I don’t know about the situation in any country beyond the United States, but in this country some Jurisdictions have their Lodges completely open now. Others remain closed.
In Washington, we have just started opening. The Grand Master is permitting Lodges that want to open to do so, with restrictions.
He has been keeping a list of Lodges, which have decided to open, and which have decided to remain closed. Both lists are long.
Let’s chat about it. Is your Lodge opening, or remaining closed? Is that decision what you want it to be? How should Freemasonry be opening, in your opinion?
Related to that, the Grand Master has determined that Lodges can’t serve meals. His reasoning is that in order to do so legally, they would have to meet all of the requirements and operate under the restrictions that have been set for restaurants at this time.
But of course, most of our Lodges have a restaurant, or a lot of restaurants nearby.
Is this restriction a serious impediment to the Lodge? Could a Lodge have all the benefits of the meal by just moving dinner to a restaurant for now?
What about a permanent move of the meal to a restaurant, in the interests of improving the meal?
Let’s chat about it…
It seems that a recent post has been fairly controversial. I never would have expected it, but it has proven to be so. If you missed it, you can find it here:
I stand by it. However it originated (factually or not) the Forget Me Not has become a Masonic symbol in the Jurisdiction of Washington, and in other Jurisdictions as well. One of our Past Grand Masters (who is a subscriber and valued commenter on Emeth) used it on his pins and coins, our current Grand Master used it on his ties, and word is that a probable future Grand Master will be using it as well. If we are going to have a symbol, we should talk about what we think that symbol should mean.
The opening of Lodges slowly I can understand, but if you can't even hand a bottled water to a thirsty Brother, what's the harm. Food I can understand, a little. Yes, we can move to a restuarant, but most of ours still have seating restrictions. It has been proven scientifically that transfering if infection through cooked food is microscopic. Yet, we cannot feed our Brothers belly . It's filling his soul is what is most important. The dinning before the meeting is where 90% of Masonry takes place, ritual is satisfaction of a job well done, business side,well let's say it....boring. Masonic education is a highlight, but sharing a meal and Lively conversation is what binds the bricks of Brotherhood.
We're allowed to open, masks are still required in lodge. Meal service is OK, but it has to be boxed/individually portioned and can't be buffet style as we usually would have done.
Is it OK? I really don't know. GM's gonna do what the GM's gotta do. I don't envy him his job this past year or even now, because the social division outside the lodge is outrageous and sometimes creeps into lodge. The "masonic thaw" and the changing rules are inevitably all about how different people have different takes on coronavirus as a threat. My lodge has all opinions ranging from people staying away when others go maskless, even after vaccination, all the way up to "coronavirus is a hoax". This means that in a sense, it doesn't really matter what the GM does, the decision will be controversial and uncomfortable for some. At the phase of the pandemic where the virus slows & stops killing, the social division that pre-existed & was worsened by the virus is going to be the next danger because harmony is supposed to be the strength & support. There's going to be a lasting legacy of this past year.
So our current impediments aren't a major restriction, but the grumbling they cause is something of an issue. Grumbling myself here for just a moment, I do think it's remarkable how brothers will endure labor & discomfort for charity & the betterment of the community, but when asked to wear a mask they complain and act exasperated.
As the sitting Master of my lodge I chose not to rush toward in person meetings for a couple of reasons. We weren’t going to be able to do more than what we were already doing on Zoom and I wasn’t willing to risk even one brother getting sick to satisfy those that have thought we should never have stopped meeting. The loss of a brother, or a member of his family, because we rushed to meet in lodge would be more than I could bear. I do miss the warm smiles, firm handshakes and the pat on the back when meeting and embracing a brother. I miss breaking bread and the lively conversations over a meal. I miss conducting the ritual. I think the GM may have rushed his decision to quiet an ever increasing cachophony of those who wanted to be meeting in person. I think the GM made the decision so GL could hold its Annual Communications with less controversy.
At this point, everyone that is eligible to be a mason is eligible to get the vaccination. Those that have made the conscious decision not to get vaccinated do so willing to accept whatever risks that entails. The vaccine is widely available and easy to get, in fact, the state is starting to beg people to get the shots in some areas. Here in Kitsap, all clinics offering the vaccine no longer require appointments, just walk up and get a shot.
At this stage, there is NO reason not to be able to attend lodge, without masks or social distancing, for those who wish to. If there are brothers that are still squeamish about being around other adults, then don't go to lodge.
