Let's Discuss Moving Away
What about our Home Lodge?
I know that probably everyone who has moved a far distance from their Home Lodge will have different thoughts about this question, but it struck me today, and I’ve been thinking about it all day.
What to do with the Home Lodge when one moves away?
It’s stuck in my mind because today, for the first time, I realized that I have been inconsistent.
I’ve always been really comfortable with the fact that I’ve maintained my membership in my Home Lodge, despite moving away many years ago. It’s too far for me to attend, but I felt I was doing at least a touch of good by remaining a member, so I never questioned my decision to do so.
Today I realized (I’m not sure how on earth I never realized this before) that I didn’t retain my membership in my Home Scottish Rite Valley. I joined a new Valley and demited the old. And I haven’t ever questioned that decision either.
So, I thought it might be interesting for us to discuss just this today:
If you move too far from your Home Lodge to continue attending, is it best to maintain the membership anyway? Or is it best to demit?
What would you do? What have you done?
Why?
Whatever you decided, have you ever regretted that decision?
Let’s chat about it in the comments below…
Okay, I'm a bit of a poster boy for this question. The lodge that Raised me, was never going to be my home lodge. I was active duty during a time when "homesteading" was frowned upon heavily by the funny five sided building. (the wisdom of that attitude is the topic of conversation for another day... In fact I may cover it in my weekly blog) Beside that, I ran into some real bigotry and hatred in that lodge, that I just couldn't stomach (anti Catholicism, anti Semitism, and racism.) I'll name names, Lemon Grove Lodge, California F&AM, this would have been 1985 or so.
My Home lodge is Steadfast #216, in Manette WA. I was a member there from 1985 until we relocated to Tennessee last summer. I chose to become a life member there even though I will probably never walk through those doors or climb that stair again.
Why?
That was HOME, and honestly, they need the money. Money is the only way I can still support that lodges existence, so that is how I do so.
My new home, is here at Overton Lodge #5 in Rogersville TN. I'm in the process of moving my valley from Bremerton Valley SR to the nearest one to me here, which is Knoxville.
Why do I consider Steadfast and Overton Home, but Bremerton Valley and Lemon Grove "just lodges I belonged to?"
Well, to use a slightly out of date phrase, it's the "vibe." Those lodges I called home, welcomed me as a vital and useful member, called for my assistance, made me feel wanted, needed, and appreciated. Those that I moved from, did not. I hadn't even affiliated with Knoxville before I was asked to fill a role in their annual reunion. Overton and Steadfast put me in the chairs, asked for my help in things I am expert at, and things I had to learn as I went. Lemon Grove, and Bremerton valley did not.
There might just be a lesson to be learned there, let he who has ears, hear.
My first lodge was Myrtle Lodge #108, located in Issaquah. I was interested in Masonry and a friend and fellow Mason from Canada told me to search inside Microsoft, where I worked at the time, for a mailing list dedicated to Masons. I did so and managed to connect with a Mason, strangely enough a fellow Canadian again, who was the current WM at Myrtle Lodge.
As a result I petitioned and joined Myrtle Lodge.
At the time, I lived in Redmond. The drive to the lodge was not excessively long but if you have ever tried to make your way down Front St. at 5 or 6 PM, you know it is a nightmare.
I was a member there for some time, advancing all the way to the South. However, as my time was drawing near to the elections and potential move to the East, I had to spend some time contemplating what that would mean.
Being the WM requires dedication, focus, a definite time commitment, and attention to the lodge needs. At that time, I had also moved to Woodinville. So, not only was the commute still frustrating because of the traffic on Front St., but now it was even longer.
I decided that it was not in the best interests of the lodge, nor me, to accept the nomination and possible election to the East. So I informed the lodge that I would not pursue the WM position.
I remained a member for about a year after that, but then demitted because I just wasn't getting to the lodge for any meetings. I wasn't actively participating in that lodge.
I was a plural member at two other lodges that are closer to me. I also wasn't even aware of Ashler Lodge in Bothell, which is actually 10 minutes from where I live, so I didn't petition there but have membership in Lakeside (Redmond), Renaissance (Redmond), and now Rainier (Shoreline).
For me, it was mostly not remitting dues to a lodge I was no longer attending, that I was "comfortable" with. I knew that they were growing in membership and that they would be financially ok without my contribution of dues.
I still support Myrtle Lodge when they reach out for help with degrees, as they are part of the district I am in.