There are any number of reasons that lodges/bodies do, or do not, do well. They often have to do with members.
I can think of a specific lodge here that one member keeps multiple members from being involved in their lodge. He is secretary, a PGM, and generally unpleasant to a lot of people. As a result of them refusing to be candid about his attitude they keep him in office and many refuse to go..
I also know of multiple brethren desirous of an experience like you have available in Seattle where the work is top notch, where the attire is appropriate, where Masonic education is a cornerstone, and the candidate experience is of paramount importance. These brethren want to charter a new lodge.
I also know that the geographical limitations on members from the southern part of the state kept them from being involved in the Grotto, so earlier this year they chartered a new one on the border and hope to pull brethren from multiple states.
On the flip side I know of a SR Valley within 45 minutes of the state line that can’t be bothered to even pick up a phone to try and retain members. I have great doubts it will make its 100yr anniversary.
I use those anecdotes to say “it depends.” Some areas are fertile for membership, and for building and retaining membership but some are not, like my last example. Some lodges need to die, some do not. Over-obligated members are never the answer to “saving” lodges and bodies. It just waters down the efficacy more when you are in such a situation. My lodge has an interesting dynamic. We dual members that showed up just to visit but ended up liking the atmosphere so well they stayed. It’s definitely helped us as since we battled 5yrs against 3 men actively trying to shut the lodge down and have only a few years ago really felt like we were moving beyond that cloud.
It is certainly true that a single unsuitable man will drive good men away from a Lodge in droves. That's problem I've seen here too, and I imagine it is a problem that has plagued Freemasonry from the very beginning. I'm not sure how we ultimately address it, unless we become a lot more willing to, as you say, be candid.
The Lodge you mention in Seattle certainly does provide a really wonderful experience for its members. And experience that I think an awful lot of our members are looking for today. But the only way it came about was through the Chartering of a new Lodge by interested Brothers. I don't imagine that an existing Lodge could be converted into something like what they offer. I think that there would be too much resistance from members who want nothing at all to ever change.
>>>Over-obligated members are never the answer to “saving” lodges and bodies.
It took me a long time to figure this out, but eventually I saw enough to understand it.
They’re so invested in “their” Lodge they have an emotional reaction to just the topic of consolidation.
They’re not committed to their Lodge enough to learn effective Lodge management or practice good Masonry, just committed enough to prevent consolidation.
Good management is a key issue. Something we addressed a few years ago, building a mentoring program and a governance committee which I lead. It's helped.
Agreed. Management training is vital. My Jurisdiction does offer a good program, and through the years I've noticed that those Lodges that participate in it are generally more successful than those who don't.
Unfortunately, those Lodges that don't take advantage of it are also the Lodges that would benefit the most from it.
It does seem that in far too many cases, Lodges hold on for so long that there is absolutely nothing left (finances, real estate, members) when they finally throw in the towel. And that's sad, because had they merged or consolidated earlier, much could have been saved for the future.
I think Freemasonry especially in America has to face an ugly truth, our numbers are dwindling. Our garden was flowering but now winter is approaching and the cold breath of entropy is always felt on the back of the neck at midnight.
It doesn’t have to stay this way, but in order to cash our reality cheque, we need to be able to read the bank statement. Fact: Masons are burning out. Fact: we need more masons.
Fact: Masons do not understand finances and the nuances of the temple board versus the Lodge when it is not actually versus the two were in tandem although separately. Fact: the above facts are not always true specifically for each area they tend to mix and match doubtless there are others that I have not listed here.
Similar to a tree in Winter, appendant Masonic bodies well sometimes wither away and atrophy, shutting them all down seems to be some thing of dress but if that type of action would occur, it would require everyone to agree for the common good. Brothers that I have talked to on this subject or similar have displayed a tendency to lock horns on this type of a subject. It seems to me there would be quite a culture shift that would be necessary in order for a group think agreement to take a direction in this deemed so radical, albeit necessary.
The answer of course would be to attract prospects and peculiar to the rules of their generation spent a lot of time with them as they are very willing but very high maintenance again general depending on the circumstances. It almost seems that lodges should work in tandem, one attracting prospects and focusing on that particular aspect as well as having another that focuses on retaining them and performing the degrees.
