EBee 1217

Electronic Bulletin

Volume 2, Edition 5

To subscribe to the eBee, mailto: [email protected]

Contents

Masonic Business.......................................................................................................................................... 4
West Gate, or Revolving Door?................................................................................................................. 4
The Ballot .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Conversations at the West Gate ........................................................................................................... 7
References ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Successful and Best Practices Site Redux................................................................................................ 10
What is a Successful or Best Practice?................................................................................................ 10
Summer Sojourners ................................................................................................................................ 12

Masonic History .......................................................................................................................................... 13
“Amen! Amen! So mote it be! So say we all for charity” — ................................................................... 13
Four Generations of Sauls....................................................................................................................... 14

Masonic Education and Leadership ............................................................................................................ 15
GLBCY Education: How Connected DEOs Build Their Faculty of Masonic Education ............................. 15
GLBCY Education: Presenters’ Bureau .................................................................................................... 20

Masonic Tidbits ........................................................................................................................................... 22
Trip Report: George Washington Masonic Memorial Museum in Alexandria, VA, USA. ....................... 22
The Grounds and Structure................................................................................................................. 23
Lobby Statue; Replica of Alexandria Lodge #22 – George Washington’s Lodge................................. 24
Freemasonry and Concordant Bodies in the United States................................................................ 26
George Washington ............................................................................................................................ 28
Knights Templar Chapel and Additional Exhibits ................................................................................ 30
Update on Civility Initiative..................................................................................................................... 33
Whither are we Travelling?..................................................................................................................... 35

Masonic Health ........................................................................................................................................... 38
HEARTBEAT ............................................................................................................................................. 38

Masonic Lodges........................................................................................................................................... 39
Castlegar ................................................................................................................................................. 39
United Peninsula Lodge No. 24, Saanich ................................................................................................ 40
Dimasalang Lodge No. 196 , Vancouver................................................................................................. 41
RWB Barry Burch lays wreath at Vancouver Cenotaph .......................................................................... 42
Acacia Lodge No. 22, Richmond.............................................................................................................. 43

Lynn Valley Lodge No. 122...................................................................................................................... 44
Kamloops Masonic Temple Association.................................................................................................. 45
Kitimat Lodge No. 169, Kitimat ............................................................................................................... 47
Fisher Peak Lodge No. 34, Cranbrook ..................................................................................................... 48
Fort St. John Lodge No. 131 .................................................................................................................... 49
Grand Lodge – Contact Info .................................................................................................................... 50
Editorial....................................................................................................................................................... 52
A Masonic Dress Code: In Black and White ............................................................................................ 52
From the desk of the Assistant Grand Secretary .................................................................................... 53

Scam Warning ..................................................................................................................................... 53
Education the key to Growth.................................................................................................................. 55

Masonic Business

Editor's Note- Each year at the Western Conference of Grand Masters, the Senior Warden of each of the
four Western jurisdictions presents a paper of their own choosing. This October, the paper for the Grand
Lodge of B.C. and Yukon was presented by Right Worshipful Brother Douglas Franklin, Senior Grand
Warden.

West Gate, or Revolving Door?

Issues Surrounding Retention

RWB Doug Franklin, SGW, GL BC & Yukon

In our beloved Craft today, we are often reminded that retention is
the best way to build and sustain membership. Although statistics
vary, some twenty percent of Brethren leave their Lodge, and the
Masonic Order, within one year of being raised. Another statistic
suggests that more than forty percent of initiates are lost after five
years. A related number, and equally troubling, is that an average of
only twenty percent of members is active in their Lodge at any given
time. In his book entitled Millennial Freemasonry, Bro. Kent
Henderson suggests that fifty years ago, the average length of a
membership in Freemasonry was thirty years; forty years later, in 2007, it had shrunk to
approximately four years. Such statistics are not the object of this presentation, but only serve
to remind us that, for many newly-made Freemasons, the West Gate is also a revolving door.

In order to address the matter of retention, we should examine the context of the problem.
First, what motivates seekers to join our Craft today? I believe that, over many generations,
motives among seekers have not been radically different. Reasons for men joining
Freemasonry basically include the following: wanting to belong to a group, especially one which
includes family members and friends; a favourable impression of the Craft, including its tenets
and personalities who are members; and the mystique of Freemasonry.

First is the question of belonging. Men have joined fraternities for hundreds of years. And,
during that same span of time, many fraternities have risen and fallen. Is fraternalism in the
twenty-first century on the way out? To a great extent, evidence seems to indicate this.
Fraternal Orders modelled on Freemasonry have seen a dramatic decline in membership. Such
Orders include the Elks, Eagles, Moose and Odd Fellows Lodges. These fraternities in particular
have reacted to the general downturn of interest in fraternities in significant and sometimes

drastic ways. In the case of Moose and Eagles, these fraternities have nearly eliminated
traditional initiation ceremonies with ritual parts. Instead, candidates hear words of welcome
from the presiding officer, undertake a solemn promise, and are then shown a video about the
objects of the fraternity and obligations of its members. The Odd Fellows have retained
traditional ceremonies, but have dramatically changed qualifications for membership and now
allow women to join their regular Lodges.

What about Freemasonry? In recent years, we have seen some fundamental and controversial
measures to attract members. Some jurisdictions in North America advertise for prospective
members in the media. Other jurisdictions have one-day classes, with exemplifying candidates
only experiencing the Degree ceremonies, while dozens and even hundreds of other candidates
witness them. This is tantamount to taking football players, ready for action, seating them in
the stands, and then asking them later how they enjoyed the game!

