I’m thinking of a slightly different kind of post today. It struck me that it might be fun, and interesting to take and try to answer questions. I hope that you will agree, if so:
Do you have a question about Masonry?
Do you have a question about Masonic governance?
Do you have a question about Masonic symbolism?
Do you have a question for me?
Do you have a question about Masonic anything?
Whatever your question(s) might be, please post them here today, and let’s see if we can use our collective wisdom to arrive at some great answers!
I’ll start:
For those who are not one of the Lodge’s elected officers, do you prefer sitting in one of the appointed officers chairs so that you have a job to do in the Lodge, or do you prefer to be on the sidelines? Why?
Although I’m very aware of having qualified brothers sitting in the appointed chairs, and would sit in one if asked, I’m very much looking forward to sitting on the sidelines. Other than my first year of Masonry, I’ve sat in one chair or another as I progressed through through the line of officers. I’m looking forward to sitting on the sidelines and observing and learning.
I think that I'm rather looking forward to it too. I'm not sure what else one properly does with a PGM, so I'm figuring on a nice relaxing time in the NE corner.
I don't think GL should have their own lodge room that's only used one weekend a year, but I would think there are plenty of large masonic facilities within the jurisdiction that can accommodate the annual communication. Perhaps when the fraternity was a much larger organization they felt the need to rent a convention center, but there has to be cheaper options within the fraternity itself. I haven't traveled and visited all lodges within the state, but I know, for example, the shriners have a wonderful huge ballroom in edmonds at the Nile shrine building. I'm sure they would be more than happy to rent it out to GL.
I don’t disagree, but the idea of paying money to a hotel / convention center needs to be seriously discussed. The El Katif Shrine Temple in Spokane also has a ballroom that would be large enough to facilitate an Annual Communication. If GL is going to spend money, perhaps they could consider supporting an appendant body.
In Washington, the nature of the contracts is that the JGW, fairly early in his term, needs to figure this out, and keep the price in line with the requirements in the Code, and then (if it is outside of Wenatchee) the Brothers vote on it at the Annual Communication in that year.
I really wanted to move out of Wenatchee, but I just didn't find any place that would work as well, for the same price, as Wenatchee.
As part of my looking, I did consider Masonic Temples. I could be wrong, but I think that we only have a couple that could be large enough:
Victory in Bremerton, but I don't think that there are adequate hotels within walking distance, and there is very little parking, so I don't think it would work.
Port Angeles seemed perfect to me in that regard. There are large hotels very close to it, and plenty of restaurants all around. I thought that perhaps an AC could be done in it's large first floor dining room. I didn't feel though that it was quite large enough to pull it off. It's big, but I don't believe it is big enough for our needs at this particular time.
I did not look at or consider a Shrine facility. Not because I would be in any way opposed, but I just never thought of it. I've never been involved with the Shrine, and am unfamiliar with their facilities.
I think what is needed is a large enough facility. Either enough hotel rooms within easy walking distance, or a massive parking lot, and enough restaurant capacity to handle the demand.
Personally, I would love to see our annual communications cut down to one day. There is just too much fluff, wasted time, endless speeches etc that, much like blue lodge stated meetings, could be cut down and shortened. Then you can reduce costs and still accomplish everything you need to do to transition into a new year.
Personally, I really enjoy the Annual Communications, and I always have. I've been attending since the first year I was able to vote, and I've not missed a single one. My wife really enjoys them too.
We would be saddened if they were shortened further.
That said, what I've always enjoyed is a couple of specific things. The socializing with friends that we rarely get to see, and the voting on resolutions that impact the Fraternity.
A shortened time frame would for us, cut down on our ability to spend time with our friends.
That said, I do agree that it is good when we can cut the dull stuff. I remember the days before electronic voting when it took seemingly endless hours to count the votes. That was pretty horrible. I don't remember what GM it was who suggested electronic voting, but whomever he was, we owe him a great debt for saving us from endless vote counting!
A good efficient AC that offers lots of time for fellowship, and that doesn't start too darn early in the morning seems just about right to me.
The York Rite did that a few years. Their membership is small enough to hold their Annual Sessions in a Masonic building with sufficient rooms. I can’t remember which Lodges they were, though, and they’re now returned to using non-Masonic sites. Unfortunately, I don’t know why they made that decision.
