Why did I join the Scottish Rite is the first place? Was it because my friends and Brothers encouraged me or was I seeking further light in Masonry? I think it was a combination of both. But, soon after joining the Valley, it seemed like the same thing as the Blue Lodge. One Stated Meeting a month, a dinner and occasionally some entertainment after dinner. Masonic dignitaries and other Masonic bodies were honored and represented. And were had two reunion classes a year where five plays were presented for five of the twenty-nine degrees and the other twenty-four were exemplified to the candidates and obligations quickly taken.
It appeared that I was on my own and that my path would be an individual one and would consist of both introspection and extrospection (I think I just created a new word!). If Masonry teaches in signs, symbols, pictures and parables, when does the teaching start? There are books, magazines, classes to be enrolled in and research organizations that are available. I will deal with each one of these is later articles.
But for now, I am planning to start an educational program for each stated meeting of the Valley. I got this idea from talking to Brother Jack Henning of Saddleback Laguna Lodge. Each meeting we will have three brothers give presentations on some aspect of Masonry, preferably Scottish Rite Masonry. The presentations will be 3, 5, and 7 minutes in length and no longer. It is hoped that the presentations will educate and stimulate and more important, attract more members to attend our meetings.
Next month, there will be an article on classes to be enrolled in.
Bob McNamara, 32⁰ KCCH
Senior Warden, Lodge of Perfection
