Revised: May 31, 2010

In order to comply with Grand Lodge rules regarding affiliations, those who did not sign the request for a Warrant must follow the same procedures as if they were affiliating with an established lodge. This includes submission of a petition for affiliation, assignment to a Committee of Investigation, and a ballot at a stated meeting. Because those who signed the warrant are all very active within the area, it is most likely that you're already known to several members so no delays should ensue but we do follow the rules regarding these matters assidiously.

If your petition is in our Secretary's hands by a stated meeting, it will be assigned to a Committee and will be balloted on at the meeting when the Committee reports. Meanwhile, just as soon as the Secretary gets your petition, you'll get whatever notices, mailings, e-mails or phone calls other members receive. Of course, you're MOST welcome (and encouraged) to attend lodge meetings.

Please be sure that your membership number (found on the dues card for your current lodge) and your birthdate is on your application. (Just add them in a blank space if there's no line for it.) This makes the paperwork flow more easily.

If any questions, give the Secretary a shout. And remember: all who affiliate between now and when the request for our Charter is made (we plan to close off the application for charter affiliation process as of January 31st to ensure Grand Lodge has sufficient time to prepare the charter etc.) will be Charter Members of the lodge.

We believe there’s a need in the Bangor area for those whose work schedules prohibit their regular attendance at a lodge. We also think that there are those who might be more able to become Masons if they could attend functions during the daytime.

We know too that there are many Masons in the Bangor area who no longer wish to go out in the evening but could attend a meeting during the day – and/or would particularly appreciate the company of Brothers on a regular basis.

While High Twelve Clubs are wonderful organizations and we enthusiastically support the three currently existent in Maine, we want to be more than ‘lunch and a speaker’.

They’re doing well – and, with a permanent home once again, will surely grow and prosper. However, both meet at night which can present an obstacle for some.

Seminary Hill Daylight Lodge will provide an alternative for those who may not be able to attend meetings in the evening for whatever reason.

In addition, we hope to be able to serve by calling upon our members to assist them when necessary for things like daytime funeral services etc.

Our focus is not on growing via adding new members but by making the entire Bangor Masonic community better through the offering of something that doesn’t now exist: a Brotherly respite at noon-day twice a month (except during the winter when it’ll only be once!).

No! We want it to be MUCH more.

First, every meeting will begin with a healthy and tasty meal which, unlike most Masonic activities, will be considerate of those with medical problems (diabetes, etc.).

Second, our eating hour will always feature a short program designed to enlighten and please. The topics will be broad and varied, reflecting many areas of interest and learning. Programs will run anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes and will be announced well ahead of time so folks can be sure not to miss something of interest.

Third, your guests (spouses, friends, caretakers, out-of-town visitors – whoever) will be welcome to enjoy the meal and program with us.

There are two mandatory costs and one voluntary: annual dues and meals – and donations.

Annual dues are anticipated being $20 for those who maintain primary membership in another Maine Lodge and $35 for those who belong only to Seminary Hill Daylight Lodge #220. (The difference is the Grand Lodge of Maine per capita tax which only paid by one lodge.)  Charter affiliates will pay $25 for the first year which will include a parchment copy of the charter.

Meals will vary slightly in price but will be announced in advance, at least one meeting prior. Members are ultimately responsible for payment of your own meal and that of any guests.

A donation box will be displayed at all meetings. Funds collected will assist in providing needy Masons and their families in the Greater Bangor Area with whatever assistance they need. Donations will never be expected but will always be appreciated. It is our strong hope that our lodge will be heavily involved in providing charitable assistance and there will be a Standing Committee of the Lodge for just this purpose.

Donations of whatever amount, however large or small, will be very much appreciated. While there will be reporting of how charitable funds are spent, only members of the Charity Committee will know the specific recipients and will not reveal such information under penalty of Masonic jurisprudence.

If our program speaker is from a non-profit organization, we MAY have a second donation opportunity for that cause as well.

