Should a Candidate be initiated before or after the business meeting?

Personally I think it should be at the end (as per the by-laws) and here is why. This is how I was initiated:
I was asked attend the Lodge a good 3/4s of an hour after the meeting was tyled - so that I had no idea who or how many members were there. Even though my father was my sponsor, I arrived alone (of my own free will and accord). The only person I saw when I arrived at the Lodge Tyler (holding a sword), who welcomed me and sat me down in the prep room. Then the Deacon came to see to my clothing. I was blindfolded when the questions were asked in the prep. room. The Lodge hall and those in it were a complete surprise to me when I "saw the light". And believe me there were some surprises. I think this effect is more important than attending a business meeting. This also makes the new Bro. the center of attention for the rest of the evening - rather than being forgotten about as we debate the mundane requirements of a business meeting. The only thing I would have after the degree is the "Masonic Education" (directed at him & probably the reason why he is joining), the "Good of the Order" - and of course the "Box of Fraternal Assistance"

However, it has been the practice here to invite him to meet members before the meeting - to make him comfortable and so that his sponsor can bring him & introduce him around. Also so that the WM and degree team know he is coming. If this is the case I would put the degree first so that he is not sitting around for 3/4s of an hour wondering what is going on.

The candidate should not be left by himself. If he is going to sit around for 3/4s of an hour, his sponsor should be with him downstairs and not in the outer chamber.

But, you must remember, I like the secrecy and mystery associated with Masonry of old. I do not think we have to be politically correct and fully open to the scrutiny of the jaded public. Also the degree should be about the candidate - not the Lodge and not the degree team.

My opinion only
W Bro. Johnston
http://www.mastermason.com/Beacon190/

Burns Dinner

The following email was received from a Brother in our Lodge, which set me to thinking about the future of Masonic events such as our annual “Burns Dinner”;

“ a Burns evening is not so special and going to one every few years is more than enough.
With that in mind, what in your opinion could we do or put on to make our Burns evening special?? and not a mundane annual event that doesn't attract the attention or indeed the brethren it should.”

My thoughts:
One must decide what the real purpose of the “Burns Evening” really is. As the above email suggests, it may not be all that important to the majority of the Brethren to celebrate the birthday of Robbie Burns. It is however the major social event of our Lodge and it is one that we have celebrated annually for some 43 years – as many years as our Lodge has been in existence. Is it really a celebration of is birthday or just a reason to get together for a formal meal and enjoy the fellowship. Both reasons are worth attending the evening. It usually draws several visitors from around the District as well as the Grand Master with a few of his officers, and every year or so a large group of visitors from Calgary who rent a bus and come to enjoy the scotch.

But it seems to be in a rut of late:

The toast to the haggis is usually rotated between two brethren (the only two who can handle the Gallic language). There is nothing new to it. I have heard the toast presented elsewhere in a completely different manner.

The eternal Memory is perhaps the most important part of the evening and although we have had some very good presentations, I think a lot more thought must go into obtaining 1st rate speakers. The often repeated history of Burn’s life should / could be addressed in today’s reality’s and used to inspire the study and application of Masonry in everyday life. Give the Brethren something more than a full stomach to take home.

One idea to promote the evening would be to use it to honour an individual or group of individuals within the Lodge or the District. Our Lodge is some 43 years old. We have only a few “Charter Members” who are still alive – why not use the evening to honour them. We could also honour the Past Master and have them run the tyled lodge as well. Another group is the Past DDGMS within our Lodge or within the District. What about a night to honour the members of the Lodges that have amalgamated with our Lodge – to remember them and their history. Then there are individuals who have given above and beyond the normal requirements to keep the Lodge going. We have past secretaries who served for several years. We have individuals who have worked on District or Grand Lodge committees for several years. Its nice to remember the departed, but I think most of the poetry created by Burns dealt with the living, the joy of life despite its hardships, and its many pleasures. We should use his Birthday to do the same.

Another approach to the evening would be to attach a charitable purpose to it. Use the evening to promote one of the Lodge’s charities. I realize this is something I am always harping on, but if we as Masons cannot or do not promote and support our own charities, then we probably should think twice about the whole concept of charity.

The whole thing, in my mind, boils down to each member answering a basic question. Why do we go to Masonic meetings in general and the Burns evening in particular?

If it is solely to have a few drinks with the old boys, then so be it. Lets have a good meal, down a few drinks, tell a few jokes and go home. Charge just enough to cover the cost – heck it’s the cheapest place in town to drink and if we get home quick enough the wife will not know we were even out.

But, if that is all it is about, don’t expect the Lodge to grow; don’t expect the younger generation to join you; and don’t expect Freemasonry to live on. To refer back to the original email above, Burn’s Birthday is not that special of an event in itself, its what we can make of it that makes it important – make it a night worth attending.

The opinions expressed are mine
W.Bro Clark Johnston

Beacon Summons

Another job I have this year is to publish and send out the monthly summons. This is an interesting project for me as I feel the summons should be more than just a notice to tell us when the next meeting is. Here are some of the things I am trying to do with the summons:

• An invitation to get brethren to come to the next meeting by generating interest in the meeting.
• Serve as a source of information to brethren who can no longer attend the meetings due to the length of their cable tow or medical reasons.
• Serve as a source of Masonic Education or "kick" to jump-start some Masonic research.
• Expand from "Our" Lodge activities to those of the "District" to stimulate visitation.

However, more ideas and suggestions for the "Summons" would be appreciated. How can the "Summons" better service you??? W. Bro. Clark Johnston

Education Program

One of my jobs this year is to run an Education Program for the Lodge. One of the frustrations is no matter how often you ask for ideas or suggestions, very few come forward. I assume brethren are either not interested or they are afraid that if they put forward an idea they will get stuck with following up and having to making the presentation - if you want to help great - if not say so, but the idea will still be appreciated.

There is a plan laid out for the year, however, I am always interested in new ideas or new approaches. This years program is centered around the Mentor Program and the 3 degrees. The JW and SW will each be making a presentation - this is something I would like to see established as a tradition - a rite of passage so to speak, so that education becomes an established part of each Master's program.

Here is your chance to express your opinions on our education program and/or put forward you ideas and/or let us know what type of education program you would like to see.
W. Bro. Clark Johnston