We go dark in July and August. Normally there is a family picnic during those months. Unfortunately with the uncertainty of Covid that hasn't happened.
Being dark usually only means no Stated meetings. There is normally a degree or 2 that needs to be accomplished.
Being dark seems to allow some flexibility for us renters to pick a date. Many families go on a trip when kids or grandkids are out of school. This seems to me to take pressure off the Officers to try to plan around Lodge dates. We all seem to do that, intentionally or unintentionally, for 10 months out of the year.
Going dark can be both advantageous and harmful. My lodge holds it election of officers in June, after GL’s Annual Communication, so there is a natural break in leadership. It can afford the new Master and officers to set an agenda for the upcoming year and practice the ritual together. The period of darkness is also the time that I have felt the loss of fellowship. I think if a lodge is going to go dark in the summer, then it’s also the time when a lodge should also plan for family events. An annual family picnic or camping trip to keep everyone connected, providing fellowship and fun.
I would assume that going dark was to allow lodges to escape the summer heat, especially in older lodges lacking air conditioning. Our lodge used to go dark until we installed A/C and even then we’re summer casual dress. I’ve sat in sweltering lodges in dark suit and tie, and it makes me question my dedication to the craft.
From what I understand, many rural Lodges went “dark” in the summer months, as their members were occupied with farming and harvesting. I remember District Deputies from North Central and Central Washington telling me that they still do it for that reason today.
I was also told that “everybody” goes on Summer vacation, so the Lodges won’t have anybody show up if they were open in July and August. I quickly found out that while some do indeed go on Summer vacation, it’s not everybody, and I’ve found that Lodges that don’t go dark can have just as good attendance in the summer months as they do any other time of the year.
One thing that drove me nuts when I was a younger Mason, and most of the Lodges in my district went dark in the summer, is that from that last meeting in June until September, the Lodges were totally out. No members, no correspondence, no picnics, no special summer events, no NOTHING. I had to head to the Olympia Lodges and Centralia Lodge to get any Masonry for July and August. Since then, most of the Lodges have either adopted a year-round schedule, or in the case of my home Lodge in Tenino, they go…”dim”… if you will; they go from twice a month to once a month. Usually, the Lodges use that Stated Meeting date to cover some quick, necessary business that would have otherwise had to be postponed until September, and spend the rest of the time kicking back and enjoying a barbecue or special Summer event. So, in a way, going “dim” can make your Lodge more family-oriented and fun in the summer, rather than pack up the books and hibernate for 2-3 months.
Here’s an interesting thought that’s come up from time to time; how about a Lodge going “dark” in the winter months, such as December and January? They could shelve a meeting to allow the members to enjoy the Christmas events in December, or to have a special Christmas party in lieu of the Stated Communication, and for January (or even February), to stay sheltered in for the inclement weather, so the Brothers don’t get stuck or get in an accident trying to get to Lodge in the snow, etc.? I think that idea was dropped when the Code was changed to allow a Worshipful Master to call off a meeting if the weather was too bad.
But these are some ideas concerning Lodges going “Dark.”
Robert Morris, was a dark lodge for years. We met on 2nd Saturday of the month at 8pm. A few years ago we changed our bylaws so we now meet on the 2nd monday at 7 pm. It has been a great move for us .we get a lot of snowbirds mansons, and our older members like the better weather for night driving. It does get warm but we are causal dress for May through August. Hay it works for us
My home lodge has gone dark from June till September (meet on Fourth Friday evenings) however, we are consolidating with another lodge, so we are taking the opportunity to become a daylight lodge, meeting on the second Saturday at Noon or 1:00pm. We also will meet year round after the consolidation, which to me, makes sense. I assume this practice of going dark most likely dates to the days & places where alot of lodge members were farmers & needed the time to get the crops in, herd taken care of and things of that nature. But things change, and we should be receptive to changing with those times. So if you are anywhere near Centralia, starting hopefully in October 2021, Little Falls-Chehalis Lodge #28 would welcome you to sit in lodge with us second Saturday afternoons for some good masonic education & food!!
My lodge also goes dark in July and August. I am fortunate to be in a district where the only thing that stops during our "dark" period, is Stated Communications. We (District 19) still gather weekly at social events, still hold degrees, and still meet weekly at "Masonic University" or "Saturday School." The latter is a weekly meeting attended by a handful of Master Masons and a few EA's and FC's who need to work on proficiency. We also use this time to discuss Masonic topics and go through the "why" and meanings behind the degrees, not just memorization of the posting lectures.
Back to the topic at hand: Personally, I would prefer not to go dark. Part of Masonry that I really enjoy is going to Lodge meetings; the formality, pomp and circumstance that is part of attending Lodge is one of the main attractions for me.
Myrtle Lodge #108, Issaquah, was, at one time a "moon light" lodge that thrived on summer activities before and after lodge meetings. Though we are not not governed by the full moon we continue to be officially active in the summer.
Dress at all lodge activities is "appropriate casual". That means what every you wear to work or at home is OK. We may not be so pedantic about our ritual during the summer months but we still respect the Standard Work. In doing so we are relaxed and attentive to Masonic ideals and tradition..
Summer stated meetings have served us well over the years. True, some members are on vacation but that is compensated by visiting brothers who want to continue their Masonic experience throughout the summer.
We have passed 9 FCs and initiated 2 EAs during this summer. I doubt we could do so if we were "dark".
Perhaps it is a good time for Lodges to evaluate the merits of going "dark" in the summer.
We go dark in July and August. Normally there is a family picnic during those months. Unfortunately with the uncertainty of Covid that hasn't happened.
Being dark usually only means no Stated meetings. There is normally a degree or 2 that needs to be accomplished.
