April 29, 2009 - OUTDOOR DEGREE

We held an outdoor Master Mason degree with dispensation from the Grand Master. This is the third year in a row we've conducted an outdoor degree, and every year it gets bigger and better. This year, we did a joint degree with Sutherland Lodge No. 174, our neighbor to the north of us and my old Lodge where I served as WM in 2003.

A crowd of over 60 Master Masons were on hand representing ten Tampa Bay Lodges, including representatives from Districts 20, 21, and 22. There were also visiting Brothers from lodges in Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ontario.

I have been receiving congratulatory remarks from the Brethren who attended the degree; for example, "What an outstanding night of fellowship; great degree work and a beauty of a night."

To read more about the event and see pictures from it, click HERE.

Although I have been involved with many such degrees in the past, and I heartily recommend them as a way of stimulating the Craft, it requires considerable organization, planning, and follow-up. As for me, I developed a checklist which helped me assign responsibilities and communicate it to the Craft (I would e-mail it out to the Brethren). I have checklists for all
three degrees, but an outdoor degree requires a little extra planning. Anyway, here is the checklist I used last night; I hope you find it useful:

MM CHECKLIST (Effective: 04/22/3009)
==============================================================
MM DEGREE: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 7:00PM

CANDIDATE(S):

LOCATION: (address)

REHEARSAL: 7:00pm - Monday, April 13th @ Lodge

ASSIGNMENTS:

1ST SECTION

WM -
SW -
JW -
Trs -
Sec -
CH -
Mar -
SD -
JD -
SS -
JS -
Tyl -
Con -

2ND SECTION

KS -
GSW -
GJW -
Trs -
Sec -
Cha -
Mar -
SD -
JD -
SS -
JS -
TY -

RUF1 -
RUF2 -
RUF3 -

FC10 -
FC11 -
FC12 -

9 FC -

SC/WFM-


Lecture -
Charge -
Bible Pres -

Dress: 1st section -
2nd section -

Props: Trowell, Senior Deacon's tool;
Slips of paper with names of Brothers;
Slips of paper with MM song; Bibles

Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes Chapter 12

Refreshment: Before the degree and brief one at Half Time

MATERIALS

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

Dispensation
Request for Courtesy Work
Sign-In Sheets
Master Bible & Square/Compasses
Bibles
Dues Cards
MM Booklets
Names of Candidates
Minutes (template)
Funeral Dirge - paper
American Flag (and anchor)

COOKING & PARKING ITEMS

Safety Vests
Barbecue
Folding table from Lodge
Cooking Implements
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Condiments
Refreshments + Ice
Donation Basket
Garbage Bags & Cans

DEGREE ITEMS

Lighter for 3 great lights
Costumes
JW's Jewell
Square & 24" gauge
White Gloves
Low Twelve Gong
Secretary's Scroll
Altar + Cover
Knee Rests
Lesser Lights/Tiki Torches
Mite Box
WM-SW-JW Podiums & Gavels
SD-JD-SS-JS Rods & Holders
Wooden Rod Tappers (floor)
Senior Deacon tool
Aprons & Jewels
Visitor aprons
Working Tools
Lawn Chairs

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Music - Prelude & Half Time & End
Photographers
Lodge Room Setup
Parking -
Cooking -


I hope this helps you. As an aside, I have also learned to review and update the checklist following a degree in oreder to improve it.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

April 27, 2009 - MONTANA 3-7-77

I was the guest speaker for our April "Festive Board" where I told the story of "Montana 3-7-77" which describes the role Freemasonry played in bringing law and order to Montana in the 1860's. This was based on a paper I wrote in 2003. For the Festive Board I created an MS Powerpoint presentation to help me tell the story which was well received.

It's actually an interesting story; one which Hollywood should be interesting. If you're interested in reading it, you can find it on the Internet by clicking HERE. I hope you enjoy it.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

April 22, 2009 - COAT OF ARMS

I picked up the Lodge's Coat of Arms last night from the framer. This is a project we have been working on for quite some time.