From what I recall, the Lodge rooms in Olympia and Wenatchee (which are among the Larger Lodge rooms in our Jurisdiction) have a 396 person capacity. Victory is a very large Lodge room, but from what I remember, parking is a challenge. A typical Annual Communication has a visitation from about 650 to 700 delegates, plus the ladies, vendors, etc. I have not been in the large Shrine Ballrooms, nor do I know their capacity. I also don’t know their parking lot capacity. I’m guessing there are sufficient hotels nearby both the Shrine facilities.
I’m not trying to run a raincloud over this idea – I, too, think that if we can, we should consider supporting a Masonic building of some sort, whether it be a large Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite center, or Shrine building. I also welcome the idea of another option to hold an Annual Communication in Western Washington that’s financially feasible.
Parking, hotels and multiple large rooms available at the same time all but disqualify the shrine centers I have seen. They just were not built for that purpose.
I think that this is the challenge exactly. We need a big enough facility, and it needs adequate hotel rooms and parking. Restaurants within easy walking distance is a big bonus in my mind too.
Financial costs are I think the biggest challenge to holding it in Western Washington.
The only options I saw that were the right size, and the right price were the Maurano (I think I'm spelling that wrong) in Tacoma, and the Great Wolf in Grand Mound.
The Maurano is a wonderful facility, I've been there a number of times through the years, but parking is a tremendous challenge. I don't think it would work for our membership for that reason. I know that MW Wood considered it strongly and reached that same conclusion.
As for the Great Wolf, well, I've got to admit that the kid in me really likes it. I've taken the grand daughter and we have had a wonderful time playing the games, swimming, and running around screaming like banshees. But, do we want to be holding our meetings while all of that is going on around us? That killed the idea for me.
“How many past masters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?” You know, I actually have an answer to this question! I have the answer in a photo that a Brother took in Chehalis Lodge, but I don’t have it on this computer, it’s on my home computer. But there is indeed an answer!
“How many Master Masons favor a trap door in the East?” I thought it was a pilot’s ejection seat…
“When circumabulat’in, are we allowed to ingest motion sickness pills?” Not sure, but I’ve ridden with some Grand Lodge Brothers where I wound up turning green by the time I got to Blue lodge. All I needed was a red jacket to cover all the primary colors.
“The Lodge musician has a toy piano under his chair...” I’m sorry, WB Dale, you’re the first Brother that came to mind when I read this! You’d find a way to make even a toy piano sound like Liberace!
“Under the Washington Masonic Code, is it considered a war crime to serve stale pastries after Lodge?” Many Brothers believe our Code is too big and needs to be made smaller, but I think they might make an exception in this case…
“Why do the eyes move in the portrait of Bro. George Washington?” They don’t, but I’m starting to wonder about that portrait of Cameron in the Grand Lodge lobby…
Thanks for the fun today, WB Ken. It’s great to see you on the Sunday Zooms.
>>“Why do the eyes move in the portrait of Bro. George Washington?” They don’t, but >>I’m starting to wonder about that portrait of Cameron in the Grand Lodge lobby…
“btw, Clayton is available for children’s birthday parties and as a casino lounge act...” Much appreciated, I was picturing the beginning of the “Blues Brothers” movie, with the chicken wire between the crowd and the performer.
“How many brothers can recite The Apron Lecture backwards?” Hmmm…. I’m waiting for a couple of Past Grand Masters, or Harmony 18 members, to answer this one… ;-)
“When Grand Lodge officers conduct official visits, is it OK to welcome them armed with Super-Soakers?” Sure! Unless it’s the Assistant Grand Secretary. :-)
“Why do the voices in my head sound like the grandmaster telling me not to do this stuff again?” For me, I know it’s not voices in my head! :-D
“How did this forum of high ideas and intellectual discussion devolve into a Barnum & Bailey Lodge?” Because while our Fraternity is very serious in many ways, a Brotherhood also has a level of fun about it as well. If we can’t kid each other from time to time, it would make for a very dull membership experience.
I started my "Journey of the Chairs" as a pro tempore Junior Deacon. Three months later, I became Senior Deacon. Five months after that, I was Junior Warden, where I stayed for a year and a half. I nearly became Master, skipping Senior Warden, but cooler heads prevailed and I stayed at JW. Another Past Master stepped in and assumed the East for a year, but he had health problems, so I all-but-ran the Lodge as SW. When I was made Master, I was also Secretary in another Lodge, and had to "referee" the closing of one Lodge and merger with another--a highly contentious process. Shortly after leaving the East, I was asked to be a District Deputy. After two years as Deputy, I am now content to rest on the sidelines for a while, and coach/sponsor/mentor new Masons. I may again "Travel the Chairs," but take the journey at a more leisurely pace this time!
