Throughout this pandemic Silverdale Lodge No. 311 has used the virtual platform Zoom to conduct two meetings a Month with an average of 20 to 25 Brethren in attendance, some from Japan, Guam, Italy and other states in the U.S.
Nothing beats meeting in person; however, meeting virtually has given us the ability to keep the Lodge running …
Throughout this pandemic Silverdale Lodge No. 311 has used the virtual platform Zoom to conduct two meetings a Month with an average of 20 to 25 Brethren in attendance, some from Japan, Guam, Italy and other states in the U.S.
Nothing beats meeting in person; however, meeting virtually has given us the ability to keep the Lodge running and afloat. It allowed some of our Senior and physically challenged members to join us, and it has also given Brethren outside of Washington who have moved as active duty military the ability to interact once again with their Brothers.
Moving forward once we’re back in Lodge I do see us using this useful tool to meet during snow days when it’s not safe to drive, during small officer meetings, or during special events when we want to share good times with our members outside of Washington.
I feel our ability to adapt and overcome any and all challenges we face as Masons is what will keep our beloved Craft moving forward and secure our future for generations to come.
I too have been very pleasantly surprised by the fact that Brothers who have moved away, or otherwise don't have any ability to attend have participated in Lodge Zoom meetings. It has been a superb way to re-connect.
I think that part of what has made this possible is how easy it is to actually use Zoom. There just aren't any real barriers to participation over it.
In Washington we do have a small handful of Lodges that have refused to do anything on a virtual platform. I fear that they have very badly missed the boat, and unless they get new leadership that is at least willing to give new methods a try they will not survive as Lodges.
Certainly it is 100% better for the Lodge to remain connected to the Brother who, for reasons of health, can't attend Lodge in person anymore, than to just let his participation slip away.
In fact, now that we all understand that new technologies allow a Lodge to continue bringing men like this into our regular fellowship, I would argue that it is a Lodge's Masonic responsibility to do so.
When my grandmother was dying a few months ago, at age 99, she was able to connect with distant relatives and friends over Zoom. How truly wonderful that was.
I have to wonder how a Lodge can justify acting otherwise.
Throughout this pandemic Silverdale Lodge No. 311 has used the virtual platform Zoom to conduct two meetings a Month with an average of 20 to 25 Brethren in attendance, some from Japan, Guam, Italy and other states in the U.S.
Nothing beats meeting in person; however, meeting virtually has given us the ability to keep the Lodge running and afloat. It allowed some of our Senior and physically challenged members to join us, and it has also given Brethren outside of Washington who have moved as active duty military the ability to interact once again with their Brothers.
Moving forward once we’re back in Lodge I do see us using this useful tool to meet during snow days when it’s not safe to drive, during small officer meetings, or during special events when we want to share good times with our members outside of Washington.
I feel our ability to adapt and overcome any and all challenges we face as Masons is what will keep our beloved Craft moving forward and secure our future for generations to come.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!
I too have been very pleasantly surprised by the fact that Brothers who have moved away, or otherwise don't have any ability to attend have participated in Lodge Zoom meetings. It has been a superb way to re-connect.
I think that part of what has made this possible is how easy it is to actually use Zoom. There just aren't any real barriers to participation over it.
In Washington we do have a small handful of Lodges that have refused to do anything on a virtual platform. I fear that they have very badly missed the boat, and unless they get new leadership that is at least willing to give new methods a try they will not survive as Lodges.
Certainly it is 100% better for the Lodge to remain connected to the Brother who, for reasons of health, can't attend Lodge in person anymore, than to just let his participation slip away.
In fact, now that we all understand that new technologies allow a Lodge to continue bringing men like this into our regular fellowship, I would argue that it is a Lodge's Masonic responsibility to do so.
When my grandmother was dying a few months ago, at age 99, she was able to connect with distant relatives and friends over Zoom. How truly wonderful that was.
I have to wonder how a Lodge can justify acting otherwise.