Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MASONIC CONFERENCE
July 19, 20, 21, 2007 - Reno (Verdi) Nevada
Boomtown Hotel Casino

SYNOPSIS

Member Jurisdictions in attendance: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming.
Guest Jurisdictions present: Arizona, Nebraska.
Registered Master Masons in attendance: 98
Following a traditional Masonic opening and introductions by Nevada's Most Worshipful Grand Master Stan Williams the seven topics to be introduced for discussion were presented in the following order:

1. (Montana) - Raising dues and fees to compensate for the cost of today's inflated economy:

The author of Montana's presentation opened with an unexpected spirited auction, which resulted in a Masonic themed portable deck/camp chair going to an attendee for a bid of $227 to be donated to a Masonic charity.
Thus was introduced the concept that there are innovative methods for a Lodge to supplement its funds outside of dues and fees.
Introduced was the question, "What is the actual value of being a Freemason and is it a good value for the financial cost of being one?" This was followed by, "What percent of your yearly income is paid toward Masonic dues and fees?" Listeners were encouraged to do their own math.
A forty year comparison of Masonic dues and inflation was presented indication that, in too many cases, today a single tank of fuel for pick-up truck would exceed two or three years Lodge dues. It was suggested that some are willing to pay more weekly for Starbuck's coffee than yearly for Masonic membership.
Discussion suggested that "I'm on a fixed income" is a questionable excuse. Just about everybody is on a "fixed income." Further suggested was, that when men value something or want something bad enough, they will do what is necessary to budget for it.
It was pointed our that, in almost all cases a man is proud of the fact that he is a Master Mason regardless of how little he may be involved in Craft Freemasonry. That thought was re-enforced by the observation that those who do not have pride in their Masonic affiliation were likely "quantity" rather than "quality" approvals by their respective investigation teams.
The discussion brought out the absolute necessity for Lodges to determine realistic current and projected future expenses associated with Lodge management and do what is necessary to fund those projections.
Such action would no doubt require a "tough love" approach to assuring the solvency of the Lodge in present and future times.
Effective leadership, communication and fiscal reality are the primary means of Lodge survivorship in our inflationary economy.
In reality today's candidate for Freemasonry, in most cases, has done his research electronically and expects our Fraternity to live up to the image it puts forth toward the world. Other social, civic, fraternal, and service organizations are in need of good men and do not discount dues and fees to encourage new membership or sustain existing membership.
If the value is truly there in the form of pride of membership, fellowship, bonding, social activities and education, the observation is that men will willingly solicit and sustain membership.
The conclusions made were that if no more than traditional ritual and old time reminiscing are continuously offered the value of membership will eventually fade and ultimately disappear. Today's men have a choice between several mediocrities. Our fraternity must elevate itself from that field of choices. Freemasonry was never meant to be easy, fast and cheap. Membership is indeed something of unique value. When signing on to the Lodge membership rolls, each Mason of his own free will and accord subscribes to his share of his Lodges assets and responsibilities.

2. (Colorado) - Masonic jurisprudence and Masonic trials:

The discussion leader advised that the charges related in the various Masonic jurisprudence actions are ultimately allegations of 'Un-Mason like conduct," and that the objective of the respective system of Masonic jurisprudence is to resolve such conflicts. It was explained that civil society survives through a system of authoritative rules and regulations to be applied toward the addressing of conflicting issues.
Masonic Ritual was introduced as it relates toward our charge that, "… in the decision of every trespass against our rules you are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship and reprehend with justice."
Each Mason must stand accountable for his own actions, always remembering that bad conduct by a single member of our Craft reflects upon the character of the whole fraternity.
The objective of the Judge in a Masonic trial is to seek the truth without application of the "loopholes" and subterfuges designed to evade or cloud the issue at hand.
The discussion leader admitted that there may be differences in the jurisprudence procedures of the various Grand Lodge jurisdictions and that the absolute awareness, compliance, application and documentation of application is a necessity, particularly necessary, in the undesirable event that the situation at hand should ever end up in the civil justice system.
Jurisprudence actions within all bodies are confidential and not fit for
speculative discussion or rumor mongering at any level. All information is privileged within those directly involved with the action at hand.
It was further pointed out that all charges must be directly related to un-Masonic behavior and not intermingled with allegations related to issues outside of the spectrum of Freemasonry, nor should they be frivolous in nature. The penalty, if justified, must be specific as allowed by code and modified in no manner.
Remember that allegations to not imply guilt and that "wise council" offered by a caring brother can often defuse an otherwise eruptive situation.
Men, having entered Freemasonry of their own free will and accord must realize that in doing so they willingly subject themselves to the Masonic jurisprudence system, and that civil trial activity related to Masonic issues reflects upon the integrity of our fraternal institution and the entire brotherhood therein.

