I’m conflicted about this issue. On the one hand, I recognize the beauty of the edifices we’ve constructed as a fraternity, but logically it doesn’t make sense to hold onto something that big for as small an organization we’ve become. We will probably never grow so big to have either the money or the manpower to need something so ostentatious.
Our own grand lodge sold its buildings when it became financially untenable to keep them.
For that particular building, the Scottish rite organization should be responsible for the upkeep of their buildings. Same with the Shriners and their hospitals.
At one time the masons were the financially well off members of their communities. Members bequeathed large sums of money to the lodges and concordant bodies for such purposes. Organizations sit on millions of dollars in investments and property. The problem is, much like masonry itself, it’s not in one big pot. The lions share is spread out among groups like the Shriners. If the amount of money the masons spent in oes, Shriners, Scottish rite, etc was actually kept within the blue lodges, we wouldn’t be needing to beg for money.
There are so many organizations in our communities providing similar experiences, yet all are financially struggling. What really is the difference between the elks and the eagles? The American legion and the vfw?
Something so grand and prominent as a historic building should have plenty of opportunities to raise capital. We had a sizeable building back in my home lodge and had very high occupancy which raised ample capital to help support our needs. Something to consider is how we can become much more proficient at the business side of running a building. How to run events that raise money. Estate planning with our brothers. Grants, donations, sponsorships. As our population waxes and wanes, it becomes more difficult to keep depending on our brothers to be the sole financial support.
The Detroit building was actually saved by Jack White of the White Stripes. It's a wonderful story actually. This is a topic near and dear to my heart. Ours is one of the last halls in my district (the best District #19). We've spent countless hours trying to figure the best way to not only get the building beautified, but also in a position of subsistence and regular use. This is a very good piece MW Sir. Looking forward to chatting with you and seeing you soon.
The Detroit lodge is a great story of a "white knight" benefactor saving a landmark. Something that I'd love to see more of. The lodge in Grand Rapids (to which I referred) runs the building using income from tenants. Both can work well.
I’m conflicted about this issue. On the one hand, I recognize the beauty of the edifices we’ve constructed as a fraternity, but logically it doesn’t make sense to hold onto something that big for as small an organization we’ve become. We will probably never grow so big to have either the money or the manpower to need something so ostentatious.
Our own grand lodge sold its buildings when it became financially untenable to keep them.
For that particular building, the Scottish rite organization should be responsible for the upkeep of their buildings. Same with the Shriners and their hospitals.
At one time the masons were the financially well off members of their communities. Members bequeathed large sums of money to the lodges and concordant bodies for such purposes. Organizations sit on millions of dollars in investments and property. The problem is, much like masonry itself, it’s not in one big pot. The lions share is spread out among groups like the Shriners. If the amount of money the masons spent in oes, Shriners, Scottish rite, etc was actually kept within the blue lodges, we wouldn’t be needing to beg for money.
There are so many organizations in our communities providing similar experiences, yet all are financially struggling. What really is the difference between the elks and the eagles? The American legion and the vfw?
Sorry, went off on yet another tangent.
Something so grand and prominent as a historic building should have plenty of opportunities to raise capital. We had a sizeable building back in my home lodge and had very high occupancy which raised ample capital to help support our needs. Something to consider is how we can become much more proficient at the business side of running a building. How to run events that raise money. Estate planning with our brothers. Grants, donations, sponsorships. As our population waxes and wanes, it becomes more difficult to keep depending on our brothers to be the sole financial support.
The Detroit building was actually saved by Jack White of the White Stripes. It's a wonderful story actually. This is a topic near and dear to my heart. Ours is one of the last halls in my district (the best District #19). We've spent countless hours trying to figure the best way to not only get the building beautified, but also in a position of subsistence and regular use. This is a very good piece MW Sir. Looking forward to chatting with you and seeing you soon.
The Detroit lodge is a great story of a "white knight" benefactor saving a landmark. Something that I'd love to see more of. The lodge in Grand Rapids (to which I referred) runs the building using income from tenants. Both can work well.