I believe that enticing seekers and eliminating the need for a personal initiatory experience
have not been successful in building fraternalism. Experimentation and tinkering do not appear
to make a difference. Why? Returning to our question about the apparent decline in
fraternalism, perhaps society today is not amenable to joining social organizations. This is an
era of instant communication, virtual relationships and often passive gratification, through
entertainment. The concepts of volunteering, serving, giving of self and the learning of values
are not celebrated as they once were. What evidence do we have that society today is not
embracing these concepts? Some of you are familiar with the campaign “Be a Shriner Now”.
This elaborate and costly initiative has included advertising on television, the internet and social
media. One of the most interesting findings resulting from this campaign is relevant to
Freemasonry. Of all the responders to the campaign who would appear to be qualified
candidates for the Shrine, only one in ten is prepared to become a Freemason in order to
become eligible for Shrine membership. On the matter of declining interest in fraternalism in
society today, this is a sober lesson. I ask you, if we erect a flashing neon sign over the over the
West Gate, what will be the result?

And, what about the idea of joining Freemasonry because family members and business
acquaintances are Brethren, and the seeker wishes to be a Brother as well? There is no
question that the circle of friends and family can be an incubator for future Freemasons.
Overall, I believe that this can be positive. It is not, however, an unerring fact. I’m sure that
some of us have seen men initiated in our Craft for the sake of getting family and especially
fatherly approval. Brethren in this category unfortunately represent a sizable number who pass
through the revolving door.

Then, there is the mystique. Without doubt, we are receiving petitions from men, and
particularly younger men, who have explored aspects of Freemasonry through books, articles,
the internet, and popular culture generally. Curiosity can be a strong motivator and can also be
positive. Still, absent thorough and frank vetting, curiosity from seekers cannot be relied upon
to sustain our Brotherhood. Personally, I have had a chat with a newly-raised Master Mason
who revealed that becoming a Freemason was an item he could now cross off his bucket list!
Predictably, this Brother, whom I had helped to coach in his Degree work, was on his way out
the revolving door.

I believe that we must understand these conditions in order to address retention problems.
What course of action might we take? I suggest several approaches.

We begin, of course, with a cautious pathway to the West Gate. What qualities do we look for
in seekers? I suggest that two basic traits we should require are commitment and loyalty. In
our society today, commitment and loyalty seem almost old-fashioned and, perhaps for many,
too abstract. How do we convey to a seeker that Freemasonry relies on the commitment and
loyalty of all its members?

Discussing commitment of time with a seeker requires careful thought. It is essential to
describe realistically the time required by a new initiate to learn his work and to be involved
with Lodge activities. In other words, give concrete examples of commitment. To this, you
might respond, “We don’t want to scare away a seeker by talking about commitment of time.”
I would suggest, in response, that many a Brother going out through the revolving door would
tell you that no one really explained to him when he was seeking that the Masonic journey
required time. The commitment of time required by members was the object of a study by the
Masonic Services Association in 1988. The study revealed that the free time available for
fraternal association among the majority of seekers in the age group of 40 to 54 years was five
hours monthly. Of equal interest to us, the spouses of this age cohort set this limit of time even
lower: to three hours per month. It is clear to us that a seeker, should he succeed in becoming
a candidate, must be able to commit more than five hours per month when his Masonic
journey begins.

Another commitment a Lodge requires is to keep current with dues payment. It is sometimes
difficult for us to explain to a seeker that the Masonic journey is life-long. In addition to paying
the necessary fee for initiation and the Degrees (now $400 in British Columbia and Yukon), the
seeker will need to set aside funds each year for his Lodge
dues. If a seeker is reluctant with this long-term obligation he should not proceed; nor should
we encourage him. Evidence presented by the Masonic Services Association in this regard is

stark. The largest single cohort of Freemasons suspended for nonpayment of dues is comprised
of Brethren who have been in the Craft for only three years.

Loyalty is very much a shared characteristic. We extend and also receive loyalty. Most seekers
are aware of the strong bonds of Brotherhood in Freemasonry. Seekers must be made to
understand, however, that Masonic loyalty is quite special. It is a fuel which powers us on our
Masonic journey. A seeker who cannot understand, or is uncomfortable with the concept of
fraternal loyalty will not, I believe, become a retainable Freemason. An interview or even an
informal chat with a seeker about his views on family, society and organizations he already
belongs to, will soon reveal the nature and extent of his loyalty.

The Ballot

Discussion surrounding our time-honoured ballot need not be prolonged. Perhaps two
observations might be useful. First, in reviewing the archived Minute Book of a Lodge in British
Columbia I noted that, in the 1920s, approximately one in five petitioners was rejected by
ballot. It appears that the Brethren in those days were serious about protecting the West Gate.
Second, Lodges in the regular Grand Orient of Italy hold two ballots. The first is similar to the
one we are familiar with in our own Lodges. However, after the first ballot, the Italian Lodge
circulates the name of the petitioner among Lodges in its District and throughout its Grand
Lodge Jurisdiction. At the second ballot, visiting Brethren are not only eligible to cast a ballot,
but also encouraged to do so. It is clear that our Italian Brethren take very seriously guarding
the West Gate.

Conversations at the West Gate

The concept and practice of “guarding the West Gate” embraces much more than simple gate-
keeping. It includes scrutinizing, but also counselling, mentoring and
interviewing. I would like to focus on possible conversations that might take place at
the West Gate.

