Friday, 27 October 2017
Thursday, 19 October 2017
Algonquin October 2017
On Tuesday, October 17th, 2017, during their regular meeting, Algonquin Lodge No. 536 gave W. Bro. Don McKibbon his 60 year pin. In the pictures below, he is flanked by his sons Bro. Jason McKibbon from Algonquin Lodge and Bro. Chris McKibbon from Espanola Lodge.
W. Bro. McKibbon was master of Algonquin Lodge in 1974.
W. Bro. McKibbon was master of Algonquin Lodge in 1974.
Tuesday, 17 October 2017
Sudbury Official Visit 2017
Monday, October 16th, 2017 was the night Sudbury Lodge No. 658 had their Official Visit by R. W. Bro. Reg Daigle, District Deputy Grand Master. The work of the evening was an initiation of Mr. Clayton Kennedy.
Brethren
The particular topic that I chose for this evening is application for initiation. Why is it that we have so many applicants attend their initiation never to return again? They often say this isn't for me or it isn't what I expected. These comments I'm about to talk about are only my observations and doesn't reflect on anyone. I'm merely making suggestions.
To begin with, I don't believe we're properly interviewing candidates. Firstly, the sponsors should know the individual, and if not, should meet with him on a few occasions to discuss who we are and what we are about. What will be required of him for example and that some memory work will be required of him, but we also need to assure him that we will help. Find out what kind of man he is. His family, his beliefs, and even his extra curricular activities should be known. Remember, you may spend a lot of time with him in Lodge and after Lodge to assist and prepare him for advancement. We must remember that a great many of these applicant believe that masonry is like a GREAT SECRET SOCIETY with mysteries and intrigue -- cloak and dagger stuff from television and the Internet. We need to inform them that freemasonry is a constant learning and improvement of ourselves in life and actions.
Next, the committee, sent by the W. Master to examine the applicant, needs to question his religious belief more deeply. Nothing is worse than asking him before being admitted into the Lodge room the first question DO YOU BELIEVE IN A SUPREME BEING and his reply is, "well what do you mean by a supreme being. Like a God or E.T.?" We should also inform him that he may take his obligation on his book of beliefs. It will have more meaning for him than to take the obligation on our volume of the sacred law. It can be placed on the Altar during his obligation, but it must be closed afterwards. It can remain on the altar during the remainder of the meeting. All-in-all brethren, let's not rush to get the new applicant initiated; get to know him, and let's do our homework.
Also, let's not make this a competition amongst the brethren of who got the most applications. It's not a competition; we need good men to join our ranks in order to grow -- not just to increase our bank account or membership. If we have two hundred members and only fifteen who attend lodge, what good is that?
THANK YOU
Brethren
The particular topic that I chose for this evening is application for initiation. Why is it that we have so many applicants attend their initiation never to return again? They often say this isn't for me or it isn't what I expected. These comments I'm about to talk about are only my observations and doesn't reflect on anyone. I'm merely making suggestions.
To begin with, I don't believe we're properly interviewing candidates. Firstly, the sponsors should know the individual, and if not, should meet with him on a few occasions to discuss who we are and what we are about. What will be required of him for example and that some memory work will be required of him, but we also need to assure him that we will help. Find out what kind of man he is. His family, his beliefs, and even his extra curricular activities should be known. Remember, you may spend a lot of time with him in Lodge and after Lodge to assist and prepare him for advancement. We must remember that a great many of these applicant believe that masonry is like a GREAT SECRET SOCIETY with mysteries and intrigue -- cloak and dagger stuff from television and the Internet. We need to inform them that freemasonry is a constant learning and improvement of ourselves in life and actions.
Next, the committee, sent by the W. Master to examine the applicant, needs to question his religious belief more deeply. Nothing is worse than asking him before being admitted into the Lodge room the first question DO YOU BELIEVE IN A SUPREME BEING and his reply is, "well what do you mean by a supreme being. Like a God or E.T.?" We should also inform him that he may take his obligation on his book of beliefs. It will have more meaning for him than to take the obligation on our volume of the sacred law. It can be placed on the Altar during his obligation, but it must be closed afterwards. It can remain on the altar during the remainder of the meeting. All-in-all brethren, let's not rush to get the new applicant initiated; get to know him, and let's do our homework.
Also, let's not make this a competition amongst the brethren of who got the most applications. It's not a competition; we need good men to join our ranks in order to grow -- not just to increase our bank account or membership. If we have two hundred members and only fifteen who attend lodge, what good is that?
THANK YOU
Monday, 16 October 2017
Bethel Official Visit 2017
On Friday, October 13th, 2017, Bethel Lodge No. 699 had their Official Visit by R. W. Bro. Reg Daigle, District Deputy Grand Master. The work of the evening was an exemplification of a passing with W. Bro. Gord Allan Fraser as the candidate.
Speech
Brethren, as most of you are aware, most of my short lectures for the year are dedicated to our newest members. For this topic, I chose mentoring. Not everyone can mentor and some shouldn't. It also should not be left to one individual in your Lodge. Past masters, the master, wardens, and some master masons can be mentors and let us not forget the sponsors.
