Building a Better Beehive

Building Better Beehives

Grand Master addresses the Leadership Conference. O n Saturday, March 11, 2006, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia held its annual MidWinter Leadership Conference at the Mary Graydon Center of the Kogod School of Business at American University. The theme for the conference was “Building Better Beehives”.

The program was designed to provide some very practical, hands-on advice as well as to discuss some broader topics.

WB Harold Grainger discussed “Officer Responsibility and Preparing for the East.” In his presentation he admonished the brethren to begin working to plan their time in the East as soon as they could. He reminded them of the requirements making it necessary that they obtain certificates that will allow them to be installed as the Masters of their respective lodges.

WB Dean Clatterbuck presented his views on “Working with Your Secretary and Lodge Communications.” He emphasized the necessity of good communications between the Master and Secretary. He also focused on the resources that are available in the Grand Lodge for the establishment of lodge websites. WB Roger Branch presented a discussion on “Team Building,” in which he put the brethren through a series of challenging exercises that focused on communication and cooperation. A definite highlight of his presentation was a skit in Edward A. Berry, PM, Chairman Masonic Education and Service Committee

Presentation Staff at the Mid-Winter Conference

which Dean Clatterbuck illustrated the snafus that can occur when communications break down.

WB Ted Berry presented a session on “Change Management” in which he focused on the importance of including all levels of Masonic leadership and membership in order to ensure continuity in the lodge from year to year. He also covered material from Mark Eppler’s book The Wright Way, which describes the processes used by the Wright Brothers to do the impossible — inventing powered flight.

The conference concluded with each constituent lodge officer meeting with his respective Grand Lodge counter

part for a period of fellowship and planning.

Mid-winter Conference. Group Photo