3. (Utah) - Evaluating the effect brief history of "one day" degree classes (Grand Master's Classes) and statistical comparisons to traditional ritualistic degree Masons:

The discussion leader furnished each Mason present with a printed outline of his PowerPoint presentation. On the big screen he outlined such information as the various definitions for one day classes, the various sources of candidates, several historical documentations of one day classes, Grand Lodge data relating to one day classes, comments from various Lodges involved in the classes, challenges and conclusions related to the one day class concept.
Requirements related to one on one mentoring, exemplification of the degrees, lectures and charges, along with requirements related to signs, words and means of recognition were outlined, and various degrees of compliance with proficiency were introduced.
Facts were introduced relating to potential candidates for one-day degrees as being Legacy Masons, men having gathered for audio/visual/digital education related to Masonry, men having participated in "introduction to Masonry" gatherings - men with busy or erratic work schedules such as shift workers, fire/police/military personnel. Senior DeMolays and "top job" officials in industry, government and key man positions might also be considered as potential candidates for a one-day class.
Statistics related to retention, participation and officer status of one day Masons in several jurisdictions were shown to be comparable with traditional degree work with some concerns relating to the lack of "seasoning" necessary for officer positions and traditional ritual.
Variations relating to the way such classes are conducted were introduced with the unanimous agreement that the preferred way for a man to become a Mason is in the traditional manner. Concern was expressed that one day Masons must be motivated to learn and become proficient in traditional ritual and floor work.
It was suggested that a truly meaningful application of a dedicated Masonic education system is absolutely necessary to empower one day Masons with the customs, courtesies, protocols and ritual related behavior that will reflect to the outside world that the man is indeed a Mason.
Comments were introduced that younger men live in a digital world and that Masonic instruction must be offered to them in a format they are familiar and comfortable with. It was mentioned that applications and training could be transmitted by computer, fax, and both traditional and cell phones. It was further recognized that the necessity of a personal mentor and physical social interaction with other Masons was a vital necessity, and that such social activities outside of the Lodge room were more valuable in the bonding of our Brotherhood than repeated exposures to business meetings and ritual.
Further discussion indicated that some jurisdictions had been involved in one-day Mason programs in the past, but were not presently doing so as such degrees are the prerogative of each individual incoming Grand Master.
A suggestion was made that Traditional Observance Lodges be established in various jurisdictions to satisfy strict ritualists and insure the perpetuation of Ancient Craft Masonry.
Evaluation of the issue of one day Masonic degree classes suggests that they are, as of yet, experimental and not yet fully accepted.

4. (New Mexico) - What makes being a Mason special?:

