>>>I've seen similar patterns in other groups where seating becomes tribal without anyone >>>consciously deciding it
I think you're right, when things like this happen, it is probably almost always unconscious. No one in a fraternal type organization wants to appear tribal or unwelcoming, so it's almost accidental when it happens.
>>>The new prospect's feedback is gold he's sensing what makes real brotherhood different >>>from just showing up to the same room
What I have observed amongst the brothers in both the dining room and lodge is the visitors all seem to sit together by lodge. When I go to visit a lodge, I purposely sit down with the lodge I’m visiting so I can mingle with friends I normally don’t see. We also hold a monthly lodge officer association breakfast, 4th Saturday of the month. All lodges within our two districts come together and share what’s happening in their lodges. It’s well attended, but again, brothers from the different lodges tend to sit with their lodge. I prefer to sit with anyone again preferring to visit with old friends.
It is always easier I imagine to stay in our comfort zone and hang with the people we most often spend time with. But, you are certainly right, it is best to broaden that circle by spending time with others.
I really enjoy the new configuration. It lends itself well to our Masonic Education Nights as well as social gatherings. This topic directly lends itself to the piece I wrote a little while ago, “A Lodge Through Time”.
The new prospect is highlighting something I feel very strongly about. That we have to have the traditions of the past, effort of the present, and vision of the future in harmony in order to meet the demands of the future and our Masonic legacy.
In order to maintain course and prosper we have to have all of these things in balance.
>>>I've seen similar patterns in other groups where seating becomes tribal without anyone >>>consciously deciding it
I think you're right, when things like this happen, it is probably almost always unconscious. No one in a fraternal type organization wants to appear tribal or unwelcoming, so it's almost accidental when it happens.
>>>The new prospect's feedback is gold he's sensing what makes real brotherhood different >>>from just showing up to the same room
Agreed. 100%.
You always bring excellent thoughts to reflect upon.
Thank you! I truly appreciate your kind words.
Well that prompted a quick text share of your article to our Junior Warden with an idea to reorganize our dining room.
Awesome! I'm glad you found something actionable in this post!
What I have observed amongst the brothers in both the dining room and lodge is the visitors all seem to sit together by lodge. When I go to visit a lodge, I purposely sit down with the lodge I’m visiting so I can mingle with friends I normally don’t see. We also hold a monthly lodge officer association breakfast, 4th Saturday of the month. All lodges within our two districts come together and share what’s happening in their lodges. It’s well attended, but again, brothers from the different lodges tend to sit with their lodge. I prefer to sit with anyone again preferring to visit with old friends.
It is always easier I imagine to stay in our comfort zone and hang with the people we most often spend time with. But, you are certainly right, it is best to broaden that circle by spending time with others.
I really enjoy the new configuration. It lends itself well to our Masonic Education Nights as well as social gatherings. This topic directly lends itself to the piece I wrote a little while ago, “A Lodge Through Time”.
The new prospect is highlighting something I feel very strongly about. That we have to have the traditions of the past, effort of the present, and vision of the future in harmony in order to meet the demands of the future and our Masonic legacy.
In order to maintain course and prosper we have to have all of these things in balance.
https://open.substack.com/pub/travelersachord/p/a-lodge-through-time?r=6qj68o&utm_medium=ios
Thanks for sharing the link. I hadn't yet had a chance to read this post.
Thank you for giving it a read, any feedback is always welcome!