Midwest Conference on Masonic Education

06/05/2024

We’d like to congratulate the MCME 2024-2025 Officer Line, pictured here being installed at the Festive Board Saturday night following our Annual Meeting. We thank Minnesota for their hospitality, and look forward to seeing you all in Indiana in 2025. In addition to being our Annual Conference, the Grand Lodge of Indiana has designed the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education as their jurisdiction’s Masonic Education Day for 2025. A save the date will follow.

President
James A. Buckhorn (Indiana)

1st Vice President
Matthew Parker (Nebraska)

2nd Vice President
MWB Bob Conley (Michigan)

3rd Vice President
Bernard Davis, Jr. (Illinois)

Executive Secretary
Thomas L. Hauder, PGM (Nebraska)

Treasurer
Joshua Thompson (Missouri)

Immediate Past President
Andrew Niemeyer (Minnesota)

05/05/2024

I truly feel strongly that we were privileged to observe in awe the oration of MWB Terry Tilton at our Festive Board last night.

‘Masonic Education – Our Challenges and Opportunities’

Like many parts of Masonry, an attempt to summarize this talk would not be able to do justice to what we heard and felt. We thank MWB Tilton for holding our attention with intensity, dignity, and presence.

04/05/2024

Breakout sessions - attendees choose between either a talk on Memorization by Markus Müller and ‘Education is Crucial’ by Reed Endersbe.

04/05/2024

Preservation is vital!

Masonic Heritage, Preservation, and Dealing with Stuff

Mark will give an overview / background of the place you will be visiting: the 100 year-old Minnesota Masonic Home campus, the entities based there, and the impact Masons have made in our in our community and State. The preservation component will offer examples of steps you can take, and tools you can use at your Lodges to safeguard your own Lodge's history.

Mark A. Anderson, KYCH, OPC, 33˚ is the Library and Museum Coordinator at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, and the 2018 recipient of the National Duane E. Anderson Award for Excellence in Masonic Education. He enjoys teaching a wide variety of ages, audiences, and abilities at the MMHC. His writings have been published in local, state, and national Masonic periodicals.

Mark has completed terms as presiding officer for eighteen Masonic bodies. He currently serves as Intendant General for the Red Cross of Constantine – Division of Minnesota, and in the SRICF as Chief Adept of North Star College.

An erstwhile professional singer and conductor, he now enjoys being a rank-and-file member of the choir at Hope Presbyterian Church.

Though many honors of Masonry have been his, he prefers to be known as Jeanette’s husband.

04/05/2024

“Dedicated to fostering the growth of Freemasonry in North America by sharing and promoting proven
strategies and best practices to enhance membership development and retention.”

We’re very pleased to have the Masonic Renewal Committee of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America as an institutional member of the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education this year.

Learn more about their many efforts at https://www.masonicrenewal.org/

04/05/2024

It’s lunch time at the conference and we wanted to highlight a newer tradition here at the conference…a potential answer to the question: What do we do with our extra pins, coins, and Masonic tchotchke’s?

The pin swap started as a way for brothers to share - whether you have a set of duplicates, or you want to give another the chance to wear a pin you don’t wear as much as you use to, you can leave or take a few pins as you see fit.

04/05/2024

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Masons

Around thirty years ago, the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Steven Covey brought me out of my shell and transformed my life. Every couple of years, I revisit the book and each time learn something new. There are many underlying themes in the book that should be of particular interest to Freemasons. In his exploration of Leadership approaches, Covey discovered a concept called principal-centered leadership; it is a concept inspired by thoughts and writings of our own Brother Benjamin Franklin. We are surrounded by natural laws and principles. This interactive discussion looks at the lessons of Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (with a hint of Simon Sinek thrown in too) and considers similarities in how we live and learn as Freemasons.

04/05/2024

We thank Robert Johnson of Illinois for generously filling in for a late, urgent cancellation in our list of speakers.

In this keynote address, we will explore the essence of Masonic Education, shedding light on what it truly is and why it holds significant importance in our Masonic journey. By providing a clear and definitive definition of Masonic Education, we can address the root cause of many challenges within our fraternity. This clarity will empower us to enhance our educational programs, workshops, and discussions, ultimately helping us fulfill our promise to make good men better. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of Masonic Education and learn how it can guide us towards a brighter future for Freemasonry.

04/05/2024

http://www.mcme1949.org/about.html

Who is the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education?

Since 1949, the MCME has provided a forum for sharing best practices in Masonic Education with each of its member jurisdictions.