First, let us anticipate problems. Clearly, the seeker with mercenary or other unworthy motives
must be counselled firmly, but politely, that Freemasonry is not for him. On the other hand,
the seeker with relatives in the Craft and those genuinely curious are worthy of our time. We
owe them a fairly detailed explanation of Freemasonry, about who we are as Freemasons and,
above all, what would be expected of them. Mentoring at this point, even for relatives of
Freemasons, should include invitations to open festive boards and Lodge activities, especially
those including spouses and friends. We must also counsel seekers that work, particularly

memory work, is required of them. One small test is to give the seeker a passage of text, not
necessarily Masonic, to memorize and recite several weeks later.

Second, let us consider opportunities. We have before us men whom we consider committed
seekers and potential Brethren. Through our own experience, we recognize that quality time
spent with a seeker at the West Gate is reassuring for both ourselves and for him. We need to
become acquainted with the seeker as a man. What are his talents that he can contribute to
your Lodge? Once he has signed a petition, it is even more important that we keep in touch
with the seeker. Various jurisdictions have programs for welcoming and integrating candidates.
In British Columbia and Yukon, we have the “Six Step Program”. Such programs are essential in
securing retention within our Lodges. Without describing all of the details of the program,
there is one overriding practice we should never neglect: Do not leave the candidate by himself.
Bring him to his Degree ceremonies and always have a Brother with him in Lodge and at the
festive board. Once he is initiated try, if possible, to coach him in a group rather than alone.
Use that opportunity, where new initiates and candidates meet, to have some Masonic
education and light refreshments. It is important to help our new Brother establish friendships.
Demonstrate to him always that he is not simply a member, but a cherished Brother. Without
overwhelming him, use his talents early in his Masonic journey. Assure him that he has an
equal share in his Lodge and explain to him that old, but proven adage, “The more you put into
your Craft, the more you will get out of it.” At meetings of your Committee of General
Purposes provide reports and updates on the progress of candidates and mentoring. In other
words, make retention a continuing part of your Lodge work.

To conclude, leaders in our Craft must do their utmost to guard the West Gate while actively
managing retention. Our strongest tool, mentoring, can effectively put a wedge
in the revolving door. Time spent with seekers and petitioners is a valuable investment
of time and fraternal goodwill. Long ago, our canny Scottish Brethren invoked a saying both
wise and filled with common sense: “In every man asking to join our Craft you should see a
Master of your Lodge.”

I will leave you with a question: “What qualities do you look for in a seeker?”
----------------------------------

References

Davis, Dudley. A Workbook for Developing a Strategic Plan for Membership Development cited
in Masonic Matters – Membership Survey. Grand Lodge of Minnesota, 2016.

Henderson, Kent. Millennial Masonry. Melbourne: Global Publishing, 2002.

Interview with Ill. Sir Dave Ramich, Imperial Shrine Membership Committee, Oct. 2015.

Interview with Simon R. LaPlace, Executive Secretary, Masonic Services Association of North
America, 2017.

Masonic Renewal Task Force. Masonic Service Association of North America, cited in Terry
Spalding-Martin Condition of Freemasonry , 2016.

How Do Non-Masons and Masons View Freemasonry? Masonic Services Association of North
America, 1988.

Successful and Best Practices Site Redux

Several eBee issues ago the Successful and Best Practices section on
our webpage was introduced. You can find it at:

http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/best_practices/index.html

What is a Successful or Best Practice?

A method or technique that has consistently shown results superior
to those achieved with other means, and that is used as a
benchmark.

The purpose of this site is to collect and document successful Lodge practices, events,
processes and other activities as examples for other brethren to follow. Such successes do not
happen by accident - we want you to share how your success was accomplished. Anecdotally
your Grand Lodge officers hear about these success stories and we’re hoping that brethren will
take the time to post on the site. Many brethren are trying to elevate the quality of the
Masonic experience for their brethren and themselves and having best practice examples to
follow speeds that process.

Currently the Successful and Best Practices site includes established Grand Lodge programs
New Member Pathway, Six Steps to Initiation and Planning a Successful Masonic Training or
Education Event.

The New Member Pathway provides a transition for the new brother between each of the
Degrees helping to establish a solid masonic base for future development The Six Steps to
Initiation provides a due diligence process that guards our West Gate and helps to ensure a
good fit for both a candidate and the Lodge. Planning a Successful Masonic Training or
Education Event provides a template for brethren to assist in creating productive events. These
programs when implemented deliver positive results

We are hoping that more locally developed programs and ideas will be posted. Shortly there
will be several new listings posted.

On behalf of Landmark Lodge No. 128 in Maple Ridge WB Tom Manion in Maple Ridge outlined
how his Lodge assisted the Maple Ridge Hospice Fun Run and Walk event. The Lodge support
made a contribution to the event and also portrayed Freemasonry in a favourable light while
the brethren participating had a great time.

RWBs Kip Wilson and Jim Ferguson of United Peninsula Lodge No. 24 in Saanichton on
Vancouver Island will describe the very successful consolidation procedure that has successfully
consolidated 3 Lodges

Looking for a successful way to communicate with your brethren online check out:

http://www.freemasonryinvictoria.com

We’re looking for ideas your Lodge or District have done that got the results you had planned to
achieve. Why reinvent an already successful program - let’s work more closely together to
achieve our common objective of improving the Masonic experience for all brothers in BC and
Yukon. This is how we can support each other in moving Freemasonry forward.

By submitting your successful practice the result of your efforts will be included in an online
archive for future reference.

Send your successful and best practice to: RW Bro Barry Burch at
[email protected]

Please check out the Successful and Best Practices link on our
website at:

http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/best_practices/index.html

Check back regularly to view the latest postings.

Summer Sojourners

The summer months are often the time many of us take to travel for vacation and to visit family
and friends. We are blessed in BC and Yukon by having a beautiful and diverse province and
territory to explore. Although many of our Lodges are in darkness during the summer months
that is not true in all cases. Check out Calendars of Events on our Grand Lodge website -
http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/calendar.html.