I originally suggested the Coat of Arms in 2007 when I was Secretary under W:.Chris Schlenker, PM, Master. Consequently, a motion and committee was formed on February 26, 2007 to study the problem and make a recommendation. The committee consisted of W:.BJ Sammon, PM (2008; Senior Warden at the time), W:.Ken Giesow, PM (2006; and Marshall at the time), and myself. As part of its requirements, the committee wanted Masonic symbolism included in the Coat of Arms, along with something from our past. Consideration was given to adding a distinctly "Dunedin" flavor to the Coat of Arms, but this was eventually considered trivial and irrelevant. The expression "For the Good of the Order" came from studying the early minutes of the Lodge, whereby it was frequently stated that this or that was done "For the Good of the Order".

After determining their requirements, the committee contacted W:.Joseph Duhammel, PM (2005) of Clearwater Lodge No. 127 who was a well known graphic designer. W:.Joe produced a few designs for the committee to consider; one was selected and fine-tuned until the committee was satisfied. The Coat of Arms was then presented to the Craft in the Stated Communications of September 10, 2007 where it was adopted as the official graphic.

The Coat of Arms as shown herein was officially framed and presented by yours truly to the Lodge where it will proudly be displayed in the Lodge room.

A unique Coat of Arms may seem somewhat trivial, but I think it is important for a Lodge to develop its identity thereby creating pride and dedication in the institution we belong to. The concept is obviously not new and is commonly found in European Lodges, but very few in the United States (I don't know of any in Florida). Regardless, the graphic makes a nice addition to the Lodge and I hope you enjoy it.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

April 20, 2009 - MASONIC EDUCATION

At our April Stated Communications, I invited a guest speaker for the Masonic Education portion of the meeting. Fortunately, I was able to get Bro. John Nagy, an old friend and Brother from the Tampa Bay area. Our paths haven't crossed in a while, but John recently wrote a new Masonic book entitled, "BUILDING HIRAM" (ISBN: 978-0-9793070-3-4) which is based on his research of Masonic symbolism. John has always had an inquisitive mind which has led him to ask a lot of questions about the meaning of Freemasonry. From this, he wrote his book as a series of catechisms explaining the meaning of our degrees and symbols.

In our monthly meeting, he read one of the catechisms which explained the 3-5-7 stairway in the Fellowcraft degree. It was very interesting and the Craft seemed to enjoy it.

Bro. Nagy is a good man and Mason who likes to ask the questions few people want to. I just hope his work is not misconstrued by the powers that be in the fraternity and he is not prohibited from continuing his research. Such work is very important, particularly now as young men join the fraternity and are looking for answers to the many questions they have regarding Freemasonry.

As I have said on numerous occasions, Masonic Education is extremely important to the vitality of the Lodge and the earmark of a successful one.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

April 15, 2009 - GL LEGISLATION

I went to Lodge Wednesday night, as I usually do, to process paperwork. While there, I reviewed the proposed legislation to voted upon at our upcoming Grand Communications in May. A booklet with the legislation is first sent to each Lodge for the officers to review. This is followed by a formal review on a Zone level (multiple districts attending), before it is brought before the Craft for review in Lodge, and finally to be voted upon at our Grand Communications.

In our jurisdiction, any Florida Mason can submit legislation for consideration, including the Grand Lodge officers. As I flipped through the legislation I came to the realization that there was nothing Earth-shattering contained in this year's edition, which is unfortunate as our grand jurisdiction continues to shrink at a rate of 1,200 members per year, and our financial resources are slowly being depleted. I would have thought there would be something, anything, in the legislation to address all this but, alas, there was nothing. As far as I am concerned, the legislation being presented is nothing more than what I call, "Re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic." Instead of fixing the hole in the ship or getting everyone into life boats, we're busy trying to make things look better than they really are. This concept alone troubles me greatly and puts the future of the fraternity at risk. I simply do not understand why people want to ignore the obvious and turn their attention to trivialities instead. Someone explain this to me please.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

April 13, 2009 - MM REHEARSAL

We held a MM rehearsal at Lodge as a prelude to our upcoming outdoor degree scheduled for Wednesday, April 29th. As I have mentioned in the past, this will be a joint degree with Sutherland Lodge No. 174, our neighbor to the north. We practiced both sections of the degree which was needed as we have five Brothers planned to be raised to MM.

As I mentioned to the group, an outdoor degree with five candidates means a couple of things:

First, it requires a lot of organization and participation from the Craft, especially when you consider we will probably have 75-100 Masons at this event.

