The Ritual Workshop on 03/23/2023 at Speedway Masonic Lodge was an evening of clarity, understanding and inspiration with Brother Monty Thurman (Grand Lodge Ritual Instructor). Carmel Lodge 421 was represented by WM Richard Arroyo, SD Kirk Kirkpatrick, JD Carlo Nepomuceno, and Rick Hurwitz PM.
What happens at a Stated Meeting?
A Stated Meeting in American Freemasonry refers to a regularly scheduled meeting of a Masonic lodge. These meetings are typically held monthly and serve as a time for lodge members to conduct business, discuss lodge matters, and plan upcoming events. Stated Meetings are governed by a set of rules and procedures known as the lodge's bylaws and are presided over by the lodge's officers, including the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden. During a Stated Meeting, the lodge may also conduct ceremonial or ritualistic work, confer degrees, and welcome visiting brethren from other lodges.
Who can attend a Stated Meeting?
Any Entered Apprentice (EA), Fellowcraft (FC), or Master Mason (MM) in good standing or visiting from a lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Indiana, F. & A.M., is welcome to attend our Stated Meeting. However, non-Masons (i.e., visitors) can attend the 6 pm dinner before the Stated Meeting. The dinner before a Stated Meeting is a great way for visitors to meet Carmel #421 Masons and learn about Masonry and our lodge.
If the lodge opens a Stated Meeting on the EA degree, then EAs, FCs, and MMs from any recognized lodge can attend (great for #421 or visiting and new EAs to see how our lodge is managed). If the Lodge opens on an FC degree, then only FCs and MMs can attend. If the Lodge opens on a Master Mason degree, then only Master Masons can attend. Often, if a new EA is present, the WM will open on an EA so that the new EA can attend. If you are a new EA at Carmel #421 and plan to attend, make sure you tell the WM or SW that you want to attend the dinner and the Stated Meeting so they can adjust accordingly.
