The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana F&AM, M:.W:. Kenneth E. Willis, Jr. has given the membership committee the task of planning a state-wide Masonic awareness open house, and they want to build on the fine work Dan Barenie S.G.D. and others did last year. The date for this year's event will be Saturday, October 30, 2010.
This year the program can be held any time during the day of October 30, 2010 for a minimum of four hours and in any appropriate manner that the local lodges think is best. (Please no Halloween costumes!) Remember this is an awareness program for potential brothers to learn more about Freemasonry—not just for the taking of petitions. This is open to the public at large and we want to encourage family members to attend. It might be a good idea to have toys or coloring book on hand for smaller children. Other Masonic organizations may be invited, but remember the focus is on the Symbolic Lodge.
Remember:
Lodge must be in good repair and appealing to the public.
Lodge must have adequate parking and, if not on site, near by with a signage or a brother to direct visitors.
Lodge must be accessible (this would not necessary be to all floors of the lodge).
Even with banners or other signage, a Brother should be outside the lodge to welcome and direct those attending.
As was the case last year, having several lodges in a county or part of the county pooled with a host lodge may be the most effective manner to host the event. In other areas, some lodges might be in a more convenient or larger community which would serve well as a host site.
For downloadable artwork, banners, signs, forms, ads and more, Indiana Masons can visit the Open House webpage within the Grand Lodge site. You will need your Indiana Masonic membership number from your dues card to log in, and you will be required to set up a login account, if you haven't already done so.
Brethren, be aware that Dan Brown's novel The Lost Symbol will be released in paperback on October 19th, with at least 4 million copies. The hardback has already sold more than 6 million copies in the US, and is the number one best selling paperback in England at this time. If you haven't read it yet, please do, as the public will undoubtedly ask questions. The novel is a 509 page love letter to the fraternity, and you need to know what the public's preconceived notions are at your open house.
For more information about the novel and its Masonic content, see the website set up by the Masonic Society, the Masonic Service Association and the George Washington Masonic Memorial at www.freemasonlostsymbol.com