Who We Are

The Midwest Conference on Masonic Education was formed in 1949 at a gathering of interested Masons from Illinois (including Alphonse Cerza) and Iowa.

The outcome was to continue getting together by establishing its first Annual Meeting which was held in December 1950 in Cedar Rapids IA. The organization is comprised of a loose and ever-changing collection of Masonic educators from Grand Lodge jurisdictions located in 12 north central States and the Province of Manitoba. Other participants frequently include chairs of Masonic Education as well as Grand Lodge officers.

You can join as a jurisdiction, organization, or as an individual. The MCME may be the oldest and last surviving regional education conference, and you need not be in the Midwestern United States to join, participate or attend.

Can you spot anyone in attendance this morningthat you know? 🤔

04/05/2024

Our Keynote Speaker is in session! Dave ‘Bio’ Baranek TOPGUN Instructor.

Educating the Educators: How TOPGUN Does It

Dave Baranek was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where he grew up drawing airplanes and putting together scale models from kits. In his early teens he set his sights on flying Navy jet fighters. He attended Georgia Tech and participated in the ROTC to qualify for officer training, then entered the Navy in 1979.

Without 20/20 eyesight he could not become a pilot, so instead he became a radar intercept officer (RIO), operating the weapons system in the Navy's hot new F-14 Tomcat fighter. Shortly after he joined his first squadron he received the callsign "Bio," which many of his former squadron mates still call him.

Based on his outstanding performance, he was selected to become an aerial combat instructor at the elite Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as Topgun. While serving as an instructor in 1985, he had the unusual experience of flying aerial sequences used in the film "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. He also traveled to Paramount Studios as a dialogue advisor on the project.

He enjoyed a successful 20-year career in the Navy, including assignment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the US 7th Fleet. He commanded an F-14 Tomcat fighter squadron, responsible for nearly 300 people and 14 aircraft worth about $700 million.

Learn more about Dave Baranek at his website!

04/05/2024

2023-2024 President of the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education, RWB Andy Niemeyer introduces our keynote speaker, Dave ‘Bio’ Baranek, instructor at the legendary TOPGUN school, whose mission of teaching the teachers and instructing the instructors lines up perfectly with the mission statement of the conference.

04/05/2024

The coffee is hot and the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota is making opening remarks.

04/05/2024

After a great turnout Friday night, we’re looking forward to welcoming you all tomorrow! A tremendous dinner was provided by our Minnesotan hosts.

07/04/2024

Register now! http://www.mcme1949.org/events.html

Speaker Highlight: MWB Terry L. Tilton

Masonic Education – Our Challenges and Opportunities

In 2002 MWB Terry was elected Grand Master of Masons of Minnesota and is Secretary and Past President of the Philalethes Society, the oldest international Masonic education and research society in North America. He was named the 200th Fellow of the Society in 2007 for his contributions to Masonic education and research. Brother Tilton has been a guest speaker at many Grand Lodge, regional, and national Masonic education forums and has had numerous articles printed in the Philalehtes Journal, Rocky Mountain Mason, and most recently, an article on “Deism, Rational Theism and the Religious Philosophy of Freemasonry” in Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, the premier Masonic research journal.

07/04/2024

4 Days Left to Register!

http://www.mcme1949.org/events.html

Speaker Highlights: Brad Phelps

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Masons

“Around thirty years ago, the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Steven Covey brought me out of my shell and transformed my life. Every couple of years, I revisit the book and each time learn something new. There are many underlying themes in the book that should be of particular interest to Freemasons. In his exploration of Leadership approaches, Covey discovered a concept called principal-centered leadership; it is a concept inspired by thoughts and writings of our own Brother Benjamin Franklin. We are surrounded by natural laws and principles. This interactive discussion looks at the lessons of Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (with a hint of Simon Sinek thrown in too) and considers similarities in how we live and learn as Freemasons.”

12/03/2024

We're excited to have Dave “Bio” Baranek as our keynote speaker for The Midwest Conference on Masonic Education 2024.

One of the goals of our annual event is to teach the teachers and educate the educators. We're excited to bring an instructor from the world-famous TOPGUN school to share his insights and experiences in doing just that.

Bio's Bio:

Dave Baranek was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where he grew up drawing airplanes and putting together scale models from kits. In his early teens he set his sights on flying Navy jet fighters. He attended Georgia Tech and participated in the ROTC to qualify for officer training, then entered the Navy in 1979.

Without 20/20 eyesight he could not become a pilot, so instead he became a radar intercept officer (RIO), operating the weapons system in the Navy's hot new F-14 Tomcat fighter. Shortly after he joined his first squadron he received the callsign "Bio," which many of his former squadron mates still call him.

