The Masonic Education Steering Committee, in conjunction with the Grand Lodge OVERTURE program, recently completed a comprehensive survey of newly made Master Masons in Pennsylvania. The survey will be used by the Committee to determine the pre-initiation experience with the Masonic education process currently being used by lodges.

In December, approximately 5,000 Masons initiated between January 1, 1997 and July 31, 1998 were contacted by personal letters from R. W. Grand Master James L. Ernette, requesting their cooperation with the survey should they be called upon to participate. Of the nearly 5,000 brethren, a sample was selected randomly and strategically throughout the Commonwealth to represent the entire membership. Davis Consulting Group, hired by the Grand Lodge in connection with a nationally recognized survey firm, conducted a six to eight minute phone survey with these new members selected.

The results of the survey will provide a foundation upon which decisions related to Masonic education, leadership, training, and membership might be based. One of the new educational tools being considered for development by the Committee is a set of three videos relating to candidate instruction. Once the results of the survey are completed, the Committee will be able to better determine if videotapes will improve new member interest and commitment to Freemasonry.

The Masonic Education Committee has also finalized the dates and places for the 1999 Masonic Education Seminars to be attended by regional, district, and lodge chairmen on Masonic Education. All the seminars are scheduled on Saturdays with lunch included. The seminars are all scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The committee is requesting that all district and lodge chairmen attend a seminar in either their region or in an adjoining region. Those who do attend should advise their regional chairman in advance to assure that necessary arrangements have been made. If unable to attend, each district and lodge chairman must obtain an alternate who will attend a seminar. All D.D.G.M.'s are also encouraged to attend.

Region 1 - March 13, Philadelphia, Districts A, B, C, D, E, 5, 6, 8, 36, and 40.

Region 3 - March 27, Bedford, Districts 19, 20, 34, 39, and 41.

Region 6 - April 10, Williamsport, Districts 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 33,46, and 58.

Region 5 - April 24, Oil City, Districts 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 37, 52, 53, and 56.

Region 4 - May 8, Pittsburgh, Districts 29, 30, 31, 38, 47, 49, 54, 55, and 57.

Region 2 - May 15, Grantville, Districts 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 42, and 60.

Region 7 - May 29, Lake Harmony, Districts 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 35, 45, 50, and 59.

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