As far as dining is concerned, just follow state guidelines, they aren't much worse than what restaurants were required to do pre-covid. If choosing to go find a restaurant within your community, I am certain you'd be able to find one that offered accommodations within a banquet room where seating restrictions could be managed for the brothers that decide to show up. I know in my little town I can think of several places that could handle it, and welcome the business.
Of course, the current GL edicts make going back to lodge as onerous as humanly possible. Requiring the lodge to assign a "mask nazi"? Really? We're stooping to Stasi police tactics to inform on our own brothers now? How about requiring everyone to inform on everyone else, North Korean style? Assign one in ten brothers to secretly spy on everyone. Everyone knows there are spies, but they don't know who, so they have to treat everyone as a spy. That's sure to bring our brothers together in harmony. M&T excepted indeed.
I am taking a very unusual step here in posting this. I am being critical of and offering my opinion on the Grand Lodge positions, activities and non response to our current situation. In Oregon we can meet with the usual social distancing and masks by order of the GM. No food service or degree work. Even no outside degree work. Even though the Grand Lodge can still hold their annual fund raising golf tournament, that is different that degree work apparently.
We have heard nothing from Grand Lodge since February 9 when the last restrictions and new degree edicts were issued. E mails to Grand Lodge and officers are not returned or answered or acknowledged. Only some veiled verbal communications from DDs that leave us with more unanswered questions. We have 3 waiting for EA degrees and 1 for a Fellowcraft. They have been waiting over 15 months for some kind of movement on their degree progress. We have no answers for them. If we cannot bring in new members then lets just shut the doors because we are doing nothing to stem this rapid decline in membership. Lodges should also be concerned with how we can keep current members engaged so we don't have such a huge dependence on getting new faces in the West gate, which has proven problematic at best.
We had an outside meal last night and had about 10 Brothers there. I set it all up and went and got the catering and did the clean up with a couple of Brothers helping. I don't know if I have that in me for every meeting and may go the food establishment next time.
I realize that my comments are going to be controversial and will no doubt in end up at the Grand Lodge of Oregon. The lack of communication about the situation and the non response to members concerns, e mails not acknowledged and all to me is disrespectful to the Brothers. I may not agree with your position and rules, but I do have a right to express my concerns and we can certainly have a conversation in a civil manner about it if Grand Lodge were truly concerned with its constituent Lodges.
Grand Lodge restricts activities, but offers no support or dialog about how to keep current members engaged, how to keep the waiting prospects engaged and how we get back to the shaky position we were at before covid, and when this possibly could happen.
I am approaching the end of my active Masonic career. I have accomplished most of my Masonic goals. I was able to use my skill sets to get my two Lodges in better condition as far as their buildings and finances go. I will finish out my year as Warden and Master, and my term on the Temple Building company. My wife is retiring next year and we have ghost towns to see, rivers to fish and National Parks to explore and an Arizona winter to enjoy. I was hoping that my Lodges would have a group of 30 to 40 year olds ready to take over and bring the Fraternity into the future, because we are missing the youth engagement big time and that will be the downfall of the Fraternity. But I don't see those 30 to 40 year old's out there looking to join. The 4 we have waiting now are all between the ages of 28 and 45. But we keep telling them that due to political pressures we are unable to advance their Masonic careers.
Please accept my input and positions as my opinion and observations. I want nothing but the best for the Craft and my Brothers. Being a Mason for 39 years at 63 years old is an honor and I want nothing more than to hand the reins off to some excited young men to take the Craft into the next challenging 20 year span.
We had our first in-person Stated Meeting in 14 months last week and while it was not the same it felt good to be back in our lodge room together. Yes, there were restrictions and yes some chose not to attend but for the first time in a very long time we got to dress as Masons and to look at each other as Masons in our lodge room. It was a start; it was a new start down a "new" path.
Idaho Lodges have been open since September of last year. We have had social distancing, masks and extra cleaning. To this date I do not know of any "spreader" events and brothers that are not comfortable attending are in no way made to feel pressured. The Lodge of which I am WM has not had dinners until last month (May). It went well and was well attended. I believe that this is a issue for each Lodge or Jurisdiction to open how and when they are comfortable. Idaho is not Washington and vica versa, just information for my Washington Brothers. Feel free to contact me if you need ideas.
We're meeting this Thrusday. Since we are renters, we have to follow the policy of the owners which is slightly more restrictive than GL. I'll see who besides the Secretary needs to be Pro-Tem.
