MASONIC  EDUCATION  PROGRAM
AT
EVERGREEN  LODGE  NO.  259
 RIVERSIDE,  CALIFORNIA

Three years ago,  Evergreen Lodge started a program of masonic
education at every Stated Meeting.   The primary purposes of
the program are to provide something more exciting than the
usual business of a Stated Meeting and to fill  a needed gap
in the knowledge of Freemasonry among the members, young and
old.   The program is usually planned for 20-30 minutes and
has been very well  received by the Lodge members.   It has
resulted in increased attendance,  as well  as a source of
masonic  information.   The education program is presented
after the Lodge business has been concluded.   The Lodge is
usually closed by 9 p.m.

The Committee,  under  the chairmanship of M.W.   Stanley L.
Channon, PGM,  and Past Master of Evergreen Lodge in 1965,
consists primarily of members of  the Lodge.   Some are Past
Masters and some are relatively new members.   The Committee
is selected by  the chairman and the Master of  the Lodge.
Assignments are made by letter from the Master to the
members.   Nobody has  turned down an assignment yet,  and all
have been honored to have been selected.   The chairman
introduces each speaker or program and also writes a short
summary of the program and an announcement of the next
month's program for publication in the Lodge  trestleboard.

The program is planned for  the whole year with a variety of
subjects and methods of presentation.    Each member  is
responsible for  the program of  the month to which he has been
assigned.   He presents a short  talk on that  subject or acts
as host  for  the month  if  there is an invited speaker or a
video program.    This requires  each Committee member  to
prepare for only one evening per year.   Speakers are
encouraged to use audio-visual  aids  in making their
presentations.   For  this purpose,  the Lodge acquired a video
projector and an overhead projector  for  transparencies  to be
projected on the North wall  of  the Lodge room.   Some of  the
presentations have been of sufficient  interest  to  the  ladies
that  the presentation has been made after closing the Lodge
and  inviting the  ladies  to attend the education program.

In addition to the education value,  the program provides an
opportunity for  the members  to develop their presentation
skills and for  the brethren to observe speakers who may be
good candidates for a Lodge office.   It also provides an
opportunity for members to ask questions about a particular
subject which may be answered by the presenter or by some
other brother.


A list of topics discussed or presentations made is as  
follows:



Grand Lodge in Relation to Lodges
Interview with John Robinson   - video
Ancient Symbolic Penalties
Masonic Renewal Task Force Survey
Unseen Journey   - video
Some Masonic Misconceptions
Masonic Responsibilities - Recommending, Investigating,                                                                                 
                          Coaching
The Revised Masonic Code and Resolutions Procedures
Resolutions Proposed for  1992
The Hyramic Legend
Masonic Charities
Explanation of Degrees Part 1   - video
Masonic Homes Today plus visit to Covina Home
Progress in Drug Abuse Support
Freemasonry's Present Day Criticisms   - video
Masonic Symbols   - Panel discussion
The Boston Tea Party - Masonic Involvement
Resolutions Proposed for 1993
Explanation of Degrees Part 2   - video
Recognition of Grand Lodges
Election and Appointment of Grand Lodge Officers,
                     Inspectors and Committeemen
Targeting New Members and Sojourners   - panel
Differences between A.F.& A.M. and F.& A.M.
Focus on the Future   - video
Development of the Ritual
The Morgan Incident
Arrangement of Lesser Lights in Various Jurisdictions
Reports of Wardens'  Retreats
The Ancient Landmarks

Information sources for these programs are abundant.   Many of
the above programs were drawn from publications of the
Southern California Research Lodge, Masonic Service
Association Short Talks,  Scottish Rite Journal, Grand Lodge
Publications from many jurisdictions and reference books in
Masonic libraries.

The program is highly recommended for all Lodges,  large or
small.   The cost  is minimal and the benefits are invaluable.
A brother who is informed and involved is a better member and
a better person.


