Education information

“Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach him to fish and he can eat for a lifetime.”

Teachers struggle with the issue of helping students to learn and meeting certain objects or measurable items. Students often seem to want to know the answer as opposed to learning how to think through and understand the problem and working on a solution. Similarly students may have different perceptions of where to go for answers. New directions and new answers may be more meaningful on a personal basis. Some learning goes on at school and some at home. The Teacher role and the Parent role are individual and yet symbiotic in their support of each other on behalf of the student. So too is the role of a Mentor different and yet akin to the role of the Chapter or District Education Officer in meeting the needs of the Companion.

“Get wisdom.”

The Degrees in Symbolic Masonry end with lectures and charges. These are filled with simile and references to applications to help each of us to arrive at better understanding of how to apply the lessons to ourselves and work on our “prefect ashlars”. These serve as great fodder for educational discussions and experiential application.

So too the degrees in Capitular and Cryptic Masonry offer a source for learning and growth and development. They often build on, and restate the lessons from the Symbolic Degrees. The short versions of the Chivalric Orders use the lectures of the full forms. The lecture of the Order of the Temple is rarely done or reviewed.

All of these lectures are in their respective Rituals and enable the individual to review, study and think about more than ritualistic degree/order conferral and portrayal. They are misperceived as script for the performance and need to be seen and understood as a script for understanding and developing a template for application in the building of one’s personal Temple.

Life lessons were taught in Aesop’s Fables and in Poor Richard’s Almanac. They led to common phrases and remembered tidbits often repeated: “A Penny earned…”; “A fool and his gold…”; “A stitch in time…”

Each prayer, line and reference of the ritual and degree work will have a different understanding and meaning to the listener depending on the life experience. Those can be points of discussion and awareness for others when shared. Use those life lessons as analogies for learning just as an allegory does.

Page 2

“Who, What, Where, How, Why and When”

The lessons of Freemasonry were taught by word of mouth before we had written rituals. The rituals appear to have been written in a manner similar to the way teachers in the 18 th and 19th centuries taught grammar. As in the McGuffey readers of the day, the emphasis on using and understanding adverbs is prominent in the opening and closing of our work. “Are you a…?” carries with it the “who.” “What makes you…?” or similar phrases clearly ask the “What.” “Where were you made…?” is pretty obvious. Other examples include: “How shall I know you…?”; “How many compose…?” brings to the fore the “how”; “When were you to be…?”etc., bring out the “when.” All that is left is the “why.” That is left for us to seek and to answer for ourselves and also to help guide others in their search for more light. If the answer is to deal with the endeavor to take our rough ashlar and smooth out the edges then we are led to the work needed as Men and Masons to improve ourselves.

“Rituals for Memory or Learning”

The use of the written ritual has become a template for our degrees for conferral, Inspection, opening and closing, and for reference. They were composed to be the Template for Masonic allegory for so much more. The Bible passages for each Degree are designated for a purpose relative and relevant to the degree and the lessons therein. The Bible lessons from the Chapter Education Officer are given out to be critical sources for more learning and study. They are repetitive of the words and actions and lessons of the degree and need further reference and discussion as a part of the work of the Chapter as well as each Companion. Move away from the Ritual as the encyclopedia of all information but use it as the magnifying glass to open our eyes and minds to so much more Light.

“Resources”

The Masonic Service Association has the “Old Charges” as well as the “Regius Poem” as ancient resources for modern application. Look also to the Chapter of Research and the Apollo’s Chapters for support and information as well as personnel for learning resources. Similarly use those Companions within the District and Regional relationships for their expertise and advice. Also internet and electronic libraries are available in many sites.

“Daily or Weekly but regularly”

It is frequently stated that if one learns something new every day, their goal is achieved. Similarly, the Boy and Girl Scouts refer to “doing a good deed Daily.” Doing unto others and thinking of the needs of others in their times of need are certainly part of the Masonic Obligation and when practiced become habit. Looking both ways whether walking or driving/riding is good practice. Looking around us as we go enables us to be aware of places and people and allows us to learn about them and their needs. Ending the day with an assessment and review of what you learned and remembering what you did for someone else can be a good habit.

