Past Courses

January 11, 2020 - Curiosity As A Tool For Enriching One’s Life

Studies have revealed that the greatest opportunities for joy, purpose, happiness, and personal growth in life happens when we are mindful of the world around us, when we explore what is new or novel, and when we live in the moment and embrace uncertainty.  Positive events last longer and we can extract more pleasure and meaning from them when we remain open to new experiences and relish the unknown. Curiosity offers us a tool for building lasting and meaningful relationships, improving mental and physical health, increasing creativity, and boosting productivity.  In this course Bro and Dr. Plummer will share studies that have been conducted that reveal that curiosity plays a very critical role in the pursuit of a meaningful life and that it offers a gateway to the creation of profound intimacy, insights, and meaning in life. He will also share tools and techniques that can be used to renew the relationships with the curious explorer in one's self.  And he says a good place to begin is to ask yourself the question, "Are you curious to know more?"

Instructor: RW Charlie Plummer

Location: Messalonskee Lodge, Oakland 9AM-12PM

February 8, 2020 - Critical Thinking

This presentation is on the importance of Critical Thinking in society and our lives.  Don McDougal and George Macdougall present on what Critical Thinking is, where it is used, how easily the brain can be fooled and ways to get to the correct decision.  The presentation includes class activities to emphasize the importance of observation and using probability when there are no sound facts to go on. It uses riddles to demonstrate the importance of understanding what the question really is and then the deductive process to solve it.   It ends with a presentation on how the brain functions.

Instructor: RW George Macdougall and RW Doug McDougal

Location: Meridian Splendor, Newport 9AM-12PM

February 15, 2020 - Jurisprudence

      “A survey of the sources of Masonic principles and usages, of Masonic law and an analysis of how the former are expressed in the latter.”  

Instructor: MW Wayne T. Adams

Location: Rising Sun Lodge, Penobscot 9AM-12PM

March 7, 2020 - Tenets & Cardinal Virtues - This class has been cancelled

This opportunity is designed to be an interactive study of the fundamental beliefs and responsibilities of Freemasonry as presented in the tenets and the cardinal virtues which are so beautifully embedded in our ritual but which are too often hurried by. Special emphasis is placed upon the moral and the deeply spiritual nature of these essentials and the crucial need for the presence and practice in our present world situation.

Instructor: RW Doug Taft and W. Karl Furtado

Location: Freedom Lodge, Limerick 9AM-12PM

March 14, 2020 - Myth & Freemasonry - This class has been cancelled

The purpose of this class is to express the basic and central nature of the spiritual life of the local Lodges as the foundation upon which Freemasonry is properly built. It will present information to the attendees, provide the opportunity for discussion and explanation, and utilize the true nature of the fraternity as an on-going resource for continued education and goal realization.

Instructor: MW Mark Rustin

Location: Tranquil Lodge, Auburn 9AM-12PM

April 4, 2020 - Annual Arts & Sciences - This class has been cancelled

CELEBRATION OF ART’S AND SCIENCES Program  8:00---- Registration and Continental Breakfast (Black Bear Inn, Orono) 8:45    Welcome – Wayne Hitchcock, Chair Luke Shorty, Dean   9:00      Nathan Stormer, PhD University of Minnesota, is a Professor of Communication & Journalism at the University of Maine.  He specializes in rhetorical theory and medical rhetoric on reproductive health.  He has taught the history of thought about rhetoric for nearly three decades to undergraduate and graduate students. 10:30   Break 10:45   Mark Rustin, Grand Master              Due to speak on the practical applications of Rhetoric. 12:00    Lunch  12:30   University of Maine – Honors Presentation               2:30       Adjourn

Instructor: NATHAN STORMER PHD AND MW MARK RUSTIN

Location: Black Bear Inn, Orono 9AM-3PM

A continental breakfast will be served from 8am-9am. A luncheon will be served at noon. Cost is 5.00 a person.

April 11, 2020 - Why Ritual & Myth - This class has cancelled

-     From a rich life time of study and thought, Brother Plummer brings us a grasp of the role that ritual and myth play in the development of the human psyche and the well-being of societies.

Instructor: RW Charlie Plummer

Location: Drummond Lodge, North Parsonfield 9AM-12PM

April 18, 2020 - Symbolism - This class has been cancelled

This course will examine the symbolism behind several central aspects of our identity as Freemasons. Our conversation will delve further into the history, origins, traditions, and practical applications of common Masonic symbols. Although this course is titled Symbolism II, participation in previous courses on symbolism is not required and we encourage anyone who is interested to join us.

Instructor: MW Mark Rustin

Location: Caribou Lodge, Caribou 9AM-12PM

May 9, 2020 - Myth and Free Masonry

  The purpose of this class is to express the basic and central nature of the spiritual life of the local Lodges as the foundation upon which Freemasonry is properly built. It will present information to the attendees, provide the opportunity for discussion and explanation, and utilize the true nature of the fraternity as an on-going resource for continued education and goal realization.