This presentation began with a request for each Mason present to visualize himself at a desk on which lay all of his Masonic related paraphernalia. He was ordered to close his eyes and open the largest desk drawer where he was to place all headgear, sashes, pins and other paraphernalia related to the Scottish and York Rites, the Shrine and the several other appendant and dependent Masonic bodies to which he might belong. He was then ordered to open his eyes to determine what remained on the desktop. It was his Lambskin, or White Leather Apron.
The discussion leader advised that all of the items in the drawer relate to what we do. The sole remaining item, the white apron, relates to what we are. The distinction between what we do and what we are cannot be over emphasized.
All were advised that Masonic behavior is an ongoing necessity because you never know who is using you as an example.
The presenter pointed out that "trust" is the primary lesson each Mason receives when, hoodwinked, he is taught to trust the invisible brother conducting him into and throughout his first exposure in a tiled Lodge.
Input to the discussion suggested that Masons were more likely to be aware of their Masonic status when wearing jewelry identifying them exclusively as Freemasons rather that displaying the "shotgun" pattern of fraternal pins on their clothing, headgear and vehicles. It was further suggested that a distinctive Masonic coin or token in the pocket of every Freemason, perhaps presented to him following that situation in which he was found to be without some metallic substance, might remind him of his Masonic status each time he emptied his trouser pockets.
The importance and value of self-pride in membership is one of the major factors attaching a Mason to his Fraternity. Remembrance tokens on his person, clothing or vehicle are perhaps more reasonable than having "FREE" tattooed above the knuckles of one hand, and "MASON" tattooed above the knuckles of the other.
As with each presentation the necessity of a realistic Masonic education program was listed as an Instrumental necessity in infusing Freemasonry into ones everyday demeanor.

5. (Idaho) - Encouraging Freemasonry from the Grand Lodge to the Blue lodge:

The speaker opened by suggesting that one third of all Masonic Lodges are successful, one third of all Lodges are somewhat successful, and one third of all Masonic Lodges are dysfunctional.
He went on to state that the tight fellowship found in many smaller Lodges is comfortable but fellowship alone will not sustain a Lodge into the future. He further suggested that some institutions actually get better when an obstinate individual ups and leaves.
The question was posed. "What infusions can be made into a Lodge to better its effectiveness and to energize and enhance its membership? How can the Grand Lodge assist?
It was pointed out that Lodges setting their sights for recognition through participation in such programs as the "Lodge of Excellence" award (perhaps designated by another name elsewhere) gives Lodge members an objective and a structured measuring devise and outline on how to achieve that objective. Application of The Masonic Service Association's Twain Award was also encouraged.
The obvious reward for achievement is pride. The byproduct of participation in such programs, even when initial success is unsuccessful, is, or ought to be. Re-evaluation and institution of management and procedural changes is necessary to arrive at the desired objective.
Comments suggested that extending the social activities of each business meeting and compressing the business and ritual part might make the experience both more enjoyable and productive. Grand Lodges might encourage successes by allowing some latitude in such areas.
Another factor effecting Lodge and Lodge member pride is the physical appearance of the Lodge itself. Examples were given in which inspired Lodge members capable and willing to improve and enhance the physical appearance of their Lodge subscribed to donations of their personal time and/or financial assets toward that objective.
One speaker suggested Lodges specializing in a specific occupation; hobby or common interest had been successful at one time and might a viable option today. His example was Robin Hood Lodge… with a membership of bow hunters.
Attendees were reminded that we live in an "information age," and that Grand Lodges might better serve the Blue Lodges by maximizing communication efforts through periodic newsletters, well functioning, meaningful and up to date web sites and inspiration through somewhat regular visitations from a Grand Lodge officer.
It was reported that some Grand Lodges respond to a toll free number on their web sites for those wanting to know more about Masonry or looking for affiliation or petitions.

6. (Wyoming) - Evaluation of programs designed to "re-invent" Freemasonry:

The director of this topic suggested that the buzzword "reinvent" is not a realistic term when referring to changes, deemed necessary by some, for the transition of yesterdays "analog" Freemasonry into today's "digital" world.
The speaker reminded those present that, in past times our Fraternity was recognized as the premier body of fraternal organizations, and that such status was achieved by adhering to the "basics" established by previous generations. The yet obvious current value of those underlying principles was pointed out
Further discussion reminded all of the traditional admonition "…to be CAUTIOUS over all of your words and actions, especially on the subject of Freemasonry…"
It was suggested that a re-alignment of priorities increasing emphasis in such areas as Masonic Education and reducing emphasis on rote memorization might be considered. That thought was further advanced by suggesting that each candidate and existing member must also consciously recognize his own personal Masonic priorities and seriously commit to them.
The advisability of quality candidates rather than numbers was re-introduced along with emphasis related to importance and dependence of the Lodge and the Fraternity on the advise, screening and recommendations of the investigating committees.
Out reach programs such as "Friendship Night", "Meet the Masons Night", Kick Off Dinners, affiliation with speakers bureaus and the mild cultivation of the area's "movers and shakers" were introduced for consideration.
It was pointed out that particular preparation and refinement of ritualistic deliveries at public events such as Masonic Funerals and Cornerstone Ceremonies is essential so as not to embarrass our Fraternity during a public exposure.
An observation was submitted that inspired leadership, meaningful Lodge gatherings, well projected public exposure along with each Master Mason reflecting the principles of our order on a 24-7 basis represent all that our Fraternity needs to grow and prosper.
If the social, cultural, educational and philosophical rewards of Masonic membership are meaningful and rewarding, existing members will find their dues and fees justified and perspective members will line up at the doors of our Lodges.
The primary ingredient for success is dynamic and tenacious leadership. A major purpose of Freemasonry is to build such leadership within its Lodges and throughout our respective geographical areas. Statistics presented earlier in the conference suggested that one third of the various Lodges are involved in effective leadership preparation.
It was, for the most part, agreed re-prioritization, additional public exposure, meaningful leadership training and some fine tuning of existing standards are valid objectives, but there is no need for the "reinvention" of Freemasonry.

7. (Nevada) - Maintaining "Harmony" within our Lodges:

"Harmony" was defined as that cement which does indeed bind our institution into one common band of friends and brothers. It is admittedly difficult to maintain harmony within an environment in which a large number of individuals are not familiar with the obligations and responsibilities they vowed to honor in God's name. This situation exists from the lack of meaningful education required or provided by our fraternity for the growth necessary to sustain the obligations taken.
The discussion leader listed such human conditions as ego, personal agendas, personality clashes, status objectives, vanity, insecurity and in-ability to relinquish power, along with jealousy and revenge as inherent frailties in the human spirit. As such they represent the seeds of discord (the opposite of harmony) causing confusion in the Craft. A Mason should keep such passions in due bounds but or too often no willing effort is made to control them.
Discussion went on to suggest that those in leadership positions should not hide their agendas (hopefully they have one). They should express them freely and solicit assistance and advice related to their value and potential consequences. Terms such as "my agenda" should be voiced as "our agenda."
All were reminded that we are, as Master Masons are obligated to whisper wise council into the ear of an errant brother and worn him of danger. We were also reminded that, as Masons, on the level, we should seek advice from those in a position to give it.
Some testimonies were shared related to problems within the Fraternity resulting from rumor mongering, backbiting, intolerance, un-justified speculation and general orneriness.
One brother did suggest that the "general orneriness" category might sadly result from such deteriorating conditions as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
The preferred resolution for discord among Masons is a handshake. In apparently unsolvable situations resulting from aggressive personality conflicts, the issue might be appropriately brought before the Worshipful Master, the Cognizance Committee or subjected to Masonic Jurisprudence.
After once again reminding that proper screening by investigation committees might preclude such problems, one attendee suggested it would be a good thing if, within the Lodge, we could vote problems out as easily as we voted them in.
As in previous discussions, the need for meaningful Masonic education relating to the relationship and duties toward help, aiding and assisting one another was voiced. Masonry is a group effort; we are pledged to love one another in peace and harmony. We must strive to do so.

 

In addition to the seven presentations by the existing Conference jurisdictions, the Senior Grand Warden of Arizona voiced the intent of his jurisdiction to solicit membership in the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference pending the approval of his Grand Lodge.

The Grand Master of Nebraska requested that Nebraska's Grand Lodge be allowed to affiliate with the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference without full membership.

Nevada's Grand Master, M.W. Stan Williams closed the conference following administrative business and elections related to future conferences. The 57th Annual Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference will take place at Thermopolis, Wyoming, July 17, 18, 19, 2008.

Respectfully submitted,
Lewis E. "Red" Kittell, P.M.

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