When i joined the Lodge i felt compelled by duty to do service to my Lodge by taking positions. My memories as an officer from JS to DDGM are cherished memories. That said, i perfer the sidelines, and always have. Most of my life I have been in some sort of leadership role, and am comfortible in that role, but it is the fellowship of my brethren and the comfort of the sights and sounds of our ritual that bring me to Lodge.
A question. When speculative Masonry was begun, our Lodges were the homes of preeminent scientists, philosphers, politicians, industrialists and military men. After the Royal Society was founded, mostly by Masons, we tended to loose the scientists. After the Morgan Affair and the political back lash we started loosing politicians. Over time philosophers and indistrialists went their own way. While we do still have military men in our ranks, you donlt see many general staff joining these days. Being a Mason in teh age of conspiracy theories seems to be a negative for most people in the public eye. In short we were once on the cutting edge of society, as is evidenced by the role of Masons in the founding of the US. Those heady days seem in our past, are they? what will we be in the 21st century if we survive?
To bring back scientists and philosophers, we have to offer something of value. We need to make a priority of going back to esoteric teachings. We need to have philosophical discussions about signs and symbols. Have higher conversations of alchemy and how science lives in Freemasonry and a Freemason’s life.
Just before i joined Kennewick Scottish Rite, there was a 'senior' member of that Valley who was a renouned scientists. He died unexpectedly and our class was named for him. When we were capped his wife came to the ceremony and gave each of us one of his pins. Afterwards his wife spoke about her husbands Masonic career. One thing she said that stuck with me was that her husband, our brother, was not a member of an organized religion, but that he had found his path to spirituality through Masonry. She said it grounded him and filled a void in his life. I can say that i am in a similar place, and that i believe there are many scientists who long for that connection, and could find it through Masonry, if the Lodge they joined was esoterically focused and spiritually welcoming.
I totally agree, at least for me, I want this. But I also can see that there are lodges more focused on this than others, and I believe that is a big strength of the fraternity, that we have many lodges with different focuses. At least in the Seattle area I have a huge diversity of lodges within a short trip from my house. I will continue to encourage my home lodge to dive deeper into these subjects while at the same time visiting other lodges that already have a focus on such topics and education.
I'll put a different spin on this. We are the Masons who are here today. Though I understand the sentiment of the question, I also think our tendency to look backward is often what prevents us from moving forward. If it was always better in the good old days, why isn't it as good Today? There are real answers to that question. This something MW John May PGM of Alaska shared at the CGMNA a few years back, and I think is the central question. Within the answer to this new question is the beginning of an answer the question/sentiment you raise. Today we attract (and retain) the kind of Man who is satisfied with the level of relevance we provide - and we know retention is a concern. So, those who are here today - each and every Mason, regardless of chair they sit in, or title - must take responsibility for how relevant each of us make our Masonic experience to ourselves, but also to those we attract and hope to retain, as well also those we would be proud to call our Brother in the future. The answers are not within our Lodge, but within ourselves individually, while the trowel each of us possess brings it all together. The Lodge and the ritual have almost everything they need to make for satisfying and relevant experiences - it is only we individual Brothers who have the minds and the hearts, which are the necessary final ingredients. So, if there is a challenge today in attracting and keeping those kind of Men we look back upon with pride as leading warriors, political leaders and intellectuals, we ought to consider some meaningful soul searching and then apply our lessons to the conclusions we draw from that introspection so we can look forward without fear, and act with purpose.
I think that there are two things that are important:
- As everyone else has mentioned, we need good esoteric education. We are an Initiatory Society above all else, and we need to remember that.
I was sitting in a Lodge earlier this evening, their first in person communication since the pandemic began. I don't remember what prompted him, but a young man who apparently had been Raised immediately prior to the pandemic stood up and indicated that he would be willing to come to Lodge twice as often if the Lodge offered good educational discussions, and he kind of implied that he wouldn't find much desire to attend if it did not.
This was from a brand spankin new Mason. I think that those are the true feelings of most of the men we are initiating today.
