In Washington those Lodges that don’t go dark in the summer have been open since mid-June. Those that do go dark are open now. I presume the situation is the same in most, if not all U.S. Jurisdictions.
Given that, I’m curious, what fun and fellowship building activities has your Lodge done over the past few months?
Perhaps by sharing we can provide some good ideas for other Lodges to try as well…
Anyone who’s friends with me on Facebook knows Silverdale Lodge No. 311 likes to have fun outside the Lodge. We had some gatherings over the summer, with Brethren and families in attendance, celebrating birthdays, or just some good Single Malt with good food, fun and fellowship. Often times we talk about upcoming events, share ideas and do a little practice of our ritual; however, most of the time is spent having fun!
Without a doubt Silverdale is one of the most successful Lodges in this entire Jurisdiction, and I have always felt that one of the primary drivers of that success was the extremely active Lodge social activity, outside of the Lodge. That is how true bonds of brotherhood are forged.
Castle Rock #62 put on a great picnic, and invited brothers from various Lodges. It was well-attended. I liked seeing kids from several families playing together.
Washington Lodge #4 in Vancouver has a regular Friday gathering called COB (as you may have heard) that happens year-round. We gather at a local establishment or a location that can accomodate the group for fun and fellowship. This has been a wonderful part of District 19 for years. It is an opportunity to involve our significant others and any brothers in the district.
I think that COB has grown quite famous around our Jurisdiction, and I hope that other Lodges adopt similar activities for themselves. It is a great way to build friendships, and friendships are what keep men active in their Lodges.
This past week we did something very similar with the Lodge in Twisp. We had a huge group at a good establishment. It was a tremendous amount of fun, and as a side benefit it brought some good visibility to the Lodge. Most of us were wearing Masonic shirts or hats, and as we were leaving I was stopped by someone in the restaurant who wanted to know about Freemasonry. It was pretty clear that his question was prompted by seeing the fun we were having as a group.
These are the kinds of things that build strong Lodges. Lodges that don't do them are truly missing out.
Since this has been a little quiet, here are some of the things that I've done with some of our Lodges since June:
-Had a great lunch with the Brothers and guests of Illwaco Lodge.
-Shared a grilled steak dinner with the Brothers of Whidbey Island Lodge.
-Attended an outdoor Master Mason Degree conferred by the MWPHGL of Washington.
-Attended a Unity March and Picnic with the Grand Master of the MWPHGL of Washington.
-Rode in a fancy car though a parade with Afifi Shrine.
-Participated in eight FellowCraft Degrees, all outdoors, three in the dark.
-Attended an outdoor EA Degree at Quilcene-Jefferson Lodge.
-Attended a great salmon BBQ at Mount Olympus Lodge.
-Went wine tasting with Okanogan Lodge.
-Enjoyed a superb afternoon in a great local tavern with a huge number of brothers from Methow Valley and it's surrounding Lodges.
Fun activities like this build strong bonds of fellowship within the Lodge, and the vast majority of them can be very easily put together by any Lodge.
If your Lodge isn't doing fun things like this you are missing a huge opportunity, and I would urge you to start planning!
I have to admit I have been very harsh on your fraternity on social media. I have come to nothing with darkness covering my light. I'm a rational man who feels sacrificed by society.
The only lodge I've been to is Culver City. I was told all freemasons are Nephilim by a brother at the lodge. I didn't know what to think of that. I seem to be an object of their affection that they will not admit. I was in Culver City for 7 years. I'm now in Rhode Island where I was born and raised. My friends brother is a member of Prince lodge in Providence and against I feel like an object of affection not recognized. I've drawn the conclusion that your organization uses me for my blessings and discards my recognition.
Verity Lodge No. 59 has a lodge camping trip in August every year up at the MFP in Granite Falls. We also invite potential candidates that have been attending our events as this is another great way to get to know them better.