Furthermore many Lodges have social events during this time to more directly involve families
and friends as well as keeping contact with their brethren. For many of us a chance to travel
with the added bonus of communicating with our Masonic brethren and their families is too
good an opportunity to pass up.

For those Lodges hosting a summer picnic, family event or other interesting social activity,
would you enjoy having visiting - or sojourning - brothers and their family join you? If so,
consider posting to the Summer Sojourner link on our Grand Lodge website .

Masonic History

“Amen! Amen! So mote it be! So say we all for charity” —

By VW Trevor McKeown

Far too often the trite phrase, “charity begins at home” is used as justification for not
contributing to some needy but distant cause, the unsaid corollary being that charity should
end at home as well.

But this is a distortion of a phrase that should have a deeper resonance for Freemasons.

The first published use of the phrase “charity begins at home” is found in 1642. English
physician Sir Thomas Browne was a noted writer on witchcraft, mystical symbolism, religion
and philosophy. His first book, Religio Medici — in which he attempted to bring together
science and religion — expressed the sentiment:

“But how shall we expect charity towards others, when we are uncharitable to ourselves?
‘Charity begins at home,’ is the voice of the world; yet is every man his greatest enemy, and, as

it were, his own executioner.”

The saying, as it was originally used, was meant to refer to the fact that virtues are cultivated in
our daily lives; that is, we learn to be compassionate and charitable people at home. The
capacity for compassion within us as human beings begins to develop at home, and then grows
as we exercise it outside the home.

It’s worth noting that the word charity at that time didn’t mean what we usually assume it
means today. It is the word the compilers of the 1611 Authorized King James Version used to
translate the Greek agape or love in I Corinthians 13:

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

To say “love begins at home” rather than “charity begins at home” might better express the
original meaning that ideally we learn love from our families so that we can then exercise it in
our interactions with others outside the home.

Truly, charity begins at home.

It also has a home in the lodge, for our first constitutions, the Halliwell Manuscript of 1390
concludes with the phrase, “Amen! Amen! So mote it be! So say we all for charity.” But that’s a
topic for another day.

Curator, 12 December 2014

Four Generations of Sauls
By MWBro Doug Collins

October 5, 2017 marked a very special day at Tweedsmuir Lodge #152. It was the first Official
Visit of our District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother John Ottery and the
Initiation of Brother Devon Saul.

Brother Devon Saul became the fourth generation of the Saul family to become a Brother
of Tweedsmuir Lodge.

Brother Devon Saul’s great grandfather, Brother Lewis Grindlay Saul was Initiated almost 70
years earlier on October 27, 1947 at Vanderhoof Lodge #119. In those days
Brother Grindlay Saul would leave Burns Lake at 3:00 pm to be on time for their 8:00 pm
meeting. Brother Grindlay Saul became a Charter member of Tweedsmuir Lodge #152 on
March 13, 1953.

Brother Devon Saul’s grandfather, Right Worshipful Brother Bob Saul was Initiated almost 50
years earlier on December 14, 1967 at Tweedsmuir Lodge #152.

Brother Devon Saul’s uncle, Very Worshipful Brother Rod Saul was Initiated on September 11,
1990 at Tweedsmuir Lodge #152.

Tweedsmuir Lodge also has multi generation Brothers from
the Gelz, Beach, Beck, Bell, Bickle, Desmarias, Finch, Germaine and Kortmeyer families to name a few.

Tweedsmuir Lodge #152 appears to be following Most Worshipful Brother Ronald W. Yates
theme, “Look to the future” by looking at our past.

Masonic Education and Leadership

GLBCY Education: How Connected DEOs Build Their Faculty of Masonic
Education
By VWBro Daniel Zrymiak

I am always intrigued by certain words in the English Language which have the same spelling,
but completely different meanings. One example is the word contingent, which can reflect
both a dependency and a cohesive group. In the context of Masonic Education, success is
contingent on the efforts of a contingent of learned brethren.

As Pulitzer Prize – winning columnist Dave Barry cited,

"English spelling is unusual because our language is a rich verbal tapestry woven
together from the tongues of the Greeks, the Latins, the Angles, the Klaxtons, the Celtics,
the 76'ers, and many other ancient peoples, all of whom had severe drinking problems."

The word Faculty is such a word which offers multiple meanings. Online dictionaries offer two
or more distinct definitions:

 Ability, power, or natural aptitude
 Teaching staff having academic rank in an educational institution.

In this context, District Education Officers (DEOs) will demonstrate success in building a faculty
by enhancing the ability and power to provide this Masonic education, and by cultivating a
motivated and inspired team within the lodges to carry out this purpose.

A DEO cannot succeed without being connected. Anyone who is a fan of crime movies like
Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino, Donnie Brasco, and other films of that genre will associate a
“connected guy” as someone who has influence to engage the right people for the right task (at
a debt to be collected later). In our technology-driven society, being connected also infers that
someone has access to content and communications which are enabled and empowered
through the internet.

So who does the connected DEO have to engage for the benefit of Masonic Education? The
GLBCY LEAP program offers some very helpful guidelines and references. For those connected
to the internet, this list can be located at the following link:

http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/members/lodge_programs/leap_program.pdf

No Masonic officer, especially a DEO, should ever feel that they are an island, within a silo, or a
solo practitioner, but should be part of a cohesive and supportive team. I have a table below
summarizing which individuals in a lodge should be in communication with their DEO to help
their own engagement, their lodge success, and the brethren.

