Summer Conference 2005 "The Heart of Freemasonry " Freemason's Hall, London Saturday 25th June 2005 Over one hundred Brethren assembled in Lodge Room 17 at Freemasons' Hall on a very warm Saturday morning in late June. Some present were old friends of the Society but there were many first timers. Following a welcome and introduction by our Chairman, George Francis, Clive Hicks gave a talk entitled "Beauty and Unity" which attempted to define what exactly is Beauty. Is it a condition in itself or is it a sign of something beyond? Is it a quality or is it an experience? The talk was well received. Lord Northamption was the second to speak. His talk entitled "Whither Directing our Course" presented his own personal thoughts and insights about the challenges facing Freemasonry and how these can be overcome. His premise was that in order to plan for the future, we must look back at our roots and examine the reasons why Freemasonry was formed. We must concentrate on "why" rather than "when". He believes that the way forward for Anglo Saxon masonry is for its members to be encouraged positively to talk about the rituals as they contain universal truths. Through this, we can demonstrate that Freemasonry is a force for tolerance and good in the world. If more people knew what it was about, then more would surely want to join. Following afternoon tea, Dennis Chornenky from the Masonic Restoration Foundation of America gave a passionate talk entitled "Initiation and the Heart of Freemasonry". He explained how initiation in Freemasonry led to the discovery of the Masonic Secret and its relationship to the symbolism of the heart. As ever, the Conference finished with the lively Cornerstone Panel. This year the atmosphere was electric with many in the room saying how much they had been inspired by what they had heard. This year for the first time, the Conference was followed by a Lodge meeting, hosted by Yorick Lodge No. 2771. The Ritual Workshop was given which focused on the messages contained in the Installation Ceremony. The day was rounded off with a splendid dinner which was held at the New Connaught Rooms. Programme 12.45 Registration 13.15 Chairman's welcome and introduction 13.30 Clive Hicks, "Beauty and Unity" 14.15 Pro Grand Master, Lord Northampton, "Whither Directing our Course?" 15.00 Tea 15.15 Dennis Chornenky, President of the Masonic Restoration Foundation of America, "Initiation and the Heart of Freemasonry" 16.00 The Cornerstone Panel 16.30 Chairman's concluding comments 17.00 Ritual Workshop hosted by Yorick Lodge No. 2771, followed by dinner at the New Connaught Rooms

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