In addition, those who find themselves able to donate to the physical growth of the lodge will have an opportunity to do so. More information further along in this FAQ.

Our plan is to begin serving meals from 11:30 onwards through about 12:35 with eating time being from 11:30 until about 12:55. This will, we hope, allow folks to come in at various times depending on their work schedules but still get a hot and tasty lunch.

Because there may be a speaker presenting during your arrival time, we will ask that your entrance/departure be as inconspicuous as possible without the usual waves, pats on the back, etc. so as to provide all courtesies to the speaker.

Grace will be on an individual basis as well. We ask those already at a table to allow the newly-arrived diner to take a moment without interruption so as to give thanks to the Great Creator who has made this all possible.

Not at all. However, we would expect that after enjoying our company for 2-3 times, you would want to consider being a member.

If finances preclude this, please speak with the Master or Secretary in complete confidence. We’ll never impose a ‘maximum’ on the number of visits but we do want to ensure you are always up-to-date and a part of our convivial and caring community to the fullest extent possible.

We want to be attentive to those whose dietary needs would generally preclude full enjoyment of the ‘standard Masonic fare’. Accordingly, we plan to solicit members on this matter and will TRY to adjust meals accordingly or have feasible options available.

This is going to be a bit tricky at first until we can get the right combination of number of attendees, appropriate cooks, etc. but it will be on our agenda – and high!

If you can offer suggestions as to how we might more easily accomplish this, our Meal Committee would certainly welcome your input (and assistance!).

Because we’re brand-new, we're still sorting out the details of pricing our meals. After our first two meetings, we've had no complaints.

Our long-term goal is to have a type of ‘fee scale’ which would enable everyone to enjoy good food and good company at a cost within their means. We would certainly welcome your input on this matter of concern.

Parenthetically we are also considering the implementation of an “Adopt-A-Pop” program (known in some other lodges as “Adopt-A-Geezer”) which will allow members to contribute a ‘little something extra’ with their annual dues so as to cover the dues of those unable to meet their financial commitments for whatever reason. More information on this as we move forward.

Absolutely. Although they would not be permitted should you stay for the tyled portion of the meeting held in the lodge room (unless they were a Mason), they would be more than welcome for our lunch and program.

Most Masons go through all of their years in Freemasonry without ever having the opportunity to become a Charter Member of a Lodge and have their name inscribed for the ages on the charter. If you are a Maine Mason, you will have received your 50 Year Veterans Medal since this chance was last available!

You now have this opportunity AND will receive a copy of the charter and a beautiful membership certificate, all for a very reasonable amount. ($25 if affiliating)

We will also look to our Charter Members to act as mentors for those who might seek guidance in ritual or procedural matters in the lodge. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get in on the ‘ground floor’ of a great and important undertaking.

We thought you’d NEVER ask. CONGRATULATIONS!

Well, it’s not quite that - but obviously, a new lodge needs officers so we’d welcome your interest. Unlike other lodges, though, we do NOT plan to have a progressive line. There’s just too much work to be done and not all members will want to bear such a burden. However, we know many will be willing to serve. It is our intent to have a strong committee structure as well so there will be opportunities galore.

Should you wish to advance to the East, simply let your feelings be known to the Master and Wardens. You will receive strong support from the other members, officers, and committees. A path for such advancement will be designed with your input, considering your other life commitments and concerns.

Further, on an on-going basis, we plan to make sure that our workers are always at the head of the recognition line. We’ve got some ideas percolating already so don’t feel that by being a Committee Member, it’ll be all drudge and no thanks.

The Master of this Lodge will, while retaining all the traditional powers and prerogatives of that office, be an equal among peers. It’s about FREEMASONRY, Brethren, and not the office!

You’ll need to be able to attend at least 75% of the meetings, will need to memorize the ritual as appropriate for your own station, and be committed to the concepts of Conviviality and Caring.