Second, we have to pull this off smoothly and efficiently if we plan to get out of there at a reasonable hour (it needs to go off like clockwork).

To this end, I sent out an e-mail blast to both Lodges requesting their support. Since this idea came up, I have been working closely with the WM of Sutherland Lodge 174. Although we have tried to think of everything, it is now up to the Craft to step up to the plate and make the necessary commitments.

Below is the checklist we devised to put on the degree. I have omitted the names of people to protect their anonymity. I find such checklists are essential for degree work. Hopefully you will too:


MM CHECKLIST (Effective: 04/14/3009)
==============================================================
MM DEGREE: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 7:00PM - Dunedin Lodge No. 192 & Sutherland 174

CANDIDATE: Dunedin:
Sutherland:

LOCATION: (address)

REHEARSAL: 7:00pm - Monday, April 13th @ Dunedin Lodge

ASSIGNMENTS:

1ST SECTION

WM -
SW -
JW -
Trs -
Sec -
CH -
Mar -
SD -
JD -
SS -
JS -
Tyl -
Con -
Con -
Con -

2ND SECTION

KS -
GSW -
GJW -
Trs -
Sec -
Cha -
Mar -
SD -
JD -
SS -
JS -
TY -

RUF1(JA) -
REF2(JO) -
RUF3(JU) -

FC10 -
FC11 -
FC12 -

9 FC - Dunedin:
Sutherland:

SC/WFM-

Canvas -

Lecture -
Charge -
Bible Pres -

Dress: 1st section -
2nd section -

Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes Chapter 12

Refreshment: Half Time


MATERAILS LODGE BROTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

Dispensation
Request for Courtesy Work
Sign-In Sheets
Master Bible & Square/Compasses
Bibles
Dues Cards
MM Booklets
Names of Candidates
Minutes (template)
Funeral Dirge - paper
American Flag (and anchor)

COOKING & PARKING ITEMS

Safety Vests
Barbecue Grill
Folding table from Lodge
Cooking Implements
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Condiments
Refreshments + Ice
Donation Basket
Garbage Bags

DEGREE ITEMS

Lighter for 3 great lights
Candidate Costumes
Costumes for 2nd half
JW's Jewell
Square & 24" gauge (for JA/JO)
White Gloves for FC
Low Twelve Gong
Secretary's Scroll
Altar + Cover
Knee Rests
Lesser Lights/Tiki Torches
Mite Box
WM-SW-JW Podiums & Gavels
SD-JD-SS-JS Rods & Holders
Wooden Rod Tappers (floor)
Senior Deacon tool
Aprons & Jewels
Visitor aprons
Acacia, Bag, Setting Maul
Working Tools (including trowel)
Lawn Chairs for Candidates

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Music - Prelude & Half Time & End
Bag Pipes
Photographers
Lodge Room Setup
Chaulk String
Parking -

NOTE: >>>EVERYBODY BRING THEIR OWN LAWN CHAIR !!!!



It may look like a lot of work, but it really isn't if everyone pulls together and executes their responsibilities properly.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

April 11, 2009 - TRAPSHOOT

We held our 9th Annual SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association Trapshoot on Saturday. Even though it was Easter weekend, we had the best turnout to date; 44 Brothers and friends representing six lodges in our area. My lodge, Dunedin, was very well represented with nine shooters, but, alas, we took fourth place in the tournament.

Nonetheless, it was great comaraderie, a great way to promote the fraternity and attract new members, and a great way to generate money for the Association's college scholarship. In the end, we took in $1,067 for the fund.

I've been running this for nine years now and have enjoyed every minute. Frankly, it's not too difficult to put on. Sure I have to schedule and announce it, but the Trap Range basically runs it and collects the money for it. Interestingly, as the event has grown, it has created some friendly competition between the Lodges, and the winner of the Lodge Trophy gets bragging rights for a year. Star Lodge No. 78 in Largo had dominated the event for many years, but this year the Lodge trophy went to Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 in Madeira Beach. The Worshipful Master was on hand to receive the trophy and was very pleased to do so.

Again, the secret here is to have fun and keep it simple. This event appeals to all ages of Brothers, from the 20's to the 70's.