LEAP LEAP Masonic Education Masonic Expected Benefits
Item Requirement “FACULTY” Education
Event
Lodge Officer(s)/
Brethren

A2 Attend and/or Worshipful Master, Masonic Leadership training,

Organize Masonic Lodge Director of Leadership Interaction across peer

Leadership Course Education Course officers at lodges

A3 Establish and Coaches/ Mentors Mentorship Candidate receives
Maintain clarification and
mentorship guidance. Preparation helps
program with progress

A6 Attend Grand Lodge Director of Grand Attendance and engagement
Masonic Day Education Masonic Day with a focus on Masonic
(or Education
equivalent)

A7 Lodge conducts Lodge Director of Education Brethren enhance their
Masonic Education portion of regular attendance with new
Education Regular experiences and knowledge
programs Meeting
agenda

A8 Lodge of Worshipful Master, Joint Attendance and engagement

Education & Presenter meeting with a focus on Masonic

Research with lodge Education

presentation and and

ritual Education &

Research

Lodge

A9 Written Worshipful Master, Newsletter Extension of Masonic

communications articles or education outside of the

on Masonic Secretary, Editor internet lodge to off-hours
Education and posts
Masonic Interest

A14 Attend Job’s Worshipful Master, Installations, Enhancement of

Daughters or Elected officers Past and knowledge. Cultivation of

DeMolay meetings Fraternal youth support

Nights

A15 EA and FC present Worshipful Master, Regular or Engage brethren through
their development, offer
papers to lodges Coaches/Mentors, Emergent fresh perspectives to
brethren
Candidates Meetings,

Festive

Boards

B5 Invite District Worshipful Master, Regular or Present education beyond
Educational Secretary, District Emergent individual lodges from
Officer to make Education Officer Meetings, district perspective.
educational Festive
presentation to Boards Confirm progress of other
lodges Masonic programs

B6 Brother visits Worshipful Master, Regular or Engage involvement of other

another lodge for Learned Brother Emergent brethren, offer fresh

educations Meetings, perspectives. Accommodate

presentation Festive visitations.

Boards

B7 Presentation from Historian Regular or Generate ongoing
Lodge Historian Emergent knowledge of history within
Meetings, lodges, and a cadence of
Festive Historian presentations
Boards across the district

B12 Host Job’s Worshipful Master, Installations, Enhancement of
Daughters and Elected officers Past and knowledge. Cultivation of
DeMolay Fraternal youth support
Nights

B13 Special Worshipful Master, Grand Lodge Opportunity to learn more

recognitions for Recognized visits, about your brethren (prior
brethren Brethren Regular or to their eulogies), education
Emergent about their special
B14 Rusty Square Meetings, achievements
Night Festive
Boards This is a rehearsal “dry-run”
to provide explanations and
Worshipful Master, Regular or examples for ritual, and
Lodge Director of Emergent reinforce the nuances not
Education, Lodge Meeting explicitly mentioned in the
Director of ritual books (i.e. floor work)
Ceremonies
Engage brethren through
B15 Masonic Worshipful Master, Regular or their development, offer
Education by Lodge Director of Emergent fresh perspectives to
brethren raised Education, Meetings, brethren.
within the last 3 Coaches/Mentors, Festive
years Recently raised Boards This is also a way to induce
brethren brethren to go through the
chairs toward lodge
B17 Public Service or All brethren Outside of leadership.
Charitable Activity Lodge
events Learn about special needs of
a community and society,
and the enhanced
perspectives from social
responsibility

Fulfilling these items, directly or indirectly related to Masonic Education, would reward up to 24
of the required 35 points. This supports the recognition of lodges and if the DEO is interacting
and participating with these activities, this involves working closely and strategically with the
Lodge Education Officers, Worshipful Masters, Coaches and Mentors, and the brethren
throughout the Craft.

In addition to planned events, the DEO is often contacted to support unplanned
disruptions. The absence of a key critical resource on short notice is unfortunately a recurring
event. The contingency is to have

 Personal connections to a ready supply of cross-trained and capable brethren who can
support the activities of a lodge or district

 Content connections to communications, articles, webinars, correspondence lessons, or
other resources available through the internet or subscriptions.

 Lodge connections to know the recent and “tribal” histories of well-regarded presenters
and programs that can be replicated across to other lodges, districts, and regions.

For the TLDR (too long, didn’t read) audience, this can be summarized by stating that the
faculty (ability, power, aptitude) of Masonic Education is contingent upon developing a
contingent of capable brethren to serve as our faculty (team of academic instructors),
delivering lessons and presentations to brethren. The DEO will succeed in this endeavor, and
hand over a robust district to his successors, if he cultivates and uses his connections
effectively.

GLBCY Education: Presenters’ Bureau
By VWBro Daniel Zrymiak

The GLBCY Education Committee has created a survey to collect information from the brethren
who wish to support lodges by giving presentations. While initially envisioned as a Speaker’s
Bureau for Masonic Education, this resource can be enhanced to include experienced
presenters for ritual and ceremonial work, musical performances, or other programs of interest
to Freemasons, their families, and their communities.

As a way to “kick-start” a centralized resource, a short questionnaire has been prepared to
capture this information from any brethren who wish to offer themselves as
presenters. Please check this and enter any details you feel comfortable submitting.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PresentBureau

What the survey is looking for and why the questions are being asked:

1. Name and contact information
 Who you are and how do we get in touch with you?

2. Presentation Types and Capabilities
 This helps lodge and district leadership to fill roles with presenters and last-minute
substitutions. This also helps to manage expectations of the brethren they are
about to engage.