You’ll also need to purchase the Seminary Hill Daylight Lodge Officer’s Sash and two officer polo shirts. (Cost: expected to be under $60 total).

In addition, you will need to own a blue blazer, grey slacks, dark shoes, white shirt and plain red tie for wear at certain lodge events. As time moves along, we may have a special lodge tie and blazer pocket patch but for now, that’s it.

Oh, and did we mention: a great attitude and a real desire to make this lodge one that will truly serve!

We’ll have the polo shirt situation in hand presently so ALL members can purchase them, hopefully even by mail. Stay tuned for more information.

We’ll try to keep business to a minimum but we’ll also be sure that we’re not just doing a ‘crash-bam’-type of meeting either.

This is a Lodge and we will be there with all the proper dignity and decorum the fraternity of Freemasonry can and should display.

Assuming you meet all of the other requirements (of legal age, have a belief in a Supreme Being, be in a financial position so that dues and other lodge obligations will not be a burden, come well recommended by a member of our lodge, and able to pass a Board of Inquiry), ABSOLUTELY!

If you’re interested, drop a note to our Webmaster who'll see that a Senior lodge officer contacts you promptly to provide a tour of our meeting facility, a chance to meet other officers/members, and more – including answering any questions you may have about Freemasonry.

Seminary Hill Daylight Lodge membership is an EXCELLENT choice for a potential member whose work or school responsibilities may prohibit attendance at nighttime meetings.

However, we do encourage you to first consider joining in a local lodge where you reside and then affiliating with us. We’re happy to talk with you about this at any point.

Computerization makes things SO very easy sometimes – and so very difficult at others. ‘Time shifting’ of chores is now a reality and getting things done fast seems astonishingly easy at times. However, we are also grossly overloaded with all sorts of things bombarding us electronically day-to-day and staying ahead of spammers and scammers is not for those whose minds are not as nimble as they once were. We will try our level best to be sure that YOUR chosen means of communication is used to get you the information you want and should have.

Our Website is A primary source of information but it shouldn’t be THE primary source. Also, we’ll be working in the coming weeks to add accessibility features (both visual and audio) to assist those brethren with access.

We plan to, from time to time, publish a newsletter that will be available electronically to most but sent in print to those unable to receive it via computer.

We plan to have an active and functioning phone tree to provide reminders via telephone of upcoming events and changed dates.

We also want to ensure that Conviviality and Caring isn’t just the press of an ‘Enter’ key but the actual human touch of a Brother Mason! Your suggestions and assistance in making this a reality are MOST appreciated!

Let our Secretary Pro-Tem know (e-mail link at the bottom of every page on this web site) what it is and he’ll see that you get a  prompt response.

As part of our motto/mission, our members will be provided with full information regarding this as the need arises.

We’re a brand new lodge and consequently, we need a number of things including the many pieces of lodge regalia.

In addition, we plan to create a Charity Fund and would welcome contributions of any amount which will go directly to furthering our goal of ‘Conviviality and Caring’.

We're a brand-new lodge and while we'll meet in a building with two other lodges, it's not fair for us to be using their things. As a result, we need to start getting implements, equipment, etc. for us to work as our own entity.

If you feel you can help, we'd love to hear from you. New is great - obviously - but used works well also (except for things like place mats!) Some of these things can be really expensive and we'd rather have you think about our Charity Fund rather than material items. There are also some items that would be in the $20 range but there's no expectation AT ALL! We're more interested in your Brotherhood than your gifts frankly.

That notwithstanding, here's a list we're compiling. There are lots of things we've probably not remembered so feel free to chime in with other suggestions also. Your name will be recorded in the history of the lodge and you'll have our most sincere gratitude.  (Please note: this is a running list and it will change pretty regularly.)

