Start A New Lodge
Or revitalize an old one?
This question is not my own, I heard it third hand, but found it quite compelling to contemplate.
As such, I hope that we can discuss it here today…
If one of our goals is the preservation of Masonry for our children and our children’s children, we must ensure that there are enough Masons to sustain the Craft. Yet, many of our Lodges have extreme difficulty finding new members, and even more difficulty in retaining them.
Hence the question:
Is it easier to start a new and vibrant Lodge, or to rejuvenate the culture of an old dying Lodge?
Based on that question, where should we direct our energy?
It isn’t easy (in my Jurisdiction, and I imagine in all others) to start a new Lodge, and it isn’t easy to stand by and watch an old Lodge die.
But, sometimes, we are called upon to do hard things.
Is this one of those times?
If we don’t like the culture of our Lodge, and are fearful for its future, should we, instead of trying to save it, instead band together with like minded Brothers and start a new one?
Is that an essential ingredient to the future of Freemasonry?
Let’s chat about it…
I am part of a start up lodge. There are a few opportunities and challenges. In a start up, you must be dedicated to being an active participant in it for it to blossom, grow and succeed. It is challenging to purchase all the accoutrements to create the lodge and pay rent when you begin with nothing- it can be an expensive proposition. An advantage is that you don't possess history that some members may cling to, so you are free to create a specific lodge purpose / focus. A challenge is that you have to bring in new candidates and grow.
MW, I believe two approaches will be necessary for the survival of our fraternity. In many jurisdictions, rural lodges are dying with their dying communities. For instance, In Oklahoma we are projected to lose 60 rural lodges in the next 5 years. If we are going to have Masonry in the hinterlands of Oklahoma, it is essential that the small lodges get together with a consolidation plan to join the most active and viable lodge in their area. If possible, we need to end up with at least one viable lodge in each Masonic district. It has already been proven that men will drive an hour for a really good lodge experience.
Second, we need to develop a mindset of creating new lodges in our metro areas, with each being made up of like minded men. These are known the world over as Affinity lodges. They create the kind of Masonic experience they want to have. And their social conversations are of quality because they share the same occupations or interests as a part of their freemasonry.