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"

May 29, 2009 - BIKES FOR BOOKS

The Brothers of Dunedin Masonic Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M. were pleased to be on hand at Dunedin Elementary for the school's year-end CHAMPS Assembly program recognizing scholastic achievement by the students.

According to Ken Giesow, Lodge/School liaison, "Our lodge has supported the school for a number of years, but this year we wanted to try something different. Working with school officials, we devised a 'Bikes for Books' program which is intended to encourage the students to read. Basically, we are awarding a new bicycle to the top boy and girl readers in Grades 1 - 5. This is a program that was originally created by Masonic Lodges in the western United States, but we're the first Lodge to implement the program in Florida. All of the bikes were paid for by individual donations by members of our Lodge."

Mrs. Kathy Brickley is the Principal of Dunedin Elementary appreciated the efforts by the Masons, "This program was very helpful in encouraging our youth to read."

The winners included:

GRADE	BOY WINNERS	GIRL WINNERS	PRESENTERS
1 - FIRST	Javan Clarke (Thobe)	Abigal Hernandez (Mrs. Morrison)	Bro. Ryan Schlenker Bro. Steve Andrews
2 - SECOND	Leon (Ms. Crawford)	Kshitija (Mrs. Ausdemore)	Bro. Ray Ingalls W:.Mike Palenik, PM
3 - THIRD	Nick Myers (Peterson)	Alyssa Herrera (Peterson)	W:.Shannon McIntosh, PM W:.Rome Scerbo, PM
4 - FOURTH	Reagan Amnay (Ms. Brooker)	Natalie Schwark (Ms. Brooker)	R:.W:.Chris Schlenker, PM R:.W:.Bill McIntosh, PM, PDDGM
5 - FIFTH	Cesare Amexaga (Harper)	Lakaya Burny (Mr. Gamer)	W:.Bob Matheson, PM Bro. Dave Seidel

The Lodge also provided $20 gift certificates for the winners to purchase bicycle safety helmets from Walmart, which worked with the Lodge in purchasing the bikes. The certificates were presented by Deputy Spencer Gross of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department who gave a brief lecture on bicycle safety to the audience.

Dunedin Lodge is pleased with the results of the program and wants to perpetuate it in the years ahead. According to the Master of Dunedin Lodge, Tim Bryce, "Masons have long been supporters of public school systems, Dunedin Lodge is no exception. We are proud of our relationship with Dunedin Elementary and pleased to support them not only with the 'Bikes for Books' but with other programs as well. Youth represents the future for all of us. It is just plain common sense that we support them any way we can. Also, I would like to mention I am incredibly proud of our Brothers who donated the bikes and who were here to present them today."

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"

May 25, 2009 - GRAND COMMUNICATIONS

I've just returned from our Grand Communications. I have been to a number of these meetings over the years and I cannot say I am ever impressed with what I find. This one was no exception. Everything was superbly choreographed by the ruling party and everything went off as planned. Heck, they even made the Craft think they were a part of the process. As long as the Party has a strangle-hold on the Grand Lodge, I do not anticipate attending any more of these coronations.

The sad thing is the fraternity continues to crumble before our eyes and nobody is interested in addressing the key issues of the day. Let me give you an example. I have been plotting membership trends since 2003 when I was Worshipful Master the first time. Since then, Florida has been averaging a decline in membership of approximately 1,200 Masons. In the Report of the Grand Master and Grand Secretary, it was reported that our membership dropped from 49,942 to 48,658 (a loss of 1,284). In other words, we're right on schedule. Remarkably, in the same document (and at the microphone), the Grand Master reported, "Our Fraternity is starting to grow; many Lodges are putting Candidates through the Degrees as fast as they can set them up."

In order to make such a statement, I presume he has a different set of membership numbers than what was reported to the Craft.

The thing that bothers me the most about these meetings is the lack of regard for the Craft's time and money for attending them. It is a model of inefficiency. It takes three days to accomplish what could be done in one. Want to see people put to sleep quickly? Attend a Grand Communications or the "Grand Waste of Time" as I have heard it referred to.

"Serenity Now!" "Serenity Now!"

