Thursday, August 27, 2009

August 27, 2009 - JOINT MASTER MASON DEGREE

Last night the Lodge held a joint Master Mason degree with Sutherland Lodge No. 174, our neighbor to the north of us in Palm Harbor (my old Lodge). 33 Brothers attended. We should have had better attendance, but I think the rains discouraged people from attending. It was a good degree and I sat in the East for the first section. One of the things I found encouraging was how everyone wanted to pitch in to help. Virtually everyone participated in the degree, in both large and small roles. As for me, I am always glad to see 12 FC in the degree.

Dunedin raised three Brothers last night and Sutherland raised one; translation: it was a long night. Even though we started at 7:00pm, I didn't get home until 11:00pm. Everyone did their job which simplified cleanup afterwards and made it a fun evening. For more information on the degree, click HERE.

Next up: An EA Degree on Monday.

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"

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

August 26, 2009 - LODGE NEWSLETTERS

Last night I helped put labels on our "Trestleboard" newsletters which was then mailed out to the Craft using bulk rate. For this issue we sent out 233 pieces of mail. Frankly, I wish we could slash this number in half as most people today should be receiving it via e-mail (we produce the publication in both a PDF format and web version on our site). The US Post Office keeps changing the rules and regulations for bulk mail. Frankly, I think they would like to see it eliminated altogether. Nonetheless, we still have older members without access to a computer and rely on the paper version.

Some time ago, I wrote an article on how to produce a newsletter; click HERE. Basically, my message was simple: keep it informative, keep it upbeat, and always talk about the future, not the past. What is done, is done; talk about what's coming next. Most of the Masonic newsletters I read are about as interesting as watching grass grow and make for useful bird cage liners. If you are saying the same thing over and over again, why are you knocking yourself out trying to get something published that nobody is going to read? Keep it positive, and keep moving forward (not backward).

Something else, we publish a newsletter every other month which, I believe, is a suitable number of times to communicate to the Craft. I'm amazed by those Lodges who publish a monthly publication. In most of them you will find a lot of "filler"; e.g., a listing of past masters, some obscure Masonic story, etc. I'm not saying monthly newsletters are without merit, but I challenge you to do a little soul-searching and ask if this truly makes dollars and sense.

To download a copy of our latest newsletter, click HERE.

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"

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

August 25, 2009 - WHAT IS A WORSHIPFUL MASTER?

A couple of weekends ago I was invited to speak at the Wardens Workshop held at the Masonic Home in St. Petersburg for Zone 6 Craft Lodges (Tampa Bay area). One of the things I was asked to do was present a paper I wrote a few years ago on "Bryce's Tips for Your year in the East," which gives some suggestions for things you should be thinking about when you are a Worshipful Master. You can still find it on the web at:

Rural Lodge (Quincy, MA) Newsletter -
http://www.rurallodge.com/2NEWS/070608_Newsletter71.pdf

As I was returning from the meeting, it occurred to me that there are four basic elements to being an effective Master:

1. Leader - to set the direction of the Lodge, establish goals, organize your people, and follow-up on their activities.

2. Educator - to teach both the junior officers in Lodge management techniques and degree work, and; to the Craft overall by promoting Masonic Education.

3. Umpire - to fairly referee the business of the Lodge.

4. Entertainer - this is a bit unusual, but just as valid. In order for the Lodge to succeed, it is necessary for the Master to think like an entertainment in order to pique interest by the Craft. If the Master cannot stimulate interest, the Lodge will undoubtedly suffer.

All four of these elements are necessary for success as a Master. Think I'm kidding? Review this article with a Past Master and ask for his opinion.

Above all else, the Master must be credible; he must be able to turn words into action. This is a true test of his management character. If he cannot muster the Craft to action, he has failed.

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"

Monday, August 24, 2009

August 24, 2009 - HISTORY & MORE ON 100 MM

Tonight, we attended a "Festive Board" in Dunedin; this was the first since going dark for the summer. I used this opportunity to present the latest chapter of our Lodge's history (from 1993-2009). This was one of the little projects I worked on over the summer.

The Lodge's history was started several years ago to commemorate the Lodge's 75th anniversary. I have been somewhat of a caretaker of it in recent years and updated small items in it, but as Master this year it became obvious to me some major enhancements were overdue, which is why I took it upon myself to write the latest chapter entitled, "RENAISSANCE (1993 - 2009)." This chapter talked about a difficult transitional period for the Lodge which we are still feeling the effects of. You can find it in the "History" section of our web page (see web address below).

Last week I wrote a paper describing how we put organized and put on last week's "100 Master Mason Night." You can find it at:

http://www.freemasoninformation.com/2009/08/100-master-masons-night/

Interestingly, the activity at the Lodge's web site has skyrocketed following last week's program. It evidently hit a nerve with a lot of people and generated considerable interest, not just in Dunedin Lodge, but in the fraternity overall. Sometimes you just get lucky!

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"

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

August 17, 2009 - 100 MASTER MASONS NIGHT


Click on photo to enlarge

Click on photo to enlarge.



DUNEDIN, FL, USA (August 17, 2008) - Dunedin Lodge No. 192 started its fall program with a bang, by hosting 126 Master Masons at their first stated communications after the summer break.

"This was an idea that originated from a Mason up north," said Dunedin's Master, W:.Tim Bryce, PM, "Basically, we wanted to see if it was possible to fill up the sidelines of the Lodge to capacity and, Wow, did we ever. Although we called for 100 Masons, we were pleased to see 126 show up."

