ROCKY MOUNTAIN MASONIC CONFERENCE
2002 - IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO

Twenty-five members of Nevada's Masonic Family attended the fifty-second annual session of the Rocky Mountain Conference held at Idaho Falls, Idaho, on July 17, 18 and 19. The annual meeting addresses various questions relating to issues facing today's Freemasonry.

Representatives from Montana presented a paper relating to increasing interest in Freemasonry through Lodge and individual Mason involvement in service, civic and social organizations. Discussion suggested that men in such organization along with men involved in various community affairs and public projects are the types who might consider becoming Masons.
A study was presented outlining five criteria men look for when considering becoming members of an organization.
1. Will I have the opportunity to meet and make new friends?
2. Does the organization have a viable role in the community?
3. Will I be proud to be a member?
4. Will the organization provide opportunities for family social activities?
5. Is there an opportunity to attain a leadership position within the organization?
Examples of some programs currently underway in the various Masonic jurisdictions include school support groups, student of the month recognition, booths at various fair type events (providing free popcorn and hot chocolate), band camp sponsorship, law enforcement and fire fighter recognition dinner, sponsorship of public concerts, backpacks for kids, sponsorship of public radio and T.V. programs and Child I. D. programs. A suggestion was made to consider providing capable speakers to introduce the Masonic Fraternity to various service, social and civic organizations. Such issues as "loose cannons," the use of The Masonic Service Association's suggested disclaimer and prohibition of debate during such presentations were commented upon.
Other comments related to the necessity of Masons to continuously identify and conduct themselves as Masons, willing and eager to do what is necessary to publicize the Fraternity's involvement in the community.

Utah representatives presented a question relating to the creation of "interest group" or "sector specific" lodges. Examples given were "up to 35 years of age," "foreign language speaking, " "DeMolay Only," or "University Lodges"
It was suggested that such lodges would allow socialization with peers and give members something in common. Nevada P.G.M. Wayne Perkins gave a history and current status report on Nevada's Benito Juarez Lodge presently under dispensation. The concept of "traveling lodges, " which can furnish degree services for other lodges, but not for themselves was introduced. A great deal of discussion suggested that Masonic clubs might serve to satisfy some "sector specific" desires for affiliation of Masons.
One Mason reminded that such Lodges were common in yester-years, but would not meet with approval in today's litigious and politically correct society.
Further discussion suggested that such lodges would undermine the Fraternity's philosophical teachings related to equality and the brotherhood of man. The possibility of visitation problems was also mentioned. One Brother reminded that, through gradual evolution, any existing lodge might grow specific in membership. The general consensus appeared that allowing dispensation for such lodges would be justified if it served the best interests of the Fraternity and satisfied the needs of the specific jurisdiction.

Colorado's representatives presented questions relating to how constituent lodges might be made aware of the importance and necessity for them to support Masonic youth groups in a dedicated and meaningful manner. Comments were made relating to how activities in such groups promote family values, social skills and communication skills. Testimonials were heard from several present relating to the success of Masonic youth organizations being directly proportionate to the amount of active participation, stimulation and support from sponsoring Masonic Lodges. One responder suggested that lodges which are, for some reason, unable to create or maintain a Masonic Youth Group support a youth organization at one of their local schools
Some suggestions given included:
1. Youth night at the lodge with their families.
2. Recognizing and honoring honor students.
3. Counterpart night at the Lodge. (Youth sit w/Mason at stations)
4. Joint dinners.
5. Fund raisers.
6. Joint information booths at events.
7. Reading improvement volunteers.
8. Cornerstone ceremony involvement.
9. Public news media announcing, recognizing and reporting youth events.
Those present were reminded that our Fraternity's efforts in the support of youth programs has the objective of benefiting society in general rather that Freemasonry specifically. It was determined that a steady line of communication between the Grand Lodge, constituent lodges and Masonic youth group advisors is a necessity if the youth groups are to remain viable.

The topic for Wyoming's discussion was: "Can Masonic youth groups be a benefit to the local lodges?"
The initial presentation outlined modern norms relating to the various elements of social conduct, acceptable behavior and accountability. The speaker suggested that values relating to social characteristics are directly proportional to the strength of family ties. We were reminded that the Masonic Fraternity is a family. As such we must strengthen and maintain relationships with our youth. Interaction between Master Masons and Masonic youth groups is essential.
The previous discussion provided several platforms on which Masons and youth groups can interact. We were reminded that young people learn more from the actions and character of adults that they do from lectures related to social conduct. Youngsters who have been raised in a world of sound bites and teledrama can benefit through association with more traditional role models armed with patience and humility.
It might be noted that many projects undertaken by a given lodge might be enhanced and made easier with assistance from youth groups. Nevada's "Masonic Child Identification Program" often depends on the cyber skills of Jobs Daughters and Rainbow to get the job done.
Discussion determined that Masonic youth groups are a asset too often ignored when planning lodge projects and social events.

The Nevada representative introduced questions relating to the effectiveness of communications, advertisements and publicity. D.G.M. Wayne Kingsley outlined criteria for a publication to be noteworthy.
1. Initial appearance must create interest.
2. First sentence must "hook" the reader.
3. Photos or action graphics will hold interest.
4. Brand identification (logo) must indelibly remind reader of source.
5. A solicitation encouraging the reader to react must be sincere.
Discussing encouraged Masons to carry quality Masonic slick publications into their doctor's/dentist's/barber's place of business and leave them for the public. (Northern Light, Scottish Rite Journal, etc.) Further discussion of other communication modes included phone trees, e-mail trees, visitation of absent members, newspaper meeting notices, use of dead air time on radio and T.V., reflective highway signs, and inclusion of a Masonic logo and information on a town's roadside service club directory.

Host jurisdiction Idaho's topic related to risks, benefits and feasibility of printing a clear text form of a Grand Lodge's standard work, and if appropriate what would be the suitable distribution of such documents? Opinions on this matter were quite diversified, ranging from approval with distribution to all Master Masons, to the traditional maintaining of a single prime copy with availability limited to the Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Lecturer.
During the discussion it was admitted that much ritual has already been printed in various public communications including internet sites. One responder informed those present that all jurisdictional rituals were printed in text form available through the Library of Congress web site.
Several comments were made suggesting that there was noticeable erosion of ritualistic work at the lodge level due to the non-availability of standard work in clear text.
The discussion then centered on teaching techniques of the Grand Lecturer and his deputies in the various jurisdictions. The sanctity and value of well presented ritualistic work, done from memory, was re-affirmed. It was noted that Masonic ritual and a working knowledge thereof is one of the major factors elevating Freemasonry's status. A final comment suggested that should a non-Mason discover and read a jurisdiction's standard work, it would no more enlighten him regarding Freemasonry than reading about brain surgery would prepare him to be a surgeon.

A Grand Lodge officer representing the jurisdiction of New Mexico was present as an observer of the proceedings. The chair, after conferring with executive officers representing other jurisdictions, tendered an invitation for New Mexico's Grand Lodge to affiliate as a full member of the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference. The officer from New Mexico, having received authority to do so from his Grand Master, accepted in the name of the New Mexico Grand Lodge. The new jurisdiction will host the conference seven years hence.

The meeting adjourned at noon, July19, 2003. Fully transcribed proceedings detailing past meetings of the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference are available in Nevada's Grand Lodge Library.

Next year's conference will be hosted by Utah's Grand Lodge July 15, 16 and 17, 2004, in Park City Utah. The conference is open to all Master Masons. Registration packets will be available in Nevada's Grand Lodge office after March 2004.

Respectfully submitted,

Lewis E. "Red Kittell, P.M., Reno Lodge 13

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