Your Lodge could put up a GoFund Me specifically for a widow in distress, and to do that you'd need a GoFundMe account. If the amount is exceeded, put that into a Relief fund, as long as you advised up front that was what it was for. The problem with this becomes two-fold - managing another account, which your Secretary likely will not love you for, and, creating pots of money that sit around most of the time gathering interest, temps mortal frailty.
Perhaps this all begs the question: does a Lodge need only one mission? Could it have several missions that only activate when the point/function of the mission presents itself? Does that then mean adding additional regular trainning so all Lodge members are proficient on what to do, how and when?
I personally think that a big part of the original intent of Speculative Freemasonry is this very subject. It's discussed in the very first degree. and every degree after. We are first and foremost supposed to take care of our brothers and their families.
Here is what I heard about the death of T. J. Jackson's father (who was an Attorney, and member of Hermon Masonic Lodge in Harrison County, Virginia). His dad passed away with a daughter he was attending to, when the daughter had Yellow Fever, or something similar. As a fairly well of Attorney, he often lost money in card games after Lodge meetings. When he passed away, his Masonic Lodge Brothers had a small home built for the Widow and T. J. Jackson (and paid for food many years).
T. J. was upset when his mother remarried, so T. J. ran away and walked about 20 miles to the home of his Uncle Jackson (who owned and operated a Milling House). At "Jackson's Mill", T. J. was an Apprentice milling corn flower).
T. J. rose to be a County Official, who rode to his duties on horseback. When a young West Point Cadet from Virginia resigned in his first week at West Point, T. J. was appointed to take the place of that Cadet. T. J. rode his horse to a train station, sold his horse and saddle, and rode trains to West Point.
T. J. had difficulties in his studies there, but graduated and served as an Officer in the Mexican American War. Later as an Instructor at Virginia Military Institute, he was Detailed to take VMI Cadets to Richmond, where the Cadets became Drill Sergeants training new Confederate States of America soldiers. Given a Command by his classmate from West Point, in one of the first battles, T. J. became known as "Stonewall" Jackson!
I am very happy that we were able to show support for a Brother's family last Monday night. In your last post you touched on the fact that most don't join today, I might consider that statement is incomplete, todays generation won't join things that fail to inspire. If they are presented with the opportunity, they will show up for things that have meaning, purpose, and lasting impact.
I had a conversation recently with a prospect who voiced nearly this exact set of concerns relating to his decision to put a pause on things, and a few others who have slowly faded off since. They don't just want to talk about what yesterdays Mason's did, they want to know what todays Mason's are doing, and what kind of Legacy and expectations they can expect to be a part of themselves. They want an active form of Masonry that allows them to do more than write a check or support in ways that end the minute they leave. When they read what Masonry is about, or what past Masons did for society and the Craft they sometimes struggle to reconcile that perception with their experiences.
As a Fraternal benefit society we have an obligation to help our Brethren and families, with the added call to extend our generous principles to those beyond our walls. I firmly believe there are ways we can create positive impact in our communities in ways that will grow our membership, and the goodwill of those we have obligated ourselves to. I think perhaps we need to find ways to do this that feel less like work, more like fun, while creating a lasting impact.
Perhaps it is doing small workshops that teach skills with philosophical or Masonic undertones. Activities that promote personal embetterment in fun way, while imparting the lessons, fellowship, and mentorship that is desperately needed, and desired. Perhaps its as simple as building a Masonic cart and talking amongst each other. Hosting a 3D modeling, design, and print workshop. Or basic skills mixed with philosophical discussion and mentorship to promote a way to enhance someones prospects to a better life.
I do think Lodges need a mission. Each Lodges mission is likely to be different than the next. If we can find ways to share the things we love, the talents we have developed, and our support to those who need it, I think we will be on our way to a better and brighter future.
As a follow-up, I talked with the member of the deceased Brother’s Lodge who originally gave me the information. I hadn’t read this article at the time he showed up, but I did tell him the basic version of what you posted here. He was quite pleased with how our Lodge stepped up to the plate. He gave me the primary contact of his Lodge, and as I have the Brother he mentioned almost on “speed dial,” this makes it even easier. The Lodge member noted that his Lodge isn’t pawning off the responsibilities to our Lodge: they are still keeping in correspondence with the widow, as is our WaMS. But as he noted, it certainly helps to have the closest Masonic Lodge to her residence fully available to assist as well. Both of us did note that between the deceased Brother’s home Lodge, the closest Lodge to her family and Masonic Services, this family is going to be taken care of in the midst of this tragedy.
And that, my Brothers, is one of the main things that our Fraternity is all about.
But what is even better is that this committee is likely going to pick up on other widows that we haven’t been contacting lately. You know it’s going to happen, and that’s also really good.
What your Lodge did last night was Masonry at its finest. Well done brothers.
