November 4, 2017 - The FC Degree
This course explores the Fellow Craft Degree as the central introduction to the quest which Freemasonry offers. It suggests that among all the good attributes of the Masonic environment, it is this opportunity of quest which makes the Fraternity of special importance to men and society today. Assisted by visual images and interactive discussion this exploration will begin with that ancient legend that two great pillars stand at the beginning of the journey that all must take if they are to find wisdom, strength and establishment. What will follow is a consideration of the ways in which the Fellow Craft Degree introduces the candidate to this most remarkable passage which leads to a world of enlarging enlightenment, ability and contentment. Exploration will include the winding stairs, the liberal arts and sciences, the references to our human history and role of geometry and architecture, the jewels of a Fellow Craft, the passage to the Middle Chamber and the gem of Masonic Teaching, the “Letter G Lecture”. This course is designed to bring new focus to that all important middle degree in Freemasonry and to afford an opportunity for new masons as well as their mentors to expand their horizons as they labor to be builders of knowledge and worthy, life giving vision and ideals.Instructor: Walter Macdougall, George Mcdougall, Don McDougal
Location: Location TBD
November 11, 2017 - Tenents & Cardinal Virtues
Freemasonry is not a revealed religion. It is, however, as are all great human searches after what is truly significant. Instructor Reginald Wing will lead us in such a search for the interrelated significance of the Cardinal Virtues and the Tenets of our profession not only as Freemasons but as human beings. Brother Wing course is intended for participation and is supported by excellent hand-out material. You will leave with a new understanding of the importance of our tenets and cardinal virtues.Instructor: Reggie Wing
Location: Rising Sun Lodge, Orland 9AM-12PM Meal to follow. $5.00 per person
December 2, 2017 - Astronomy - Phantom of the Universe
Of all the arts and sciences, Astronomy has the closest association with our human feeling of awe and our search for who and where we are. The Maine Masonic College through the University of Maine is pleased to present this planetarium program once each year for the enjoyment and edification of the whole family. The program is typically a blend of a guide in observing the nighttime sky and an adventure into new discoveries in deep space. We have chosen December as the month for this occasion. The specific date will be announcedInstructor: TBD
Location: UMO Planetarium 3PM-4PM
January 6, 2018 - Polishing the Stone
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: RW Mark Rustin
Location: Horeb Lodge, Lincoln 9AM-12PM
February 24, 2018 - 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.Instructor: RW George Macdougall & RW Don McDougal
Location: Benevolent Lodge, Carmel 9AM-12PM
March 31, 2018 - Rhetoric
While Rhetoric, as one of the seven liberal arts and sciences listed in the Fellow Craft Degree, covers the powerful and informative use of language in general, this training experience focuses on speech as an essential aspect of effective communication. This experience will provide the fundamental skills of organizing and delivery in speaking situations where the goal is either to inform or to persuade. Special effort is made to provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere in which participants may practice what they are leaning.
Instructors for this course come from the University of Maine's Department of Communication and Journalism or some other similar institution of learning.
Instructor: Anthony Sutton
Location: Mystic Lodge, Hampden 9AM-12PM
April 14, 2018 - 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: Limestone Lodge, Limestone 9AM-12PM
April 21, 2018 - The Entered Apprentice Degree: an opening door to the Brotherhood of Masons and their purposes and beliefs
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: MW Walter MacDougall & RW Don McDougal
Location: Star in the West Lodge, Unity 9AM-12PM
May 12, 2018 - Tenents & Cardinal Virtues
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. Right Worshipful Reginald Wing will lead this exploration. Brother Reggie is an old-time Mason, in the most honorable sense of this phrase. For Years he has been part of the Grand Lodge educational endeavor and has served as a Junior Grand Warden. During those years, he grown in Masonic understanding, spiritual conviction and dedication. With his signature responsibility, Brother Reggie has constantly improved the means of involving participants in this re-meeting with the tenets and cardinal virtues. You will go away with inspiration and new insights.Instructor: Reginald Wing
Location: Ashlar Lodge, Auburn
May 19, 2018 - Celebration of Arts & Sciences
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. Traditionally, the format for these annual celebrations includes a morning presentation by a leading figure in a particular art of science or in arts and science education followed by a banquet and an open session encouraging participation on the part of the participant.