And, No, I do not miss the spaghetti dinners or pancake breakfasts.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

April 8, 2009 - OFFICER MEETINGS

We held our monthly officer's meeting Wednesday night. Back in the 90's, the officers met on a weekly basis (Wednesday nights) which I think is commendable, but also unrealistic for men to attend regularly as they have other commitments. This, plus the regular weekly meetings, inevitably started to burnout people and our younger officers slowly dropped out of the line one by one. As a result, we experienced holes in the line which became increasingly difficult to fill with each passing year, and the management of the Lodge noticeably suffered.

Because of this, we experienced a backlash whereby the officers rarely met at all (maybe four times in two years). This complicated communications and organization, and the Lodge stumbled forward.

To overcome this problem, we changed our Stated Communications from twice a month to once a month. We also changed our starting time from 7:30pm to 7:00pm. We then re-introduced regularly scheduled officer meetings, but just one per month and just prior to our Stated Communications. This allows us to properly review what is going on and plan the coming Stated Communications and next few months.

Personally I don't have a problem with meeting at the Lodge every week on Wednesday night. In fact, I'm there regularly to check on paperwork and other miscellaneous items. It happens to be convenient for me to do so, but I recognize it is not convenient for everyone. If we were to force the officers to meet weekly again, I'm sure we would again find ourselves in a mutinous situation and the Lodge would suffer.

Officer meetings are extremely important, and I encourage people to schedule them regularly, but the Master has to recognize when it becomes a burden as opposed to a benefit. Remember, we live in a fast paced society today where our time is at a premium. If people feel their time is being wasted, they will inevitably drop out, and we can hardly afford this anymore.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

April 7, 2009 - HOSPITAL VISIT

Last night the Lodge was dark (closed) so I used this opportunity to visit a Brother who had been checked into the hospital over the weekend with pneumonia. The Brother in question was our Junior Past Master who has been suffering with a variety of medical problems over the last three years (including his year in the East).

I had been told by his wife that he had developed a terrible cough and that they checked him into the hospital on Friday night. Good thing too, as the doctor caught it just in time. When I arrived after work on Monday night he looked and sounded great. With any luck, the doctor will be sending him home soon.

If you have been following this blog, you know this is not the first time I have visited a Brother in the hospital. Such visits are important to the Brethren who like to know the Lodge is concerned with their welfare. As the figurehead of the Lodge, it is the Worshipful Master's responsibility to check on the Craft. In a way, I kind of feel like a doctor or minister who has to make the rounds at the hospitals. Actually, I do not mind as the Brothers are always glad to see a friendly face and talk. For those of you considering becoming Worshipful Master, this is an inherent and important part of the job description that nobody tells you about.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

April 4, 2009 - DUNEDIN HIGHLAND GAMES (SCOTTISH)

On Saturday, April 4th, the Lodge volunteered to help with the Dunedin Highland Games which is an annual event in our community. Dunedin is a Scottish community in the Tampa Bay area and is also the sister city of Stirling, Scotland. Consequently, in April of each year Dunedin holds its Scottish games, complete with music competition, Scottish athletics, food and drink. It's one of the biggest community events in the area.

To assist in the games, our Lodge volunteers to help park cars in the main parking lot. It's actually a lot of work as we direct the parking of several thousand cars. Obviously, this requires a lot of participation from the Craft and we have to work from early in the morning and into the night (Frankly, my dogs were really barking by the end of the day).

It seemed to me that attendance at the Games was up this year, way up. (I thought somebody said we were suffering from a recession - it sure didn't seem that way at the Games). I haven't had to work such a crowd in a long time and I must confess I don't have patience for the general public when they start behaving like lemmings and cattle. Nonetheless, I put my best face forward and tried to be as courteous and cooperative as possible.

The benefit of events of this magnitude is basically good public relations. The Dunedin organizers greatly appreciate our efforts (who end up speaking well of us). While working, the Craft wore safety vests with Masonic baseball caps and shirts (the Square and Compasses were very prominent). This, of course, helped to produce a favorable image of the fraternity, particularly if we went out of our way to help someone (which we did constantly throughout the event).

At the end of the day, I was happy it was over, kicked off my shoes and rested my sore feet with a good cigar and a good malt Scotch.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"