LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Grand Lodge
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE I
n 1987, in his report to the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master, MWBro. L. Robert Baker, noted, among other things, that: “On the first weekend in October, approximately 80 members of this Grand Lodge traveled to Front Royal, Virginia, to participate in our first Leadership Training Conference. Under the leadership of our Grand Secretary, Most Worshipful Brother Stewart W. Miner, Past Grand Master, our conference attendees were furnished with an abundance of materials provided by the Masonic Service Association and with reprints of articles and information from other sources. There we discussed the need for liability insurance, the Masonic Foundation, the work of the Jurisprudence Committee, and we received an in-depth report on our SOLOMON II efforts. In addition, we had the Chairmen of the Blood Bank Committee of Grand Lodge bring us up to date on the needs and methods of the Red Cross in obtaining blood. Time was also provided for the Lodge Officers to meet with their Grand Lodge counterparts. Worshipful Brother J. Philip Smith brought us a report from his Committee on Planning. It was a great thrill to see the officers of the several lodges represented as they talked together and became better acquainted with one another. We would see a small group gathered in one spot in the reception hall, then it would shift and another group would take its place. We had Lodge Officers talking with Lodge Officers and Grand Lodge Officers, Lodge Secretaries talking with each other and to the Grand Secretary. These across-the-board discussions during the breaks and leisure moments of the conference were just as meaningful as was the instruction which we offered…” (Grand Lodge F.A.A.M, 177 Annual Report, 1987, pg. 37) It has been eighteen years since that first conference and, happily, the gathering continues to enrich the brethren through instruction, the provision of “ an abundance” of reading materials, and the opportunity for sharing and exchanging information and enjoying sweet fellowship. To borrow a quotation, “ age cannot wither her, nor custom
Kwame Acquaah, SGD, Director stale her infinite variety.” So it is, that the Leadership Conference at Front Royal remains the most important event on the calendar of the Grand Lodge. And this year’s, upheld that view by fully realizing the essence of the dreams, hopes and aspirations of the fine brethren who courageously initiated the program in 1987. The 2005 Conference, under the theme, “Enlightening the Man, Empowering the Mason, Enriching the Craft,” brought together Lodge Officers Grand Lodge Officers and brethren, numbering over 120, to explore and examine the Craft’s foundation and future; how to “effectively make” Masons and create the enabling environment within which they will flourish; modalities for developing a passion for Masonry and unlocking our potential as leaders; how to use our working tools to lead us beyond ordinariness to greatness; and how to change and develop practices and cultures within our Lodges to facilitate their prosperity.
Deputy Grand Master Smith and Grand Master Proden present a replica of the Washington Gavel to Robert G. Davis, Executive Secretary of the Guthrie Scottish Rite Bodies in Oklahoma.
The elevating tone for the conference was set by the welcome remarks of the Grand Master, MWBro. Leonard Proden, at the first general session on Friday evening. This was followed by the inspiring, informative, and instructive presentation by Illustrious Robert G. Davis 33°, Grand Cross, Executive Secretary of the Guthrie Scottish Rite Bodies in Oklahoma, speaking on the subject, “What came The Voice of Freemasonry
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