Instructor: Prof. Micheal Grillo, UMO Staff and honor students, MW Walter Macdougall
Location: All Souls Church 10 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401 8AM - 2PM
June 9, 2018 - World Religions
A highly important and timely subject and open to all. A recent poll of Americans revealed an alarming lack of basic knowledge about the world's religions. Surprisingly, a Gallup poll revealed that only half of American adults could name even one of the four Gospels of the New Testament. This course has been designed to teach participants the basics of world religions including their origins, historical figures, rituals, scriptures, holidays and key teachings – all that Masons should know and understand in order to consider themselves religiously literate. By studying the religious traditions of the world, we will better understand our world and our neighbors, and because religions deal with the fundamental questions of human existence, understanding religion will help us to better understand ourselves as Freemasons who profess to be linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection and who regard the whole human species as one family. We will begin by exploring what a religious tradition is and by examining a number of ways of defining religion along with the strength and weaknesses of each. Then we will examine important themes that nearly all religions address: The concept of divinity or ultimate reality, scripture, ritual understanding of good and evil, and the idea of salvation or liberation. We conclude our studies by examining important trends in religion and the relationships of religion, violence and peace in today's world. Right Worshipful and Doctor Charles Plummer, scholar and teacher, has served as Regent of the Maine Masonic College at its conception and then as a faculty member. His career has been that of a teacher and educator in public schools and at the college level. He continually brings his acclaimed and admired insight to every class he teaches. Brother Plummer has a doctorate degree in religious studies, and we all look forward with great anticipation to the understanding he will bring to us.Instructor: Charlie Plumber
Location: Delta Lodge, Lovell
June 23, 2018 - Ethics. (THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED)
Instructor: TBD
Location: Belfast Lodge, Belfast
July 14, 2018 - The Wondrous Fellow Craft Degree- a Journey for Our Times
This course explores the Fellow Craft Degree as the central introduction to the quest which Freemasonry offers. It suggests that among all the good attributes of the Masonic environment, it is this opportunity of quest which makes the Fraternity of special importance to men and society today. Assisted by visual images and interactive discussion this exploration will begin with that ancient legend that two great pillars stand at the beginning of the journey that all must take if they are to find wisdom, strength and establishment. What will follow is a consideration of the ways in which the Fellow Craft Degree introduces the candidate to this most remarkable passage which leads to a world of enlarging enlightenment, ability and contentment. Exploration will include the winding stairs, the liberal arts and sciences, the references to our human history and role of geometry and architecture, the jewels of a Fellow Craft, the passage to the Middle Chamber and the gem of Masonic Teaching, the “Letter G Lecture”. This course is designed to bring new focus to that all important middle degree in Freemasonry and to afford an opportunity for new masons as well as their mentors to expand their horizons as they labor to be builders of knowledge and worthy, life giving vision and ideals.Instructor: RW Donald McDougal and MW Walter Macdougall
Location: Greenleaf Lodge, Cornish 9AM-12PM
July 21, 2018 - Examining the Modern Social Landscape: Implications for Freemasonry
The seminar serves as an introduction to understanding the complexities of demographic, social, and economic trends. We would focus on both the United States as a whole and the State of Maine specifically. Masonic lodges have been an integral part of the social landscape for centuries. To maintain our viable and relevant presence, we need to develop an enhanced awareness of and critically examine the changing sociocultural factors that impact our fraternity. Dr. Christopher Howard is the Chair for the Social Science division and an Associate Professor of Psychology at Husson University. Christopher is currently serving as the Worshipful Master of Seminary Hill Daylight Lodge as well as the Dean of the Maine Masonic College.Instructor: VW Christopher Howard
Location: Mt. Kineo Lodge, Guilford 9AM-12PM
August 18, 2018 - Symbolism II
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 & VW Chris Howard
Location: Washington Lodge, Lubec 9AM-12PM