Page 3

“Working Together”

The Chapter of Research will be endeavoring to hold meetings in conjunction with other events to engender interest and involvement. Joint Receptions of OES WGM and WGP will occur in December. A Joint Reception with the Eminent Prior will occur in November. The special schedule for the 2019 Grand Convocation will include meetings of Knight Masons, High Twelve and Allied Masonic Degree group sessions between the Grand Council Grand Assembly and the start of our session on Thursday, October 10. Because of Yom Kippur on Wednesday, October 9, we will not be meeting that day. There will be joint Ladies functions with Grand Council and Grand Commandery throughout the week in Columbus. Our session will meet all Thursday morning and be followed by a luncheon with the Ladies as well as some of the awards presentations for Grand Chapter. This will be followed by the Installation of all the new Grand Officers and the conferral of the Order of the High Priesthood. Thursday evening will be a joint Chapter and Commandery Banquet. Friday night will also be a joint family event with entertainment by “Phil Dirt and the Dozers.” The Grand Commander and Grand Illustrious Master will be joining me at our respective body inspections. Grand Commandery will be sharing a common pin with Grand Chapter this year as a part of that endeavor of sharing. Consider joining the Grand Commander in Washington DC for Easter Sunrise on 4/21/19. Similarly include Apollo Chapter and Chapter of Research events with your activities and programs. Look to the York Rite College for joint work which is part of their duty. Look to your York Rite College also for interaction. Think joint purposes.

“Fun/d raising”

There are the philanthropic endeavors of Adopt America as well as the Ohio Masonic Home which are supported by the Grand Chapter and its Foundation. Coordinate your fun and activities with Lodges and other Masonic and non-Masonic or Community efforts for fun as well as fund raising. Use your time wisely for all involved. Support also the endeavors of your Community and friends. Include Youth Groups in the process. Reach out to the Lion’s, Rotary, FFA, Junior Achievement etc. for interaction and cooperative efforts. These are also are places for public education.

“Philanthropy”

Our efforts to support Adopt America continue in our focus of fund raising in our Chapters and Districts. Use this purpose to honor long time service of your Companions and their Ladies, as well as memorial remembrances. Collections during the Reaffirmation Day are to be included in the effort. We also support the efforts of “Donate Life” through the organ donor efforts noted on our driver’s licenses. There will also be a special place for your time and talents to support the efforts of the Ohio Masonic Home which is the living expression of our Masonic obligation to offer relief to our worthy distressed Brethren and their families. Linda and I look forward to being with you and yours throughout this year and would ask that you give to the RAF in lieu of any gifts you might consider for us. Every opportunity to help the RAF and Adopt America should be considered and encouraged.

Page 4

“EDUCATION”

The Grand Chapter Education Program and Resource Course are excellent and need included in your endeavors in your Chapter and District. Do this also in your work in your Symbolic Lodges and in your work with other York Rite and Allied Masonic Bodies. Working with the Grand Chapter Committee on their recommendations and programs are strongly urged. “The chisel” reference in the Mark Master gives more credence to the role of Education in our duty to God and to Mankind. Present the “Peculiar Stone” as well as coordinating degrees with the York Rite College and other Chapters or Districts. Seek help from your Priory or York Rite College contacts for special needs.

“MEMBERSHIP”

This is more than setting petitions and new members. That is important as a consideration obviously and the endeavors of the Membership team should meld with the Grand Chapter Membership Committee recommendations and program. It needs to reach also out to the present Members and getting their presence and involvement in programs can be enhanced and encouraged through all the other educational and interactive programs with Masons and the public. Consider close work with your Symbolic Lodge and community on spreading the work of our endeavors.

“BUILD YOUR TEMPLE”

The common theme from our Masonic experiences is to take good men and make them better. This is reemphasized through the allegory from the words of the lecture in the Master Mason Degree, the conclusion of the dedication of the Temple in the Most Excellent Master degree, and the advice of the Captain of the Host in the Royal Arch Degree. So let us strive to build our Temple with Wisdom, Strength and Beauty on the solid foundations of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Remember, it is the internal and not the external that makes the man.

Page 5

“DATES”

October 27, 2018 Wauseon Chapter Rededication 2 PM

October 28, 2018 “Reaffirmation Day”; This may be a function and not a day, and with Symbolic Lodges or others to reaffirm our belief in the GAU.