Medical professionals can't yet attend meetings since they get exposed to the virus often, so we'll see you that limits as well.
Since bleach is an active ingredient, I've stated that we'll be in casual dress. I would hate to see someone suit or tux reuined.
We purchased paper aprons if anyone needs to use one. Don't see the need to wash our loaners.
With all the limits, I'm still looking forward to seeing my Brothers.
I do not believe in top down edicts in any form. The choice to assume risk lies with the individual. No one is forced to attend a gathering. Those who choose to attend do so at their own risk and can take what measures they personally deem appropriate. These mandates and dictates from the governor and grand master are not good in any way. We are not children or half wits to need a mommy to tell us what is safe or not. I know the science and I am not afraid.
The opening of Lodges slowly I can understand, but if you can't even hand a bottled water to a thirsty Brother, what's the harm. Food I can understand, a little. Yes, we can move to a restuarant, but most of ours still have seating restrictions. It has been proven scientifically that transfering if infection through cooked food is microscopic. Yet, we cannot feed our Brothers belly . It's filling his soul is what is most important. The dinning before the meeting is where 90% of Masonry takes place, ritual is satisfaction of a job well done, business side,well let's say it....boring. Masonic education is a highlight, but sharing a meal and Lively conversation is what binds the bricks of Brotherhood.
We're allowed to open, masks are still required in lodge. Meal service is OK, but it has to be boxed/individually portioned and can't be buffet style as we usually would have done.
Is it OK? I really don't know. GM's gonna do what the GM's gotta do. I don't envy him his job this past year or even now, because the social division outside the lodge is outrageous and sometimes creeps into lodge. The "masonic thaw" and the changing rules are inevitably all about how different people have different takes on coronavirus as a threat. My lodge has all opinions ranging from people staying away when others go maskless, even after vaccination, all the way up to "coronavirus is a hoax". This means that in a sense, it doesn't really matter what the GM does, the decision will be controversial and uncomfortable for some. At the phase of the pandemic where the virus slows & stops killing, the social division that pre-existed & was worsened by the virus is going to be the next danger because harmony is supposed to be the strength & support. There's going to be a lasting legacy of this past year.
So our current impediments aren't a major restriction, but the grumbling they cause is something of an issue. Grumbling myself here for just a moment, I do think it's remarkable how brothers will endure labor & discomfort for charity & the betterment of the community, but when asked to wear a mask they complain and act exasperated.
As the sitting Master of my lodge I chose not to rush toward in person meetings for a couple of reasons. We weren’t going to be able to do more than what we were already doing on Zoom and I wasn’t willing to risk even one brother getting sick to satisfy those that have thought we should never have stopped meeting. The loss of a brother, or a member of his family, because we rushed to meet in lodge would be more than I could bear. I do miss the warm smiles, firm handshakes and the pat on the back when meeting and embracing a brother. I miss breaking bread and the lively conversations over a meal. I miss conducting the ritual. I think the GM may have rushed his decision to quiet an ever increasing cachophony of those who wanted to be meeting in person. I think the GM made the decision so GL could hold its Annual Communications with less controversy.
At this point, everyone that is eligible to be a mason is eligible to get the vaccination. Those that have made the conscious decision not to get vaccinated do so willing to accept whatever risks that entails. The vaccine is widely available and easy to get, in fact, the state is starting to beg people to get the shots in some areas. Here in Kitsap, all clinics offering the vaccine no longer require appointments, just walk up and get a shot.
At this stage, there is NO reason not to be able to attend lodge, without masks or social distancing, for those who wish to. If there are brothers that are still squeamish about being around other adults, then don't go to lodge.
As far as dining is concerned, just follow state guidelines, they aren't much worse than what restaurants were required to do pre-covid. If choosing to go find a restaurant within your community, I am certain you'd be able to find one that offered accommodations within a banquet room where seating restrictions could be managed for the brothers that decide to show up. I know in my little town I can think of several places that could handle it, and welcome the business.
Of course, the current GL edicts make going back to lodge as onerous as humanly possible. Requiring the lodge to assign a "mask nazi"? Really? We're stooping to Stasi police tactics to inform on our own brothers now? How about requiring everyone to inform on everyone else, North Korean style? Assign one in ten brothers to secretly spy on everyone. Everyone knows there are spies, but they don't know who, so they have to treat everyone as a spy. That's sure to bring our brothers together in harmony. M&T excepted indeed.
