Such is the nature of Freemasonry that our Lodges will contain men of all ages. From hearty and hale men in their 20’s, to fragile and frail men in their 90’s.
Unfortunately, if our elderly Brothers stop coming to Lodge, for whatever reason, it can be very easy for us to lose track of them. If that happens of course, we will be unable to assist them if the need ever arises, for we will not know about that need.
In my mind, that begs the question:
Does your Lodge have a systematic way of checking up on Brothers who may be coming less often due to the infirmities of age?
If yours does, can you share the details?
If yours doesn’t do you see value in creating such a plan?
We are looking at a Birth Day card service. to Auto send birthday cards. Every year we raise money for Every Christmas when our lodge meets and physically takes all widows and Widowers Fruit baskets and poinsettias. Most importantly we sit down and talk to these men and women ask about their needs. Some projects have followed including hand railing, grounds clean up, etc. Currently we have a list of about 35 widows and widowers. It takes most of the lodge to meet and dispatch to each house. Its something we all look forward to. Breakfast then meet and greet.
I really like this idea. Those personal visits can mean a great deal, not only for the person visited, but for the Brother visiting as well.
During the pandemic shut down our local Rainbow Assembly did something similar, they delivered flowers to every Masonic household in the area. It truly meant a great deal to everyone, just to have that extremely limited contact.
I think that we would do well if more Lodges were able to craft something similar to your Lodge.
I learned, when I was Lodge Secretary that you are right, it is difficult to keep up with members who have moved across the country, or even across the State.
I guess I don't quite understand why someone would choose to move away from family and friends during their later years, but it does happen, and if new connections aren't made, it can result in needs going unmet.
I heard recently of one Mason who moved quite far from his Lodge, and all of his support. He did encounter very serious problems, but luckily he was able to reach out to someone from the Lodge who was able to travel to his new area, help address his immediate needs, and working with Masonic Charities, set him up for the future.
I think that after this period of great difficulty, our Lodges would do well to reach out, in whatever way possible, to our Brothers who no longer live near us, just with a reminder that we are thinking of them as Brothers, and that we are here if they ever encounter a need for assistance.
Certainly one of the best things about Freemasonry is the fact that there are Freemasons everywhere. We can utilize that network to get our Brothers assistance, no matter where they might be.
In my proposal for a new lodge I have made it the duty of the chaplain to perform in person visits to any brethren that didn't make it to any lodge functions for over 30 days.
It is a crime to view older brethren as burdens that we need to check up on. These valued brothers have long lives and history that we should celebrate and share together as a fraternity. They have life experiences we can only hope to have. The wisdom and knowledge of our senior members should be something that should be relied on. We should reach out and ensure they have a spot on Lodge agendas to talk about their commitments to Masonic values and vision. What a better way to have Masonic education. Think about the rituals and lectures they have memorialized in their hearts. These are our role models. Let’s not squander opportunities until it’s too late. Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from mistakes. Let’s learn and grow from them. There can be no better tribute. Someone once said nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.
In my home Lodge, we have senior members who have simply "dropped off the grid." Phone is disconnected, mail is returned "address unknown," and no one knows where they have gone. A part of the problem is that Brethren don't keep their contact information up to date. If we don't know where you are, we cannot check on you! Birthday cards (both natal and Masonic) are a good way to remind a Brother that we really *do* care about you. Our Secretary is really good at keeping track of members, but he cannot do everything. But that shouldn't stop us from trying.
As a shameless plug, Washington Masonic Charities offers "Operation Masonic Relief" as a training program for Lodges to provide ideas and structure for efforts like this. We'll help a lodge develop its effort and provide ideas for structuring, we'll provide coaching, motivation, and support. Isolation for older adults is literally a killer, so this keeping these connections alive is really important work.
We help the local Lodges improve, but we are also there for when an older Brother or Masonic widow needs assistance greater than the Lodge can provide. We'll be there as a backstop when needed.
Our goal with Masonic Outreach Services is to partner with each Lodge to help those interested improve their efforts to keep their older Brethren involved and to look after Masonic widows. If you'd like to learn more, send me an email - ken@wa-masoniccharities.org or give me a call at (253) 442-2525.
My wife introduced me to a concept two Thanksgivings ago about a set of containers from Goodcook.com. The idea was this. She purchased a set of 30 reusable, microwave and freezer safe plastic containers with lids. What we did is we put all the leftovers in these containers (TV dinner style) and then put them in the freezer. I am not the greatest cook in the world but I could run one of these frozen dinners under warm water for a minute to make the lids easy to remove and then put them in the Microwave, push "3" and presto I had a hot delicious meal.
I think if our newly consolidated lodge prepared a luncheon buffet with more food than we could possibly eat (I know we have some great cooks) and then divide up the leftovers in these containers and delivered them to our senior members, it would be a great outreach program.
I'm not sure what the needs are of those who have stopped coming to Lodge but I'm pretty sure food is something that would be appreciated. It would be a great way to start a conversation to find out what those needs are. I'm thinking of calling it our "Tasty Tabs Program".