-We must stop glossing over our investigations and Initiating unsuitable men. The number of suspension letters we receive is proof positive that we are initiating far too many unsuitable men. In most cases, these aren't legitimate mistakes, they are the result of cutting corners.
Unsuitable men who are seen to be Freemasons will drive away good men. In droves.
I'm sitting at a picnic table at the Sahara Creek campsite (East of Elbe) and my wife showed me how to access the internet using my phone as a Hot Spot.
I'd like to address the question MW Cameron proposed, "For those who are not one of the Lodge’s elected officers, do you prefer sitting in one of the appointed officers chairs so that you have a job to do in the Lodge, or do you prefer to be on the sidelines? Why?"
One of the ideas I liked was in Tenino Lodge by WM Tim Lund. He called it, " Going Sideways"
It was a pretty simple concept. The name of every Brother was put in his hat and shuffled like a drawing. We did this for the opening and again for the closing. He would pull out a name and announce, "The WM will be _________" Then the Senior Warden will be _________. and so on. It gave everyone a chance to temporary sit in a station or place that was different than his usual place. It became an educational exercise. Some stumbled on their lines but opened up the incentive to learn everyone's lines. I distinctly remember the smile on WB Baxter's face when hi got to PT as WM. He hadn't been Master for many years.
I personally believe that the opening and closing ritual is allegorical instruction and the duties we hear "frequently inculcated" can be applied to our own personal growth.
Although I’m very aware of having qualified brothers sitting in the appointed chairs, and would sit in one if asked, I’m very much looking forward to sitting on the sidelines. Other than my first year of Masonry, I’ve sat in one chair or another as I progressed through through the line of officers. I’m looking forward to sitting on the sidelines and observing and learning.
I think that I'm rather looking forward to it too. I'm not sure what else one properly does with a PGM, so I'm figuring on a nice relaxing time in the NE corner.
Question - Should Grand Lodge have it’s own Temple / Lodge room to hold the Annual Communication at rather than in a hotel ballroom?
I don't think GL should have their own lodge room that's only used one weekend a year, but I would think there are plenty of large masonic facilities within the jurisdiction that can accommodate the annual communication. Perhaps when the fraternity was a much larger organization they felt the need to rent a convention center, but there has to be cheaper options within the fraternity itself. I haven't traveled and visited all lodges within the state, but I know, for example, the shriners have a wonderful huge ballroom in edmonds at the Nile shrine building. I'm sure they would be more than happy to rent it out to GL.
I don’t disagree, but the idea of paying money to a hotel / convention center needs to be seriously discussed. The El Katif Shrine Temple in Spokane also has a ballroom that would be large enough to facilitate an Annual Communication. If GL is going to spend money, perhaps they could consider supporting an appendant body.
I don't disagree.
In Washington, the nature of the contracts is that the JGW, fairly early in his term, needs to figure this out, and keep the price in line with the requirements in the Code, and then (if it is outside of Wenatchee) the Brothers vote on it at the Annual Communication in that year.
I really wanted to move out of Wenatchee, but I just didn't find any place that would work as well, for the same price, as Wenatchee.
As part of my looking, I did consider Masonic Temples. I could be wrong, but I think that we only have a couple that could be large enough:
Victory in Bremerton, but I don't think that there are adequate hotels within walking distance, and there is very little parking, so I don't think it would work.
Port Angeles seemed perfect to me in that regard. There are large hotels very close to it, and plenty of restaurants all around. I thought that perhaps an AC could be done in it's large first floor dining room. I didn't feel though that it was quite large enough to pull it off. It's big, but I don't believe it is big enough for our needs at this particular time.
I did not look at or consider a Shrine facility. Not because I would be in any way opposed, but I just never thought of it. I've never been involved with the Shrine, and am unfamiliar with their facilities.
I think what is needed is a large enough facility. Either enough hotel rooms within easy walking distance, or a massive parking lot, and enough restaurant capacity to handle the demand.
Personally, I would love to see our annual communications cut down to one day. There is just too much fluff, wasted time, endless speeches etc that, much like blue lodge stated meetings, could be cut down and shortened. Then you can reduce costs and still accomplish everything you need to do to transition into a new year.
On this, I disagree.
Personally, I really enjoy the Annual Communications, and I always have. I've been attending since the first year I was able to vote, and I've not missed a single one. My wife really enjoys them too.
We would be saddened if they were shortened further.
That said, what I've always enjoyed is a couple of specific things. The socializing with friends that we rarely get to see, and the voting on resolutions that impact the Fraternity.
