Summer Conference 2006 "The Rays of Heaven" Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, London Saturday 24th June 2006 The 2006 Summer Conference, sponsored by Lewis Masonic, was held in London at Freemasons’ Hall on Saturday 24th June. George Francis, Chairman of the Cornerstone Society opened proceedings by welcoming those present, including the Pro Grand Master, Lord Northampton and promised a thought provoking and enjoyable afternoon. We were fortunate to have three excellent speakers. David Sims drawing on his experiences of life in the Far East challenged us as to whether we took the "search for the genuine secrets" of a Master Mason seriously and asked us what was getting in the way. The spiritual nature of Freemasonry is a bit like sex - there is not a lot of point in just talking about it! Trevor Stewart spoke about how we can re-engage members through challenging and meaningful activities in Lodge. Ritual is important, but merely rehearsing it is not enough. He took us back to the 18th century and described the typical activities in Lodges at the time. He gave examples of how he had employed various techniques based on these to successfully stimulate discussion and learning at Masonic meetings. Kai Hughes brought together the various strands which speakers at previous conferences had raised over the past 6 years. He attempted to discover if there were any clues and common threads as to why we seem to have problems in Freemasonry today and asked the question, "what is the psychology of Freemasonry?" Next came the "Panel" which, as usual, produced a lively discussion. Finally, the Cornerstone team assisted by Russell Race, gave a ritual workshop which focused on the Third Degree and the deeper messages and symbolism contained therein. George Francis closed the formalities by thanking those present for supporting the event and reminding them of the Northern Conference on 11th November in Salford, Greater Manchester and the Cornerstone / Brent Morris Lecture tour also taking place in November 2006. By this time on a warm June afternoon, people were ready to relax and enjoy each others' company over a drink and dinner in the New Connaught Rooms. A most successful and enjoyable day. If you want to leave feedback, please click here. Programme 12.45 Registration 13.15 Chairman's welcome and introduction 13.30 David Sims, "A Search for the Genuine Secrets?" 14.15 Trevor Stewart, "The Way Forward" 15.00 Tea 15.15 Kai Hughes, "The Psychology of Freemasonry" 16.00 The Cornerstone Panel 16.30 Ritual Workshop 17.30 Dinner at the New Connaught Rooms (dining will start at 18.00)

Transcripts of the talks have been published here. Dinner Menu Seasonal half melon with paw paw and mango bound with yoghurt and mint Baked salmon fillet on a bed of herb cous cous and with a tomato and white wine sauce Tossed green salad Beetroot salad Lemon meringue tartlet with fresh cream Coffee and mints

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