Based on his outstanding performance, he was selected to become an aerial combat instructor at the elite Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as Topgun. While serving as an instructor in 1985, he had the unusual experience of flying aerial sequences used in the film "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. He also traveled to Paramount Studios as a dialogue advisor on the project.

He enjoyed a successful 20-year career in the Navy, including assignment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the US 7th Fleet. He commanded an F-14 Tomcat fighter squadron, responsible for nearly 300 people and 14 aircraft worth about $700 million.

To register for the conference, book a hotel at our special rate, and view our event details and speaker list, see our website:

https://www.mcme1949.org/events.html

22/11/2023

MCME 2024 Conference Update:

Speakers set, Hotel set, Cookies and Milk Ordered!

Planning for the 2024 MCME Annual Conference is moving forward at light speed! The list of speakers has been set, the hotel has been set and we are looking forward to opening registration soon!

New this year are several vendors! Check the website to learn more! https://www.mcme1949.org/

And most importantly, make sure to pause and contemplate your blessings this week!

05/07/2023

Educating the Educators: How TOPGUN Does It

Dave Baranek, long time TOPGUN Instructor will be the keynote speaker for the The Midwest Conference on Masonic Education 2024!

Learn about the techniques used to train the top aviators in the world!

Learn more about Dave by visiting the MCME website, and follow this page and the event page linked above to see our updates.

http://www.mcme1949.org/events.html

02/07/2023

'Dedicated to fostering the growth of Freemasonry in North America by sharing and promoting proven strategies and best practices to enhance membership development and retention.'

The Masonic Renewal Committee of North America is the newest organizational member of the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education!

We welcome this important resource to the MCME and look forward to collaborating with the MRC on promoting Masonic Education.

If you aren’t familiar with the MRC, please visit their website and look over the great resources available.

The MRC ENGAGE Conferences focus on those issues critical to our Fraternity such as membership development and retention, marketing, finances, communications, and Masonic education. The MRC Engage Conferences utilize Zoom so you can attend and participate in the comfort of your own home. Learn more....

29/04/2023

We have some time set aside before our business meeting and elections at 5 to do a few things, including educational discussion, and spending time with our brothers.

We also listened to our outgoing President Chad Kopenski as he told us about our departed brother, Chad Simpson.

Brother Simpson was an Ohio Mason. Not all of us got to meet him, but all who have enjoyed the Midwest Conference this year have enjoyed it due to him. His work, and friendship, his ideas, and the quality he had in bringing those same things out in others. Ohio Masonry mourns, and we with them.

What if? What if to wind down the conference, we wafted the smell of freshly baked cookies through the temple, summoning the craft to enjoy one or two fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies with ice cold milk? To lighten the mood after a long weekend of serious discussion and work. And now, to hear about Brother Simpson, and his idea for cookies and milk.

So here’s to Chad Simpson. A brother I never met, but to whom I raise this glass of ice cold milk. We wish you were here with us.

29/04/2023

We are just wrapping up our second afternoon sessions!

The sessions, pictured in order are: The Importance of Connections: The Thomas Fiveash Reddick Society, the Three Books Every _____ Mason Should Read, The Chamber of Reflection, and The New Hampshire Guide to Ritual Excellence.

29/04/2023

We enjoyed the Keynote Address, Kitchen Sink Degree, and lunch, and now our first afternoon sessions are just ending. Pictured are our active sessions: Ohio Ritualist’s Guide to World Religion, New Hampshire Guide to Ritual Excellence, The Principles Proficiency (Ohio), and Applied Education-‘But They Can’t Keep The Lights On!!!’

29/04/2023

Our second session block is active. Pictured are: Taking Small-Town Values Statewide, the Three Books Every _____ Mason Should Read, The Chamber of Reflection, and Masonic Lightning Talks

Our Keynote Address will be in the Cathedral at 11

29/04/2023

We’re delighted to have Dr. Heather K. Calloway of the Indiana University Center for Fraternal Collections and Research delivering the Keynote Address for our 2023 event. We’ll see you on the 2nd Floor Scottish Rite Auditorium at 11!

29/04/2023

Our 9-9:45 session block is approaching its end.

The sessions, pictured in order are: Ohio Ritualist’s Guide to World Religion, New Hampshire Guide to Ritual Excellence, Development and Use of Ohio’s Roadmap For Improvement, and Applied Education-‘But They Can’t Keep The Lights On!!!’