Twenty-one members of Nevada's Masonic family attended the fifty-first annual session of The Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference. The 2002 meeting was held in Casper, Wyoming on July 18, 19 and 20. The annual meeting addressed issues relevant to today's social challenges and the timely opportunity for our Fraternity to market its system of moral character, values and ethics.

Representatives from Colorado suggested that a weak link in our Fraternity's system of Masonic education is our unwillingness to recognize that modern technology and teaching methods can be utilized without compromising the traditional and time honored standards of our Craft.

Idaho officers led a discussion related to retention of existing Freemasons and reactivation of those who, for one reason or another, may have relinquished membership. It was determined that increased effort must be made by constituent Lodges and Grand Lodges to determine what dissatisfactions or circumstances cause a man to loose interest. Further discussion suggested that more stimulation in the form of individual participation, interesting educational programs and family social activities would result in increased interest in our Fraternity.

Montana' s representatives presented the case for multi-year/long range planning by Grand Lodges and constituent Lodges. The fact that each Grand Master and Worshipful Master are entitled to their own personal agenda was tempered by a speaker suggesting that their primary dedication should be that which strengthens and advances their Lodge and the Craft in general. Another brother suggested that Lodge officers at all echelons should work as a team, and as such, dedicate themselves to the premise of multi-year planning and satisfaction of established long range objectives.

Nevada's representatives, R.W.D.G.M. Rodger W. Denn and R.W.S.G.W. Wayne Kingsley introduced and led a discussion related to the long term effect of abbreviated degree programs and their effect on a Lodge's ability to preserve, perform and teach standard ritualistic work. It was agreed that the concept is too new to offer meaningful statistics related to future officer corps, their ability to master traditional ritual and the degree of activity and retention among these new Masons. It was further agreed that traditionally obligated Masons along with those having received the abbreviated degrees absolutely must receive a Masonic education that will allow them to confidently articulate matters relating to Freemasonry, when given the opportunity to do so. Such good men will be instrumental in encouraging other good men to seek membership in our Fraternity.

Officers from the Utah Jurisdiction addressed an issue relating to "The Erosion of Our Standards For Membership." Speakers suggested that such erosion would cause Freemasonry to become a club rather than a Fraternity. Attendees were reminded that ours is an institution based on good men and good character rather than impressive numbers. One participant suggested that the key to quality growth in our order is the recognition of potential members who demonstrate standards meeting the criteria for Masonic membership. Once identified, the task then is to enlighten them as to the standards, history and purposes of Freemasonry, thereby encouraging them to seek membership with an eagerness to learn more.

The Wyoming delegates introduced a discussion relating to bridging the "Interest Gap" between the present membership and future membership. This final segment reviewed comments and suggestions fielded in previous presentations. Discussion leaders further recognized differences in domestic, economic and personal perspectives of men reaching manhood 40 or 50 years ago to those of today's young men. It further recognized that the value of good character has remained constant, as has respect for leadership skills, education, articulation, participation and recognition.

Throughout the assembly, Fallon (Nevada) Masons John Singleton and Gary Smith set up and demonstrated Nevada's Child Identification Program to all attendees. It was recognized and applauded as a most outstanding, high profile community service.

The 2003 Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference will gather July 17, 18, 19, at Idaho Falls, Idaho. The conference is open to all Master Masons. Registration packets will be available in the member Grand Lodge offices after March, 2003.

Respectfully submitted,

"Red" Kittell, P.M., Reno Lodge No. 13

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