Interview with Bro. Gregory Brenner on his recent Lecture presentation

Interview with Bro. Gregory Brenner on his recent Lecture presentation

Category : 2017 News

Bro. Gregory Brenner

A newly raised Brother in our midst, Bro. Gregory Brenner, has left a major mark not only in the history of our Lodge but the District, Grand Lodge of New York and the minds of many international visiting Brethren. Below is a quick interview of Bro. Gregory Brenner who participated in delivering one of our most cherished lectures at the 63rd Annual Gathering of International Lodges named for St. Albans.

Q. We heard you made a presentation at a major gathering of Masons recently, what made you decide to participate?
A. Yes, the event was the 63rd Annual Gathering of International Lodges named for St. Albans which was held at 25 Lincoln Ave in Rockville Center.

My brothers and I performed the lectures of the three degrees. I performed The Middle Chamber Lecture.
It’s funny how it came about because I didn’t tell anyone that I was learning it, I was just doing it to prove to myself that I could.
I had only memorized shorter rituals up to that point so it was definitely out of my comfort zone.
I stuck to it and once I had it internalized, the  opportunity to perform it at the St. Albans gathering materialized. I was having a chance conversation with Bro. Charlie Scheu after a Lodge meeting one night about the lecture and I mentioned that I had been working on it, to which he replied “do you want to perform it at an event for Mason’s from all around the world in a few weeks?”.
Honesty I was just learning the lecture to maybe be able to perform it at some upcoming degree later on in the year, after I had a few more months to tighten it up.
I seriously thought that I might be in a bit over my head but ultimately I said to myself, “what the heck, let’s go for it.”
Thanks Bro. Charlie & thanks to all the Brothers of St. Albans for their warm welcome!
Q. For those who are looking to join the Fraternity, and those who are on the sidelines, what would you tell them about your experience?
A. The rituals are to be enjoyed by both those observing and performing.  The Rituals belong to all Brothers.
I believe that those who don’t perform rituals and only observe on the sidelines are just as crucial to whole event because the point of the rituals is to unite us through the sacred experience of it.
Q. What advise would you give those who are in the middle of memorizing their work, what tips would you give them to ease in memorization?
A. I see memorization as forming a path in an untouched field of grass.  Your mind is the field and as you start memorizing, the path is very rough with only a few footsteps showing through the thick grass. But as you continue to make the path again and again and again, all of a sudden, it becomes a clear mental walkway fully internalized. Once you get to that point, even if you don’t practice it for a while, it’s still firmly embedded.