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Trying to start a new trend in my lodge

Horeblodge#93mason

Registered User
So I'm going to undertake the project of adding a new segment to our stated meetings. A 5-10 minute " Masonic short talk".
My father in law is our lodge historian and secretary, so he has compiled a mass of archives from our lodge. I have been talking/ collaborating with him and researching other information to include.
Hoping to discuss what was happening with our lodge during that month at various points in time, as well as discuss Past Masters and notable things they were/ are involved in. Also research interesting masonic facts and knowledge and open the floor to discuss.


Any ideas for how you would like to see something like this done? Or pointers on how to integrate it into our lodge without annoying people? Thanks!
 

Horeblodge#93mason

Registered User
Thank you very much for the input. I'm still relatively new (2 years in) but I have deep love of the craft and am very involved in my lodge, so I want to do things that will make us a desirable place for brethren to be. I already have the masters blessing and the support of my fellow officers, so I hope to make it a staple.
 

David612

Registered User
Personally I love it when a brother presents on lodge history, esoterica or any topic they are passionate about really but also some brethren just don’t care and there’s nothing wrong that so the drive has to be intrinsic and a benefit to you.
 

TheThumbPuppy

Registered User
I've made presentations for many years, but none of them in a Lodge. Here's some advice on making a presentation in general:
  • Do not cram too many facts in one presentation.
  • Start your presentation with a list of what you're going tell them and how long it's going to take. At the end remind them what you've just told them with the same list.
  • Each slide should contain just a title with a couple of points or an image. The purpose of a slide is to draw your audience's attention. You tell the story that the slide represents.
  • Do not read your story, unless you're quoting a short text.
  • Make sure there's a clear connecting thread in the story you're telling.
  • The purpose why you share your story should meaningful to your audience.
  • Use your voice and body effectively – speaking with a monotonous tone, or standing with your hands in your pockets will send your audience to sleep.
  • Test again your projector, laptop, microphone, speakers before the meeting.
I hope it helps
 

Horeblodge#93mason

Registered User
I wish our lodge was large enough to need audio equipment! Hahaha

All very helpful information! Have this and a couple other projects ongoing. We have a plaque with past masters names on it that I'm starting to try to get updated as it got forgotten about, and we dont have pictures of our past masters since like the 1940s, so I'm trying to reach out to any that are still around and fill that gap.
 

CLewey44

Registered User
Hello Brother, congrats on trying to make that change in your lodge. I think just diving right into something interesting is always good. I understand you don't want to annoy anyone but really, if someone is annoyed by your labors, they are the annoying one and need to take a look in the mirror. I think it'll go over better than you expect.

I'd say most Masons are interested in history but esoteric papers/talks/PPs do really well too and typically spark an interest. If you guys send out an email before each stated or have a "trestleboard" online or otherwise, perhaps some interest could be sparked by promoting your paper there beforehand. I would say start with your strongest paper first. While "George Washington the Mason" or "The Morgan Affair" are good topics, something breaking down the esoteric meanings of the FC degree, connecting tarot cards to Freemasonry (may be a stretch for some) or dabbling in some fringe masonry seems to typically spark interest.

Best of luck to you!
 
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