Internet Lodge 9659

Short Papers Competition 2008

Welcome to the Internet Lodge Short Papers Competition page.

Following the great success of the 2007 competition, which produced more than seventy entries from all over the world we are pleased to announce that the competition is being repeated for 2008.

We hope you find the idea interesting and maybe we can interest you or someone you know to enter the competition.

Why Short Papers? Freemasonry is a subject of seemingly endless fascination and complexity and all of us as Masons are in need of  our "daily advancement in Masonic knowledge". One way of  providing this is to build up a source of  materials that can be easily used at lodge meetings. A piece around 5 minutes in length can be fitted into most meetings.

We want to inspire our fellow Freemasons to write; perhaps to start writing or, for those who already have a stock of talks, to adapt one for the competition. All interested Freemasons are eligible to enter the competition. We also believe that new Masons can also illuminate the craft with their writings and there is a category for such endeavour as well. There will be several categories of award.

There is no limitation on the topics to be chosen except to say that the subject will be in some way Masonic and of educational value. Matters historical, national, esoteric, or dealing with ritual, or the origins of freemasonry are some of the possible topics.

All entries which our panel of judges commend, whether winners or not, will appear in the Internet Lodge's short papers library, available for download and use by Lodges around the world. A chance for you to be read by thousands of others - don’t miss it!

We are delighted that the competition is again being supported by the Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, MWBro The Marquess of Northampton. Read what he has to say about the competition.

Here are the Competition Rules. Please read them carefully before submitting your entry. To enter simply email your paper to shortpapers2008@internet.lodge.org.uk . Include a short description of your Masonic background in the body of your email.

The closing date for entries is 31st December 2008 and the announcement of the shortlist of winners (and runners up) will be communicated no later than 14th March 2009.

There will be an event, to be held in England at which the prizes will be presented by a guest of honour.  The winners will be invited to read their entries at that occasion.

The Pro Grand Master
The Pro Grand Master
MW Bro The Marquess of Northampton