodge in the First Manhattan District was well represented last night. Worshipful Master Mike from Pioneer-Mt. Moriah No. 20 was there with a number of his officers and brethren. Many from Washington Lodge No. 21, like “HRH” Vincenzo, a college professor. There was Alessandro and others from Mariners. And Bro. Major, visiting from GLNF. RW Arnold from Consolidated. RW Christopher from Holland No. 8. Bro. Francisco, Bro. Terence, Bro. Lenny and many more. The room was full of young, educated men who are in Freemasonry to find a singular environment populated by exceptional people.

I think it is a gutsy move to host such a discussion. You never know who might show up, and what might be said. But, if there is any hope of reversing the problems plaguing Freemasonry, we have to admit a) there are problems, and b) there are solutions to the problems. The teachings of Masonry lead one to examine his life and to labor toward self-improvement. Moral, ethical, intellectual advancements. Does it not stand to reason that the order itself should, collectively, undergo the same sort of self-scrutiny, to discuss candidly the things we see that are just wrong, and the ways to fix them?

Dinner was simple, but New York style: big sandwiches worthy of a proper Manhattan deli, plus an open bar.

(Before things got started, the Magpie Mason had a “Narnia moment.” Whenever I’m in this building, I go to the windows to see what kind of view of Manhattan can be seen. The room next to our dining room was vacant, so I walk in, look out the window at an especially gloomy, rainy cityscape, and then return to the dining room. Right behind me come three Masons wearing aprons! I thought maybe the complimentary rye was getting the best of me. Where’d they come from? I go back into the room, head toward the coat closet, and find a narrow hallway winding its way around a corner. Voila! There is Publicity Lodge No. 1000 preparing for a Fellowcraft Degree! Strange that a lodge called Publicity would be secreted behind a coat closet, but of course the lodge room has a proper entrance also.)

An eclectic bunch of dozens of Masons packed the dining room adjacent to the American Room on the 19th floor. From three or four Fellowcrafts to a number of Past DDGMs, all were united in wanting to hear some common sense talk on what lodges need to do if they are to attract quality members and keep them stimulated and productive.

The Magpie Mason was delighted to see the recipe was very nearly identical to the recommendations set out earlier this decade by both the Knights of the North and the Masonic Restoration Foundation.

These two organizations deserve the credit for sparking the widespread interest in both European Concept and Traditional Observance lodges across the United States. European Concept emphasizes elegance and sophistication in upholding Masonic culture. The West Gate is closely tiled. Membership is limited. Dues are high. Food is great. Education is rewarding. Every meeting has a purpose. Sometimes a foreign ritual, like Emulation, is worked. It’s the kind of experience that, frankly, alarms those who want the Ralph Kramden Raccoon Lodge model to remain the only option. Traditional Observance has those traits in common, and goes further by incorporating highly esoteric elements into its initiations. T.O. is the proprietary design of the Masonic Restoration Foundation, a nationwide non-profit organization that offers memberships. The Knights of the North by contrast was a thinktank comprised of brethren from across the United States and Canada.

“We suffer from a lack of Masonic leadership and training,” said RW Williamson, “and we live in the past.” Boring meetings, poorly worked ritual, indifference to the brethren’s expectations and other familiar factors have created a “lackluster environment.” The fraternity’s longstanding preference for quantity over quality in membership not only has failed to cultivate talent that can move us forward, but actually has resulted in a greater number of Masonic trials to rid the Craft of those who never should have been initiated in the first place. “Can Freemasonry survive and prosper in the 21st century? It can and it will. Freemasonry is as relevant today as it was 250 years ago. But we need to make Masons, not members.”

His formula for returning Freemasonry to its true purpose is a checklist for lodges to incorporate into their management.

• Investigate the candidate thoroughly – He noted that in the GLNY the term now is “interview,” but he stressed the importance of making sure every petitioner is worthy and well qualified.

• Keep membership small – A lodge, if everyone is to know each other and function as a close unit, should be limited in size to about 50 Masons.

• Candidate comprehension – Challenge the Apprentices and Fellows to think. Have them write papers before their second and third degrees describing, in their own words, what the preceding degrees mean to them. Bro. Francisco noted how this process helped him gain greater comprehension.

• Proficiency – Rituals must be worked expertly and with sincerity, with work being assigned according to merit.

• Dues – Lodges need to be adequately funded by the brethren themselves. It is okay to hold fundraisers, but they are really intended to foster the bonding experience while raising money for worthy causes.

• Attendance – The brethren are expected to attend the Communications, or send regrets that they are unable to attend. Or, in other words, extend to the lodge the same courtesy one shows his family, friends and business colleagues.

• Festive Boards – No explanation is really needed here. Eat, drink, and be merry.

• Standards – “Set the bar high, and the brethren will respond,” he said.

St. John’s Lodge No. 1, Ancient York Masons was well represented last night. It is already achieving this very type of lodge experience. In fact, this lodge, founded in 1757, marked its 250th anniversary year in part by receiving its Traditional Observance certification from the Masonic Restoration Foundation. An old lodge can learn new tricks. The end result of this revolution is the existence now of a waiting list of candidates trying to gain entry into St. John’s – and many, if not most, will not make the cut – whereas several years ago this lodge was struggling to remain functional.

A Past DDGM who is a member of several lodges told of his experience in affiliating with Independent Royal Arch Lodge No. 2, which was founded in 1760. “Washington and Lafayette were regular participants in its proceedings.”

“I was one of the last to be allowed to affiliate with I.R.A.,” he said. “They are very selective.” He then described the process of vetting candidates for membership in I.R.A., which includes attending numerous non-tiled events and social functions to let the lodge’s brethren get to know the candidates, to see which would make a proper fit in the lodge. “Even though I was well known to the lodge, I still went through the process.”

The candidates of today, Williamson said, are looking for “education in a mystic craft,” and ways to achieve self-improvement and become gentlemen. They like the mysterious and unique language used in Masonic rituals. Memorization of ritual is not enough, but teaching an understanding of what these ceremonies say should be the goal. Admittedly, our speaker was preaching to the choir, but there was a lot of information and wisdom provided. Things that really needed to be said, and that drew applause. (And conversation of this nature is heretical in some jurisdictions, ergo this blog.)

Bro. Gerry of Pioneer-Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 20 shares his insights on membership retention.

“Just because Grand Lodge has no procedure to involve EAs and FCs, doesn’t mean the lodges cannot involve them in activities,” said RW Martin Kanter, PDDGM. Certain things have to be handled while at labor on the MM Degree of course, but there are ways to assimilate brethren of the lower degrees into the lodge experience.

VW Piers Vaughan recommended taking a creative approach to education, for example by making each of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences a path of study, and by exploring the Art of Memory to put the Fellowcraft Degree in even deeper esoteric, historic and cultural contexts.

“We’re not the American Legion Post,” Williamson said in his conclusion. “We’re a Masonic Lodge. We invoke deity to be with us.”

Bro. Lenny, Bro. Alessandro, and others socialize after the lecture.