The theme of this Trestleboard is Masonry in the 21st century. The practice of masonry in this new century is going to be different than the 1900s. Lodges that are inflexible and unwilling to change the way they do business will not succeed and remain viable. Too much in the American culture, social fabric, and community life has changed for the old routines and customs to remain meaningful. For the Lodges that are willing to meet this challenge, they will not look like your Grandfather’s Lodge. I am neither an historian nor an academic. I run a business, practice law as a profession and participate in Masonry as an avocation. My views are not based on the strength of my historical analysis or upon academic exactitude. My critique is biased by my experience in the community and my journey through the chairs of a Blue Lodge.
[Read more...]
NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER’S LODGE
Past Master Degree Night
At the June 3 stated meeting we will be discussing a number of important business matters. Among the topics of discussion will be the manner in which we send out the Trestleboard and the Senior Warden’s proposal to raise Lodge dues in 2011.
June 10 the Lodge will host a proficiency night for our candidates. I look forward to the candidates’ reading of their proficiency essays. Afterwards I will hold a midyear officer’s meeting. We will discuss the calendar of events and degree schedule for the remainder of the year. In addition, our Senior Warden, Barry Hughes, will discuss his plans and concerns as he prepares for his year in the East. I encourage all officers to attend this mandatory meeting.
On June 12 we will have another Saturday Lodge Lunch at the China Wok Restaurant. The April lunch was well attended and the food was excellent. We are looking forward to a repeat performance. Meet at the restaurant at 11:30 AM.
On June 17 Jeff Massingham will lead our second Masonic Formation Night. The topic of discussion will be the symbolism in the Fellowcraft degree. This event is open to all Fellowcraft and Master Masons.
On June 24, we will have our Past Master’s Night with a Dinner and Degree. The Past Masters of Naval Lodge will confer the third degree on Brother Jason Hamilton.
On June 28, I will present the third seminar in our philosophy series. The topic for the evening’s discussion will be Aristotle and his Nicomachean Ethics. Please call me to RSVP so that I can prepare for light refreshments. The seminar will be in the refurbished Men’s Lounge located downstairs.
Mahalo for contributing to a terrific first half of the year. Have a great summer full of Aloha.
Lodge activities in the Month of May.
On May 15, the Lodge took responsibility for cleaning up the litter on Oakwood Street. Thank you to all the brothers who turned out for the work party. A special thanks to Worshipful Gerald Bettman and Brother Brent Wolke who did the lion’s share of the clean up. I want to acknowledge Worshipful Wattles for coordinating with the city of Vallejo for supplies and pick up. Afterwards we joined other Lodge members for a pizza lunch. This casual atmosphere provided us with a productive occasion to chat with a prospect interested in joining our fraternity.
[Read more...]
Naval Lodge embraces an Hawaiian theme
Beginning in June and until September, the Lodge will adopt casual Aloha attire for stated meetings and informal gatherings- Aloha shirts and slacks.
With the coming arrival of summer and the season’s warmer weather we find ourselves midyear and still very busy. As respite from our formality, summer is always a more casual season for the Lodge. We use this time to socialize and travel and thereby strengthen our fraternal bonds that unite us into one sacred band or society. As you know, Naval Lodge is dark for the month of July. That means we will not be conferring any degrees or conducting any Masonic formation classes in July. While we still have much work to do, it is important to give the officers a planned rest period and allow the brethren to schedule time for vacations and family outings.
[Read more...]