Middle Chamber Talks
MIDDLE CHAMBER TALKS vol. 5
MIDDLE CHAMBER TALKS VOLUME 5
Highlights On the
Entered Apprentice Degree
How Were You Prepared
First, you were divested of all minerals and metals. The Lodge is where men meet of all religions, faiths, political persuasions, in peace and in harmony. We meet on the level and deal squarely with each other. There is never to be discord in the Lodge or anything that would break the peace and harmony of the Lodge. You were then blindfolded, to teach you a lesson in trust. Additionally, with no outward objects to distract your attention, it is only then that the eye of reflection can probe the deepest and darkest recesses of your heart. You were neither naked nor clothed, because as Freemasons, we do not value a man's outward appearances, but what is in his heart. Both the Chief Executive and the Circus Clown enter through the same inner door in the same way and manner as all others who have gone this way before. Much like the umbilical cord, although cut, the bond between mother and child is never severed, so too, while the Cable Tow may be removed, the mystic tie between you and your brethren will never be severed. You knocked three times, as scripture states, Ask and ye shall receive, Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you.
MIDDLE CHAMBER TALKS vol. 4
MIDDLE CHAMBER TALKS VOLUME 4 AUGUST
BRAND IMAGE AND INTRIC VALUE OF NJ FREEMASONRY
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
Freemasonry promotes a way of Life that binds like-minded Men
with the principles of brotherly love, relief, and Truth in order to serve
God, Family, Country, Neighbor and Self.
THE VALUE OF FREEMASONRY
A Rich Heritage:
No Freemasonry is our connection with 300 years of history; 600 years of heritage, 1000 years of tradition, 3000 years of legend, and 6000 years of enlightenment.
Employing the ancient mystical heritage of Freemasonry and the symbolism of architecture, like-minded Men help impart awareness and knowledge to build character, one Brother at a time.
Valuable Tenets:
Through self-introspection and the pursuit of understanding the "design" of the Grand Architect of the Universe, brethren strive to exemplify the tenets of Freemasonry in all aspects of their lives. These include brotherly love, relief, and truth.
MIDDLE CHAMBER TALKS vol. 3
By: R. W. Mohamad A. Yatim, PGH
Grand Lodge Education & Services Committee
MIDDLE CHAMBER TALKS VOLUME 3 JULY
14 Steps on How to Run a SUCCESSFUL Regular Communication
Step 1: Don't Make Meetings a Bore
No brother ever comes to Lodge excited for a business meeting. There are 101 different things a brother can do with his time than sit in Lodge discussing bills, hearing announcements he already read about in the trestleboard or saw on Facebook, or listening to the Worshipful Master and Secretary prattle on endlessly back and forth like a Wimbledon tennis match. Business meetings are necessary to run a well-controlled Lodge, but the business of a Lodge should be to put on quality programming. A well run business meeting should last no more than 20 minutes.
Step 2: Courtesies of the East
Brethren have worked hard during their masonic careers, devoting much time, love, and labor to the Craft. Brethren who have earned titles of Worshipful Brother, Right Worshipful, and Distinguished White Apron, should be acknowledged by the Worshipful Master from the East, as proper respect to these brethren. The same applies to sitting Worshipful Masters visiting from other Lodges. Guests, should also be acknowledged, and made welcome. However, nothing can ruin the mood more than a Worshipful Master who forgets to mention a brother or messes up their name or title. The Tyler, prior to Lodge, should have written down for the Worshipful Master the name and rank of every visitor and distinguished brother. The time to take attendance is not while giving the greeting.
MIDDLE CHAMBER TALKS vol. 2
By: R. W. Mohamad A. Yatim, PGH
Grand Lodge Education & Services Committee
10 Steps to quality membership GROWTH
June 2017
Copyright © The Grand Lodge of New Jersey Free and Accepted Masons
Step 1: The Value Equation
Prior to discussing a method for successful membership expansion, the first step for a Lodge's leadership is to consider (and address) the value one's Lodge offers its members and prospects. This is typically a great but hardly insurmountable start point.
Failing membership has been topic of conversation at Masonic Lodges and Grand Lodges for the past 60 years.
MIDDLE CHAMBER TALKS VOL. 1
by The Grand Lodge Education & Services Committee
A Guideline for Energizing and Motivating your Lodge.
Step 1: Membership Promotion
There is a thin line between promoting Freemasonry versus soliciting for new members. Our oath and guidelines indicate that all candidates for Masonry should come unsolicited, of their own free will and accord, and in the same way and manner as all others have come before. The positive promotion of the Craft can help instill the beliefs, history and benefits of the Fraternity. Initiating better qualified and informed candidates is a part of the solution to improving quality of the lodge and its retention rates. Therefore, we must develop our Brothers to become well informed of our Fraternity and how to correctly and effectively communicate with any potential candidate. Rushing the process will not lead to productive results and only serve to minimize or water down the experience. Developing new Masons is not unlike any other relationship that takes time and must be built on a solid foundation.