3. Availability to Present
 Your timing will support planning, and also provide cautions about which time
periods cannot be considered due to prior commitments

4. Masonic and Geographic Proximity
 This supports leaders in different areas to draw in new experts and talent, and build
special events in districts, regions, and virtual settings.

5. Special Arrangements
 As part of the planning, special needs can be accommodated.

6. Masonic Presentations
 This permits the brother to showcase what they do best and are most willing to do
to support other lodges. Brethren who possess high-demand capabilities (i.e.
bagpipes, Address to the Brethren Charge) can alert other lodges for the benefit of
themselves and the Craft.

7. Recent Masonic Presentations given

 This permits validation and confirmation of capabilities, as well as a reasonable
pattern of recent conduct demonstrating a track record of supporting brethren and
lodges

 If a brother is not quite ready for prime time, this could also alert the Worshipful
Master before booking an Organist who has never played before or in the last 20
years.

8. Masonic Background and Credentials
 This enhances the context and perspective of the brother, and informs the brethren
of the stature and credibility associated with the brother within the Craft. It also
manages expectations and ensures that the eduational needs of the brethren are
well served.

The intent is to share this resource initially with DDGMs and District Education Officers. There
are many benefits to this to support lodge planning, member engagement, and the revelation
of unexpected experts and talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.

If you complete this, please also notify your own lodge and district leadership of your
willingness and availability to make Masonic presentations. This helps you, supports the lodge
and district, and strengthens and sustains our Gentle Craft.

Masonic Tidbits

Trip Report: George Washington Masonic Memorial Museum in Alexandria,
VA, USA.
By VWBro Daniel Zrymiak

In late September 2017, I had the opportunity to travel to Alexandria, VA. An unfortunate
cancellation of a training event after the trip and hotel was booked left me with a rare
opportunity to spend a free day in an historically-significant city. Alexandria is a port city,
immediately south of Washington, D.C. As an early commercial center for rum, tobacco, and
other forms of trade (both legitimate and illicit), Alexandria was a prosperous and influential
community. Unfortunately, it was also among the first cities conquered by opposing forces in
both the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Consequently there are multiple war memorials
commemorating all sides of the battles.

A prominent attraction in Alexandria is the George Washington Masonic Memorial Museum,
which was built between 1922 and 1932, and funded by donations from Masonic State Grand
Lodges, local Lodges, and individual Freemasons throughout the United States. The $3 million
construction costs would be almost $40 million in today’s dollars. This attraction combines the
showcase of Washington’s history and significance as an American founding father with the
prominence and breadth of Freemasonry in the United States of America. As the modest
photos taken with my smartphone do not do justice to the considerable elegance of the
artifacts and images, I recommend the perusal of the superior images available online at the
following locations.

Website for the museum:

https://gwmemorial.org

Various video uploads on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okQKVsIA7Co

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkkD9uAupXU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISBQ20Tou4Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=037my7HMIrQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAi7_Q6Ss0E

For brevity, this summary does not include images from the 9/F observation deck, from which I
was able to see the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, and the Potomac River bordering
historic downtown Alexandria. I also did not include the majestic theatre, which included busts
of all US Presidents who were Freemasons, or the many pictures of impressive Grand Lodge
buildings throughout the United States. I recommend this attraction to all Freemasons who are
interested in learning more about George Washington and Freemasonry in the USA.

The Grounds and Structure

The distinctive architecture includes multiple floors of attractions and exhibits. Some are
publicly available without cost, while other portions require a paid tour. The most prominent
feature is a large Square and Compasses emblem within the grass, that is surrounded by
landscaping and various statues and engravings.

Lobby Statue; Replica of Alexandria Lodge #22 – George Washington’s Lodge

The initial gathering spot for the tour was in a main floor lobby which included a prominent
statue of George Washington wearing his Masonic apron and holding his gavel. The first
portion of the tour, also on the main floor, was to a room which was set up to replicate
Alexandria Lodge #22, the lodge of which George Washington was a member and Master. The
gavel and trowel, prominent in many paintings and sketches capturing the cornerstone
ceremonies of the U.S. Capitol and other structures, are themselves included among the
exhibits.



Freemasonry and Concordant Bodies in the United States

The tour continued to a portfolio of exhibits showcasing the primary Masonic concordant
bodies. The museum displayed the different types of regalia and uniforms reflective of the
different orders, and provided descriptions of the different groups. There is more to
Freemasonry than the Craft lodges, as the displays of Worthy Patrons, Master Councilors, High
Priests, Eminent Commanders, and other leadership roles confirm.



George Washington

The next floor of the tour included both Masonic and historical details about George
Washington. The impressive biographical information about Washington’s military and political
achievements was greatly enhanced by the collection of unique Masonic aprons and tracing
boards. One in particular was a Masonic Apron, a gift from the French Marquis de Lafayette, a
military ally and dear friend of George Washington.

The Masonic medals and the swords on Washington’s grave during his funeral were also shown,
confirming the impressive collection of personal artifacts.

Knights Templar Chapel and Additional Exhibits

Above the exhibits of Washington and Freemasonry, but below the observation deck, there was
a replica of a Knights Templar chapel. This is a functioning chapel which the tour guides
informed us could be booked and used for appropriate ceremonies. The stained glass evoked
Christian images, and the Volume of the Sacred Law was open so we were very devout and
respectful.

Following the observation deck, the tour group was returned to the main floor where there
were additional attractions and a gift shop. Two displays from pop culture were worth
capturing:

 Freemasons on the cover of LIFE magazine
 An image from the Simpson’s Stonecutters episode



Update on Civility Initiative
by VWB John Harbick

Over the course of the last Masonic year, most lodges within our jurisdiction (GLBC&Y) were
presented with information about “civility”. This took various forms, i.e. – part of the Education
portion provided by a Lodge’s Education officer; as a component during a DDGM’s visit or a
presentation by a visiting Civility ambassador.

