FRATERNAL REVIEW

Editor - Ralph A. Herbold        (10-15-93)                       No. 680

HAWAII
A few items from the Spring-Summer 1993 Grand Lodge Bulletin of the Grand Lodge
of Hawaii:

For the first time, legislation was ratified to allow charitable contributions
to non-Masonic entities and to award scholarships to applicants regardless of
Masonic affiliation.  Membership as of December 31, 1992, 2,376 against 2,434 at
the first of the year.  Membership increased in two lodges while two stayed the
same.  Gains were 55 raised and 39 affiliated.  Schools of instruction on
funerals were held with strict attention to the memorizing of the service and
dress code of business suit.  Kauai Lodge reported $87,560.00 received as Iniki
Hurrican Relief, all but about $3,000 from sources outside of Hawaii.

Two items of interest in an article about Lodge Maui:

"Our 89th year of continuous meetings, first under the jurisdiction of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland 1904-1918, then the Grand Lodge of California 1918-1989
and now as part of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii since 1989.

"The highlight of our stated meetings is the part devoted to Masonic Education
with a different member each month speaking on different facets of our craft.
All presentations have been interesting and some provocative."

SOUTH DAKOTA - BALLOT
In a report from the Grand Lodge of South Dakota on their June 1993 Annual
Communication:

Legislation passed included:  Allow use of wine at Masonic functions or as a
part of ritual as long as an alternative is available.  Allow seven days
between degrees upon the same candidate instead of four weeks.  Will now require
at least two black balls/cubes to reject.

BOOKS
Demonstrating what we think is a good idea, and it was in the July-August 1993
Minnesota Mason, the Grand Lodge is operating The Book Store, this issue listing
five books and one video, with ordering available by telephone with an 800
number for those away from the Grand Lodge area.  Prices extremely competitive.

CORNERSTONE - VIDEO
from the August 1993 Illinois Grand Lodge Newsletter:

"We have sold all the copies of the 'White House Cornerstone' videos, however
anyone can order one direct from the producer at a price of $30 including
shipping and handling:  Capstone Productions, Inc., Television Productions,
12002 Citrus Grove Road, North Potomac MD 20878."


In another article, the same company is contemplating a similar video for the
U.S. Capitol Cornerstone September 18, 1993, depending on sufficient orders.
If interested contact them directly.

AUSTRALIA - EDUCATION
Sounds like a good idea in the April 1993 Tasmanian (Australia) Mason, and
since its been operating since 1961, it must be a success:

Rhetoric Lodge of Instruction held under the auspices of the Launceston Lodge of
Research has assisted countless Masons to become more confident and proficient
and thereby enjoy their Masonry more than they would have without the additional
support.

Rhetoric does not and never has replaced the individual Lodges' Lodge of
Instruction but aims to concentrate on matters that seem to be missed through
lack of time on Lodges' Instruction nights.  By encouraging brethren to feel
comfortable and proficient in public speaking and helping them understand the
charges, the aim is to increase an individual's self esteem and effectiveness as
a member of his Lodge.

Rhetoric supports and encourages Lodge officers and prospective officers in
teaching them appropriate ways to propose and respond to toasts, differing
techniques for learning and delivering charges, debating motions and framing
amendments.  Members are encouraged to learn something of Masonic Etiquette and
to enquire, listen and contribute to discussions.  By providing practice in
chairmanship and meeting procedures before becoming Master and sharing the
collective experiences of the whole group, Rhetoric has made a significant
contribution to varying degrees of the successes and happiness experienced by
many Northern Tasmanian Masons.

Rhetoric has been able to devote time to helping individuals as well as to
general discussions and instructional talks.  A video camera can be made
available to identify disturbing mannerisms thus enabling the speaker to work
toward eliminating them in a non threatening and supportive atmosphere.
Brethren are encouraged to come along to practice the charges and toasts they
have been asked to deliver.  Rhetoric is open to all Master Masons.

One listed meeting:  Learning and delivering Charges, aids to learning, aids to
remembering, effective delivery, stance, voice projection, eye contact.

RAH:  Sure seems to be an idea worthy of all emulation.

PILGRIM'S PATH
A bit from "Grand Master's (Don Polhman) Corner" in the Summer 1993 The
Nebraska Mason:

"My message to you this summer is very simple and to the point.  Buy John J.
Robinson's new book entitled 'A Pilgrim's Path.'  Buy it, read it.  Ask your
wife to read it and then pass it along to your neighbors and have them read it.

"His writing is direct and to the point.  Also, he writes in a manner that is
easy to understand.  There is no doubt in my mind that this book will be one of
the finest pieces published in explanation of our gentle craft.  The book is
dedicated to the next man to become an Entered Apprentice and to all such men
throughout the centuries to come."