We are looking at a Birth Day card service. to Auto send birthday cards. Every year we raise money for Every Christmas when our lodge meets and physically takes all widows and Widowers Fruit baskets and poinsettias. Most importantly we sit down and talk to these men and women ask about their needs. Some projects have followed including hand railing, grounds clean up, etc. Currently we have a list of about 35 widows and widowers. It takes most of the lodge to meet and dispatch to each house. Its something we all look forward to. Breakfast then meet and greet.
Great idea!
most important is that we contact them with more than a dues invoice.
I really like this idea. Those personal visits can mean a great deal, not only for the person visited, but for the Brother visiting as well.
During the pandemic shut down our local Rainbow Assembly did something similar, they delivered flowers to every Masonic household in the area. It truly meant a great deal to everyone, just to have that extremely limited contact.
I think that we would do well if more Lodges were able to craft something similar to your Lodge.
It’s ad hoc for us. A few brothers check on older local members from time to time but as a Lodge we’re not systematic about it.
It’s a challenge keeping in touch with older members who have moved away. They pay their dues but we don’t engage them.
We should be more systematic, not just for the benefit of the older members but so more brothers learn the skill of keeping in touch.
I learned, when I was Lodge Secretary that you are right, it is difficult to keep up with members who have moved across the country, or even across the State.
I guess I don't quite understand why someone would choose to move away from family and friends during their later years, but it does happen, and if new connections aren't made, it can result in needs going unmet.
I heard recently of one Mason who moved quite far from his Lodge, and all of his support. He did encounter very serious problems, but luckily he was able to reach out to someone from the Lodge who was able to travel to his new area, help address his immediate needs, and working with Masonic Charities, set him up for the future.
I think that after this period of great difficulty, our Lodges would do well to reach out, in whatever way possible, to our Brothers who no longer live near us, just with a reminder that we are thinking of them as Brothers, and that we are here if they ever encounter a need for assistance.
Certainly one of the best things about Freemasonry is the fact that there are Freemasons everywhere. We can utilize that network to get our Brothers assistance, no matter where they might be.
In my proposal for a new lodge I have made it the duty of the chaplain to perform in person visits to any brethren that didn't make it to any lodge functions for over 30 days.
It is a crime to view older brethren as burdens that we need to check up on. These valued brothers have long lives and history that we should celebrate and share together as a fraternity. They have life experiences we can only hope to have. The wisdom and knowledge of our senior members should be something that should be relied on. We should reach out and ensure they have a spot on Lodge agendas to talk about their commitments to Masonic values and vision. What a better way to have Masonic education. Think about the rituals and lectures they have memorialized in their hearts. These are our role models. Let’s not squander opportunities until it’s too late. Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from mistakes. Let’s learn and grow from them. There can be no better tribute. Someone once said nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.
In my home Lodge, we have senior members who have simply "dropped off the grid." Phone is disconnected, mail is returned "address unknown," and no one knows where they have gone. A part of the problem is that Brethren don't keep their contact information up to date. If we don't know where you are, we cannot check on you! Birthday cards (both natal and Masonic) are a good way to remind a Brother that we really *do* care about you. Our Secretary is really good at keeping track of members, but he cannot do everything. But that shouldn't stop us from trying.
Yes, I’ve done some Masonic detective work… Found some, not others. Staying in touch is much easier than getting back in touch.
As a shameless plug, Washington Masonic Charities offers "Operation Masonic Relief" as a training program for Lodges to provide ideas and structure for efforts like this. We'll help a lodge develop its effort and provide ideas for structuring, we'll provide coaching, motivation, and support. Isolation for older adults is literally a killer, so this keeping these connections alive is really important work.
We help the local Lodges improve, but we are also there for when an older Brother or Masonic widow needs assistance greater than the Lodge can provide. We'll be there as a backstop when needed.
Our goal with Masonic Outreach Services is to partner with each Lodge to help those interested improve their efforts to keep their older Brethren involved and to look after Masonic widows. If you'd like to learn more, send me an email - ken@wa-masoniccharities.org or give me a call at (253) 442-2525.
Thank you Brother. I appreciate you posting this reminder and information.
My wife introduced me to a concept two Thanksgivings ago about a set of containers from Goodcook.com. The idea was this. She purchased a set of 30 reusable, microwave and freezer safe plastic containers with lids. What we did is we put all the leftovers in these containers (TV dinner style) and then put them in the freezer. I am not the greatest cook in the world but I could run one of these frozen dinners under warm water for a minute to make the lids easy to remove and then put them in the Microwave, push "3" and presto I had a hot delicious meal.
I think if our newly consolidated lodge prepared a luncheon buffet with more food than we could possibly eat (I know we have some great cooks) and then divide up the leftovers in these containers and delivered them to our senior members, it would be a great outreach program.
I'm not sure what the needs are of those who have stopped coming to Lodge but I'm pretty sure food is something that would be appreciated. It would be a great way to start a conversation to find out what those needs are. I'm thinking of calling it our "Tasty Tabs Program".