In December we will hold our Table Lodge, Feast of St John. This is a traditional table lodge event and is open to all Masons. More info about that will be on our Facebook page. Facebook.com/verity59
Anyone who’s friends with me on Facebook knows Silverdale Lodge No. 311 likes to have fun outside the Lodge. We had some gatherings over the summer, with Brethren and families in attendance, celebrating birthdays, or just some good Single Malt with good food, fun and fellowship. Often times we talk about upcoming events, share ideas and do a little practice of our ritual; however, most of the time is spent having fun!
Have a blessed day, Brethren!
Without a doubt Silverdale is one of the most successful Lodges in this entire Jurisdiction, and I have always felt that one of the primary drivers of that success was the extremely active Lodge social activity, outside of the Lodge. That is how true bonds of brotherhood are forged.
Castle Rock #62 put on a great picnic, and invited brothers from various Lodges. It was well-attended. I liked seeing kids from several families playing together.
I'm sorry that I wasn't able to attend the picnic this summer. Hopefully it will continue in future years.
Washington Lodge #4 in Vancouver has a regular Friday gathering called COB (as you may have heard) that happens year-round. We gather at a local establishment or a location that can accomodate the group for fun and fellowship. This has been a wonderful part of District 19 for years. It is an opportunity to involve our significant others and any brothers in the district.
I think that COB has grown quite famous around our Jurisdiction, and I hope that other Lodges adopt similar activities for themselves. It is a great way to build friendships, and friendships are what keep men active in their Lodges.
This past week we did something very similar with the Lodge in Twisp. We had a huge group at a good establishment. It was a tremendous amount of fun, and as a side benefit it brought some good visibility to the Lodge. Most of us were wearing Masonic shirts or hats, and as we were leaving I was stopped by someone in the restaurant who wanted to know about Freemasonry. It was pretty clear that his question was prompted by seeing the fun we were having as a group.
These are the kinds of things that build strong Lodges. Lodges that don't do them are truly missing out.
Since this has been a little quiet, here are some of the things that I've done with some of our Lodges since June:
-Had a great lunch with the Brothers and guests of Illwaco Lodge.
-Shared a grilled steak dinner with the Brothers of Whidbey Island Lodge.
-Attended an outdoor Master Mason Degree conferred by the MWPHGL of Washington.
-Attended a Unity March and Picnic with the Grand Master of the MWPHGL of Washington.
-Rode in a fancy car though a parade with Afifi Shrine.
-Participated in eight FellowCraft Degrees, all outdoors, three in the dark.
-Attended an outdoor EA Degree at Quilcene-Jefferson Lodge.
-Attended a great salmon BBQ at Mount Olympus Lodge.
-Went wine tasting with Okanogan Lodge.
-Enjoyed a superb afternoon in a great local tavern with a huge number of brothers from Methow Valley and it's surrounding Lodges.
Fun activities like this build strong bonds of fellowship within the Lodge, and the vast majority of them can be very easily put together by any Lodge.
If your Lodge isn't doing fun things like this you are missing a huge opportunity, and I would urge you to start planning!
I have to admit I have been very harsh on your fraternity on social media. I have come to nothing with darkness covering my light. I'm a rational man who feels sacrificed by society.
Have you had a problem with a Lodge or individual Brothers or is it something else?
The only lodge I've been to is Culver City. I was told all freemasons are Nephilim by a brother at the lodge. I didn't know what to think of that. I seem to be an object of their affection that they will not admit. I was in Culver City for 7 years. I'm now in Rhode Island where I was born and raised. My friends brother is a member of Prince lodge in Providence and against I feel like an object of affection not recognized. I've drawn the conclusion that your organization uses me for my blessings and discards my recognition.
Verity Lodge No. 59 has a lodge camping trip in August every year up at the MFP in Granite Falls. We also invite potential candidates that have been attending our events as this is another great way to get to know them better.
In December we will hold our Table Lodge, Feast of St John. This is a traditional table lodge event and is open to all Masons. More info about that will be on our Facebook page. Facebook.com/verity59