The Maine Masonic College

FAQ

 

Because of the uniqueness of the Maine Masonic College, we often hear the same questions. We’ve tried to gather them here for you. We’ll add to this list as necessary.

One item first: if you’ve seen a patch being sold on Ebay with the Maine Masonic College logo, it is NOT authorized by us and we have no connection whatsoever to (and do not know) its producer. It appears to be very low quality and does not reflect our true logo. We would discourage you from purchasing such junk!

If you’re in Maine, start here.

Inquiries ‘from away’, start here.

Those in Maine will hopefully find answers here.

Absolutely NOT! While we use the name ‘College’ and operate with many of the conceptual ideas of a higher learning program, all of our programs (except those specifically noted) require nothing more than an inquisitive mind and a willingness to learn. Whether you’ve got three or four advanced degrees or never made it through high school, you’ll benefit from our programs. What’s more, you’ll find other attendees just like yourself so you won’t ever be embarrassed.

Generally, yes – although we may not have sufficient food available should you wish to join us for lunch. If you haven’t registered in advance, please be understanding.

Seating can also be problematic if too many show up. Those who register first will have priority although there we have always been able to deal with walk-ins to date.

We know that sometimes plans change at the last moment. If you can, just let us know what’s up. It makes life a whole lot easier!

Again, just let us know. An e-mail to the Registrar will do the trick and help keep us on track.

Several days before a course, we make a commitment to the facility for the amount of food they’ll provide so a refund of meal costs may not always be possible though we do make every effort to ensure that you don’t lose out. Most of the time, a full refund is issued.

NOTE: Cancellations with FULL refunds guaranteed are accepted up to 7 days before the class so register early and cancel if you need to.

Most programs are free, the costs being underwritten by the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation. However, sometimes we must charge a nominal fee to cover expenses. If a particular financial problem precludes your attendance, please contact the Registrar in confidence.

We try to plan our courses so as to be accessible to all Masons in Maine and their communities. If you and others decide that you’d like to have a particular course given in your own city/town, please contact us with full particulars. Most of our instructors will provide their courses in a given location provided there is a guarantee of an agreed-upon attendance figure. (This means that MMC would be guaranteed a specified number of registrations at an agreed-upon course registration fee.)Toggle Content

While online presentations may seem effortless, good ones involve considerable time and expenses. Even seemingly simple things (podcasts, videos, etc.) require a major commitment in time and effort if they are to be done in a way that potential users will find useful rather than just a curiosity.

Sometimes things get lost or forgotten. Just contact us again and we’ll get you involved!

Bring an open and inquiring mind! Wear what you want (business casual appreciated – for men, this could be a polo shirt and slacks, for example.). You may also wish to bring your own pen/paper for note taking although we try to always have these available on site.

We try to repeat courses based on interest. If you weren’t able to attend a particular course for whatever reason but really wanted to, drop us a note. Expressions of interest help us know when and where we should site our programs. Particularly when a course is limited in attendance and some had to be turned away, we will repeat that course again very soon thereafter.

We have no physical facilities per se. The Regents hold their meetings in convenient Masonic venues. Our programs are offered at times and places which are convenient and available. We are NOT a ‘bricks and mortar’ facility but rather a ‘concept’!

If you’re from outside of Maine, (‘from away’ as we colloquially say), please read this section….

We have no physical facilities per se. The Regents hold their meetings in convenient Masonic venues. Our programs are offered at times and places which are convenient and available. We are NOT a ‘bricks and mortar’ facility but rather a ‘concept’!

It’s a long drive, but — Yes! We don’t really care where you’re from: all travel, however, is at your own expense. If you’re coming from a distance, please be sure to let us know so if any last-minute scheduling change occurs, we can notify you in a timely manner. The Maine Masonic College can not be held responsible for expenses you incur, even if a course is cancelled. Remember too that in Maine, winter weather varies greatly from one part of the state to another. If our speaker is from an area being beset by bad weather, we may be forced to cancel the course even though the location where it is to be held has a wonderful weather pattern. That’s Maine, folks!

Although there are few courses limited to Master Masons only, we welcome attendance by those who hold membership in a lodge in amity with the Grand Lodge of Maine. Your current dues card or other proof of membership will be required at the time of attendance.

We’ve been thrilled by the interest expressed by those outside of the Pine Tree State, particularly amongst Masons. Maine has historically been a leader in the Masonic world and the uniqueness of the Maine Masonic College reflects, yet again, this leadership. At this time, however, we have no plans to provide our courses outside of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Maine. As you must realize, Masons from one jurisdiction simply do not start programs in other jurisdictions. Further, our focus is and must be on Maine residents.

It is important to note that although our program is – at present – quite unique, there is nothing whatsoever to prevent its replication in other jurisdictions. We’d welcome your attendance at any of our courses and we also encourage you to offer your assistance in the educational program(s) offered by your own jurisdiction.

While online presentations may seem effortless, good ones involve considerable time and expenses. Even seemingly simple things (podcasts, videos, etc.) require a major commitment of time and effort if they are to be done in a way that potential users will find useful rather than just a curiosity.