Masonic New Year’s Resolutions
2023 is almost over…which means 2024 is around the corner.
It’s cliche, but nonetheless true, that New Year’s is the time for resolutions. In our case, that means Masonic resolutions.
Do you have Masonic New Year’s Resolutions-let us know in the replies.
Resolution One: Attend a Masonic Lodge Meeting or Function in Alaska and Washington State.
To be a Mason is to be a traveller.
Square & Compass Promotions have been lucky enough to travel to and visit Masonic meetings and functions throughout North America. We always document these travels via social media-make sure to follow us on our social media channels.
One jurisdiction to which we have not travelled is Alaska-despite hearing wonderful things about both the jurisdiction in general and the Masonic Brethren therein.
One thing we have consistently heard: Alaska is beautiful. As such, our first resolution is to, at some point in 2024, attend a Masonic Lodge Meeting or Function in Alaska.
Another jurisdiction to which we have not travelled (despite having numerous friends and Brethren therein) is Washington State. As with Alaska, one thing we have consistently heard: Washington is beautiful.
We also know, first hand, how wonderful the Brethren of Washington State are, especially our good friend M. W. Bro. Cameron Bailey.
We have been lucky enough to have M. W. Bro. Cameron Bailey featured on Square & Compass multiple times, and the features are always very informative and very illuminating. The features also always make us desirous of visiting Washington State: and in 2024 we resolve to make that visit happen!
Resolution Two: Help Make January 19th and January 20th, 2024 Two Excellent Days at the Windsor Masonic Temple
We sound like a broken record…but January 19th and January 20th, 2024 will be two very special days at the Windsor Masonic Temple and for Freemasonry in general.
We are working hard to promote these dates (and the events contained therein). If you want to learn more about these dates and the events, contact Square & Compass Promotions at: info@squareandcompass.ca.
Resolution Three: Increase the Number of Square & Compass Podcasts
Recently, we at Square & Compass Promotions have focused more of our efforts on written content via our medium page, as well as YouTube Shorts and social media content.
We have loved all of these efforts, especially as it has allowed us to fulfil our mission of: creating content that explores the many ways in which Freemasonry was and is relevant to the communities in which it is located.
However, while we have increased these efforts we have also published less long-form podcasts. We published our last podcast November 26th, 2023 and featured the Grand Lodge of Canada’s Cornerstone Committee. It was a great podcast-and very informative…but we need to publish more!
Stay tuned for our new podcasts by subscribing to the Square & Compass YouTube channel!
It’s not just about increasing the number of podcast episodes. We also resolve to increase the number of topics which those episodes explore.
Freemasonry is diverse, and Square & Compass is proud of its success in exploring and promoting that diversity! This includes diversity of topics to explore.
One topic we resolve to explore in 2024 is the idea of consciousness, in the sense of how ritual is interpreted and communicated via the conscious mind.
We plan to reach out to the Julian Jaynes Society on the podcast to discuss the bicameral mind theory (if for no other reason, it is interesting)!
Resolution Four: Increase our Square & Compass Patreon Exposure
Fulfilling the Square & Compass mission statement: “creating content that explores the many ways in which Freemasonry was and is relevant to the communities in which it is located” requires support.
This support can be through subscribing to our YouTube Channel, liking, commenting, and sharing our YouTube videos, and following and sharing our social media posts (all of which is completely free).
This support can also be sponsorship, through our Patreon. Patreon sponsors (or Patrons) have access to special correspondence, gifts, and other “Patron-Only” posts exclusive to sponsors.
In 2024, we resolve to increase the exposure of our Square & Compass Patreon.
[CONTEST ALERT: What an absolutely beautiful, original painting of the historical Windsor Masonic Temple. The painting was rendered by V. W. Bro. Jason Dyrda, who has appeared on the Square & Compass Podcast!
He has donated the painting to Square & Compass Promotions to support our work!
From December 16th, 2023 to December 31st, 2023, anyone who becomes a Square & Compass patron at https://patreon.com/squareandcompass will be entered into a draw to win a signed copy of this beautiful painting. Just make sure when you become a patron, you include shipping information.
ANY PATRON TIER WILL ENTER YOU INTO THE DRAW.
Thank you V. W. Bro. Dyrda for what is a beautiful painting of a beautiful building! Become a Patron now for your chance to win!]
Resolution Five: Feature More Local Artists on/at the Windsor Masonic Temple
Masons support local.
Masons should support local.
“Local” can mean local artists, local businesses, local charities, or local events. In this way, Freemasonry makes itself relevant to the communities in which it is located.
The Windsor Masonic Temple has taken great strives to support local: it has invited local artists to display their work in/at the Windsor Masonic Temple; it has invited local businesses to display products and services at special events, including January 19th and January 20th, 2024.
Square & Compass Promotions is following the Windsor Masonic Temple’s lead, by partnering with and promoting local artists and business-most recently 519Culture.
In 2024, we resolve to spend more time promoting these local artists and businesses-reminding everyone that Masons (and Square & Compass Promotions) support local!
Check out one amazing local artists: Jason Dyrda!
Resolution Six: Communicating in First Nations Languages
Recently, we at Square & Compass Promotions have discussed masonry and communicating in multiple languages.
Freemasonry (rightly) prides itself on its universality and diversity. Throughout the world, Freemasonry is being practised in the many languages, dialects, and accents of its membership.
Brothers of diverse backgrounds, of diverse beliefs’, and of diverse native languages all gather within the body of a lodge to practice Freemasonry.
The above caused the author to think: since many masonic lodges have memberships with multiple native languages, to what extent do lodges (or other masonic organisations) communicate with this multiplicity in mind.
Recently, (one of) the author’s Masonic Lodges has begun communicating with membership in English and French: both Canadian Official Languages. In 2024, we resolve to add First Nations language(s) to that list, especially as we are also working on connecting more generally and exploring the connections between Freemasonry and First Nations.
Resolution Seven: Personal Resolutions
Freemasonry is our first love-but it isn’t our exclusive love. No Mason can spend the entirety of his life involved in the masonry (that is a sure way to burn-out).
Outside interests are vital to a Masonic career. Now would be a good opportunity to switch from the impersonal “we” to the personal “I,” these are things outside of Freemasonry for which “I” have resolutions!
I love professional wrestling and I resolve to spend more time at the Can-Am Dojo and in the ring…who knows, maybe I will even have a match (not that I don’t love being a ref)! Part of my 2024 excitement related to professional wrestling is that Impact wrestling is now “TNA” wrestling-the classic name has returned to this classic promotion!
This also means I need to resolve to spend more time in the gym!
I also resolve (this is especially relevant to me now) to tell the people I love that I love them…you never know when it will be your last chance!
With that in mind, to my Brethren, friends, family, and audience:
I Love You.
All opinions expressed are those of Square & Compass Promotions and the guest(s), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Windsor Masonic Temple and/or any masonic group.