Recently, the ambassadors collectively reviewed the rollout of the civility program. Their
observations varied. Some brethren received the “civility” message with enthusiasm and
others greeted the information with a certain degree of scepticism. Although the civility
program material was made available, some Districts did not avail themselves of the
information and as a result, brethren within those District were likely unaware of the extent of
the program and what it entailed.

In brief, civility is simply “good manners combined with common sense”. Historically, it was
used to define the "status of a citizen," and stems from Latin - “civitatem - the art of governing;
courteousness," from “civilis - relating to a citizen, relating to public life, befitting a citizen;
popular, affable, courteous", “good citizenship", "state of being civilized" or "behaviour proper
to civilized persons" (1560s). The concept is not new.

There have been excellent articles presented by brethren in other jurisdictions that outline the
need for Freemasons to exemplify civility. We dwell in what is widely acknowledged to be a
rather discordant society. “Snowflake,” ”alt-right”, “social justice warriors”, “politically correct”
and “troll” along with other shorthand pejorative terms or acronyms permeate social media.
Hiding behind pseudonyms is the new normal. We retreat to our bunkers and hurl electronic
invective at each other. We’ve forgotten how to disagree with dignity.

As Masons, we have a responsibility to restore civility to our world. We are taught to meet
each other upon the square and to treat each other with respect and dignity. We were not
born with manners, but were taught them. However, sometimes in these hectic times of traffic
jams, overcrowded transit systems, impatient crowds and demands for immediate turnarounds
in 24/7 business communications, those behaviours get left behind or are forgotten. The civility
program can be considered a reminder of who we are and what we continue to strive to be as
Freemasons.

There’s been continued activity by Grand Lodge and the civility ambassadors as to the next
steps to be taken on this continual journey towards a more civil society. A wide range of
resource material can be found on the Grand Lodge website by entering “civility” in the Search

engine and more will be added as new sources are discovered. You can also find items that can
be worn proudly and reinforce our support of “civility” at www.CivilityShop.org.

Whither are we Travelling?
By Bro. Bill Overy, a member of the Grand Lodge Education Committee

Many have changed the words of this paper over the years to make them better understood to a
different audience. Originally it was an article written by brother Dwight Smith, Grand Secretary
of the Grand Lodge of Indiana and then reproduced in the Transactions of the Masters’ and Past
Masters’ Lodge (NZ) issue 130 in November, 1964. Then this year V.W.Bro. Robert Taylor. United
Grand Lodge of N.S.W, (Australia) shared it with V.W.Bro. Norm McEVOY of “The Educator” who
shared it with me who changed it again.

Does your Lodge have an attendance Problem? At the beginning I may as well precipitate an
argument by disposing of a few old favourites. Because whatever attendance troubles our
Lodges may be having, they are not caused by television, or the computer, or any of the other
distractions in which our restless society is engaged.

Many of these distractions may cause a decline in Lodge attendance, but they do not constitute
the reason WHY.

When we complain of lack of attendance, what we are really saying is that the INTEREST in our
lodge is at a very low ebb. This of course means that if there is INTEREST in our lodge, there
should be better attendance.

No amount of television or computer games should remove that position of eminence a Lodge
of Freemasons occupies in a man’s loyalty. Therefore the first thing we should ask is the Lodge
in a position to command his loyalty.

I realize that this “ailment” is not quite that simple because we are looking at the symptoms
and not the disease and maybe the real source of the trouble is within ourselves.

These problems we may have, will not be solved by forcing men to memorise a set of questions
and answers or by cramming books and lectures down their throats, or by devoting our
energies and resources to other organizations, however worthy, they may be.

But then the cure is not that simple either. The problem will not be relieved by a simple action;
it must come from within each one of us. The Lodge which demands little, gets little and when
we place a cheap value on Masonic membership, how can we expect new members to prize it?

For example do we pay enough attention to the Festive Board? This is the Hour of Refreshment
in all its beauty and dignity and an occasion for inspiration and fellowship; a time when the
noble old traditions of the Craft should be preserved.

We cannot expect to retain the prestige of the Craft if we allow, without challenge, a lowering
of our standards.

We must not lose sight of the fact that one of the reasons our Fraternity is prized so highly, is
that it does NOT operate like other organizations.

If you take a long and thoughtful look at the names of the men who served our Lodges as
Masters fifty or more years ago. Then consider the other positions of importance those men
occupied in their respective communities. Then let us ask ourselves, is that the same position
today?

We cannot escape the fact that men judge Masonry by those they know to be members. If what
they see does not command their respect, then to them Freemasonry is not a worthwhile
institution.

So we must re-establish the general knowledge that Freemasonry is a Pearl of Great Price and
worth a great deal of effort and sacrifice to obtain.

For many Masons, fellowship is a most precious jewel. It is necessary for the very existence of
our Fraternity and if our Brethren cannot find it in their Craft Lodges they will find it elsewhere.
We need to cultivate this fellowship with all our zeal. We need the inspiration of our Festive
Board; we need to revive those old traditions of the Craft. But if the Festive Board is to serve its
purpose it must be joyful as well as dignified. It must be appropriate to the time and place.

On another level the one and only thing that a Masonic Lodge can give to its members, which
they cannot get anywhere else in the world, is Masonry.

Masonic light must be directed from the east and the instruction given by a Masonic Education
Officer or another worthy Brother who possesses the required knowledge and skills to provide
good and wholesome instruction to the Brethren.