Being dark seems to allow some flexibility for us renters to pick a date. Many families go on a trip when kids or grandkids are out of school. This seems to me to take pressure off the Officers to try to plan around Lodge dates. We all seem to do that, intentionally or unintentionally, for 10 months out of the year.
Going dark can be both advantageous and harmful. My lodge holds it election of officers in June, after GL’s Annual Communication, so there is a natural break in leadership. It can afford the new Master and officers to set an agenda for the upcoming year and practice the ritual together. The period of darkness is also the time that I have felt the loss of fellowship. I think if a lodge is going to go dark in the summer, then it’s also the time when a lodge should also plan for family events. An annual family picnic or camping trip to keep everyone connected, providing fellowship and fun.
I would assume that going dark was to allow lodges to escape the summer heat, especially in older lodges lacking air conditioning. Our lodge used to go dark until we installed A/C and even then we’re summer casual dress. I’ve sat in sweltering lodges in dark suit and tie, and it makes me question my dedication to the craft.
From what I understand, many rural Lodges went “dark” in the summer months, as their members were occupied with farming and harvesting. I remember District Deputies from North Central and Central Washington telling me that they still do it for that reason today.
I was also told that “everybody” goes on Summer vacation, so the Lodges won’t have anybody show up if they were open in July and August. I quickly found out that while some do indeed go on Summer vacation, it’s not everybody, and I’ve found that Lodges that don’t go dark can have just as good attendance in the summer months as they do any other time of the year.
One thing that drove me nuts when I was a younger Mason, and most of the Lodges in my district went dark in the summer, is that from that last meeting in June until September, the Lodges were totally out. No members, no correspondence, no picnics, no special summer events, no NOTHING. I had to head to the Olympia Lodges and Centralia Lodge to get any Masonry for July and August. Since then, most of the Lodges have either adopted a year-round schedule, or in the case of my home Lodge in Tenino, they go…”dim”… if you will; they go from twice a month to once a month. Usually, the Lodges use that Stated Meeting date to cover some quick, necessary business that would have otherwise had to be postponed until September, and spend the rest of the time kicking back and enjoying a barbecue or special Summer event. So, in a way, going “dim” can make your Lodge more family-oriented and fun in the summer, rather than pack up the books and hibernate for 2-3 months.
Here’s an interesting thought that’s come up from time to time; how about a Lodge going “dark” in the winter months, such as December and January? They could shelve a meeting to allow the members to enjoy the Christmas events in December, or to have a special Christmas party in lieu of the Stated Communication, and for January (or even February), to stay sheltered in for the inclement weather, so the Brothers don’t get stuck or get in an accident trying to get to Lodge in the snow, etc.? I think that idea was dropped when the Code was changed to allow a Worshipful Master to call off a meeting if the weather was too bad.
But these are some ideas concerning Lodges going “Dark.”
To go dark, or not to go dark? That is the quest.
It’s a live question at Longview #263, as there was some confusion over our bylaws.
Do we meet in the summer?
Our bylaws require it, and it only takes three Masons at four meetings to maintain continuity, pay bills, meet potential candidates, etc.
But some want a summer break and want the bylaws to reflect past practice.
We have our first in-person this Thursday, so we can start arguing (cheerfully!) then.
Robert Morris, was a dark lodge for years. We met on 2nd Saturday of the month at 8pm. A few years ago we changed our bylaws so we now meet on the 2nd monday at 7 pm. It has been a great move for us .we get a lot of snowbirds mansons, and our older members like the better weather for night driving. It does get warm but we are causal dress for May through August. Hay it works for us
My home lodge has gone dark from June till September (meet on Fourth Friday evenings) however, we are consolidating with another lodge, so we are taking the opportunity to become a daylight lodge, meeting on the second Saturday at Noon or 1:00pm. We also will meet year round after the consolidation, which to me, makes sense. I assume this practice of going dark most likely dates to the days & places where alot of lodge members were farmers & needed the time to get the crops in, herd taken care of and things of that nature. But things change, and we should be receptive to changing with those times. So if you are anywhere near Centralia, starting hopefully in October 2021, Little Falls-Chehalis Lodge #28 would welcome you to sit in lodge with us second Saturday afternoons for some good masonic education & food!!
My lodge also goes dark in July and August. I am fortunate to be in a district where the only thing that stops during our "dark" period, is Stated Communications. We (District 19) still gather weekly at social events, still hold degrees, and still meet weekly at "Masonic University" or "Saturday School." The latter is a weekly meeting attended by a handful of Master Masons and a few EA's and FC's who need to work on proficiency. We also use this time to discuss Masonic topics and go through the "why" and meanings behind the degrees, not just memorization of the posting lectures.
Back to the topic at hand: Personally, I would prefer not to go dark. Part of Masonry that I really enjoy is going to Lodge meetings; the formality, pomp and circumstance that is part of attending Lodge is one of the main attractions for me.
Myrtle Lodge #108, Issaquah, was, at one time a "moon light" lodge that thrived on summer activities before and after lodge meetings. Though we are not not governed by the full moon we continue to be officially active in the summer.
Dress at all lodge activities is "appropriate casual". That means what every you wear to work or at home is OK. We may not be so pedantic about our ritual during the summer months but we still respect the Standard Work. In doing so we are relaxed and attentive to Masonic ideals and tradition..
Summer stated meetings have served us well over the years. True, some members are on vacation but that is compensated by visiting brothers who want to continue their Masonic experience throughout the summer.
We have passed 9 FCs and initiated 2 EAs during this summer. I doubt we could do so if we were "dark".
Perhaps it is a good time for Lodges to evaluate the merits of going "dark" in the summer.