People would come to settle in a new area, and a few of them would be Freemasons. They would find each other and gather into Masonic Clubs. When there were enough, and enough who knew the Work, then they would seek a Charter for a Lodge, but before there was enough to form a Lodge, they were a Club.
I haven’t been aware of Masonic Clubs existing in my Jurisdiction in the time I’ve been a Mason. Our Lodge system was extensive enough to easily serve our Masons, and those seeking to be Masons.
Certainly we still have Lodge Officers Associations, Past Masters Associations, and even a Table Lodge Organization or two, but not Clubs in the historical sense.
But, today, at least in my Jurisdiction, and I presume others, our Lodge system is no longer extensive enough to easily serve every Mason, or those seeking to become Masons. There are parts of our State, not many, but some, in which no Lodge exists any longer. Parts of this State in which a man would have to make a very long drive to reach a Lodge.
Much as it was in the old days, when our Grand Lodge and Washington Territory was being founded.
Related to this, I am aware now, of two Masonic Clubs that have been founded, quite recently, in this Jurisdiction. Not for reasons of distance specifically, but nevertheless, Clubs. There may well be more than two, but I know of two.
I can see the value in them especially in rural areas. At least as a way to transform into a lodge be it a daylight lodge historical lodge or something else unique.
I am happy to share with you hailing from Illinois Lodge of Research under Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, State of Illinois Jurisdiction. Masonic Clubs I believe are vital to Freemasonry, the Fraternity having many members who have post- secondary education, or higher education interests than others veiling much of the Lodges work that might be unveiled otherwise due to the existence of Masonic Clubs.
Masonic Clubs consisting of 3rd- Degree Masons mostly, others open to Masons of either degree, and some to the public, Mon- Masons, etc., is informing the scholars among us of the utility that Freemasonry is designed to be, so whether we still need to work Masonry the way that we do, or change anything can be comparably reliable information through Masonic Clubs.
Last night I heard about a book that discusses Masonry in developing countries and how there’s a correlation between its growth and what it offers.. I believe the book is called “The 1723 Constitutions.”
My understanding of the book’s treatment of the current problems of Freemasonry is that Freemasonry has not changed it’s approach as the US has become a developed country and it must do so in order to thrive.
A recent Past Master started a railroading club. There's a huge setup at our new campus in New Rochelle, NY. He was also Grand Master of DeMolay worldwide, so I thin he's crossing it over into youth interest as well.
I myself run a monthly lunch ("Buffalo Square Club") that includes Brothers from Prince Hall. Sparse attendance most months.
Also, I started the concept of the "Digital Square Club" but it never took off.
The Brothers I knew on Aircraft Carriers would have a Square and Compass Club, Travelers at Sea. Just a good way to the Brothers to get together and talk. These clubs had Brothers from different Jurisdictions so nothing involving ritual. Nothing on the small ships I've served on, only 2 or 3 Brothers on there.
The Sons of Hiram Riding Club immediately comes to mind (WA Jurisdiction). I think Masonic Clubs can be of great benefit to individual Masons with similar interests and when done properly it helps to positively promote Freemasonry in various ways, and possibly attract men who otherwise would have not come across it. Clubs that come to mind that I believe many Masons would take interest in would be a cigar club, whiskey or wine tasting club, run or walk club, fitness club, horseback riding club, archery club…the list is endless.
Clubs are a tool, I come from a jurisdiction where there were a lot of clubs. War will do that especially a world war. Lots of Masons no lodges, form a club, enjoy fellowship. Works for remote construction and work sites too. Many years ago, maybe 45 of them I was on the island of Attu and found evidence of the Attu Masonic Club and an actual dedicated building on Amchitka. The pennant from the Attu club resides in a display in a lodge in Alaska. I love 'em!
My Lodge (Irvine 841) was formed by members of a. Masonic club consisting mostly of residents of a senior mobile home community. I joined the new Lodge (under disposition) after belonging to Kaiserslautern (Germany) Lodge for about 30 years (in absentia).
There are a number of lodges in CA that started as clubs. Today we have a bunch of new "affinity" lodges. They generally follow the same principles as other lodges but may have special dispensation regarding frequency and place of stated meetings, etc.
Whatever we can do to get quality men to join the fraternity should be encouraged.
I can see the value in them especially in rural areas. At least as a way to transform into a lodge be it a daylight lodge historical lodge or something else unique.
I agree with Bro J. White.
Greetings, Bro. Cameron.
I am happy to share with you hailing from Illinois Lodge of Research under Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, State of Illinois Jurisdiction. Masonic Clubs I believe are vital to Freemasonry, the Fraternity having many members who have post- secondary education, or higher education interests than others veiling much of the Lodges work that might be unveiled otherwise due to the existence of Masonic Clubs.
Masonic Clubs consisting of 3rd- Degree Masons mostly, others open to Masons of either degree, and some to the public, Mon- Masons, etc., is informing the scholars among us of the utility that Freemasonry is designed to be, so whether we still need to work Masonry the way that we do, or change anything can be comparably reliable information through Masonic Clubs.
Bro. Victor Williams, Ph.D.
Kent Duke Masonic Lodge
Washington, DC Jurisdiction
Last night I heard about a book that discusses Masonry in developing countries and how there’s a correlation between its growth and what it offers.. I believe the book is called “The 1723 Constitutions.”
My understanding of the book’s treatment of the current problems of Freemasonry is that Freemasonry has not changed it’s approach as the US has become a developed country and it must do so in order to thrive.
A recent Past Master started a railroading club. There's a huge setup at our new campus in New Rochelle, NY. He was also Grand Master of DeMolay worldwide, so I thin he's crossing it over into youth interest as well.
I myself run a monthly lunch ("Buffalo Square Club") that includes Brothers from Prince Hall. Sparse attendance most months.
Also, I started the concept of the "Digital Square Club" but it never took off.
https://masonicdigitaltrust.org/digital-square-club/
The Brothers I knew on Aircraft Carriers would have a Square and Compass Club, Travelers at Sea. Just a good way to the Brothers to get together and talk. These clubs had Brothers from different Jurisdictions so nothing involving ritual. Nothing on the small ships I've served on, only 2 or 3 Brothers on there.
The Sons of Hiram Riding Club immediately comes to mind (WA Jurisdiction). I think Masonic Clubs can be of great benefit to individual Masons with similar interests and when done properly it helps to positively promote Freemasonry in various ways, and possibly attract men who otherwise would have not come across it. Clubs that come to mind that I believe many Masons would take interest in would be a cigar club, whiskey or wine tasting club, run or walk club, fitness club, horseback riding club, archery club…the list is endless.
Clubs are a tool, I come from a jurisdiction where there were a lot of clubs. War will do that especially a world war. Lots of Masons no lodges, form a club, enjoy fellowship. Works for remote construction and work sites too. Many years ago, maybe 45 of them I was on the island of Attu and found evidence of the Attu Masonic Club and an actual dedicated building on Amchitka. The pennant from the Attu club resides in a display in a lodge in Alaska. I love 'em!
My Lodge (Irvine 841) was formed by members of a. Masonic club consisting mostly of residents of a senior mobile home community. I joined the new Lodge (under disposition) after belonging to Kaiserslautern (Germany) Lodge for about 30 years (in absentia).
There are a number of lodges in CA that started as clubs. Today we have a bunch of new "affinity" lodges. They generally follow the same principles as other lodges but may have special dispensation regarding frequency and place of stated meetings, etc.
Whatever we can do to get quality men to join the fraternity should be encouraged.