Your Lodge could put up a GoFund Me specifically for a widow in distress, and to do that you'd need a GoFundMe account. If the amount is exceeded, put that into a Relief fund, as long as you advised up front that was what it was for. The problem with this becomes two-fold - managing another account, which your Secretary likely will not love you for, and, creating pots of money that sit around most of the time gathering interest, temps mortal frailty.
Perhaps this all begs the question: does a Lodge need only one mission? Could it have several missions that only activate when the point/function of the mission presents itself? Does that then mean adding additional regular trainning so all Lodge members are proficient on what to do, how and when?
I personally think that a big part of the original intent of Speculative Freemasonry is this very subject. It's discussed in the very first degree. and every degree after. We are first and foremost supposed to take care of our brothers and their families.
Here is what I heard about the death of T. J. Jackson's father (who was an Attorney, and member of Hermon Masonic Lodge in Harrison County, Virginia). His dad passed away with a daughter he was attending to, when the daughter had Yellow Fever, or something similar. As a fairly well of Attorney, he often lost money in card games after Lodge meetings. When he passed away, his Masonic Lodge Brothers had a small home built for the Widow and T. J. Jackson (and paid for food many years).
T. J. was upset when his mother remarried, so T. J. ran away and walked about 20 miles to the home of his Uncle Jackson (who owned and operated a Milling House). At "Jackson's Mill", T. J. was an Apprentice milling corn flower).
T. J. rose to be a County Official, who rode to his duties on horseback. When a young West Point Cadet from Virginia resigned in his first week at West Point, T. J. was appointed to take the place of that Cadet. T. J. rode his horse to a train station, sold his horse and saddle, and rode trains to West Point.
T. J. had difficulties in his studies there, but graduated and served as an Officer in the Mexican American War. Later as an Instructor at Virginia Military Institute, he was Detailed to take VMI Cadets to Richmond, where the Cadets became Drill Sergeants training new Confederate States of America soldiers. Given a Command by his classmate from West Point, in one of the first battles, T. J. became known as "Stonewall" Jackson!
I am very happy that we were able to show support for a Brother's family last Monday night. In your last post you touched on the fact that most don't join today, I might consider that statement is incomplete, todays generation won't join things that fail to inspire. If they are presented with the opportunity, they will show up for things that have meaning, purpose, and lasting impact.
I had a conversation recently with a prospect who voiced nearly this exact set of concerns relating to his decision to put a pause on things, and a few others who have slowly faded off since. They don't just want to talk about what yesterdays Mason's did, they want to know what todays Mason's are doing, and what kind of Legacy and expectations they can expect to be a part of themselves. They want an active form of Masonry that allows them to do more than write a check or support in ways that end the minute they leave. When they read what Masonry is about, or what past Masons did for society and the Craft they sometimes struggle to reconcile that perception with their experiences.
As a Fraternal benefit society we have an obligation to help our Brethren and families, with the added call to extend our generous principles to those beyond our walls. I firmly believe there are ways we can create positive impact in our communities in ways that will grow our membership, and the goodwill of those we have obligated ourselves to. I think perhaps we need to find ways to do this that feel less like work, more like fun, while creating a lasting impact.
Perhaps it is doing small workshops that teach skills with philosophical or Masonic undertones. Activities that promote personal embetterment in fun way, while imparting the lessons, fellowship, and mentorship that is desperately needed, and desired. Perhaps its as simple as building a Masonic cart and talking amongst each other. Hosting a 3D modeling, design, and print workshop. Or basic skills mixed with philosophical discussion and mentorship to promote a way to enhance someones prospects to a better life.
I do think Lodges need a mission. Each Lodges mission is likely to be different than the next. If we can find ways to share the things we love, the talents we have developed, and our support to those who need it, I think we will be on our way to a better and brighter future.
Well done brothers. Indeed, this exemplifies the mission we reiterate at every meeting. BTW do not forget tap into Washington Masonic Services. :)
As a follow-up, I talked with the member of the deceased Brother’s Lodge who originally gave me the information. I hadn’t read this article at the time he showed up, but I did tell him the basic version of what you posted here. He was quite pleased with how our Lodge stepped up to the plate. He gave me the primary contact of his Lodge, and as I have the Brother he mentioned almost on “speed dial,” this makes it even easier. The Lodge member noted that his Lodge isn’t pawning off the responsibilities to our Lodge: they are still keeping in correspondence with the widow, as is our WaMS. But as he noted, it certainly helps to have the closest Masonic Lodge to her residence fully available to assist as well. Both of us did note that between the deceased Brother’s home Lodge, the closest Lodge to her family and Masonic Services, this family is going to be taken care of in the midst of this tragedy.
And that, my Brothers, is one of the main things that our Fraternity is all about.
But what is even better is that this committee is likely going to pick up on other widows that we haven’t been contacting lately. You know it’s going to happen, and that’s also really good.