Report of Open Night At Moorabbin Masonic Centre
Monday 30th June 2008
The VMMA attended at Moorabbin Masonic Centre to join with the Bayside Lodges on their Open Night to welcome members of the general public into the Masonic Centre for a presentation by Freemasonry Victoria representative Grand Superintendent of Education R.W. Bro. Mervyn Hallam, PSGW.
VMMA members motorcycles at Moorabbin Masonic Centre, Larry, David, Richo and Chris.
Each year Freemasonry Victoria in conjunction with Masonic Centre's and lodges organise "Open Nights" with the aim to invite interested people in the local community to join with us in the Lodge Room whilst an open and frank presentation is given by a representative of Freemasonry Victoria, following the presentation and during it those attending are encouraged to ask questions, the VMMA endeavors to attend a good of "Open Nights".
During the day the weather forecasts surprisingly aligned with the weather outside, darn cold and wet. I did think during the day this is going to be one cold and miserable night of motorcycle riding, but this was not the case it turned out very windy but was not that cold.
The Open Nights do not require a large number of VMMA members attending for we are only there to provide a static display of our activities and to provide information to those interested visitors, this particular Open Night we had a great number of inquiries from the guests and brethren.
Bayside District Co-ordinator V.W.Bro. Ian Ewing, PGIWkgs & GS of Education R.W. Bro. Mervyn Hallam, PSGW
VMMA members who attended were Chris, Richo, Larry and David from Phillip Island, our display was presented on a table that incorporated our current Newsletter and contact cards, interestingly a majority of items were taken by those attending.
This particular Open Night was very well thought out with extremely well presented displays from the Freemasons Homes, Task Force, Order Of The Eastern Star, The Order Of The Amaranth and the VMMA. There was also a display of Masonic Regalia and jewels with explanations of their purpose within Freemasonry.
The attendance for the Open Night was approximately 94 persons comprising of both male and female guests and brethren, 34 male guests were in attendance to gain knowledge of the organisation and it was evident that a good number of these male guests will be seeking further information with the view of joining one of the Bayside Lodges.
Prior to the commencement of the official presentation in the lodge room there was a great deal on interest in each of the displays, brethren introduced themselves to the guests and assisted to make the night one to remember.
A very well prepared open night that certainly achieved its aim to provide information to the guests.
At 8.00 p.m. everyone in the south was invited to move into the Lodge Room of the Masonic Centre and be seated in the North East so that our presenter for the evening could address everyone easily.
The Bayside District Co-ordinator V.W.Bro. Ian Ewing, PGIWkgs welcomed everyone to the Moorabbin Masonic Centre followed by a number of introductions in recognition of a good number of individuals who had devoted a good deal of time to ensure the Open Night was informative.
Freemasonry Victoria representative Grand Superintendent of Education R.W. Bro. Mervyn Hallam, PSGW was introduced and proceeded to involve those in attendance by interacting within them by demonstrating how in our daily activities both at home and work how they can be interrupted with various aspects of freemasonry.
GS of Education R.W. Bro. Mervyn Hallam, PSGW with a token of appreciation at the conclusion of the evening.
Mervyn also spoke of some of the other activities within Freemasonry Victoria that members have become involved in such as Task Force, Victorian Masonic Motorcycle Association and Freemasons Homes.
The Official Open Night presentation concluded with Mervyn answering a good number of questions from the guests.
Everyone was invited back into the south to partake in supper before departing for home.
Chris, Larry and Richo waved David off on his lonely ride back to Phillip Island.
Reported by: CW
