June 9, 2009 - HONORS

Last night (Monday), we held our last communications before going dark for the summer, a Fellow Craft degree. All went off smoothly and, as usual, everyone had a good time. Our Senior Warden sat in the East for the degree and did a fine job. However, I could tell it is time for the summer break as everyone is itching for it, as am I.

On another subject, over the weekend I was notified that I received a Masonic award from a research group in New Jersey, to wit:

I'm pleased to announce that our "Council of Infinite Wisdom", at its last meeting passed a resolution honoring our contributor Bro Tim Bryce.....

For those of you who do not know Bro Tim has carved a national nitch for himself and Masonry by posting his weekly summary of Masonic happenings.

How he does it is a mystery, but the results of his efforts in finding and reporting Masonic news, deserves recognition.

In the 20 odd year history of the Internet and the Internets' contribution to our society, Tims' work in finding & relaying Masonic happenings stands above and beyond the usual email messaging.

He is one of the few who has realized how to use this media to further the Masonic knowledge of his brothers, AND takes the time and effort to make it happen .

Masonic Brothers it very fortunate to have Tim as a member and received his communications.

For this we are grateful.

In 2003, I was elected a member of the Masonic Brotherhood of the Blue Forget-Me-Not (for my efforts in Masonic Education) and in 2005 I was elected a Knight Zuri (the word Zuri being Swahili for good and beautiful) from the Knights Of Freemasonry Universal (again for Masonic Education). In all of these awards, including New Jersey, they came as total surprise to me as you cannot solicit the organizations for the award. Instead, you have to be nominated by someone from within the group and unbeknown to the recipient, which, to me, makes these awards even more special as it means someone notices your work from afar.

As with the other two awards, I will honor the award and thank the Brothers for the courtesy. It's nice to know your efforts do not go unnoticed.

NOTE: This will be my last posting for a couple of weeks as I'm getting ready to take my summer sabbatical. Not to worry, though, "I'll be back."

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"

June 4, 2009 - A COMPLIMENT FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Over the weekend, I received the following e-mail from an American Brother who is over visiting in the Philippines. I have omitted his name and Lodge to maintain his anonymity. I thought you might find this of interest:

- - - -
Greetings Brother!

I hope you still remember me. Let me refresh your memory. I am (Brother X) from (Lodge XX). Actually, I am the only Filipino in the lodge. You were present during my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees.

Presently, I am here in the Philippines. I have visited and attended a few lodges here. Unfortunately, there is a conflict between Grand Lodges over here: the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP) and the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI), and I attended the latter. I specifically do not know the said conflict between them. All I know is that they do not recognize each other.

When the IGLPI handed me some of its newsletters, I was amazed to see your name and your writings in it. They use your articles for inspiration and guidance. The IGLPI is still young and trying to make a stand. Well, I am just stating this based only on my observations.

I am writing to you because I told them that I have seen you and I know you personally. They were surprised to hear it. I even mentioned to them that I have your signature in my Bible. I am delighted to know that I am acquainted with the one whom they are getting their articles from.

I hope that you continue to give inspiration and enlightenment to our fellow Brothers. Keep up the good work!

May the blessings of the Grand Architect of the Universe dwell upon us!

With Brotherly love,
(Brother X)
- - - -

They may not like me over here, but I guess they love me overseas!

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"

June 4, 2009 - PREPARING FOR DARKNESS

Last night (Wednesday) we held an officers meeting at the Lodge. The center of conversation primarily addressed what was to be done when the Lodge goes dark for the summer months, which will be after next Monday's FC degree. Of course, we discussed financial matters, but basically we're in pretty good shape.

The Secretary has a few tasks to perform this Summer, such as distributing the first wave of letters to those members who haven't paid their 2009 dues yet. Our Finance Committee has to meet to look over our finances, but other than that, there isn't much left to do administratively.

During the quiet summer months there are a couple of small maintenance projects for us to tackle, such as stripping and waxing the floors, a touch of paint here and there, but nothing too serious.

The question though is, "Just because the Lodge goes dark, does all Masonic activity cease?" Actually, No, it doesn't, and any Lodge who goes completely to sleep during this period is being foolish. Now is the time to focus on your junior officers and prepare them for next year. This could involve ritual practice, but more importantly we need to start teaching the duties and responsibilities of the other offices and, as such, we will be implementing a Lodge Officer Training program during the summer. In addition to our own officers, we will be opening this up to neighboring Lodges as a good will gesture and to enjoy some Brotherhood.

Our Grand Lodge also has a Wardens Workshop planned for August in our area, but I think it is probably more important for the junior officers to learn to work as a team, which is the point of the Lodge Officer Training program.

Also during the summer, when I'm off on sabbatical, I want to develop a new in-house degree, a "Dunedin" degree, which would be delivered to all Master Masons shortly after their raising. As I see it, the degree should discuss four things: A brief history of the Lodge, the duties and responsibilities of the officers, some Masonic etiquette when in Lodge, and a description of other Masonic organizations (with a reminder that their allegiance should be with their Craft Lodge). I envision a degree patterned slightly after the FC degree with the exception that several people, not just one, participate in it. This is something I have been thinking about for a long time as I don't believe we do enough to properly educate our junior members. Catechisms are nice, but I think we have to do more.

I guess my message here is simple, while the Craft gets a break, the officers shouldn't squander their time. They should use it wisely to maintain and improve the Lodge, particularly their junior officers. After all, they are the future.

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"