By William Carter, D.D.G.M.
Dover Lodge was the first to hold a “More Light Night” – a special educational event that Grand Master Robert C. Rill, Jr. has requested Lodges organize and host. Dover’s was held in December, featuring a lecture entitled “Freemasonry and Esotericism.” The guest speaker was Right Worshipful Brother Ross Brochhagen, past Grand Organist for the Grand Lodge of New Jersey.
Written invitations were sent to members of Dover Lodge, and an online advertisement invited Brethren from all over the state to reserve their spot at this excellent lecture and discussion. The Lodge Room was temporarily cleared of its usual furniture so that seating could be arranged for the Brethren that would facilitate comfort and open discussion of ideas.
The evening began with the Brethren gathered in the Dover Lodge Fellowship Hall to break in fellowship. Conversations began as light-hearted introductions, but quickly began to take on significant depth as the Brethren anticipated the evening’s educational fare.
As dinner began to wrap up the Brethren were invited to the upper level of Dover Lodge at their leisure. They were greeted by candlelight and an open Library featuring the Lodge’s lecture tracing boards on display for all to view and discuss. Also on display was memorabilia for the visiting Brethren to get a taste of what it means to be a Dover man.
At 7:00 p.m., Right Worshipful Brother Brochhagen proceeded to the lighted dais to deliver a fascinating and engaging lecture and discussion on numerous aspects of Freemasonry.
The information presented was educational, and was delivered with heartfelt emotion as he shared how the deeper aspects of Masonry go beyond a mere intellectual exercise and extend into the most sentimental parts of his own life experience. He had physical props to share, life stories to relate, some laughter to bring and a firm expression of how Masonry should drive a man to be the best he can outside of Lodge as well as inside it. Most impressive was his reinforcement that charity and brotherhood are driven by the esoteric aspects of our Craft, versus esotericism being the exclusive pastime of a few curious Masons.
The lecture closed at 9:00 p.m., and the Brethren retired back to the Fellowship Hall and library for further discussion. Despite having Brethren come from several districts the final discussion closed at 12:15 a.m. The candles were then extinguished, the doors were closed, and the Light of Masonry went out into the world.