1. An altar cloth embroidered with our name, sized to fit the altar at the new Bangor Masonic Hall; An altar cloth has been sewn by Donna Chaput and will adorn the altar at our first official meeting!
2. An altar Bible (that opens to lie flat);  Our altar Bible has been donated by our Junior Warden, Bro. Les Gray.
3. A square and compass for the Bible;  Bro. Robert Prather has donated the Bible Jewels.
4. Bible markers; The Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Maine - and our Charter Member - Martin Perfit has donated our Bible Markers.
5. Officers' Aprons - A complete set of officers aprons is being donated from another lodge which, sadly, has closed. They will be presented by Bro. Robert Anthony, Master of Horeb Lodge during our first meeting.
6. Truncheons and sounding blocks for the principle officers (something unique perhaps?);
7. Working Tools; Although we don't expect to be doing degree work in the immediate future, every well-governed lodge should have these.
8. A ballot box Bro. Robert Pratherhas donated a ballot box for the lodge. Double thanks, Brother!!!
9. A gong or sounding bell of some kind that we can use to call folks' attention to things. (Meeting planning companies sell these! One idea is here.);
10. A sturdy vinyl banner with our lodge name and location prominently displayed - for use in parades, public presentations (something like this with the lodge name etc. on it);
11. A table runner for use during our lunches and at other times when the lodge is in the public eye (an example here);
12. Bank deposit bags to store money collected (available at places like Staples); Ed King has found a few deposit bags kicking around. Sadly, they were empty.
13. A 'porch book' (Members & Visitors Register);  Bro. Charles Briggs from Rising Star Lodge #4 and PDDGM of the Maine 4th Masonic District but now living in Norwood, Massachusetts has donated our Members and Visitors Register. (An interesting anecdote below.)
14. The initial books required by Grand Lodge (Constitutions, Text Book, Clear Text Ritual, etc.); The Grand Secretary will supply these. Super!
15. Bud vases and dried flower displays for each table (perhaps a dozen?);  Anyone going to Mardens? They've been advertising them on sale....
16. A supply of paper place mats Our initial supply of placemats has been donated by Bro. William Mansur and really add to the decor. Thanks, Brother.
17. An Almoner's Box (a Masonic keepsake box would work just fine for this and an inexpensive one is here - and you might want to add an engraved nameplate to it for personalization);
18. And we'll need a lodge seal (definately not a big harbor type seal - a joke for our sefaring men) but we'll want this with the date of Charter so in the meantime Ed will use his DeMolay Chevalier ring and some sealing wax to get us by.
19. A Senior Deacon's Receiving Tool;  An antique Senior Deacon's Receiving Tool will be donated to the Lodge by Bro. Christian Ratliff
20. And there are several other things - but even if we have NONE of the above, we'll be a happy, healthy, convivial and caring lodge filled with members who WANT to be Masons.

Thanks for asking!

As we apply for our Charter in May, 2011, we'll be creating a permanant list in the records and the history of the lodge so that our gracious benefactors' contributions may be suitably remembered. Whether you are able to donate or not, everyone involved in our lodge is valued!

A PS from your Secretary:

     Brethren: we speak in our ritual about the universality of Freemasonry but the generosity of those mentioned above is truly a remarkable testament to the goodwill and friendship that we share. That universality which ties us with an indissoluable bond is sometimes more 'connected' than we might at first realize. Our porch book is being donated by a Brother who is now living in Massachusetts where I was born and raised. He is a Charter Member of J. Philip Berquist Lodge there. J. Philip - Phil to everyone - was a Grand Master of Massachusetts but before that, he became a Charter Member of The DeMolay Lodge in Boston and served the lodge as its ritualist, trying to manage a young and pretty mouthy kid who was working his way up in the line. Phil was a dear friend and mentor to many Masons and his toleration of my antics exhibited more than the patience of Job. He was a kind friend who is sorely missed and there will not be a day that I hold charge of that porch book as Secretary that I will not think of Phil - thanks to another Brother Mason who began his Masonic journey here in Maine and was even the first editor of the 'Maine Mason' magazine. That 'six degrees of separation' stuff really does seem to come into play sometimes!