One of the reasons why I joined the lodge that I did is that I felt I could be of help. They were struggling with active members, the master at that time had been recycled 5 times, and he was only a mason for around 10 years or something. I can't say I've done anything more than add a body to the line of officers, and filled holes where needed, but I think every little bit helps. We're slowly getting new members, the prospect management system is a big help, more lodges need to take advantage of it.
It is great to know that your Lodge is growing. I think that generally points to good leadership. A well run Lodge attracts new members, and a really well run Lodge retains them. At least in my experience.
I joined Lodge when I was 21 – I’m thinking the 21-year-old version of me would have preferred Lodge 1. And I did. Tenino was run well, although the Lodge was not in good financial condition (I’d been told by a Brother who joined in 1961 that they weren’t in good financial condition even back then!) but I knew the active members, many of them since I was a kid, and it was a good learning opportunity. The Lodges in my home town, however, were full of active members who, although they loved the Craft, spent more time fighting and arguing than doing anything constructive. One younger Mason in one of them went through the Chairs, became the Master, then promptly dimitted and told the Lodge never to contact him again. It took a long time and a lot of turmoil to get Centralia Lodge back on track. Same with Chehalis, and even then, not enough of the combative Brothers passed away to save that Lodge. It was a real shame. A pair of “Lodge 2’s,” and fortunately, Centralia Lodge recovered. But it was a rocky road.
The current version of me? Lodge 2, but only if you have younger Members who are willing to make the effort for the change. Time to get your hands dirty and improve things. It’s a project. Although I will also admit that Lodge 1, if not maintained properly, will in due time become like Lodge 2 (at least the first sentence. Hopefully the second sentence follows to improve things!) And I’ll also have to add a caveat – if the Lodge 2 has too many combative personalities, I might just say to hell with it and avoid the Lodge. Good news in my District is the transition from toxic leadership to strong, constructive leadership.
So I’m thinking the Lodge 2 option greatly depends on the nature of the problems. Are the problems financial? Too many young Masons and not enough mentorship? Or is it long-term members being combative and stubborn? New members don’t join a Masonic Lodge to fight with old-timers. They have better things to do. But if the problems are in other areas, and the old-timers are willing to work with the newer members, then I think there’s a chance to turn things around.
>>>The current version of me? Lodge 2, but only if you have younger Members who are >>>willing to make the effort for the change.
I think this is really vital. One or two excited Masons, who understand Masonry really can make a significant difference in a Lodge. But, only I think, if there is that core of young and really excited Masons supporting them. The energy of the young is certainly needed!
MWB Bailey, I think most of us try to find a place where we fit to some extent, but also where we can be of value. A lot of prospects in my travels have voiced an interest in finding a place that they can help build or support a Lodge in some fashion. Asking to be of service.
Most of the men I’ve met in my life desire some combination of purpose and enlightenment. If you find a place that needs nothing, and offers only social engagement, what is there to be learned, or to offer purpose? Not that it isn’t important of course.
It generally seems that those truly looking to build, seek, or teach will gravitate to places where those things are possible. Perhaps visiting others to recharge and engage in their social activities.
Though fortunately I think we will likely find more of the in between. Offering social and good cheer, while still needing a little bit of something to make it shine. I think Brother Hyclak does a great job of exploring Perfection in his essay that lends itself perfectly to the occasion.
I’ve also heard a Brother regularly say Men bond over building and doing things together, I’d have to say that I agree with him. 😉
Personally I would prefer to be involved with the 2nd Lodge to try to improve it
Through the years I've found myself in both sorts of Lodges. Number 1 is fun, but I think that number 2 is more satisfying.
One of the reasons why I joined the lodge that I did is that I felt I could be of help. They were struggling with active members, the master at that time had been recycled 5 times, and he was only a mason for around 10 years or something. I can't say I've done anything more than add a body to the line of officers, and filled holes where needed, but I think every little bit helps. We're slowly getting new members, the prospect management system is a big help, more lodges need to take advantage of it.
It is great to know that your Lodge is growing. I think that generally points to good leadership. A well run Lodge attracts new members, and a really well run Lodge retains them. At least in my experience.
Of course this works in the opposite way as well.
I joined Lodge when I was 21 – I’m thinking the 21-year-old version of me would have preferred Lodge 1. And I did. Tenino was run well, although the Lodge was not in good financial condition (I’d been told by a Brother who joined in 1961 that they weren’t in good financial condition even back then!) but I knew the active members, many of them since I was a kid, and it was a good learning opportunity. The Lodges in my home town, however, were full of active members who, although they loved the Craft, spent more time fighting and arguing than doing anything constructive. One younger Mason in one of them went through the Chairs, became the Master, then promptly dimitted and told the Lodge never to contact him again. It took a long time and a lot of turmoil to get Centralia Lodge back on track. Same with Chehalis, and even then, not enough of the combative Brothers passed away to save that Lodge. It was a real shame. A pair of “Lodge 2’s,” and fortunately, Centralia Lodge recovered. But it was a rocky road.
The current version of me? Lodge 2, but only if you have younger Members who are willing to make the effort for the change. Time to get your hands dirty and improve things. It’s a project. Although I will also admit that Lodge 1, if not maintained properly, will in due time become like Lodge 2 (at least the first sentence. Hopefully the second sentence follows to improve things!) And I’ll also have to add a caveat – if the Lodge 2 has too many combative personalities, I might just say to hell with it and avoid the Lodge. Good news in my District is the transition from toxic leadership to strong, constructive leadership.
So I’m thinking the Lodge 2 option greatly depends on the nature of the problems. Are the problems financial? Too many young Masons and not enough mentorship? Or is it long-term members being combative and stubborn? New members don’t join a Masonic Lodge to fight with old-timers. They have better things to do. But if the problems are in other areas, and the old-timers are willing to work with the newer members, then I think there’s a chance to turn things around.
>>>The current version of me? Lodge 2, but only if you have younger Members who are >>>willing to make the effort for the change.
I think this is really vital. One or two excited Masons, who understand Masonry really can make a significant difference in a Lodge. But, only I think, if there is that core of young and really excited Masons supporting them. The energy of the young is certainly needed!
MWB Bailey, I think most of us try to find a place where we fit to some extent, but also where we can be of value. A lot of prospects in my travels have voiced an interest in finding a place that they can help build or support a Lodge in some fashion. Asking to be of service.
Most of the men I’ve met in my life desire some combination of purpose and enlightenment. If you find a place that needs nothing, and offers only social engagement, what is there to be learned, or to offer purpose? Not that it isn’t important of course.
It generally seems that those truly looking to build, seek, or teach will gravitate to places where those things are possible. Perhaps visiting others to recharge and engage in their social activities.
Though fortunately I think we will likely find more of the in between. Offering social and good cheer, while still needing a little bit of something to make it shine. I think Brother Hyclak does a great job of exploring Perfection in his essay that lends itself perfectly to the occasion.
I’ve also heard a Brother regularly say Men bond over building and doing things together, I’d have to say that I agree with him. 😉
Shared successful struggle certainly does build strong bonds between men!