At the risk of sounding like a communist if we had lodges that specialised in certain capabilities and worked in lockstep with one another in a synchronicity once legendary, the Masonic machine could have different specialised lodges that kept communication with prospects, put on degrees, and also ran the finances and education so that special our numbers would grow rather than each Lodge trying to be its own cash crop.
This incredibly rough proposed model is only one feeble idea at keeping our torch burning for eternity for the good humanity and for freedom, better minds than mine will need to etch a more solid business and action plan into the tablets of eternity if we are to survive into the next century or three.
I don't know the exact dates, but I believe that our numbers started falling in the 1970's. So, they have fallen, consistently for somewhere around 40 or 50 years now.
If we make no changes in how we do things, we can't expect that trend to reverse.
Given that, I think that ideas such as you propose are really important for us to discuss and consider. We can't keep managing everything in the same old way, and I really appreciate you taking the time to post this out of the box thinking!
Thank you MW Cameron for "Priming our Pump" for great ideas. I cannot remember how many times I've discussed this very topic. The comments of those below are collectively right on.
We have several Lodges in the East that cannot open on the Third without visitors and this is a terrible shame as I used to love visiting other Lodges. Now it is a crapshoot whether the trip will result in anything other than a couple cups of coffee to stay alert while driving.
One of the most important issues I've tried to solve is figuring out how to successfully help Masons to disagree safely. Usually disagreements go unresolved by simply "stuffing" the problem and walking away, perhaps never to return, grumbling about so-and-so being such an a__hol_. My opinion is if we can honestly discuss differences we most likely will reach a terrific conclusion, beneficial to all.
Our appendandant bodies also seem a safe haven to behave un-Masonically. This issue has driven these bodies to near extinction. It seems that consuming adult beverages gives some license to do just that. Another reason is as described below that some members seem to delight in being contrary and unlikeable. This builds an environment of angst that will certainly inhibit discussion and keep our precious new members distant.
We can fix these problems! We can form support groups within the organization to decide on a process to combat the problems and for a new Strategic Plan. We've worked hard to do long range planning but almost no follow-thru to keep the plan evolving.
Let's go Brothers, I'm ready! And, BTW, I belong to way too many other organizations. I simply cannot devote more time to solving or hiding others' problems.
Successfully navigating disagreements within Lodges is a huge thing as you mention. Sometimes a DDGM can help, but often guys are just so stubborn that it gets buried over and over until it blows up.
Perhaps quality conflict resolution would be something that the Grand Lodges would do well to teach.
I was employed by a very large Telecom firm (GTE) for 30+ years and was introduced to many wonderful education opportunities to include Conflict Resolution, Productive Meetings, Facilitation Skills, and many others. Our Management Ed curriculum was heavily attended and the skills learned were included in our annual performance evaluation. We used 360 style interviews with those we worked with and especially with subordinates. It took many years to effect change and raised awareness of better ways to pick each others' brains. Education and support, top down, is very beneficial.
We've actually seen a slight increase in membership in Nova Scotia. it ties in with a surge in immigration from other provinces and countries and our approach to reaching out to younger men who feel isolated and lonely. We're just about to launch a rebrand of our outward facing communications via our website. York Rite was almost gone, but has come back to life and Scottish Rite has remained strong. But we're on a razor thin edge. It's not all sunny, but we have hope.
It is really great to learn that you are seeing an increase in membership. Here in Washington the downward trend has been flattening for a few years, so that's a good sign. But, looking at the average age of Washington Masons is pretty terrifying for our future.
We shouldn't add any more bodies or committees or positions, but we still need key Masonic traditions present, and for two reasons: they are often the reason someone becomes a Mason; they are the reason they stay.
This latter reason is especially important because it provides inter-Lodge activity. District or regional gatherings expand your circle of both people and experiences, where otherwise you would assume Masonry everywhere is just like at your Lodge -- which is not always a good thing. It fills in gaps for the varied interests of a Lodge's membership, as no Lodge can be all things to all people.