I am taking a very unusual step here in posting this. I am being critical of and offering my opinion on the Grand Lodge positions, activities and non response to our current situation. In Oregon we can meet with the usual social distancing and masks by order of the GM. No food service or degree work. Even no outside degree work. Even though the Grand Lodge can still hold their annual fund raising golf tournament, that is different that degree work apparently.
We have heard nothing from Grand Lodge since February 9 when the last restrictions and new degree edicts were issued. E mails to Grand Lodge and officers are not returned or answered or acknowledged. Only some veiled verbal communications from DDs that leave us with more unanswered questions. We have 3 waiting for EA degrees and 1 for a Fellowcraft. They have been waiting over 15 months for some kind of movement on their degree progress. We have no answers for them. If we cannot bring in new members then lets just shut the doors because we are doing nothing to stem this rapid decline in membership. Lodges should also be concerned with how we can keep current members engaged so we don't have such a huge dependence on getting new faces in the West gate, which has proven problematic at best.
We had an outside meal last night and had about 10 Brothers there. I set it all up and went and got the catering and did the clean up with a couple of Brothers helping. I don't know if I have that in me for every meeting and may go the food establishment next time.
I realize that my comments are going to be controversial and will no doubt in end up at the Grand Lodge of Oregon. The lack of communication about the situation and the non response to members concerns, e mails not acknowledged and all to me is disrespectful to the Brothers. I may not agree with your position and rules, but I do have a right to express my concerns and we can certainly have a conversation in a civil manner about it if Grand Lodge were truly concerned with its constituent Lodges.
Grand Lodge restricts activities, but offers no support or dialog about how to keep current members engaged, how to keep the waiting prospects engaged and how we get back to the shaky position we were at before covid, and when this possibly could happen.
I am approaching the end of my active Masonic career. I have accomplished most of my Masonic goals. I was able to use my skill sets to get my two Lodges in better condition as far as their buildings and finances go. I will finish out my year as Warden and Master, and my term on the Temple Building company. My wife is retiring next year and we have ghost towns to see, rivers to fish and National Parks to explore and an Arizona winter to enjoy. I was hoping that my Lodges would have a group of 30 to 40 year olds ready to take over and bring the Fraternity into the future, because we are missing the youth engagement big time and that will be the downfall of the Fraternity. But I don't see those 30 to 40 year old's out there looking to join. The 4 we have waiting now are all between the ages of 28 and 45. But we keep telling them that due to political pressures we are unable to advance their Masonic careers.
Please accept my input and positions as my opinion and observations. I want nothing but the best for the Craft and my Brothers. Being a Mason for 39 years at 63 years old is an honor and I want nothing more than to hand the reins off to some excited young men to take the Craft into the next challenging 20 year span.
Fraternally...
We had our first in-person Stated Meeting in 14 months last week and while it was not the same it felt good to be back in our lodge room together. Yes, there were restrictions and yes some chose not to attend but for the first time in a very long time we got to dress as Masons and to look at each other as Masons in our lodge room. It was a start; it was a new start down a "new" path.
Idaho Lodges have been open since September of last year. We have had social distancing, masks and extra cleaning. To this date I do not know of any "spreader" events and brothers that are not comfortable attending are in no way made to feel pressured. The Lodge of which I am WM has not had dinners until last month (May). It went well and was well attended. I believe that this is a issue for each Lodge or Jurisdiction to open how and when they are comfortable. Idaho is not Washington and vica versa, just information for my Washington Brothers. Feel free to contact me if you need ideas.
We're meeting this Thrusday. Since we are renters, we have to follow the policy of the owners which is slightly more restrictive than GL. I'll see who besides the Secretary needs to be Pro-Tem.
Medical professionals can't yet attend meetings since they get exposed to the virus often, so we'll see you that limits as well.
Since bleach is an active ingredient, I've stated that we'll be in casual dress. I would hate to see someone suit or tux reuined.
We purchased paper aprons if anyone needs to use one. Don't see the need to wash our loaners.
With all the limits, I'm still looking forward to seeing my Brothers.
I do not believe in top down edicts in any form. The choice to assume risk lies with the individual. No one is forced to attend a gathering. Those who choose to attend do so at their own risk and can take what measures they personally deem appropriate. These mandates and dictates from the governor and grand master are not good in any way. We are not children or half wits to need a mommy to tell us what is safe or not. I know the science and I am not afraid.