Need A Lodge Program?
Quick, easy, enjoyable, and valuable
Here in my hometown Lodge our Worshipful Master is stepping down after two terms in the East. This has led me to reflect upon some of his successes. One of those that I’d like to share today is an irregularly scheduled series of a specific Lodge program.
I believe his idea to be quick to pull off, easy to do, fun for everyone, and of benefit to the Lodge.
I hope that you will find it valuable.
He would simply interview various members of the Lodge. Not about their Masonic involvement or experiences, but their lives outside of Freemasonry. All those things that most Lodge members wouldn’t know about a Brother, because there isn’t really a Masonic occasion for those things to come up.
It doesn’t seem like much, but I found it quite superb.
Because it allowed us to get to know our Brothers much more than we could have done otherwise. And that helps strengthen bonds between men.
We heard about a Brother’s instant love for the woman who would become his wife, and how that love lasted for more years than I’ve been alive.
We learned about how a Brother was responsible for introducing a very popular American tradition to a country in Europe.
We listened as a Brother explained the near death experience that profoundly impacted his life today.
There are too many examples to list.
While many of us, myself included, might spend a good deal of solitary time reading about our Ancient Craft, thinking about its lessons, and working to incorporate its teachings into our individual life, Freemasonry is not a solitary pursuit.
It specifically developed as a group activity.
This is because we are all to support and help each other as we apply the symbols and lessons of Masonry to our own lives. We are to encourage, mentor, and teach each other.
The simple fact is that the better we can get to know each other, and each other’s experiences in life, the more effective we can each be as we work together on the great goal of improving ourselves and our characters.
These interviews were short little programs, easily put together, but I found them to be quite effective at their ability for us as a group to understand each other better, and I believe that they were enjoyed by all.
Perhaps something like this could be of benefit to your Lodge?
Well put MW Brother.
There is a lot of desire for meaningful conversations and experiences among my generation. Though it can be challenging to know what is meaningful if we do not inquire it of our Brethren, or share our own interests.
I think creating the opportunity to provide anonymous, or recognized, feedback is a great way to accomplish this. Perhaps a short form for a Brother to offer positive, constructive, and suggestive statements that could be discussed on the floor during a stated?
This could be slips of paper, an online comment box, or even a Google form. This could be shared with the Lodge after collection, or even just the Line, to provide opportunities for further discussion or acceptance of the coming years agenda in relation to the will of the Lodge.
This might allow those less comfortable voicing opinions to still have their desires brought before the Lodge. I think the better we can accommodate our Brethren’s interests, the higher our attendance, and support for Lodge events will be.
I really appreciate you bringing this up as it is a topic that is rarely given as much attention as it deserves. Have a Blessed one Brother!
“MWPGM, another great article and an excellent idea for lodges!
When I was in the East, I tried something similar. Each month I had one of our officers give a short introduction and share a bit about themselves. It turned out to be a great way for the brethren to meet and really get to know the officer line on a more personal level.