Locally, we're starting a Cedars of Lebanon when we already have Shrine and Grotto. We added a Knights of St. Andrew Chapter to our Valley, when we already pull double duty (or more) to fill the offices of the four bodies. These things make no sense to me. But to get rid of Star, or Shrine, or the York or Scottish Rites would be a huge disservice IMO.
We too seem to have a Tall Cedars group looking to form, and a new Grotto. That is concerning to me, as I don't know where the energy for these new groups is going to come from, given that there is not currently enough energy to keep what we have going.
I am in Mexico... about 6 years ago an older man who was put in the East because of his years... in the parking lot with a couple of cronies HE decided to move the meetings to 3 PM because HIS doctor had told him not to drive at night. About 50% of our Lodge were younger Mexicans and regardless of their degrees and tasks... HAD TO WORK in the daytime... hence their are no more younger Mexicans in the Lodge... in fact the average age of the Lodge is 76 years old!
The reason for a "daylight Lodge" is for men that work at night... not because someone cannot drive at night... get a ride! I attended Daylite Lodge No. 44 in Las Vegas... the membership made up of guys that WORK at night (lots of them in Vegas!)... a very successful Lodge indeed.
The Shrine Club here is in the very same boat... both will go dark and that's a shame!
We too have a really successful Daylight Lodge in Seattle. Formed long ago for the same reason as the one you mention in Vegas, for people who work at night. It's a very good thing.
But, to take a functioning Lodge and completely change it just so that someone doesn't have to drive at night seems really, really short sighted, and if the average age is 76, it certainly won't be around for long.
I think that sometimes things like that do cause us great trouble though. Men who don't care if our Craft outlives them, and so make decisions that will do long term harm.
I believe that history has a way of repeating itself.
In Seattle in the mid-1960's during the Vietnam war, our country produced a lot of airplanes. The Boeing aircraft company had 100K+ employees. There was a saying as Boeing went, so did the city, However, with the war closing, and gas prices increasing, by April 1971 Boeing had 38K employees and a billboard saying: "Will the last person leaving Seattle - Turn out the lights".
As an engineering company Boeing came back to lead the world in aircraft production and quality.
Decades later, they decided to move their headquarters and change their focus from engineering to profitability - away from what made them great. Today, we witness Boeing's problems. Years of neglect from their core values and what made them great and successful - engineering!
Freemasonry is no different. We inform candidates that Freemasonry is a course of moral and philosophical instruction. We Mastered the science and engineering of a Degree system to enable a meaningful impact upon each candidate's life.
Unfortunately, we have lost sight of our core values. - moral and philosophical instruction.
Yes, there are Brothers who are serious and giving their all to Freemasonry. They are the same men who are having to rebuild the temples and if we are lucky, deliver upon the promises we made to each candidate so we may have future generation who are as thankful and passionate.
If not, "Will the last Mason leaving - Turn out the lights".
I happened to be reviewing Installation - the Master is reminded: Charge them to practice out of the Lodge those duties which they have been taught in it; and, by amiable, virtuous and discrete conduct, to convince mankind of the goodness of the Institution; so that, when a person is said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrow; to whom distress may prefer its suit; whose hand is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by benevolence.
The Brother are reminded: as this Fraternity has been formed and perfected in so much unanimity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which disinterested friendship can afford. May kindliness and brotherly affection distinguish your conduct as men and Masons. Within your peaceful walls may your children’s children celebrate, with joy and gratitude, the annual recurrence of this auspicious solemnity. And may the tenets of our profession be transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from generation to generation.
Undoubtedly you are correct, our Craft lost its focus on our core values. We became more of a social club and an institutional charity than an initiatory society. If we hope to rebuild, we will have to re-establish a foundation upon which to build.
As for Boeing, just remember to take a little socket set with you when you fly, just in case you need to tighten up the bolts holding on the door. 😈
Wonderful thoughts on this important issue. Across the columbia there are the same problems. I have said more than one time over the years that Brothers need to focus on their lodges which are struggling from lack of involvement. Their focus are on these dyeing appendant and concordant bodies. It seems clear to me where the problem is. The hard thing is to get these others to see the light before they are part of the reason for unnecessary consolidations.
