We used too , but now I am the only one who travels regularly . I love getting out and traveling , helping put on degrees , set in as a offiecr or just set on the sidelines . I now have been given Honorary Membership in several lodges and those are the honors I am most proud of .
I was talking with a few Brothers about it last night. We were thinking about having a small group 3-5 members going to various Lodges throughout the area.
We have two Traveling Gavels in my area . We all go to the lodges that have them and if we have enough members there as visitors , we bring the gavels home . One of the gavels takes at least 4 Brothers to get it and the other gavel takes 3 Brothers to get it . There have been times we had so many of us there that we won both gavels . We used to get them all the time but have not in some time .
Hello Brothers My Lodge has a group that travels quite often in the area, but also have been to Detroit Masonic Temple, Zion No 1, chartered in April, 1764. I personally enjoy the knowledge and wisdom I come away with because of the Fellowship. We also utilize a Traveling Gavel given to a sister Lodge from our Canadian Brethren. Currently my Lodge has possession of it (we were awarded it back last Thursday). The regulations require 5 Brothers be present Fantastic how Freemasonry is Btw, I'm on twitter @davidfmjd.
That is a great idea. I was at practice tonight, and the subject was brought up about travelling to lodges in our district. I'm going to see if they want to travel to some other Lodges just outside our district as well. I like the idea of the Traveling Gavels. Friendly competition is good, and promotes fellowship and good will between Lodges.
If I was told correctly, you have a Memorial Service Lodge in your District (19) that does some great funeral services. Kinda on the subject of Traveling.
Yeah, our Memorial Lodge does a good job. The WM of that Lodge was my catechism instructor. They've been after me to join. And yes, they do travel!
In my church are Masons from 4 different lodges, so we frequent each others lodge and travel to other lodges together. I am the youngest (53) and newest (2yrs) so I benefit the most from our group and their years of masonic experiance. I am a lucky guy.
The brothers from my lodge travel quite often. We have been known to take 2 or 3 car loads of brothers to a lodge to help with degree work. One evening we ended up with more brothers setting on the sidelines than the lodge we were visiting had there in total, a couple of us set in chairs to open & close. I enjoy traveling and getting to know the brothers in a lodge.
This was a discussion I had yesterday at posting about how my Lodge doesn't travel much, my mentor is a GL District Deputy and my Lodge is his home Lodge. Not sure how to change this isolationism.
It takes time and effort. Get raised, start going through the chairs and then, when you're 'the cat with the hat', you can really get a visitation program going.
I have a new Master Mason who is my traveling partner now , he is willing to go to any lodge at any time . I am taking him out and introducing him around so he can get to know everyone . But I am lucky , he loves Freemasonry and is loving getting out and seeing work done in other lodges .
Well, I went and found myself alone there. Thankfully, some of the Brothers there had met me in Lodge before so I was able to come in and enjoy some fine degree work for four new EAs. The gavel stays where it is until December. I have the WM's word that he and others will come with me then.
AGREED! I love traveling-other lodges AND other jurisdictions, when I travel. I always love to get new seals in my Masonic Passport, and remeber the fellowship they mean. I am sorely disappointed in brothers who say, "I don't like the way other lodges do their Masonry." IN, NC, SC, KY, UGLE, Ireland, MI, WI, (so far...) bob franks, PM, CL Wayne Lodge 112, Goldsboro, NC
I have no background in FM, I have been part of this for just over 1 month. What I have found on this forum is Brothers who want to share, learn, grow, and make new friends. To me this is a brave new world, full of mysteries, surprises, and many, many things to learn and share. It is my my desire to visit other Brothers in their home Lodges, to take part in their rituals, to learn, grow, and meet more friends. (I know I am being naive, but I have this pair of rose colored glasses...)
I have many new friends because of my travels to neighboring lodges . For some of these lodges it is now to the point if I miss more than two of their meetings in a row , I start getting phone calls , texts and e-mails checking on me to see if I an all right .
My young Brother, when you are a MM you will have the dues card to show your regularity and be able to travel to other lodges and stand examination. Until then, let your coach/mentor know that you would like to see degree work (now EA, later FC) if he would take you and vouch you in. In traveling, I love to see the similarities under the diversity. S&F
