more light #266
Questions For Lodge Discussions
by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
“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?
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