I think that there is nothing in any Appendant or Concordant body that a man can't get from his Craft Lodge. But, if we hope to bring him back to that Craft Lodge we'll have to provide that which he is finding elsewhere.
So I guess to my mind, it is a two part problem. We've got to convince Masons to put their energy into the Lodge, but we've also got to convince the Lodge to become worthy of that energy.
I'll start by admitting my bias. I'm a fairly "young" MM who is not a member of any apendant body. Ohio has an education program called The Royal Scofield Society and I promised my husband I'd complete that before tacking on anything else. While I want to Join Scottish Rite, I already know my involvement will be minimal there. My focus is on strengthening my home lodge, where Im currently a Master Craftsman to new candidates.
On the flip side, I see brothers who are members of every conceivable body, member of multiple lodges, never show up to their home lodge, and hardly see their families! I'm shocked they aren't sleeping on the couch because I know I would be!
I see no point in starting new chapters of any appendant body. I firmly believe that craft lodge needs to take priority because if we aren't doing the work of Masonry, then why should we exist?
I understand there are brothers starting new lodges because they want an improved experience. We have such a lodge in Ohio. I'm fine with that. I personally want to put my effort into improving my home lodge by implementing what aspects that I can. Fortunately, I think my home lodge just needs a little tweaking but is overall in a good place. Those lodges who refuse to create the experience the members seek will ultimately be forced to close.
It seems that you are on a path similar to the one I took. As a new Mason I put all of my energy into my Craft Lodge, and didn't join any other body until after I was Master of my Lodge. And I always enjoyed helping new Masons through the Degrees.
I did eventually join the Scottish Rite and have found it to be quite valuable from an educational standpoint. I didn't join any other bodies until I was Grand Master, when I took on the York Rite and the Shrine. I've not been active in either, but value the work that they do. Most recently I became a member of the SRICF, and am finding it to be quite superb.
But my view is quite similar to your own. If we don't take care to preserve the Craft Lodge, then we really aren't doing anything at all to preserve Freemasonry. And that's sad to me.
There are any number of reasons that lodges/bodies do, or do not, do well. They often have to do with members.
I can think of a specific lodge here that one member keeps multiple members from being involved in their lodge. He is secretary, a PGM, and generally unpleasant to a lot of people. As a result of them refusing to be candid about his attitude they keep him in office and many refuse to go..
I also know of multiple brethren desirous of an experience like you have available in Seattle where the work is top notch, where the attire is appropriate, where Masonic education is a cornerstone, and the candidate experience is of paramount importance. These brethren want to charter a new lodge.
I also know that the geographical limitations on members from the southern part of the state kept them from being involved in the Grotto, so earlier this year they chartered a new one on the border and hope to pull brethren from multiple states.
On the flip side I know of a SR Valley within 45 minutes of the state line that can’t be bothered to even pick up a phone to try and retain members. I have great doubts it will make its 100yr anniversary.
I use those anecdotes to say “it depends.” Some areas are fertile for membership, and for building and retaining membership but some are not, like my last example. Some lodges need to die, some do not. Over-obligated members are never the answer to “saving” lodges and bodies. It just waters down the efficacy more when you are in such a situation. My lodge has an interesting dynamic. We dual members that showed up just to visit but ended up liking the atmosphere so well they stayed. It’s definitely helped us as since we battled 5yrs against 3 men actively trying to shut the lodge down and have only a few years ago really felt like we were moving beyond that cloud.
It is certainly true that a single unsuitable man will drive good men away from a Lodge in droves. That's problem I've seen here too, and I imagine it is a problem that has plagued Freemasonry from the very beginning. I'm not sure how we ultimately address it, unless we become a lot more willing to, as you say, be candid.
The Lodge you mention in Seattle certainly does provide a really wonderful experience for its members. And experience that I think an awful lot of our members are looking for today. But the only way it came about was through the Chartering of a new Lodge by interested Brothers. I don't imagine that an existing Lodge could be converted into something like what they offer. I think that there would be too much resistance from members who want nothing at all to ever change.
>>>Over-obligated members are never the answer to “saving” lodges and bodies.
It took me a long time to figure this out, but eventually I saw enough to understand it.
To some Brothers you’re preaching heresy.