A shortened time frame would for us, cut down on our ability to spend time with our friends.
That said, I do agree that it is good when we can cut the dull stuff. I remember the days before electronic voting when it took seemingly endless hours to count the votes. That was pretty horrible. I don't remember what GM it was who suggested electronic voting, but whomever he was, we owe him a great debt for saving us from endless vote counting!
A good efficient AC that offers lots of time for fellowship, and that doesn't start too darn early in the morning seems just about right to me.
The York Rite did that a few years. Their membership is small enough to hold their Annual Sessions in a Masonic building with sufficient rooms. I can’t remember which Lodges they were, though, and they’re now returned to using non-Masonic sites. Unfortunately, I don’t know why they made that decision.
From what I recall, the Lodge rooms in Olympia and Wenatchee (which are among the Larger Lodge rooms in our Jurisdiction) have a 396 person capacity. Victory is a very large Lodge room, but from what I remember, parking is a challenge. A typical Annual Communication has a visitation from about 650 to 700 delegates, plus the ladies, vendors, etc. I have not been in the large Shrine Ballrooms, nor do I know their capacity. I also don’t know their parking lot capacity. I’m guessing there are sufficient hotels nearby both the Shrine facilities.
I’m not trying to run a raincloud over this idea – I, too, think that if we can, we should consider supporting a Masonic building of some sort, whether it be a large Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite center, or Shrine building. I also welcome the idea of another option to hold an Annual Communication in Western Washington that’s financially feasible.
Parking, hotels and multiple large rooms available at the same time all but disqualify the shrine centers I have seen. They just were not built for that purpose.
I think that this is the challenge exactly. We need a big enough facility, and it needs adequate hotel rooms and parking. Restaurants within easy walking distance is a big bonus in my mind too.
Financial costs are I think the biggest challenge to holding it in Western Washington.
The only options I saw that were the right size, and the right price were the Maurano (I think I'm spelling that wrong) in Tacoma, and the Great Wolf in Grand Mound.
The Maurano is a wonderful facility, I've been there a number of times through the years, but parking is a tremendous challenge. I don't think it would work for our membership for that reason. I know that MW Wood considered it strongly and reached that same conclusion.
As for the Great Wolf, well, I've got to admit that the kid in me really likes it. I've taken the grand daughter and we have had a wonderful time playing the games, swimming, and running around screaming like banshees. But, do we want to be holding our meetings while all of that is going on around us? That killed the idea for me.
Top Ten Dubious Masonic Questions
How many past masters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
How does the 47th problem of Euclid solve going to the bathroom when the Lodge is tyled?
What if you’re not “to” or “from,” but actually asleep?
How many Master Masons favor a trap door in the East?
Is it appropriate to go “off-session,” if you notice the Tyler having a sword fight in the hallway with the Senior Warden?
When circumabulat’in, are we allowed to ingest motion sickness pills?
The Lodge musician has a toy piano under his chair. Challenge him to write a one-note aria before Lodge closes.
Under the Washington Masonic Code, is it considered a war crime to serve stale pastries after Lodge?
Are we allowed to rename the “Son’s of Hiram” to the “Sons of Arthritis?”
Why do the eyes move in the portrait of Bro. George Washington?
“How many past masters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?” You know, I actually have an answer to this question! I have the answer in a photo that a Brother took in Chehalis Lodge, but I don’t have it on this computer, it’s on my home computer. But there is indeed an answer!
“How many Master Masons favor a trap door in the East?” I thought it was a pilot’s ejection seat…
“When circumabulat’in, are we allowed to ingest motion sickness pills?” Not sure, but I’ve ridden with some Grand Lodge Brothers where I wound up turning green by the time I got to Blue lodge. All I needed was a red jacket to cover all the primary colors.
“The Lodge musician has a toy piano under his chair...” I’m sorry, WB Dale, you’re the first Brother that came to mind when I read this! You’d find a way to make even a toy piano sound like Liberace!
“Under the Washington Masonic Code, is it considered a war crime to serve stale pastries after Lodge?” Many Brothers believe our Code is too big and needs to be made smaller, but I think they might make an exception in this case…
“Why do the eyes move in the portrait of Bro. George Washington?” They don’t, but I’m starting to wonder about that portrait of Cameron in the Grand Lodge lobby…
Thanks for the fun today, WB Ken. It’s great to see you on the Sunday Zooms.
