My previous article about how a Regular Meeting is not the place for Masonic Education has stirred up some robust discussion. Some Brethren have emailed me expressing their views, some have even said directly and vehemently that I am wrong, while others have politely disagreed.
Great article, always enjoy hearing others thoughts.
In our jurisdiction of Washington, we don’t have something called a “regular” meeting. We have Stated Meetings and Special Meetings.
Stated Meetings are held on nights according to our bylaw. Special Meetings are called at the will and pleasure of the WM. Special meetings are when we hold conferrals. Following the conferrals we have our Harmony, which is open discussion about the degree with our brothers. That is also very educational in nature, albeit less structured.
Stated Meetings are the only meetings when we can conduct business and vote on things. We also choose to conduct other types of Labor such as proficiency.
Masonic education is a core precept of our lodge.
We do this every Wednesday in an informal setting at our lodge. We also choose to have a Masonic presentation at each stated meeting. This includes presentations from our own brothers, local Masons and National speakers.
I applaud your focus on education and the prioritization of it. For our lodge, a stated meeting would essentially be a business meeting if it didn’t have a Masonic presentation as part of the night.
Great article, always enjoy hearing others thoughts.
In our jurisdiction of Washington, we don’t have something called a “regular” meeting. We have Stated Meetings and Special Meetings.
Stated Meetings are held on nights according to our bylaw. Special Meetings are called at the will and pleasure of the WM. Special meetings are when we hold conferrals. Following the conferrals we have our Harmony, which is open discussion about the degree with our brothers. That is also very educational in nature, albeit less structured.
Stated Meetings are the only meetings when we can conduct business and vote on things. We also choose to conduct other types of Labor such as proficiency.
Masonic education is a core precept of our lodge.
We do this every Wednesday in an informal setting at our lodge. We also choose to have a Masonic presentation at each stated meeting. This includes presentations from our own brothers, local Masons and National speakers.
I applaud your focus on education and the prioritization of it. For our lodge, a stated meeting would essentially be a business meeting if it didn’t have a Masonic presentation as part of the night.