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 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 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 AdjournInstructor: 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 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 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 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 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