November 11, 2018 Armistice Centenary at OMH Facilities and Military Cemetaries

December 1, 2018 Grand River Rededication 2 PM

December 15, 2018 Lebanon Rededication 2 PM

February 8&9, 2019 CF Chapter Inspection and Grand Family meeting at Tadmor Shrine in Akron

May 25, 2019 Bellaire Rededication 2 PM

August 10, 2019 Grand Family meeting in Delaware

October 10, 2019 Grand Convocation in Columbus 8 AM

“HOLIDAYS”

11/11/18 Armistice Day 11/22/18 Thanksgiving Day 12/8/18 Chanukah

12/25/18 Christmas Day 4/14-21/19 Holy Week 4/19-27/19 Passover

5/27/19 Memorial Day 7/4/19 (of course!) 9/2/19 Labor Day

9/30/19 Rosh Hashanah 10/9/19 Yom Kippur

“Masonic Meetings”

10/12-13/18 Grand Lodge Grand Communication at Kalahari

10/19-20/18 Grand Commandery Grand Conclave in Columbus

10/27/18 Grand Illustrious Master Grand Reception in Toledo/Perrysburg

11/17/18 Grand Commander Grand Reception in Fairborn

12/1/18 WGM/WGP Reception at Ashland Univ.

Page 6

4/21/19 Easter Sunrise in DC

5/16/19 Grand Amaranth Session North Canton

6/8/19 OCD in Toledo

6/20/19 Job’s Daughters at Quail Hollow?

6/28/19 Special Olympics in Columbus

7/11/19 Rainbow Girls at Kenyon

7/12/19 DeMolay 100th anniversary events and LOH

9/27-29/19 OES Kalahari

10/7-8/19 Grand Council Grand Assembly in Columbus

10/8-9/19 Knight Masons/AMD/High Twelve in Columbus

10/10/19 Grand Chapter Grand Convocation in Columbus 8 AM

10/11-12/19 Grand Commandery Grand Conclave in Columbus

10/18-19/19 Grand Lodge Grand Communication in Marietta

Priory Meetings 11/3/18, 3/2/19, 8/24/19 ?, 11/2/19

“GHP Receptions” Consider doing them with other district meetings or other districts. They are to be for you and not the GHP. Find a common purpose and proposal.

2/2/19 20th 2/23/19 16th 4/26/19 10th 5/3/19 9th 5/17/19 14th 5/18/19 4th 5/24/19 19th 6/14/19 2nd 6/15/19 1st/8th 7/21/19 7th

“Grand Chapter Awards”

The Earl C. Gifford Distinguished Award nominees are to be to the Grand Marshal by June 30, 2019. The Grand Chapter Lady Award nominees are to be to the Grand Marshall by June 30, 2019. 50 year and other Service Pins and events need to receive special notice and attention to the DDGHPs as well as Grand Officers. These can and should be done in Chapter or District meetings when possible. It could also be something done for special events with family and others present. A special meeting might include a Reconsecration within the Temple or Chapter or District. Combining several activities would benefit all.

Page 7

“Requirements”

The Reaffirmation report is to be to the Grand Chaplain by November 15, 2018. This includes any collections received on behalf of the Royal Arch Foundation.

Masonic Youth Groups are to be supported and actively engaged in the time and talents of Capitular Masonry as well as in our lives. Serve as mentors and be a resource for their work and needs. Remember 3/24/19 as the 100th anniversary of DeMolay, and their Conclave in July will be special.

Chapter Officers will need to open and close their Chapter in their Inspection Degree and in the Royal Arch Degree some time during the year to the satisfaction of the DDGHP. Chapters may confer their best degree and within 5 years add a second degree of excellence.

Educational Programs are to utilize Grand Chapter resources as a template for their work. Group discussions for the involvement of everyone in attendance often work better than a lecture alone. These are for use along with other materials relevant to our teachings and need for learning at Chapter and District events. They are to be considered also for sharing in public and at other Symbolic Lodge meetings. Consider joint educational settings and sessions also with High Twelve or Knight Mason meetings, Allied Masonic Degree meetings, as well as in conjunction with Cryptic and Chivalric activities.

“Introductions and Honors”

Use the correct titles when done, especially with DSA and KYCH. Those with Military Service and also 50 year Companions are always acceptable for Grand Honors. Make the recognitions with the presences of Candidates and new Companions if possible, even after the degree. Local or regional routines are acceptable if not redundant.

“Community”

Seek out local Graduate Students or teachers in Dietary or Social work as a way for Companion and Lady educational activities relevant to our Masonic Obligations and Caring for and about each other. Remember to seek out Ladies and Widows events as well as supporting our sick and distressed Brethren.

The World only knows Masonry through the lives of Individual Masons. May you ever live, act and speak in such a way that all will know the high ideals for which we stand.

James 1:22 Do not just read the words but live them.

1/21/18