Working Tools Group: Summer Read
/When: Thursday, September 7th at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Where: Bro. Fairbanks house on large front porch, 1096 E. 7th Street, Chico
Books to read: "A Traditional Observance Lodge: One Mason's Journey to Fulfillment” By Bro. Cliff Porter
From Amazon: The author's home lodge is different. They suffer from higher than 100% attendance, men wait periods of longer than a year to get initiated, they have never lost a single Entered Apprentice, they have nobody on the roles who is NPD or has been dropped for NPD. Their dues are high by American standards, the background check is rigorous, and the initiations are solemn and serious. Every lodge meeting is treated as an event and celebrated as such. Dinner is treated as a feast with all its positive connotations. Freemasonry is celebrated in every aspect of the lodge. From the artwork, the furnishings, the set up and the atmosphere; all aspects of the lodge meeting are intentional and meant to create an experience. The Lodge is a Traditional Observance Lodge. Like all labels, the Traditional Observance label has caused fear and fright, anger and frustration, confusion, and edicts. It has also helped to define the practices that make the author's lodge one of the most successful lodges in the United States by any standard one might choose to measure it. This book does not claim to provide a Masonic magic pill for the ailing lodges of the world. Nor does it claim in any fashion or form that the way this author's lodge operates is the only way or the best way to operate. What this book does is explain the Traditional Observance model and encourages ideas in the area of increasing the lodge experience and allowing quality to become the watchword over every aspect of Freemasonry. The writings contains a mixture of personal experiences, practical advice, and real life examples for creating a Traditional Observance lodge or increasing your lodges fulfillment.
Where to get the Book: You can obtain the book on Amazon.com at a very reasonable price some as low as $17. This is a convivial as well as an educational gathering. Even if you choose to not read the book come join the discussion, brotherly support, a cool foamy beverage and light food on the porch. Please RSVP by sending an email to Bro. Dean Fairbanks, dhfairbanks@csuchico.edu