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"

May 18, 2009 - A NOTE TO JUNIOR MEMBERS

I started last night's Stated Communications, with the following call to arms of our junior members. I don't know if it made an impression, but I hope so:

Last Monday, we dropped the "Hot" Gavel off at Star Lodge No. 78 in Largo and I want to thank those of you who participated.

While there, we sat in on an EA Degree where a junior officer sat in the East and, although he made a couple of mistakes, he did a fine job.

While I was sitting there, I realized how nice it was to sit on the sidelines and let someone else do the degree. And this reminded me that it is time for our younger members to step up to the plate and take a swing of the bat.

We are lucky in this Lodge that we have Brothers who know how to put on a degree, such as W:.Ken, W:.Bob, W:.Chris, and myself. And that we have Brothers like W:.Rome, R:.W:.Bill and our Lodge instructor who are always ready to offer advice and training.

BUT THE POINT IS, IT IS TIME FOR THE JUNIOR MEMBERS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE.

We have plenty of knowledge and experience in our senior members; a lot of wisdom.

BUT IT IS TIME FOR OUR YOUNGER MEMBERS TO STEP UP AND SAY "YES, I WANT TO TAKE A SHOT AT IT. I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE."

I think it's nice that we can still put on a good degree, but it cannot continue to be the same faces. We fell into this RUT back in the late 1990's and early part of this decade, where we were recycling Past Masters. It's nice that such men came forward and helped out, but the Lodge stagnated thereby causing considerable problems; WE SURELY CANNOT AFFORD TO LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN.

I have always preached that a good manager should operate in such as way as he does himself out of a job; that the department can carry on productively without him. This is what my hope and aim is here at Dunedin. This is not about "me," it's about the Lodge.

Years ago, Bro. Jack Benny was asked what his secret for success was as both his radio and TV shows always finished in the top ten year after year. He said simply, "It's not about me, it's about the show." He didn't want people to say the next day, "Did you see Jack Benny last night?" Instead, it was more important for people to say, "Did you catch the Benny show last night?" He realized it was a team effort, as do I in the Lodge; "It's not about me (Tim Bryce); It's about the Lodge (Dunedin)."

I THEREFORE CALL UPON OUR JUNIOR MEMBERS TO COME FORWARD, LEARN THE WORK, AND TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THIS LODGE'S FUTURE.

Our senior members will be more than happy to help you, but it must first begin with you saying, "Yes, I care; Yes, I want to take an active part in this Lodge's future."

The future is in your hands; You can make Dunedin Lodge whatever you want it to be. My year is half over, and now we must build for the future and my successors. We need 'A Few Good Men.'

If you want to make a difference, please contact our senior officers or myself whenever you're ready to make the commitment.

Thank you.

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"

May 11, 2009 - "HOT" GAVEL

Earlier this year, Dunedin Lodge retrieved the "Traveling" Gavel from Star Lodge No. 78 F.& A.M. in neighboring Largo (on January 3rd, the evening of their installation of officers). It therefore seemed fitting that Dunedin Lodge present the "Hot" Gavel to them at their EA Degree this evening. The gavels, which are sponsored by the SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association are used to promote inter-Lodge visitations. For the "Traveling" gavel (a fine looking large gavel), a Lodge must fetch it from another; for the "Hot" Gavel (an ugly chunk of wood), a Lodge must dispose of it at another Lodge. All of this is done in good humor and promoting camaraderie between Lodges. For a complete list of the rules associated with the gavels, click HERE.

Dunedin Lodge received the "Hot" Gavel from Sutherland Lodge No. 174 F.& A.M. in Palm Harbor on the occasion of our outdoor MM degree on April 29th.

Ten Brothers from Dunedin, including five sitting officers, were on hand to present the "Hot" Gavel to Star's Master who reluctantly, yet graciously, accepted it.

The gavel concept has been quite popular in the United States for quite some time and does indeed encourage inter-Lodge cooperation and awareness. If anything, it forces Lodges to get off their duffs and see what the rest of the Masonic world is doing. I have been visiting Star Lodge for over ten years now and know a lot of the members. Yet, the younger Brothers of our Lodge have not visited them, which is why it is important they be exposed to the Brethren and activities of other Lodges. I guess I kind of see it as a school "field trip."

I have been asked about the gavel program by other members of the fraternity in overseas jurisdictions who find the concept interesting. Hopefully this will shed a little more light on the subject.

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"