Now let's begin with lodge practises. Even if it consists of only the opening and closing, let's include the apprentices and fellowcrafts in it. They also need to practise: How to step and sign, exit the lodge, and even on how to address the worshipful master or respond. Give them assignments like a book to read and ask for a short report, about the subject, to be delivered the following month. If he is keen about masonry he will report to you in one way or another. No written report is required; a verbal one is okay.
Now, don't give him a 400 page novel. We're not trying to discourage him, but let's say a chapter or even a lecture. Have a master mason sit next to them to assist in lodge openings and closings and in exiting the lodge room.
At the beginning of this lecture, I said some master masons can become good mentors in due time. Let me explain myself. A few weeks ago a new master mason aproached me and pointed to a certain regalia that someone was wearing. He asked, "what is it?" I proceeded to inform him that it was a D.D.G.M. undress regalia. He was never been made aware of it and why or when it is worn. I believe his journey is still just beginning, and he has quite a way to go.
I myself, when I became a new master mason, attended a lodge of instruction in Capreol held by most worshipful Mumby. He asked some questions that I had no idea on how to answer and believe me I'm still learning and still require mentoring and guidance -- just ask my advisory committee.
I attended a lodge recently where a fellowcraft was present. The Lodge was initiating a new candidate and afterward I invited the fellowcraft to join me on the level with the new apprentice for a pin presentation this was the first time he had ever seen a district deputy. On approaching the east from where he was sitting in the south west he just beelined towards me without squaring the lodge -- not knowing any better. We can't correct him in lodge; it's to late. We need to prepare them properly. Perhaps he was nervous. I'm not sure, but he needs to attend practises along with the officers of the Lodge in order to learn the floor work and the proper procedures to observe in Lodge.
Thank you.
Speech
Brethren, as most of you are aware, most of my short lectures for the year are dedicated to our newest members. For this topic, I chose mentoring. Not everyone can mentor and some shouldn't. It also should not be left to one individual in your Lodge. Past masters, the master, wardens, and some master masons can be mentors and let us not forget the sponsors.
Now let's begin with lodge practises. Even if it consists of only the opening and closing, let's include the apprentices and fellowcrafts in it. They also need to practise: How to step and sign, exit the lodge, and even on how to address the worshipful master or respond. Give them assignments like a book to read and ask for a short report, about the subject, to be delivered the following month. If he is keen about masonry he will report to you in one way or another. No written report is required; a verbal one is okay.
Now, don't give him a 400 page novel. We're not trying to discourage him, but let's say a chapter or even a lecture. Have a master mason sit next to them to assist in lodge openings and closings and in exiting the lodge room.
At the beginning of this lecture, I said some master masons can become good mentors in due time. Let me explain myself. A few weeks ago a new master mason aproached me and pointed to a certain regalia that someone was wearing. He asked, "what is it?" I proceeded to inform him that it was a D.D.G.M. undress regalia. He was never been made aware of it and why or when it is worn. I believe his journey is still just beginning, and he has quite a way to go.
I myself, when I became a new master mason, attended a lodge of instruction in Capreol held by most worshipful Mumby. He asked some questions that I had no idea on how to answer and believe me I'm still learning and still require mentoring and guidance -- just ask my advisory committee.
I attended a lodge recently where a fellowcraft was present. The Lodge was initiating a new candidate and afterward I invited the fellowcraft to join me on the level with the new apprentice for a pin presentation this was the first time he had ever seen a district deputy. On approaching the east from where he was sitting in the south west he just beelined towards me without squaring the lodge -- not knowing any better. We can't correct him in lodge; it's to late. We need to prepare them properly. Perhaps he was nervous. I'm not sure, but he needs to attend practises along with the officers of the Lodge in order to learn the floor work and the proper procedures to observe in Lodge.
Thank you.
Thursday, 12 October 2017
Doric Randal Cormack Initiation
On Tuesday, October 10th, 2017, Doric Lodge No. 455 was very pleased to welcome R. W. Bro. Reg Daigle, District Deputy Grand Master on a Fraternal Visit. The work of the evening saw the initiation of Bro. Randal Cormack.
Saturday, 7 October 2017
Nickel Lodge No. 427 Past Masters Night
Nickel Lodge No. 427 had their Past Masters Night on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2017. W. Bro. Paavo Liukko lead his degree team in an initiation.
As the candidate had to fly out of town suddenly for work, an exemplification was performed with Bro. David Gillingham standing in.
Friday, 6 October 2017
Lodge of Instruction 2017
Around sixteen brethren from the district gathered in Espanola on Wednesday October 27th for a Lodge of Instruction. It was designed to reduce the number of local traditions that exist around the province. A couple handouts were made available including one at this link.
If that link gets updated in the future, you can visit this link and click the most up to date link for the Reception of Grand Lodge Officers and Banquet Hall Protocol pdf.
The custodian of the work, M.W. Bro. D. Garry Dowling, spoke for a while too. Many questions were answered.
