Solomon

from Freemasonry Today - Autumn 2022 - Issue 59

Quarterly Communication

LEARNINGS ONLINE

Introducing Welcome Companion – the latest in a series of virtual learning modules on Solomon that help a Freemason’s development

In July, the Solomon Team launched a new module called Welcome Companion. This completes the suite of modules that are mainly intended for those who have just undertaken a ceremony – namely Welcome Apprentice, Welcome Fellowcraft and Welcome Master Mason. These have proved very popular and may also be of interest to more experienced Freemasons.

In case you are not familiar with it, Solomon is a virtual learning environment (VLE) that helps with the learning and development needs of members and companions (solomon.ugle.org.uk/). Its purpose is to complement the support that already exists in Lodges and Chapters, and is not intended to replace anything.

Although the Welcome modules can be taken in the comfort of your home at your own speed, this is not the only way they can be used. For example, you could also work on them as part of a discussion with a mentor.

The Welcome modules adopt gamification to make the learning experience more fun and engaging. When successfully completing each of the 12 quizzes on Welcome Companion, users earn a virtual badge. When they have completed all the quizzes, read all the relevant content and watched all the videos, users can earn the

Welcome Companion Badge. This is a significant achievement as it involves a lot of work. We are investigating a function that would allow users to download a certificate of achievement. Such certificates are increasingly becoming the norm at work and for other leisure-time activities.

Ritual and traditions vary in Chapters so this module is therefore based on the popular Aldersgate Royal Arch Ritual. Though this may be different to your own Chapter, the fundamentals are the same. You could consider it as visiting, while noting the variations to your own Chapter.

Welcome Companion is broken down into five sections: Background to the Ceremony, Ensigns and Banners, Chapter Organisation, the Lectures and the Final Quiz.

The module therefore helps explain the historical and Biblical context that forms the backdrop to the ceremony. The first presentation is a timeline of how Royal Arch is the continuation of the story started in Craft Freemasonry. The Grand Originals are explained and, following a video about the destruction of the First Temple, a summary of the exaltation ceremony is provided.

Not all companions are aware of the relationship between the ensigns and banners, or how they fit in with the story of Exodus from the Bible. The second section therefore provides an explanation of which ensigns relate to which banner and their position within the Chapter room. This explanation enables new companions to connect more with their surroundings.

Likewise, the third section concentrates on how the Chapter itself is organised. This includes the layout of furniture, the Biblical characters being represented, an explanation of the officers, the Royal Arch jewel, regalia, robes, and the sceptres.

For the fourth section, members are provided with an insight into the historical, symbolical and mystical lectures.

The module concludes with an explanation of the destruction of the Second Temple, while the final quiz entitles successful candidates to the Welcome Companion Badge.

It could be said that Freemasonry becomes more challenging after taking each step. We hope this new module will help companions better understand the context of the Royal Arch ceremony so they can enjoy this beautiful order.

Our labour is then complete.