The programme of instruction must have diversity, the doses must not be large, and it must
avoid dullness as if it was the plague.

When we cease to set this lofty mark and expect our Brethren to measure up to it, when we
permit a downward adjustment to conform to practices and manners that are casual and lax,
then we are dealing our Fraternity a double blow.

We cannot expect to maintain the prestige of the Craft if our Education Officers accept a lower
standard. Our members will respect Freemasonry more if they know there that there are
certain rules to which they are expected to conform; in behaviour, in dress, language and
decorum. Our history should also be a guide to the explanations of the symbols and allegories
we hold so dear.

All I advocate is that Freemasonry remains Freemasonry; and if we have strayed from the
traditional path, we had better move back while there is yet time to restore the respect and
prestige, the interest, loyalty and devotion that once was ours.

Freemasonry does not have slogans, carry banners and make pronouncements about every
subject under the sun and it is strange that our ancient Craft should have gained for itself such a
pre-eminent position of honour when it does nothing in the conventional manner.

Then what does Freemasonry do?

It erects its Temples within the hearts of men and makes good men better.

Dean Roscoe Pound said to the members of his Lodge “Freemasonry has more to offer to the
20th century than the 20th century has to offer Freemasonry.”

It is now the 21st century and my faith in the basic worth of our ancient Craft is unshaken. I am
convinced that the solution to Freemasonry’s problems is Freemasonry. So why don’t we give it
a try?

Because the reality is that if we, as existing Freemasons do not pay proper attention to the
Education & Development of our existing Brethren our foundation will erode until it is no longer
Freemasonry as we know it.

Thank you and may your God go with you.

The Freelance Freemason.

Masonic Health

HEARTBEAT

Editor’s Note - No submission this edition

Masonic Lodges

Castlegar

The Grand Master presented a 60-year jewel to Brother James Lamont of Sentinel Lodge No.
146 while he was visiting the Installation at Ymir Lodge No. 31 in Salmo on November 17.

United Peninsula Lodge No. 24, Saanich

Parkland Secondary grad Maya Goodsir thanks a group of gathered Masons and guests as she
and other graduates received scholarships on Sunday. From left are Grayson Lenner (Stelly’s),

Charlotte Junker (PSS) and Gil White (Stelly’s). All are attending UVic this year. (Steven
Heywood/News staff)

Maya Goodsir (Parkland Secondary), Charlotte Junker (PSS), Gil White (Stelly’s) and Grayson
Lenner (Stelly’s) were presented the awards during an open house at the Masonic Hall in
Central Saanich. Since the late 1960s the Lodges associated with United Peninsula Lodge No. 24
have contributed approximately $250,000 to 250 students. The amounts have ranged from as
small as $100 to the $1,500 for each of the scholarships provided to two students from Stelly’s
and two from Parklands. The Hall also has the Frank Johnstone scholarship for Environment
Studies, awarded every five years.
In addition to the scholarships provided by United Peninsula Lodge No. 24, scholarships,
bursaries and research grants are provided by the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of British
Columbia and other Masonic associations such as the Order of the Eastern Star, Royal Arch
Grand Chapter and the Scottish Rite of Freemasons.

Dimasalang Lodge No. 196 , Vancouver

Grand Master’s Official Visit to District 13 Nov 25th, hosted by Dimasalang Lodge No. 196 and
RWB David Rarama ,District Deputy Grand Master District 13

RWB Barry Burch lays wreath at Vancouver Cenotaph
November 11, 2017

Acacia Lodge No. 22, Richmond

Most Worshipful Brother Ron Yates,
Grand Master, and RWB David Rarama,
DDGM, receive their railway lanterns
from RWB Douglas Dack during Railway

Night at Acacia Lodge October 19th.

Lynn Valley Lodge No. 122
Grand Master’s Official Visit to District 17 at Lynn valley Lodge No. 122 October 21, 2017

Kamloops Masonic Temple Association

(l-r) Mrs. Cheryl Brown, Bro. Don Munro, Bro. Kasper Thesen, WB Laurie Harder, Bro. Bill
Brown, Bro. Earl Skaarup, Bro. Don Ferguson, and WB Stan Twist

On Saturday, November 4th, United Way partnered with members of The Kamloops Masonic
Temple Association and New Life Community to provide a hot, fresh, nutritious meal to those
less fortunate. Several volunteers joined us for lunch hours this past weekend to feed close to
fifty individuals. This wonderful group from KMTA handed out snacks, smiles, and laughs to
clients accessing the services of New Life. As we gathered for the picture to the right, clients
filling the room cheered for our volunteers to show their appreciation. United Way partners
with non-profit agencies right here in our community to bring projects to life. Together, we are
changing lives. A special thank you to our KMTA volunteers and donors who help build strong

communities.

Members of the Craft at Victory Square,
courtesy of WB and Illustrious Sir Steve Whiteside, Potentate of Gizeh Shrine

Kitimat Lodge No. 169, Kitimat

Grand Master’s Official visit to District 12 held at Kitimat Lodge No. 169 along with their
Installation September 30th.

As part of the Entertainment, the
Ladies of the Lodge put on a skit with
their version of what goes on in a
Masonic meeting. Cute

Fisher Peak Lodge No. 34, Cranbrook

The Official Visit of the Grand Master to District 8 in the Kootenays, which
took place in Elk River October 14th.

Fort St. John Lodge No. 131
Official visit of Grand Master to District 19 in Fort St. John, September 25.

Grand Lodge – Contact Info

Grand Secretary’s Office:
8555 Government Street
Burnaby, British Columbia

V3N 4S9 Canada
Tel: 1-604-736-8941
Fax: 1-604-736-5097
[email protected]