Leadership Conference

Grand Lodge LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

In 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

he encouraged us to aggressively build on the foundations 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA. In an erudite, engrossing and educational presentation entitled

“Out of focus — The Conundrum of

Conflicting Visions,” he reviewed the meaning and import of Masonry; the unique characteristics of Lodges in different parts of the country; the challenges to attracting and retaining members; the responsibilities of Lodge leaders; the role of the Mason in society; and his own perspectives on the future of the fraternity. He encouraged us to venerate diversity in the Craft and to eschew any tendency to insist on uniformity and conformity, which are, in any event,

Grand Master Proden and Deputy Grand Master Smith greet the keynote unattainable. speaker for the conference, Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33º, Sovereign Grand The rest of the morning and much of the after

Commander for the southern jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite. noon were devoted to two outstanding and you here to do.” Illustrious Davis offered us a humorous, Mason” and “Sustaining the Mason”; the Lodge lucid, luminous and logical dissertation of his personal jourSecretary’s Workshop; and Counterpart Sessions, bringing ney; the essence and high importance of the Craft; the together Lodge Officers and corresponding Grand Lodge state of Masonry in America; characteristics of successful Officers to discuss responsibilities of Lodge Officers and Lodges; and measures for building a vibrant and purposeful Lodge management and administrative issues. Lodge. His presentation was followed by a lively and seemLater in the afternoon, at the final general session, Bro. Joby ingly inexhaustible question and answer session. It was a Dixon led the brethren in a perspicacious interactive exerfitting high note from which to commence the proceedings cise on “Imagining Solomon’s Temple: Planning a of the conference. Masonic Year.” This was followed by an open forum, at On Saturday morning, September 10, the Grand Master which brethren offered their thoughts and evaluation of the kicked off the second general session, with profound and conference; opinions on the state of Lodges; views on the pithy remarks about our values and purposes as Masons, Grand Lodge; and general concerns about the fraternity. and our direction and goals as a jurisdiction. He was folThe receptions and entertainment on Friday and Saturday lowed at the podium by RWBro. Albert McNair Smith, the evening were patronized by all the brethren and served, as Deputy Grand Master, who shared his vision for Masonic always, as an excellent occasion to exchange knowledge Year 2006 with us. In a buoyant and beautiful discourse, and share experiences and enjoy the fellowship. of Masonic Year 2005, and the preceding years; aspire to On Sunday morning, September 11, in a solemn service, greater heights in our Masonic endeavors as we prepare for the brethren paid due tribute to the victims of the the bicentennial anniversary of our Grand Lodge in 2011; September 11, 2001 tragedy. This ceremony was followed live in accordance with the tenets of the Craft; promote by concluding remarks by the Grand Master, after which teamwork in our Lodges; and foster harmony throughout the conference was brought to a close. the jurisdiction. He wove an enchanting tapestry of the opportunities and possibilities that could be seized in 2006 to attain the glory that our jurisdiction fully deserves, and requested the cooperation of all brethren in attaining this goal. All brethren in this jurisdiction have reason to be proud of our commitment to and support for the Front Royal Conference and other causes that lead to our individual enlightenment and to the benefit and prosperity of our Lodges. Also speaking on Saturday morning was the conference keynote speaker, the Illustrious Ronald A. Seale 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, I look forward to seeing all of you at the Leadership Conference in 2006! illuminating panel discussions on, “Man to