January 12, 2019 - 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: MW Mark Rustin
Location: Meridian Splendor Lodge, Newport 9AM-12PM
January 19, 2019 - Examining the Modern Social Landscape: Implications of 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 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, PhD
Location: Rising Sun Lodge, Orland 9AM-12PM
February 2, 2019 - Ethics
New class instructor. Description coming soon.Instructor: Dr. Bill Johnson
Location: Belfast Lodge, Belfast 9AM-12PM
February 9, 2019 - 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: David A. Hooper Lodge, Sullivan 9AM-12PM
March 2, 2019 - Virtruvious
In the reign of Caesar Augustus, Vitruvius was an engineer who wrote a series of texts on Architecture and the art of building. We read those texts with amazement. So often what Vitruvius has to say shares with the world-view of modern Freemasonry- a “virtually seamless relationship... between the critical, rational methods of science and the maintenance of the ancestral traditions including religion” or perhaps as better phrased, a spiritual reverence for the beauty and the order of the universe. This course introduces what Vitruvius sees as fundamental to the work of the Builder along with the importance of the Arts and Sciences in an inspirational adventure with very practical results.Instructor: RW Don McDougal & RW George Macdougall
Location: Lynde Lodge, Hermon 9AM-12PM
March 9, 2019 - Myth and Freemasonry
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: Morning Star Lodge, Litchfield 9AM-12PM
April 6, 2019 - 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 withinInstructor: MW Mark Rustin
Location: Mystic Lodge, Hampden 9AM-12PM
April 13, 2019 - Tenants & Cardinal Virtues
Freemasonry is not a revealed religion. It is, however, as are all great human searches after what is truly significant. Instructors Doug Taft and Karl Furtado 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. Brothers Doug and Karl’s 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: RW Doug Taft & Bro. Karl Furtado
Location: Paris Lodge, South Paris 9AM-12PM
April 27, 2019 - Arts & Sciences- The study of Logic
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. Below is what you can look forward to.
1. Introduction. What is logic? (Sets out a definition and makes clear logic's scope and limits. 5 minutes)
2. Logic and Argument - How logic works. (See attached worksheet. The worksheet is for use in the class, it is not self-explanatory. It introduces the minimum vocabulary ("validity", "soundness") one must have to discuss logic logically. 30 minutes with discussion.)
3. Logic and Conversation - a musical interlude. (A fun example, 5 minutes)
4. A brief history and some implications. (Introduces 3 central figures in the history of logic: Aristotle, Frege, Gödel, and some of what this history shows, 10 minutes)
5. A logical digression: The Monty Hall problem (a surprising and fun interactive example, 10 minutes)
6. Logic and... religion; politics; ethics. (A facilitated discussion drawing on items ##1,2,4. The lessons here about the use and misuse of logic are - to my mind - profound. 30 minutes or longer)
I'll also provide a reading list as well as a selection of online sites. We will need a whiteboard or flip chart. I can bring the latter if necessary.
Instructor: James H. Page, PhD & Bro. Luke Shorty
Location: Anah Shrine Center, Bangor. 8Am Registration 9AM Class
The Study of Logic
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.
May 11, 2019 - The Wondrous Fellow craft
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 George Macdougall & RW Don McDougal
Location: Island Falls Lodge, Island Falls 9AM-12PM
May 18, 2019 - Symbolism
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 and VW Christopher Howard
Location: Village Lodge, Bowdoinham 9AM-12PM
June 1, 2019 - 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.Instructor: RW Charlie Plummer
Location: Oriental Lodge, Thomaston 9AM-12PM
June 8, 2019 - The EA Degree
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 & RW Don McDougal
Location: Dresden Lodge, Dresden 9AM-12PM
July 13, 2019 - Tenants & Cardinal Virtues
Freemasonry is not a revealed religion. It is, however, as are all great human searches after what is truly significant. Instructors Doug Taft and Karl Furtado 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. Brothers Doug and Karl’s 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. JuInstructor: RW Doug Taft & W. Karl Furtado
Location: Mt. Kineo Lodge, Guilford 9AM-12PM
July 20, 2019 - Mathematics-Exploring the Basics of Geometric Constructions:
In this Masonic College course, you will learn the basics of using a compass and a straight edge. The skills that one will learn to bisect segments and angles, create specific angles of degree 30, 45, and 60, construct parallel and perpendicular lines, and construct basic regular polygons. If time permits, we will discuss how to construct the golden ration and a regular pentagonInstructor: Bro. Luke Shorty
Location: Mystic Lodge, Hampden 9AM-12PM
August 3, 2019 - Examining the Social Landscapes-Implications for Freemasonry (Cancelled)
Instructor: VW Chris Howard
Location: Washington Lodge, Lubec 9AM-12PM
September 14, 2019 - 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: Saco Lodge, Saco 9AM-12PM