Raymond J. Howell, 32°, K.C.C.H.
2018 Bloomingdale Street, Augusta, Georgia 30906-4937

The resources for Masonic education are endless.

Photo: Bro. Dean R. Alban, 32°, K.C.C.H.

Masonic education is of continuing concern to Grand Lodges, Appendant Bodies, and Blue Lodges. Some are doing fairly well in this area, but many are not, particularly those that feel lecture work is all that is needed in the line of Masonic education. Proficiency in this area is needed, but that is not all there is in Freemasonry.

Many times we hear such statements as: "I am not good at giving lectures," "I can't talk in front of a crowd of people," or "I just don't know what to say that everyone has not already heard." One can study Freemasonry for a lifetime and only scratch the surface. Most Lodges and other Masonic Bodies have some sort of library a Brother can use for researching a talk on just about any Masonic subject. The history of many important Brethren can really be of interest. How many times have you heard a Brother talking around a Lodge dinner table about a Masonic experience he had at another Lodge or maybe in another state? These could be of Masonic interest to the Craft, too.

Our numbers in Masonry are surely declining. When a member pays his annual dues, what, aside from a membership card, is he receiving in return? What do we really offer our members every month? Just a chance to hear a Secretary read the minutes from last month's meeting? Every Lodge Worshipful Master should know enough Past Masters that they could plan to have a year of Masonic talks to spur interest in Masonry and so inspire members. New interests will keep our members coming to Lodge. We must give our members a reason to come to Masonic meetings. There is a wealth of information out there about Freemasonry that any Brother can use to give a talk of interest and significance.

To assure a good number of members being present for your presentation, be sure to contact all of the Brethren by the Lodge or Temple's newsletter or a separate communication. Also extend communication to neighboring Masonic Bodies to help gain support. How many times have you heard a lecture at a Degree, but you were not sure what it really meant? That would make a wonderful talk for a Masonic education program. The resources out there are endless. The only thing needed is a little research on what you want to talk about. There is no reason why any Lodge or Masonic Body should not have a Masonic Education Program. Become a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society or one of many Lodges of Research available. Start a Masonic question-and-answer system and have a Brother give a talk about the questions asked. Try not to make any talk too long but keep it interesting for everyone.

My brethren, we can do this!

Raymond J. Howell retired as a MSG E-8 U.S. Army after 22 years of service and then retired from Georgia State Law Enforcement after 16 years. He is a member and Past Master of Grovetown Lodge No. 730, Grovetown, Georgia, where he has served as Secretary for 27 years. A member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Augusta, Bro. Howell was invested a K.C.C.H. on November 26, 1977. He is also a member of Priory No. 39 at the Scottish Rite Temple in Macon, Georgia.