Light in Masonry

The Masonic University of New York (MUNY)
The Masonic University of New York (MUNY) offers a variety of training programs that cover a vast amount of information for the new Brother and for Brothers of all ages, experience and knowledge. Subject matter includes history, symbols, Grand Lodge structure and a great deal of other information. Programs are available for home study or in a seminar or classroom environment. Subject matter experts are available to respond to questions, queries and comments.

The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library
The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library has an extensive collection of books on Masonry. They act as a lending library and you may subscribe and obtain books to read and learn about Masonry. Contact them by clicking below and ask to become a member (free) and obtain books for your learning experience. They will be mailed to your home free of charge. You may keep the books for 3 weeks and you may extend the time once for an additional 3 weeks. You are responsible for returning the material and paying the postage fee.

You can visit the library online to view a list of the books that are available for you to borrow. A suggested reading course is available on their web site. Click here to access the library website.
http://www.nymasoniclibrary.org/

Masonic Service Association of North America
The Masonic Service Association of North America (http://www.msana.com/#) has many Masonic publications for sale. The most popular of which are The Small Talk Bulletins. Such subjects as Civic and Patriotic Opportunities, Leadership, Masonic History, the Three Degrees, Symbols and Symbolism, Philosophy and Literature.

A Walk About The Lodge
The Senior Deacon or another Brother appointed by the Worshipful Master will conduct the newly raised Brothers on a tour about the lodge. They will stop before each officer (who will rise) and introduce the officer by title explaining his role and responsibilities. The symbol on the officer's apron will be explained. The tessellated border and the Master's carpet will also be explained as will the ballot box, altar, bible, square and compasses.

The Lodge System of Masonic Education (LSOME)
There are 4 parts to the LSOME program. Section 1 is presented to the candidate prior to him taking the first degree. Sections 2 through 4 are delivered to the Brother after each degree. The program is presented on a DVD Video at the lodge level with the instructor providing additional information and responding to any questions that may arise. There is no charge for this course. The mentor is key to the success of this program. To view a detailed description of this program. Click here.

Masonic Development Course (MDC)
Upon completion of this course, the student will have an in-depth knowledge of the three degrees of Masonry plus an understanding of the genesis of Freemasonry and the transition from Operative Masonry to Speculative Masonry. The attendees are encouraged to work together to explore the information provided and discuss the relevant meaning of each chapter from Entered Apprentice to Fellowcraft and to Master Mason. The rights, privileges, requirements and responsibilities of each of the three degrees will be explored and will provide the student with a better understanding of the basic precepts of Freemasonry. Symbols, emblems and allegories are discussed, defined and explained as to their relevance in each degree. Signs and words are reinforced with demonstrations and actions. Our rituals are serious and solemn and are designed to teach moral lessons with dignity and decorum. The power of music and the study of astronomy and Geometry together with the other liberal arts and sciences (Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic and Arithmetic) are uniquely explained and demonstrated.

The course is delivered in one day at Lodge or District Level with subject matter experts providing examples and knowledge. The student should bring the Standard Work (Ritual Book) to assist him in answering the questions at the end of each chapter. The cost of the course is $30.00 and includes the Masonic Development Course booklet, lunch, a snack and a Certificate of Completion. For further information - Click here.

Leadership Development Course (LDC)
The course material is available via the internet or as a home-study course which provides the Brother with the opportunity to learn and understand the basic principles of leadership and how to develop creative solutions to common problems. Additional input and variety of solutions can be achieved if the program is set up in a seminar format where participants can share ideas. For more detailed information: Click here.

Road to the East (RTTE)
Completion of the RTTE course is a prerequisite to becoming a District Deputy Grand Master or a Grand Lodge Staff Officer.

The RTTE is designed to be completed in three sessions. Each session will last from three to four hours. Each attendee will have a personal copy of the 24-Inch Gauge Masonic Resource Guide and access to Masonic Law of New York, his Lodge By-Laws and a copy of the Standard Work and Lectures. The first section will review the 24-Inch Gauge Masonic Resource Guide, discuss Masonic Law, Grand Lodge Structure, Educational Opportunities, Duties and Prerogatives of the Worshipful Master, review and discuss the Master and Wardens Checklist.

In the second section the importance of Planning Your Meetings, Communication, Grand Lodge Communication Umbrella, Public Communications and Public Relations will be discussed.

The last section will cover Community Involvement, Membership Programs, Ritual Mini School on Instruction, Official Visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, Masonic Etiquette and Protocol.

The course is delivered in three 3 to 4 hour sessions at District Level with subject matter experts providing examples and knowledge. The student should bring the Standard Work (Ritual Book). The cost of the course is $45.00 and includes the 24-Inch Gauge Masonic Resource Guide, a Certificate of Completion and a lapel pin.

Individual Development Course (IDC)
The overall goal of the IDC program is to provide each attendee with the opportunity to make significant in-roads on the pathway to success in his everyday role. Designed to empower you to meet obstacles head on and to recognize their potential for an opportunity for positive personal growth.

The course is presented once a month on a Saturday in seven monthly sessions. The subjects include: Time Management, Setting Goals and Objectives, Team Building and Effective Communications, Writing Skills and Public Speaking, Dealing with Difficult People, Project Management, Decision Making, Building a Team, Management Styles and E-mail Communication.

There is a $90.00 fee for the course which includes the cost of training material, Course Completion Certificate and Lapel Pin. This course is comparable to executive management training in the corporate world at a cost upwards of a thousand dollars.

Details are available here: Click here.

The above course descriptions provide a very brief sketch of the training material and information that is available to you. A vast amount of detailed material is contained in the 24-Inch Gauge Masonic Resource Guide. You are encouraged to read it, to study it and to apply it in your Masonic discussions. Speak to knowledgeable Brothers within your lodge to determine if there are any trainings sessions or Masonic tours or activities scheduled for the near future, Exploring More Light in Masonry can be a rich and rewarding experience.