Please remember Clayton, Big Brother is watching you!
>>“Why do the eyes move in the portrait of Bro. George Washington?” They don’t, but >>I’m starting to wonder about that portrait of Cameron in the Grand Lodge lobby…
I tell Clint and Lynne, but they think I'm nuts. But one of these days, I'll prove it! :-D
You’re welcome Bro. Clayton. btw, Clayton is available for children’s birthday parties and as a casino lounge act. More dubious questions:
What if the sun sets in the east and the worshipful master follows suit?
Is it OK to put the closing charge on the grandmaster’s tab if it’s before “last call?”
When conducting a hybrid meeting, is it OK to use a “Monkey Cam” in the room? If so, is the chimp required to attend the signs?
How many brothers can recite The Apron Lecture backwards?
Expanding on this idea, how many brothers can do it after taking a couple of whiffs of helium?
When Grand Lodge officers conduct official visits, is it OK to welcome them armed with Super-Soakers?
Why do the voices in my head sound like the grandmaster telling me not to do this stuff again?
How did this forum of high ideas and intellectual discussion devolve into a Barnum & Bailey Lodge? Somebody in the West screwed up.
“btw, Clayton is available for children’s birthday parties and as a casino lounge act...” Much appreciated, I was picturing the beginning of the “Blues Brothers” movie, with the chicken wire between the crowd and the performer.
“How many brothers can recite The Apron Lecture backwards?” Hmmm…. I’m waiting for a couple of Past Grand Masters, or Harmony 18 members, to answer this one… ;-)
“When Grand Lodge officers conduct official visits, is it OK to welcome them armed with Super-Soakers?” Sure! Unless it’s the Assistant Grand Secretary. :-)
“Why do the voices in my head sound like the grandmaster telling me not to do this stuff again?” For me, I know it’s not voices in my head! :-D
“How did this forum of high ideas and intellectual discussion devolve into a Barnum & Bailey Lodge?” Because while our Fraternity is very serious in many ways, a Brotherhood also has a level of fun about it as well. If we can’t kid each other from time to time, it would make for a very dull membership experience.
Tis true. Our AGS did take the time to memorize the closing charge backwards. What that indicates, I leave to others to figure out.
Tis also true, it is the Grand Master's voice in Ken's head.
I started my "Journey of the Chairs" as a pro tempore Junior Deacon. Three months later, I became Senior Deacon. Five months after that, I was Junior Warden, where I stayed for a year and a half. I nearly became Master, skipping Senior Warden, but cooler heads prevailed and I stayed at JW. Another Past Master stepped in and assumed the East for a year, but he had health problems, so I all-but-ran the Lodge as SW. When I was made Master, I was also Secretary in another Lodge, and had to "referee" the closing of one Lodge and merger with another--a highly contentious process. Shortly after leaving the East, I was asked to be a District Deputy. After two years as Deputy, I am now content to rest on the sidelines for a while, and coach/sponsor/mentor new Masons. I may again "Travel the Chairs," but take the journey at a more leisurely pace this time!
>>I am now content to rest on the sidelines for a while, and coach/sponsor/mentor new >>Masons.
I think that perhaps this is the actual job of most importance within a Lodge.
When i joined the Lodge i felt compelled by duty to do service to my Lodge by taking positions. My memories as an officer from JS to DDGM are cherished memories. That said, i perfer the sidelines, and always have. Most of my life I have been in some sort of leadership role, and am comfortible in that role, but it is the fellowship of my brethren and the comfort of the sights and sounds of our ritual that bring me to Lodge.
A question. When speculative Masonry was begun, our Lodges were the homes of preeminent scientists, philosphers, politicians, industrialists and military men. After the Royal Society was founded, mostly by Masons, we tended to loose the scientists. After the Morgan Affair and the political back lash we started loosing politicians. Over time philosophers and indistrialists went their own way. While we do still have military men in our ranks, you donlt see many general staff joining these days. Being a Mason in teh age of conspiracy theories seems to be a negative for most people in the public eye. In short we were once on the cutting edge of society, as is evidenced by the role of Masons in the founding of the US. Those heady days seem in our past, are they? what will we be in the 21st century if we survive?
To bring back scientists and philosophers, we have to offer something of value. We need to make a priority of going back to esoteric teachings. We need to have philosophical discussions about signs and symbols. Have higher conversations of alchemy and how science lives in Freemasonry and a Freemason’s life.
