Post by Cory Sigler on Jan 3, 2006 15:35:00 GMT -5
Creating your lodge Tresleboard or Newsletter
Brother. Cory Sigler
Hawthorne Fortitude #200
Ramsey, NJ
Trestle Board: The carpet or board upon which the Master inscribes the designs for guidance of the Craft. In the present day it refers to the meeting notice sent to the membership.
“The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.” Edward R Murrow
Communication between the brothers of the lodge is vital for both the health and stability of the craft. One of the greatest tools we use is the Tresleboard, which is the notice sent to each brother to inform them of the lodge events in a due and timely manner. It is my hope to share with you some ways to enhance your current Tresleboard or help you start a new one.
The Tresleboard or newsletter is used to keep everyone informed of all events happening in and outside the lodge room. In it you would find current and upcoming events as well as other important dates, Masonic education, stories or any other helpful pieces of information. Traditionally the Tresleboard has been mailed to each home using the postal service (or commonly referred to as snail mail). In this new age of electronic mediums such as email, blogs and E-newsletters it is becoming easier more now than ever to also send a copy online to instantaneously keep everyone abreast of the news.
Your first step should be putting together an outline what you needs to be added in every monthly Tresleboard then follow it with the supplemental information.
Every Month
A. Current monthly events/Upcoming events.
1. Regular communication meetings
2. Initiations
3. Degrees
4. Applications for membership
5. Other important dates (fundraisers, dinners, square club...etc)
B. Message from the East
The WM should include some words of inspiration to excite the brothers for the upcoming month. A quote or poem that coincides with that months holiday is always well received.
Supplemental/Filler
Masonic education can add a lot to your Tresleboard and can make for great discussions. Choose from one or more as room permits.
1. Words and meanings- There are many books and websites that provide a Masonic dictionary. Pick a word that might tie into something that you recently discussed and is relevant.
2. Symbols- Discuss a working tool and the symbolism behind it. Then be prepared to discuss it in more detail in your meeting.
3. Places- There are many museums and places of interest that can be fun to read about. The Rossyln Chapel in Scotland or the Washington D.C. lodge that George Washington belonged to are always exciting.
4. People- There are hundreds of famous men that are Masons. Use them to inspire.
5. Poems- A short Masonic poem will be appreciated as a nice change of pace to educating the brothers.
6. Book review- Whether it is a book that you read or a review you found somewhere else, a well educated brother can add much to the lodge.
7. Brother accomplishments- I like to point out something a brother may have accomplished such as a birth or a new job. It makes them feel good and it helps spread the fellowship.
Misc.
Try to include graphics and pictures if possible to liven it up. There are mounds of free clipart on the web for you to choose from.
Add a link to important websites that others can learn from. If your discussing a person or a place add a link to that specific topic to help illustrate it or if you stumbled upon a nice site share it with the brothers.
Share your work with other lodges. They will be grateful and you can learn from each other.
Use the internet as often as possible to gather info. There are 1,000’s of free resources at your fingertips.
Brother. Cory Sigler
Hawthorne Fortitude #200
Ramsey, NJ
Trestle Board: The carpet or board upon which the Master inscribes the designs for guidance of the Craft. In the present day it refers to the meeting notice sent to the membership.
“The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.” Edward R Murrow
Communication between the brothers of the lodge is vital for both the health and stability of the craft. One of the greatest tools we use is the Tresleboard, which is the notice sent to each brother to inform them of the lodge events in a due and timely manner. It is my hope to share with you some ways to enhance your current Tresleboard or help you start a new one.
The Tresleboard or newsletter is used to keep everyone informed of all events happening in and outside the lodge room. In it you would find current and upcoming events as well as other important dates, Masonic education, stories or any other helpful pieces of information. Traditionally the Tresleboard has been mailed to each home using the postal service (or commonly referred to as snail mail). In this new age of electronic mediums such as email, blogs and E-newsletters it is becoming easier more now than ever to also send a copy online to instantaneously keep everyone abreast of the news.
Your first step should be putting together an outline what you needs to be added in every monthly Tresleboard then follow it with the supplemental information.
Every Month
A. Current monthly events/Upcoming events.
1. Regular communication meetings
2. Initiations
3. Degrees
4. Applications for membership
5. Other important dates (fundraisers, dinners, square club...etc)
B. Message from the East
The WM should include some words of inspiration to excite the brothers for the upcoming month. A quote or poem that coincides with that months holiday is always well received.
Supplemental/Filler
Masonic education can add a lot to your Tresleboard and can make for great discussions. Choose from one or more as room permits.
1. Words and meanings- There are many books and websites that provide a Masonic dictionary. Pick a word that might tie into something that you recently discussed and is relevant.
2. Symbols- Discuss a working tool and the symbolism behind it. Then be prepared to discuss it in more detail in your meeting.
3. Places- There are many museums and places of interest that can be fun to read about. The Rossyln Chapel in Scotland or the Washington D.C. lodge that George Washington belonged to are always exciting.
4. People- There are hundreds of famous men that are Masons. Use them to inspire.
5. Poems- A short Masonic poem will be appreciated as a nice change of pace to educating the brothers.
6. Book review- Whether it is a book that you read or a review you found somewhere else, a well educated brother can add much to the lodge.
7. Brother accomplishments- I like to point out something a brother may have accomplished such as a birth or a new job. It makes them feel good and it helps spread the fellowship.
Misc.
Try to include graphics and pictures if possible to liven it up. There are mounds of free clipart on the web for you to choose from.
Add a link to important websites that others can learn from. If your discussing a person or a place add a link to that specific topic to help illustrate it or if you stumbled upon a nice site share it with the brothers.
Share your work with other lodges. They will be grateful and you can learn from each other.
Use the internet as often as possible to gather info. There are 1,000’s of free resources at your fingertips.