Front Row
M.W. Bro. D. Garry Dowling, Custodian of the Work
R.W. Bro. Brian Koivu, Member of the Board of General Purposes
R.W. Bro. Reg Daigle, D.D.G.M. of the Sudbury-Manitoulin District
R.W. Bro. Gordon Cutcher, Protocol and Etiquette Team Leader
R.W. Bro. James Pearson
Back Row
V.W. Bro. George Pohle
R.W. Bro. William Bath
W.M. Bro. John M. Reynolds, Nickel Lodge No. 427
If that link gets updated in the future, you can visit this link and click the most up to date link for the Reception of Grand Lodge Officers and Banquet Hall Protocol pdf.
The custodian of the work, M.W. Bro. D. Garry Dowling, spoke for a while too. Many questions were answered.
Front Row
M.W. Bro. D. Garry Dowling, Custodian of the Work
R.W. Bro. Brian Koivu, Member of the Board of General Purposes
R.W. Bro. Reg Daigle, D.D.G.M. of the Sudbury-Manitoulin District
R.W. Bro. Gordon Cutcher, Protocol and Etiquette Team Leader
R.W. Bro. James Pearson
Back Row
V.W. Bro. George Pohle
R.W. Bro. William Bath
W.M. Bro. John M. Reynolds, Nickel Lodge No. 427
National Lodge No. 588 October 2017
At National Lodge's October 3rd, 2017 meeting, the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Clair Rouse presented Bro. Alan Fey, a Sudbury-Manitoulin District MASONIChip Committee Chairman, with a cheque for $2,000 to cover ongoing costs. Our Worshipful Master is very interested in this worthwhile cause.
Also, he presented the D.D.G.M., R. W. Bro. Daigle with their Annual Contribution to the CTV/Lions Children's Christmas Telethon.
After Lodge, the brethren retreated to the Java Guild where Worshipful Brother Rouse presented the Chairman of the Temple Board, W. Bro. Benson Mullen, with a cheque in the amount of $2650.00. It is to cover both the cost of a Defibrillator to be located on the Banquet Room Level and the cost of a training course to help train the brethren of our district. Their Worshipful Master, being a former Ontario Marshal is very passionate about this issue.
Tuesday, 3 October 2017
DDGM Banquet 2017
The Masters and Wardens Association put on a banquet for R.W. Reg Daigle, D.D.G.M. Sudbury-Manitoulin District on the evening of Friday, September 29th, 2017. The Eastern Star prepared a fabulous meal.
Brethren
Welcome all and thank you for your show
of support by your attendance. I was sitting on my dock at camp on one of the
nicest days in September and thought to myself this is the best day we had so
far this year and what should I talk about in my speeches to the brethren.
Our
numbers are slowly decreasing every year. There are talks of Lodges going dark
and of others amalgamating to survive. We are not retaining most of the new
members. Perhaps we should change the way we interview the prospect? Also the
ones who do stay barely attend. How can we make it more interesting for them,
so that they want to attend Lodge and progress through the different degrees
and perhaps through the chairs? Therefore, most of my speeches will be to try
to come up with suggestions to encourage and support them.
One of these suggestions
is simple participation, get them involved in the degree work. Give them a part
to do instead of sitting on the sidelines watching the same ritual all the
time. I attended a few Lodges recently and observed an entered apprentice
taking part in the degree. GREAT. He was proud in doing so and enjoyed it, he
was taking part in bringing in another member.
Perhaps we should embrace some
of the Grand Lodge's Programs that are available to us. They are there to aid
and assist us.
Also, your District Chairmen were picked by myself because of
their commitment and love of the craft. Get your Lodge chairman to set up
different events. With the aid of your District chairman there are plenty of
resources out there to aid and assist you.
Get your entered apprentices and
fellowcrafts involved and take part. We are not looking for perfection and they
should be encouraged and not critiqued for stepping up and learning instead of
sitting on the sidelines. It’s my belief that when they learn a lecture or a
small part they actually get a better chance of understanding the lessons taught.
Get your Lodge mentors to set up a pizza evening with them to answer any
questions and instruct them.
Nothing is more discouraging and also embarrassing
to a new member when he is asked to exit the Lodge and he doesn't know how.
Have an experienced Brother go with him at the altar to assist him. They will
feel more comfortable and learn from repeating it. After repeating it several
times it will come naturally to them.
So, in conclusion Brethren, take care of
your new members; encourage them and support them. We were all there once.
Thank you
R.W. Reg Daigle
R.W. Reg Daigle
D.D.G.M. Sudbury-Manitoulin District
Sunday, 1 October 2017
Masonichip: Old Navy 2017-09
MASONICh.I.P CLINIC
OLD NAVY – NEW SUDBURY
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
Another 22 young people were identified at the MASONICh.I.P. clinic at Old Navy. This brings our total since July to 136, which is an impressive number.
Did you know that most parents do not have identifying items ready to help law enforcement quickly to recover a child who has gone missing?
Would your lodge, church, or any other organization that you might be involved in (e.g., Guides or Scouting) be interested in improving these numbers?
Being a host for a clinic is a simple affair!
To learn how you could become involved, please contact either Alan Fey
(705-688-8700 or alan.fey@hotmail.com) or Chuck Searle (705-522-9639 or searlec@xplornet.com) 
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