They’re so invested in “their” Lodge they have an emotional reaction to just the topic of consolidation.
They’re not committed to their Lodge enough to learn effective Lodge management or practice good Masonry, just committed enough to prevent consolidation.
Good management is a key issue. Something we addressed a few years ago, building a mentoring program and a governance committee which I lead. It's helped.
The Grand Lodge leadership and management training is terrific!
Agreed. Management training is vital. My Jurisdiction does offer a good program, and through the years I've noticed that those Lodges that participate in it are generally more successful than those who don't.
Unfortunately, those Lodges that don't take advantage of it are also the Lodges that would benefit the most from it.
It does seem that in far too many cases, Lodges hold on for so long that there is absolutely nothing left (finances, real estate, members) when they finally throw in the towel. And that's sad, because had they merged or consolidated earlier, much could have been saved for the future.
I think Freemasonry especially in America has to face an ugly truth, our numbers are dwindling. Our garden was flowering but now winter is approaching and the cold breath of entropy is always felt on the back of the neck at midnight.
It doesn’t have to stay this way, but in order to cash our reality cheque, we need to be able to read the bank statement. Fact: Masons are burning out. Fact: we need more masons.
Fact: Masons do not understand finances and the nuances of the temple board versus the Lodge when it is not actually versus the two were in tandem although separately. Fact: the above facts are not always true specifically for each area they tend to mix and match doubtless there are others that I have not listed here.
Similar to a tree in Winter, appendant Masonic bodies well sometimes wither away and atrophy, shutting them all down seems to be some thing of dress but if that type of action would occur, it would require everyone to agree for the common good. Brothers that I have talked to on this subject or similar have displayed a tendency to lock horns on this type of a subject. It seems to me there would be quite a culture shift that would be necessary in order for a group think agreement to take a direction in this deemed so radical, albeit necessary.
The answer of course would be to attract prospects and peculiar to the rules of their generation spent a lot of time with them as they are very willing but very high maintenance again general depending on the circumstances. It almost seems that lodges should work in tandem, one attracting prospects and focusing on that particular aspect as well as having another that focuses on retaining them and performing the degrees.
At the risk of sounding like a communist if we had lodges that specialised in certain capabilities and worked in lockstep with one another in a synchronicity once legendary, the Masonic machine could have different specialised lodges that kept communication with prospects, put on degrees, and also ran the finances and education so that special our numbers would grow rather than each Lodge trying to be its own cash crop.
This incredibly rough proposed model is only one feeble idea at keeping our torch burning for eternity for the good humanity and for freedom, better minds than mine will need to etch a more solid business and action plan into the tablets of eternity if we are to survive into the next century or three.
I don't know the exact dates, but I believe that our numbers started falling in the 1970's. So, they have fallen, consistently for somewhere around 40 or 50 years now.
If we make no changes in how we do things, we can't expect that trend to reverse.
Given that, I think that ideas such as you propose are really important for us to discuss and consider. We can't keep managing everything in the same old way, and I really appreciate you taking the time to post this out of the box thinking!
Thank you MW Cameron for "Priming our Pump" for great ideas. I cannot remember how many times I've discussed this very topic. The comments of those below are collectively right on.
We have several Lodges in the East that cannot open on the Third without visitors and this is a terrible shame as I used to love visiting other Lodges. Now it is a crapshoot whether the trip will result in anything other than a couple cups of coffee to stay alert while driving.
One of the most important issues I've tried to solve is figuring out how to successfully help Masons to disagree safely. Usually disagreements go unresolved by simply "stuffing" the problem and walking away, perhaps never to return, grumbling about so-and-so being such an a__hol_. My opinion is if we can honestly discuss differences we most likely will reach a terrific conclusion, beneficial to all.
Our appendandant bodies also seem a safe haven to behave un-Masonically. This issue has driven these bodies to near extinction. It seems that consuming adult beverages gives some license to do just that. Another reason is as described below that some members seem to delight in being contrary and unlikeable. This builds an environment of angst that will certainly inhibit discussion and keep our precious new members distant.
We can fix these problems! We can form support groups within the organization to decide on a process to combat the problems and for a new Strategic Plan. We've worked hard to do long range planning but almost no follow-thru to keep the plan evolving.
