Craft and Royal Arch Papers and Lectures
The papers below were prepared by a sub-committee of the Education and Development Committee. Wherever possible they have been examined and checked for factual correctness, currentness and authenticity. Many Lodges and Chapters have meetings where the business of the Lodge is minimal and so where the meeting risks becoming drab and lacking in stimulation for the brethren. These papers are all ideal for filling that gap and are meant to provide interest within the Lodge. Beyond this they are also a valuable educational resource - many brethren can benefit from a greater understanding of the reasons why we do the things we do in Lodge.
Greater understanding and a little insight has been known to stimulate many brethren into further research and investigation. Awareness of the reasoning behind words and actions in Lodge can help us understand some of the moral and ethical aspects of masonic teachings and encourage us to introduce aspects of these into our daily lives.
In many cases, interpretation is in the hands of the individual and, in some cases, interpretations can lead to much lively debate in Lodge or Chapter, frequently continued at the Festive Board. Much of our ritual and working was developed during the last few centuries and it is interesting to understand the meaning and value of such ritual in the modern and changing world of today. Please contact your District Mentor for more information or for advice in preparing for and giving these papers.
The District Mentors have access to a wide range of further lecture material, short and long papers, presentations and questions and answers for use in the Lodge or Chapter Room. Please contact him for further information about these. These documents can be opened and printed. To save to your computer, right click and select 'save target..'
Lectures and Papers
Craft
A 10 minute paper on why the DC and Deacons have wands |
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A 5-10 minute paper on the Charity Steward and the Significance of his Jewel – the Trowel |
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A 20-30 minute paper – commentary of the meaning of the Charge after Initiation |
Lancashire Craft Lodges 1717 - 1813
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A 20-30 historical paper detailing the origins of many of the Craft Lodges in existence in East Lancashire today |
Preparing the Candidate for Initiation
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A 20-30 minute paper detailing the reasoning and meanings behind how our Candidates are clothed and prepared for the 1st Degree Ceremony |
A 30 minutes lecture giving some interesting detail on aspects of the Chapter Furniture and explaining the meaning and derivation of some of the ritual and workings |
The Installation meeting ‘Address to the Brethren’, divided so the ritual can be shared |
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A memorable and novel way to present the Charge after Initiation to a Candidate with the ritual shared by up to 12 brethren of the Lodge |
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A short and meaningful poem to be read at the closing of the Lodge |
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Three 5 -10 minute lectures to be given together or separately on the relevance of compass points in the Lodge, the importance of the East and the black and white pavement |
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A 10 minute lecture on the title |
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A Royal Arch piece to be presented and shared by up to 17 individuals explaining the characters of the Chapter Ritual |
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A shared work to be given in Chapter explaining the characters of the Royal Arch Ritual and their relevance / importance |
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A Royal Arch piece with shared components explaining Characters and Places mentioned in the RA Ritual |
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A collection of 5 minute lectures on separate characters and aspects of the Royal Arch |
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| As it says | |
A collection of 5 minute lectures on places and items/people from the Royal Arch ritual |
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More Advanced Craft Ritual Sets |
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A presentation of a Masonic Catechism c 1740 – a tantalising view of Freemasonry in 1724, to be worked in Lodge with a carefully set ambience, aimed at Educating and provoking thought on Freemasonry, then and now. |
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A series of short lectures to be given in Lodge with invitation letters etc – to encourage inter-visiting and promoting understanding of the history of Masonry, the Lodge Room, the VSL, jewels, Lodge Officer duties and the Aprons of Masonry. |
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An entertaining 15-20 minute paper on the qualities of the Lodge Mentor, the expectations we should have of him and how mentoring is a whole Lodge effort dependant on the nature of our relationships for its success. Introducing the concept of one-to-one Mentoring. |
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A 30 minute paper on the benefits of Freemasonry, how we communicate them to prospective or new candidates and how we can better understand the meaning of Freemasonry for each individual, including ourselves. |
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A piece for Mentors to use with a group of masons, encouraging each to think about what Freemasonry means to them and be able to articulate the same to others. |
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A 20 minute introductory lecture to be given to Lodges on Mentoring and where do we start?
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A Powerpoint presentation – useful to teach District Mentors on the subject, who in turn can train Lodge Mentors - part of introducing change and involvement in each Lodge’s Mentoring initiatives |
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District Mentors Manuals and Guides
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An Introduction to Freemasonry and the Lodge for newly Initiated Freemasons. Available as pdf or word document - edit the cover and appendices to creat your own Lodge Manual. |
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The Province’s Introductory Manual on Mentoring for Lodge Mentors |
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| The Original Presentation given to Lodge Mentors | |
Notes on Mentoring and the Strategy |
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Questions and Answers Short Questions and Answers, suitable for open Lodge, to stimulate thought, educate and perhaps take the place of the reading of 'another' Ancient Charge etc. |
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