Instructor: MW Mark Rustin

Location: Central Lodge, China 9AM-12PM

May 16, 2020 - Tenets & Cardinal Virtues - This class has been cancelled

This opportunity is designed to be an interactive study of the fundamental beliefs and responsibilities of Freemasonry as presented in the tenets and the cardinal virtues which are so beautifully embedded in our ritual but which are too often hurried by. Special emphasis is placed upon the moral and the deeply spiritual nature of these essentials and the crucial need for the presence and practice in our present world situation.  

Instructor: RW Doug Taft and W. Karl Furtado

Location: Mt.Kineo Lodge, Guilford 9AM-12PM

May 23, 2020 - Polishing the Stone - This class has been cancelled

-     In every Masonic Lodge Room one enters one will find two stones prominently displayed – one rough cut the other smooth. These two stones – The Ashlars – bear special symbolic insight and significance to every man who has ever been or is now a Mason. They portray a man from the beginning to the end of his Masonic life and set before him a goal. This course is a study of these symbols and the meaning inherent within.

Instructor: MW Mark Rustin

Location: Maine & Wilton Lodge at East Wilton 9AM-12PM

June 6, 2020 - The EA Degree - This class has been cancelled

Through the use of lecture, illustration and seminar dialogue, this course seeks to expand the participant’s realization of the extraordinary experience which takes place when candidates become Entered Apprentices.  Together those involved in this course will seek to explore the expanding space of particular human experience in which the new Masons find themselves. Governing the working geometry of this space are such cardinal points as Ethical Care, Scope of Understanding, Practical Skills and Professional Responsibility as a Mason. As a source of historical perspective, attention will be given to one of the oldest Masonic documents, the Regius Poem, and its significance to the E.A. Degree.  Every part of the Degree has a symbolic meaning as well as a literal interpretation. That most important symbolic part will be highlighted and explored.

Instructor: RW George Macdougall and RW Doug McDougal

Location: Messalonskee Lodge, Oakland 9AM-12PM

June 27, 2020 - The EA Degree - This class has been cancelled

Through the use of lecture, illustration and seminar dialogue, this course seeks to expand the participant’s realization of the extraordinary experience which takes place when candidates become Entered Apprentices.  Together those involved in this course will seek to explore the expanding space of particular human experience in which the new Masons find themselves. Governing the working geometry of this space are such cardinal points as Ethical Care, Scope of Understanding, Practical Skills and Professional Responsibility as a Mason. As a source of historical perspective, attention will be given to one of the oldest Masonic documents, the Regius Poem, and its significance to the E.A. Degree.  Every part of the Degree has a symbolic meaning as well as a literal interpretation. That most important symbolic part will be highlighted and explored. The final goal of this course is to have everyone present leave with an understanding why  ...the greatest and best of men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters of the art, and have never deemed it derogatory from their dignity to level themselves with the fraternity....”

Instructor: RW George Macdougall and RW Don McDougal

Location: Mystic Lodge, Hampden

February 13, 2021 - Introduction to Geometry

This Maine Masonic College Course is a true introductory course to Geometric Constructions using a compass and a straightedge. We will start with an introduction to the tools and then proceed into a series of activities that will help us explore the foundations of Geometry. All you need is either a compass (a tack and some dental floss will do if you don't have one) and a straightedge (the binding of a book will do if you don't have one) at home or internet access to participate virtually.

Instructor: Luke Shorty

Location: Virtual

February 27, 2021 - MMC Cardinal Virtures

This opportunity is designed to be an interactive study of the fundamental beliefs and responsibilities of Freemasonry as presented in the tenets and the cardinal virtues which are so beautifully embedded in our ritual but which are too often hurried by. Special emphasis is placed upon the moral and the deeply spiritual nature of these essentials and the crucial need for the presence and practice in our present world situation.

Instructor: RW Doug Taft

Location: Virtual

March 6, 2021 - The Secret Geometry of Art - Virtual

In the course, we will study firsthand the various styles found in fine art painting and explore how math, geometry and science gave artists the keys to unlock their imaginations. Topics will include the development of forced perspective, elements of visual composition, depth of field, and the effects which light, hue and saturation have on the eye of the viewer.

Instructor: Daniel Gaucher

Location: Virtual

March 20, 2021 - Critical Thinking

Clear thinking is desperately needed in every aspect of today's world. This course looks at critical thinking and how this skill set should be incorporated into our daily work life. The topic is explored in detail using short class exercises and discussions to dig into the operational side of thinking critically. The class challenges participants to exercise judgments and to abandon patterns of faulty reasoning in favor of asking a few more question in the elusive search for truth.

Instructor: RW Donald McDougal and RW George Macdougall

Location: Virtual

April 3, 2021 - Arts & Sciences Celebration April 3rd, 2021

Our first class for the month of April is our Arts & Sciences Event, which is this coming Saturday, April 3^rd. Once a year the Maine Masonic College holds a celebration of the arts and sciences which are the magnificent achievements and courageous outreach of the human mind and spirit. The event will begin at 8:45 am.

Location: Virtual