Let's go Brothers, I'm ready! And, BTW, I belong to way too many other organizations. I simply cannot devote more time to solving or hiding others' problems.
Successfully navigating disagreements within Lodges is a huge thing as you mention. Sometimes a DDGM can help, but often guys are just so stubborn that it gets buried over and over until it blows up.
Perhaps quality conflict resolution would be something that the Grand Lodges would do well to teach.
I was employed by a very large Telecom firm (GTE) for 30+ years and was introduced to many wonderful education opportunities to include Conflict Resolution, Productive Meetings, Facilitation Skills, and many others. Our Management Ed curriculum was heavily attended and the skills learned were included in our annual performance evaluation. We used 360 style interviews with those we worked with and especially with subordinates. It took many years to effect change and raised awareness of better ways to pick each others' brains. Education and support, top down, is very beneficial.
As you know the lodge in our town was shut down. 😭 It’s now in administration for a local school district.
It is really sad to lose a Lodge from a community, and I'm sorry that it happened to yours.
We've actually seen a slight increase in membership in Nova Scotia. it ties in with a surge in immigration from other provinces and countries and our approach to reaching out to younger men who feel isolated and lonely. We're just about to launch a rebrand of our outward facing communications via our website. York Rite was almost gone, but has come back to life and Scottish Rite has remained strong. But we're on a razor thin edge. It's not all sunny, but we have hope.
It is really great to learn that you are seeing an increase in membership. Here in Washington the downward trend has been flattening for a few years, so that's a good sign. But, looking at the average age of Washington Masons is pretty terrifying for our future.
We shouldn't add any more bodies or committees or positions, but we still need key Masonic traditions present, and for two reasons: they are often the reason someone becomes a Mason; they are the reason they stay.
This latter reason is especially important because it provides inter-Lodge activity. District or regional gatherings expand your circle of both people and experiences, where otherwise you would assume Masonry everywhere is just like at your Lodge -- which is not always a good thing. It fills in gaps for the varied interests of a Lodge's membership, as no Lodge can be all things to all people.
Locally, we're starting a Cedars of Lebanon when we already have Shrine and Grotto. We added a Knights of St. Andrew Chapter to our Valley, when we already pull double duty (or more) to fill the offices of the four bodies. These things make no sense to me. But to get rid of Star, or Shrine, or the York or Scottish Rites would be a huge disservice IMO.
We too seem to have a Tall Cedars group looking to form, and a new Grotto. That is concerning to me, as I don't know where the energy for these new groups is going to come from, given that there is not currently enough energy to keep what we have going.
I am in Mexico... about 6 years ago an older man who was put in the East because of his years... in the parking lot with a couple of cronies HE decided to move the meetings to 3 PM because HIS doctor had told him not to drive at night. About 50% of our Lodge were younger Mexicans and regardless of their degrees and tasks... HAD TO WORK in the daytime... hence their are no more younger Mexicans in the Lodge... in fact the average age of the Lodge is 76 years old!
The reason for a "daylight Lodge" is for men that work at night... not because someone cannot drive at night... get a ride! I attended Daylite Lodge No. 44 in Las Vegas... the membership made up of guys that WORK at night (lots of them in Vegas!)... a very successful Lodge indeed.
The Shrine Club here is in the very same boat... both will go dark and that's a shame!
We too have a really successful Daylight Lodge in Seattle. Formed long ago for the same reason as the one you mention in Vegas, for people who work at night. It's a very good thing.
But, to take a functioning Lodge and completely change it just so that someone doesn't have to drive at night seems really, really short sighted, and if the average age is 76, it certainly won't be around for long.
I think that sometimes things like that do cause us great trouble though. Men who don't care if our Craft outlives them, and so make decisions that will do long term harm.
I believe that history has a way of repeating itself.
In Seattle in the mid-1960's during the Vietnam war, our country produced a lot of airplanes. The Boeing aircraft company had 100K+ employees. There was a saying as Boeing went, so did the city, However, with the war closing, and gas prices increasing, by April 1971 Boeing had 38K employees and a billboard saying: "Will the last person leaving Seattle - Turn out the lights".