In addition to members of Dunedin Lodge attending, Masons from around the Tampa Bay area joined them, including Lodges in Districts 20 & 21. Lodges represented included:

This communications also represented the first official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, R:.W:.Chris Schlenker, PM, who is also a member of Dunedin Lodge No. 192. He was accompanied by the District Instructor, R:.H:.Mike Rhodes, PM, and the rest of his entourage. Also accompanying the District Deputy was R:.W:.Ed Street, PM, PDI, DDGM for District 21 (and an Honorary Member of Dunedin Lodge), and his District Instructor R:.W:.James Clouser, PM, PDDGM.

Also in attendance were several Masonic VIP's, including:

25 first time visitors were also in attendance.

The program for the evening was upbeat and to the point. Featured was an apron presentation for Bros. Christopher M. Laughlin and Ryan Schlenker, the son of our DDGM. The apron presentation was delivered by W:.Bob Matheson, PM, Secretary of Dunedin Lodge.

Another high point was the presentation of a 70 year Masonic service award to Bro. Woody Register.

Other activities included:

* The Worshipful Master's introductory remarks discussed the need for more Freemasonry, not less (see below).

* An MS PowerPoint presentation featuring a brief history of Dunedin Lodge.

* W:.Shawn Rae, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 presented the "Hot Gavel" to W:.Tim Bryce. The gavel is sponsored by the SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association and is intended to stimulate inter-Lodge visitations.

The Master's gavel was then turned over to the District Deputy Grand Master who conducted his program.

Following the meeting, many of the attendees adjourned to nearby Dunedin Brewery which was specially opened for the Masons.

"This was an interesting experiment," said W:.Tim Bryce, PM, "Hopefully, this will not only invigorate Freemasonry at Dunedin, but it will also stimulate all of the Lodges in our area. I cannot thank my officers enough as they all pitched in to make this a roaring success. In particular, Bro. Ilias (Louie) Vavoularis did an outstanding job assisting the Junior Warden in the preparation of the meal preceding the meeting. We simply couldn't have done it without his energy and advice."

WORSHIPFUL MASTER'S REMARKS - WE NEED MORE FREEMASONRY, NOT LESS - by W:.Tim Bryce, PM

My Brothers, these are indeed strange times we live in. The economy has been shaken to its foundation, people are out of work, companies are closing their doors, morality is crumbling, we have considerable political wrangling and backbiting underfoot, we have grave concerns about health care and the national debt, the country is still on guard against terrorism, and the nuclear threat has never dissipated. Obviously, we can ill-afford to conduct business as usual. If we are to survive, we must find new and imaginative ways to grow and evolve. Maintaining the status quo is simply not an option. As we have learned, stagnation means death.

The critics of our fraternity claim that Freemasonry has outlived its usefulness; that it is no longer in step with the times; that it is actually an evil society that must be stamped out. I vehemently disagree. Although we are an imperfect society with our own unique set of problems, I hardly believe we are an obsolete institution.

Now, more than ever, the world needs more Freemasonry, not less.

We need more patriotism and civic pride, not less.

We need more cooperation, loyalty, and teamwork, not less.

We need more religious tolerance, not less.

We need more Faith, Hope, and Charity, not less.

We need more positive examples of ethics and pride in workmanship, not less.

We need more Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love, not less.

To do all this, we need more honest and respectful debate, not less.

Yes, we need more Freemasonry, not less.

Maybe I'm old fashioned; maybe I'm wrong, but this is how I see True Masonry; a universal and beautiful concept embraced by men around the world. We must remain the example for others to emulate. We must practice what we preach.

And Brothers, consider this: If not us, who?

Our Politicians? The media? Religious zealots? Who?

Freemasonry is uniquely qualified to lead the charge. We are not a religious or political organization, we represent a cross-section of people from all social stratas, located around the world, with honorable intentions. We are well established and have a strong historical background. As long as we do not deviate from the basic tenets of Freemasonry, we'll be fine.

I therefore admonish all of you to redouble your efforts as Masons and help perpetuate this great fraternity and make the world a better place.

Thank you.

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"

Thursday, August 13, 2009

August 13, 2009 - PREPARATIONS

Even though the Lodge is dark for the summer, I have been busy making preparations for the remainder of the program year.

1. Last Wednesday we completed the Lodge Officers Training Program, a course offered by the Grand Lodge of Florida. Most of my junior officers attended the program which we held on the last four Wednesday nights. Although I can't say I was impressed by the content of the program (it needs to be upgraded considerably), it was good to get my junior officers thinking and discussing pertinent issues regarding how to run a Lodge. Most of the questions were true-false or multiple choice. I wish we had more problem solving exercises instead. Nonetheless, we got through it.

2. This Saturday I am scheduled to give the closing to the Zone 6 Wardens Workshop at the Masonic Home in St. Petersburg. I think this will be my fifth time for such a presentation. The workshop is intended to train junior officers aspiring to go to the East and is an all day session. My job is to let the attendees know where they can find supplemental documentation on Masonic subjects (most of which is on the Internet). I will also exhort the attendees to simply "try." I will remind them that they will inevitably make mistakes along the way, but they should never be afraid to try new things. They might not bat 1.000 all the time (they will undoubtedly strike out a few times), but they should go down swinging the bat as hard as possible. Every once and awhile they will hit one out of the park which will make it all worthwhile. But to do nothing, for fear of change, is to stagnate and watch the Lodge die. This would, of course, be criminal.

3. Lastly, we finalized our plans for next Monday's "100 Master Masons" night. The officers are all pulling together on this and pitching in. I have prepared checklists and programs, distributed agendas, and am worrying about a lot of detail. My main concern is to make this a fun and memorable evening. I refuse to let this be a boring meeting. Next week I'll report on the results. As of this moment though, we have 126 Master Masons registered for the event, but I think we may hit 140 before we're done. Fortunately, our Lodge Room can hold about 160. I will be curious to see what we end up with.

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"