Page 23 - Montana Freemason Magazine November 2013

Montana Freemason November 2013 Volume 89 Number 5

Montana Masonic College 50RYuesasrelPEre. sPeinctkaettiton

The purpose is to help Brothers become better 50 yr. pin presentation to Brother Russell E. Pickett,
leaders, develop self-confidence, leadership skills, Sr. of Bigfork Masonic Lodge #150 A.F.& A.M.
and become better able to deal others. Learning Bigfork, MT on Oct 22, 2013 by WM Michel Moore.
in a supportive and interesting fashion, in small In attendance were family, friends, and Brothers of the
teams and through on-line interaction, the content Lodge. Brother Russell’s wife Peggy had the pleasure of
is purposely designed to be at a more intense pinning the awarded 50 yr. pin. After the presentation
and informative level. You will learn or fine tune Brother Russ gave a short history of some of his
leadership skills and be better able to practice experiences over his 50 yrs. of Masonry. One note of
them in Lodge, be better able to assume increased interest was of his original Lodge, of which he was a
leadership responsibilities and accountability. You member for 30 yrs., Samaritan #98 in northwestern
will be provided more in-depth information of NJ, formed in 1869.When they celebrated their
areas of Lodge administration, finance, reports, 50th yr. in 1919 meals were 50 cents each for the 49
compliance and problem resolution. Masons and the horse feed was 20 cents each for the
10 horses, as some had to ride 2-3 hrs to reach the
The Montana Masonic College will provide Lodge one way. Cake and coffee were served after the
enthusiastic and committed Masons who will be presentation. An enjoyable evening was had by all as
both facilitators and students alike from throughout many had never seen a 50 yr. presentation before.
our jurisdiction. All Lodges and Districts have the
same issues and concerns: the Masonic College by Peggy Pickett, Past Matron OES
will help you find ways to deal with them. Please Bigfork & Polson Chapters
consider participating at one of the various sites
where the College will be held.
More information will be forth coming.

MWGM Thom Chisholm with the “Big Book” the secret work (ritual) of the
Grand Lodge AF&AM of Montana. The Grand Master is one of the Custodians o of
the secret work. The Custodians are responsible for the authorized Ritualistic Work
and lectures which have been approved by the Grand Lodge, and to preserve the
same permitting no change therein whatever unless such change has been reviewed
and approved. The Ritual is as important as in ages past and will continue to be
the force that sets Masonry and Freemasons apart from other Fraternal or social
organizations.

The Grand Master currently has a Committee assigned to review the Work and
facilitate the combining of the Mnemonic portion of the work with the Monitorial
section.
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