As an engineering company Boeing came back to lead the world in aircraft production and quality.
Decades later, they decided to move their headquarters and change their focus from engineering to profitability - away from what made them great. Today, we witness Boeing's problems. Years of neglect from their core values and what made them great and successful - engineering!
Freemasonry is no different. We inform candidates that Freemasonry is a course of moral and philosophical instruction. We Mastered the science and engineering of a Degree system to enable a meaningful impact upon each candidate's life.
Unfortunately, we have lost sight of our core values. - moral and philosophical instruction.
Yes, there are Brothers who are serious and giving their all to Freemasonry. They are the same men who are having to rebuild the temples and if we are lucky, deliver upon the promises we made to each candidate so we may have future generation who are as thankful and passionate.
If not, "Will the last Mason leaving - Turn out the lights".
I happened to be reviewing Installation - the Master is reminded: Charge them to practice out of the Lodge those duties which they have been taught in it; and, by amiable, virtuous and discrete conduct, to convince mankind of the goodness of the Institution; so that, when a person is said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrow; to whom distress may prefer its suit; whose hand is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by benevolence.
The Brother are reminded: as this Fraternity has been formed and perfected in so much unanimity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which disinterested friendship can afford. May kindliness and brotherly affection distinguish your conduct as men and Masons. Within your peaceful walls may your children’s children celebrate, with joy and gratitude, the annual recurrence of this auspicious solemnity. And may the tenets of our profession be transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from generation to generation.
Undoubtedly you are correct, our Craft lost its focus on our core values. We became more of a social club and an institutional charity than an initiatory society. If we hope to rebuild, we will have to re-establish a foundation upon which to build.
As for Boeing, just remember to take a little socket set with you when you fly, just in case you need to tighten up the bolts holding on the door. 😈
Wonderful thoughts on this important issue. Across the columbia there are the same problems. I have said more than one time over the years that Brothers need to focus on their lodges which are struggling from lack of involvement. Their focus are on these dyeing appendant and concordant bodies. It seems clear to me where the problem is. The hard thing is to get these others to see the light before they are part of the reason for unnecessary consolidations.
I think that there is nothing in any Appendant or Concordant body that a man can't get from his Craft Lodge. But, if we hope to bring him back to that Craft Lodge we'll have to provide that which he is finding elsewhere.
So I guess to my mind, it is a two part problem. We've got to convince Masons to put their energy into the Lodge, but we've also got to convince the Lodge to become worthy of that energy.
I'll start by admitting my bias. I'm a fairly "young" MM who is not a member of any apendant body. Ohio has an education program called The Royal Scofield Society and I promised my husband I'd complete that before tacking on anything else. While I want to Join Scottish Rite, I already know my involvement will be minimal there. My focus is on strengthening my home lodge, where Im currently a Master Craftsman to new candidates.
On the flip side, I see brothers who are members of every conceivable body, member of multiple lodges, never show up to their home lodge, and hardly see their families! I'm shocked they aren't sleeping on the couch because I know I would be!
I see no point in starting new chapters of any appendant body. I firmly believe that craft lodge needs to take priority because if we aren't doing the work of Masonry, then why should we exist?
I understand there are brothers starting new lodges because they want an improved experience. We have such a lodge in Ohio. I'm fine with that. I personally want to put my effort into improving my home lodge by implementing what aspects that I can. Fortunately, I think my home lodge just needs a little tweaking but is overall in a good place. Those lodges who refuse to create the experience the members seek will ultimately be forced to close.
It seems that you are on a path similar to the one I took. As a new Mason I put all of my energy into my Craft Lodge, and didn't join any other body until after I was Master of my Lodge. And I always enjoyed helping new Masons through the Degrees.
I did eventually join the Scottish Rite and have found it to be quite valuable from an educational standpoint. I didn't join any other bodies until I was Grand Master, when I took on the York Rite and the Shrine. I've not been active in either, but value the work that they do. Most recently I became a member of the SRICF, and am finding it to be quite superb.
But my view is quite similar to your own. If we don't take care to preserve the Craft Lodge, then we really aren't doing anything at all to preserve Freemasonry. And that's sad to me.