VWB Brian B. Hardy Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 2007-2009 Mailto: Brian B. Hardy

One of the ideas I threw out last month for resolving for improvement in each of us was to support Masonic education.  I’d like to expand on that a little this month as well.  Masonic education is one of the primary tools we can use to help make good men better.  We have been telling those in the outer world that ask, and those interested in joining our ranks, that this is our goal and one of the things we have to offer.  But what have we been doing to promote this idea and prepare ourselves to answer the questions?

We can all probably agree that by exposing new candidates to the ritual and its lessons that we are doing what is necessary to educate new men about Masonry in general.  But, is that enough?  I don’t think so.  This education in the degrees is only a beginning, and not a final chapter.  How can we improve on this?

In order to mentor men, we need to understand who we are and what we represent - from the past as well as the present.  Lodges that promote education beyond the degrees (and the supporting information provided in the New Candidate Education Program) are on the right track.  WM Larry Blake and Greenwood Lodge No. 253 have been holding education sessions for all Masons (regardless of their length of being members) on the meaning of the three degrees.  These sessions are designed to stimulate reading and discussion, and thus draw men closer together by sharing their knowledge and understanding of ritual and perspective behind it.  Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281 has for a number of years held the College of Masonic Knowledge program on the second Saturday of every month as a place to hear presentations, share ideas, and stimulate research and writings.

Grand Lodge supports education of officers to better prepare them to lead their Lodges into the future.  This past month there was a Regional Workshop in Everett, and coming in April is the Warden’s Conference in Yakima.  And don’t forget that our own District Masonic Lodge Association offers opportunities to engage the men in our Lodges to work together better too.

On Saturday, February 2nd, there will be a multi-district Secrets of the Chair Ceremony for first-time Worshipful Masters and all Past Masters.  Please attend and support all our new Masters.  The event will be held at the Queen Anne Masonic Center and starts with a breakfast served at 8:00 a.m.

On Saturday, March 8th, there will be joint Districts 4 and 5 Meeting and Reception of our Grand Master, MWB Wayne I. Smith at the Ballard Masonic Center.  The event begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., and a New York steak dinner served at 6:30 p.m.  The evening will include presentation of awards and perhaps a few words from our Grand Master and others from the Grand Lodge Team he may choose.  We will be entertained by the Jazz Ambassadors from Bainbridge Island.  The event is open to ladies as well.  Letters to the Masters and Secretaries of our Lodges have been sent asking for support of this event by taking responsibility to purchase 6 tickets each.  Individuals may purchase tickets at $25 each by contacting me (425.481.5912, b_hardy@comcast.net) or VWB James Maher from District 5.  Hope you can attend.

Thanks to both the District Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them.  The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington.  The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA.  Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.