THE MISSISSIPPI LODGE OF RESEARCH AND EDUCATION DCXL
The Mississippi Lodge of Research and Education is one of the newest Masonic Research Lodges in the United States. It was organized in 2009, and has been continuously active and productive since. Although its activities are primarily directed towards the study of Masonic history in Mississippi, the Lodge also encourages work in wider and more general topics of Masonic study and education on the documented best practices of Freemasonry. The Mississippi Lodge of Research is a full Symbolic Lodge, with all the rights and privileges thereof, whereby like-minded Master Masons from within the State of Mississippi, as well as other Jurisdictions recognized by the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, may congregate for the purpose of promoting, encouraging, conducting, and fostering Masonic research and study, and to diffuse Masonic knowledge, training and information to all Master Masons.
WHAT IS A LODGE OF RESEARCH?
A Lodge of Research is a group of Freemasons interested in the entertainment, inspiration and information to be found in an application of the principles of scholarship and historical investigation to the study of the origins and history of the oldest Fraternity in the world.
IS THIS A NEW IDEA?
No. The first Lodge of Research, Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, was organized in London, England in 1884. Thereafter, many other Grand Jurisdictions in the United States and throughout the world began to charter Research Lodges.
WHEN DOES THE LODGE MEET?
The Lodge holds four Stated Communications each year according to the schedule of the full moon, which is an ancient tradition set forth by colonial Lodges. The Lodge also holds additional Special Communications as the occasion requires. Special Communications are called, from time to time, in places other than Jackson, upon petition to, and approval by the Lodge.
WHERE DOES THE LODGE MEET?
All Stated Communications of the Lodge are held at the Hall of the Masonic York Rite of Jackson, Mississippi. Occasionally, upon the application of a Lodge, the Mississippi Lodge of Research and Education will meet at other locations throughout the state.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN?
Active membership in the Mississippi Lodge of Research DCXL is open to all Master Masons in good standing with a Lodge currently recognized by the Grand Lodge of Mississippi.
IS THE MISSISSIPPI LODGE OF RESEARCH FOR SCHOLARS ONLY?
Although the Mississippi Lodge of Research and Education is proud to count published scholars among its members, anyone interested in Freemasonry will find the Lodge an enjoyable place to visit and a valuable source of Masonic knowledge and information.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN OBSERVANT-STYLED LODGE?
The Observant Lodge will recall the usefulness of the human senses to assist in forming a Lodge in a reverential and solemn manner.
Upon entering, it will be observed that the lighting is more subdued. You
will notice a subtle scent or fragrance in the air from the use of incense. Music
will be softly playing in the background to encourage the transition to a more
reverential state of mind and to allow your eyes time to adjust to the
lighting. There will be no small talk in the Lodge in order to encourage this
time be spent allowing others a period of time for quiet reflection. Music will
be played to assist in framing the contemplative period. The music will stop
for 2-3 minutes and then begin again with a different tempo. The Lodge Officers
will enter in a processional to their stations and stand until all seated at
the appropriate time. The Master will seat the officers after their quiet
entry.
This will be followed with a period of quiet to allow everyone to gather
their thoughts and have time to contemplate upon the opening of the Lodge,
opened in the usual form and protocol.
At the appropriate time, the Lodge will move to a time of refreshment to
allow for an educational presentation, after which it will follow the
appropriate protocol to return to the work of the Lodge.
The Lodge will be closed in the usual form and protocol with an invitation
extended to participate in a solemn Chain of Union after closing and before
departing from the company of our Brothers. The Brethren will quietly depart as
directed.
Contact Information
Click here to email the Mississippi Lodge of Research and Education Secretary.
(769) 257-1737
PHYSICAL ADDRESS (cannot receive mail)
5226 I 55 S
Jackson, MS 39272
MAILING ADDRESS
Mississippi Lodge of Research and Education
c/o Terry McLeod, Secretary
P.O. Box 1921
Jackson, MS 39215