Just before i joined Kennewick Scottish Rite, there was a 'senior' member of that Valley who was a renouned scientists. He died unexpectedly and our class was named for him. When we were capped his wife came to the ceremony and gave each of us one of his pins. Afterwards his wife spoke about her husbands Masonic career. One thing she said that stuck with me was that her husband, our brother, was not a member of an organized religion, but that he had found his path to spirituality through Masonry. She said it grounded him and filled a void in his life. I can say that i am in a similar place, and that i believe there are many scientists who long for that connection, and could find it through Masonry, if the Lodge they joined was esoterically focused and spiritually welcoming.
I totally agree, at least for me, I want this. But I also can see that there are lodges more focused on this than others, and I believe that is a big strength of the fraternity, that we have many lodges with different focuses. At least in the Seattle area I have a huge diversity of lodges within a short trip from my house. I will continue to encourage my home lodge to dive deeper into these subjects while at the same time visiting other lodges that already have a focus on such topics and education.
I'll put a different spin on this. We are the Masons who are here today. Though I understand the sentiment of the question, I also think our tendency to look backward is often what prevents us from moving forward. If it was always better in the good old days, why isn't it as good Today? There are real answers to that question. This something MW John May PGM of Alaska shared at the CGMNA a few years back, and I think is the central question. Within the answer to this new question is the beginning of an answer the question/sentiment you raise. Today we attract (and retain) the kind of Man who is satisfied with the level of relevance we provide - and we know retention is a concern. So, those who are here today - each and every Mason, regardless of chair they sit in, or title - must take responsibility for how relevant each of us make our Masonic experience to ourselves, but also to those we attract and hope to retain, as well also those we would be proud to call our Brother in the future. The answers are not within our Lodge, but within ourselves individually, while the trowel each of us possess brings it all together. The Lodge and the ritual have almost everything they need to make for satisfying and relevant experiences - it is only we individual Brothers who have the minds and the hearts, which are the necessary final ingredients. So, if there is a challenge today in attracting and keeping those kind of Men we look back upon with pride as leading warriors, political leaders and intellectuals, we ought to consider some meaningful soul searching and then apply our lessons to the conclusions we draw from that introspection so we can look forward without fear, and act with purpose.
Thank you for sharing this. I think that there is much wisdom contained within your words. I'll be pondering them for a while I think.
I think that there are two things that are important:
- As everyone else has mentioned, we need good esoteric education. We are an Initiatory Society above all else, and we need to remember that.
I was sitting in a Lodge earlier this evening, their first in person communication since the pandemic began. I don't remember what prompted him, but a young man who apparently had been Raised immediately prior to the pandemic stood up and indicated that he would be willing to come to Lodge twice as often if the Lodge offered good educational discussions, and he kind of implied that he wouldn't find much desire to attend if it did not.
This was from a brand spankin new Mason. I think that those are the true feelings of most of the men we are initiating today.
-We must stop glossing over our investigations and Initiating unsuitable men. The number of suspension letters we receive is proof positive that we are initiating far too many unsuitable men. In most cases, these aren't legitimate mistakes, they are the result of cutting corners.
Unsuitable men who are seen to be Freemasons will drive away good men. In droves.
I'm sitting at a picnic table at the Sahara Creek campsite (East of Elbe) and my wife showed me how to access the internet using my phone as a Hot Spot.
I'd like to address the question MW Cameron proposed, "For those who are not one of the Lodge’s elected officers, do you prefer sitting in one of the appointed officers chairs so that you have a job to do in the Lodge, or do you prefer to be on the sidelines? Why?"
One of the ideas I liked was in Tenino Lodge by WM Tim Lund. He called it, " Going Sideways"
It was a pretty simple concept. The name of every Brother was put in his hat and shuffled like a drawing. We did this for the opening and again for the closing. He would pull out a name and announce, "The WM will be _________" Then the Senior Warden will be _________. and so on. It gave everyone a chance to temporary sit in a station or place that was different than his usual place. It became an educational exercise. Some stumbled on their lines but opened up the incentive to learn everyone's lines. I distinctly remember the smile on WB Baxter's face when hi got to PT as WM. He hadn't been Master for many years.
I personally believe that the opening and closing ritual is allegorical instruction and the duties we hear "frequently inculcated" can be applied to our own personal growth.