Last Wednesday, July 22nd, we started to go through the Lodge Officer Training Course as provided by the Grand Lodge of Florida (click HERE for details). The purpose of the course is to teach upcoming officers the duties and responsibilities of the Lodge officers and work through problems and ideas for improving the Lodge. This is not the same as the Master Mason Exams as implemented in Florida which are more akin to a trivia contest. Surprisingly, few Lodges implement the Lodge Officer Training Course, probably because not many people know about it. Nevertheless, I saw it as an excellent opportunity to get the Lodge's young officers together and stimulate their thinking.
This evening we were fortunate to have a dozen people present for the course, including a Senior Warden from a neighboring Lodge.
The training program is divided into three modules and, this evening, we were able to get through most of the first module. For the next three Wednesday nights, we will be meeting to complete the course.
The summer months, when Lodges in Florida are typically dark, represent an excellent opportunity to conduct such training courses. Yes, we are supposed to be on vacation, but it is also necessary to get young men up to speed in terms of how to run the Lodge. To my way of thinking, going dark doesn't mean going out of business. It offers us a chance to regroup and prepare for the second half of the Masonic year.
Stay tuned!
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"
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
July 17, 2009 - 100 MASTER MASONS NIGHT - PLANNING
At last Wednesday night's Masters & Wardens meeting, I announced our Lodge was going to hold a "100 Master Masons" night on Monday, August 17th, which will be our first Stated Communications since going dark for the summer. Over the years I've noticed attendance at Lodge meetings generally falls off during the second half of the year, so I wanted to do something to create momentum going into Autumn.
Actually, the idea of 100 Master Masons is not mine. I heard about it through the Philalethes Society's Internet discussion group where a Brother from the north reported his Lodge tried this idea earlier this year. Although they called for 100 people, many more attended, thereby making it a success and a memorable night for all involved.
In planning our version of the meeting, I have several things to consider other than promoting the event: food for the evening, the program, and making sure everything is choreographed properly. In addition, our new District Deputy Grand Master, who is from our Lodge, wants to make his first official visit at this time, so I have to be economical with the use of our time so we keep it interesting for the attendees.
When I mentioned the concept at the Masters & Wardens Association, the general reaction was favorable from the other Lodges. If this works, I mentioned this might be a good idea for other Lodges to try as well.
In pitching it to the Craft, I said: "When was the last time you sat in Lodge with 100 Master Masons?" Down here in Florida, this is a rare event. Consequently, everyone seems to grasp the significance of the event and wants to be a part of it.
I will be meeting with my officers to firm up details next week, but I've got a good feeling going into this.
Stay tuned!Actually, the idea of 100 Master Masons is not mine. I heard about it through the Philalethes Society's Internet discussion group where a Brother from the north reported his Lodge tried this idea earlier this year. Although they called for 100 people, many more attended, thereby making it a success and a memorable night for all involved.
In planning our version of the meeting, I have several things to consider other than promoting the event: food for the evening, the program, and making sure everything is choreographed properly. In addition, our new District Deputy Grand Master, who is from our Lodge, wants to make his first official visit at this time, so I have to be economical with the use of our time so we keep it interesting for the attendees.
When I mentioned the concept at the Masters & Wardens Association, the general reaction was favorable from the other Lodges. If this works, I mentioned this might be a good idea for other Lodges to try as well.
In pitching it to the Craft, I said: "When was the last time you sat in Lodge with 100 Master Masons?" Down here in Florida, this is a rare event. Consequently, everyone seems to grasp the significance of the event and wants to be a part of it.
I will be meeting with my officers to firm up details next week, but I've got a good feeling going into this.
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"
Thursday, July 9, 2009
July 9, 2009 - HOW WE SPENT OUR SUMMER VACATION
Below are photos from the Brethren. Click to enlarge them.
Dunedin Lodge may be dark for the summer, but the Brothers of the Lodge are quite active. While on vacation, several Brothers took the time to explore Masonic sites along the way, including:
Greece.
in Alexandria, Virginia.
Masonic Lodge in Katchican, Alaska.
Click on photo to enlarge.
White Pass Lodge No. 1 in Skagway, Alaska.
Click on photo to enlarge.
White Pass is the oldest Lodge in Alaska.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Original Masonic Temple in Fairbanks, Alaska
(built in 1906, but now for sale).
Click on photo to enlarge.
Tanana Lodge No. 3, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Click on photo to enlarge.
The cornerstone commemorating the 100th
anniversary of Tanana Lodge.
Click on photo to enlarge.
 George Washington Masonic Memorial Alexandria, Virginia. Click on photo to enlarge. |  Statue of George Washington. Click on photo to enlarge. |
 Chart of Masonic symbols at the memorial. Click on photo to enlarge. | < |
 Bros. Wilson & Vavoularis in front of Athens Lodge. Click on photo to enlarge. |  Masonic Square & Compasses (notice the Greek "Gamma" in the middle). Click on photo to enlarge. |
 Alter at Rutland Lodge. Click on photo to enlarge. |  The dress code in June calls for Bib Overalls. Click on photo to enlarge. |
Until next time.
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"
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