In historical terms I completely agree with you, and I agree that the Lodge is the men, not the building. In the absence of a fixed Lodge, a tavern works nicely, sometimes even better. All that said, I do think there is one way that the Lodge room being held sacred MIGHT be useful.
Human are complex creatures, and subject to many unconscious influences. When we are talking about the Lodge (men) being sacred, we are, among other things talking about a feeling of specialness, a feeling of being in a special space, with special rules and special expectations. Now to be clear, the building, room, tent, whatever does not create that feeling, the people and the actions do. BUT if we use a space repeatedly for spiritual work, then unconsciously we more easily shift into a liminal space when we enter it. The repeated use of a space for Masonic work, will in some/many men move us more easily into a Masonic spiritual/emotional space. Given the challenges of our current world, it might be valuable to exploit every advantage, and holding the Lodge room as special might be worth considering. It is not necessary, it is not law, it is not even a landmark. It might be an idea worth considering.
I wrote this post yesterday morning, and then yesterday afternoon I headed up to Doric Lodge in Seattle. Never knowing how long it will take to get to Seattle with traffic slowdowns through three cities and a military base to drive through, I leave really early, and yesterday I arrived at Lodge a couple hours prior to dinner.
When I arrived one other Brother was present, we went into the library, poured ourselves some Scotch, and lit up cigars. We had a pretty intimate conversation, and it ranged a bit, but the focus of it was how good and positive we both feel just as soon as we hit the doors of that building. It wasn't an expected conversation on my part, but it certainly seemed in tune with this post.
We talked about why that was. I'm sure that the egregore that has developed over a timespan of 100 plus years of Masonry on that spot is a part of it. But also, we discussed and agreed, it is because that particular Lodge is very strongly bonded. It's got its faults, but strong bonds between men who truly care about each other isn't one of them.
This morning I dragged myself out of bed to read your comment. It certainly ties in with that conversation last night. I really appreciate this perspective, and I've pondered it in depth today.
I am a member of Goose & Gridiron Lodge No. 203 on the Grand Register of Alberta. Like the lodges of the 18th century, we meet in the back or upstairs rooms of taverns, ale houses and inns. We are a vibrant lodge with a focus on fellowship and education, and are well attended by visitors at every meeting. Our meetings are held in the form of a table lodge and we typically have 30 to 40 brethren in attendance. I fully agree with your sentiments and the Goose & Gridiron proves it.
In historical terms I completely agree with you, and I agree that the Lodge is the men, not the building. In the absence of a fixed Lodge, a tavern works nicely, sometimes even better. All that said, I do think there is one way that the Lodge room being held sacred MIGHT be useful.
Human are complex creatures, and subject to many unconscious influences. When we are talking about the Lodge (men) being sacred, we are, among other things talking about a feeling of specialness, a feeling of being in a special space, with special rules and special expectations. Now to be clear, the building, room, tent, whatever does not create that feeling, the people and the actions do. BUT if we use a space repeatedly for spiritual work, then unconsciously we more easily shift into a liminal space when we enter it. The repeated use of a space for Masonic work, will in some/many men move us more easily into a Masonic spiritual/emotional space. Given the challenges of our current world, it might be valuable to exploit every advantage, and holding the Lodge room as special might be worth considering. It is not necessary, it is not law, it is not even a landmark. It might be an idea worth considering.
Thank you for this perspective VW Brother.
I wrote this post yesterday morning, and then yesterday afternoon I headed up to Doric Lodge in Seattle. Never knowing how long it will take to get to Seattle with traffic slowdowns through three cities and a military base to drive through, I leave really early, and yesterday I arrived at Lodge a couple hours prior to dinner.
When I arrived one other Brother was present, we went into the library, poured ourselves some Scotch, and lit up cigars. We had a pretty intimate conversation, and it ranged a bit, but the focus of it was how good and positive we both feel just as soon as we hit the doors of that building. It wasn't an expected conversation on my part, but it certainly seemed in tune with this post.
We talked about why that was. I'm sure that the egregore that has developed over a timespan of 100 plus years of Masonry on that spot is a part of it. But also, we discussed and agreed, it is because that particular Lodge is very strongly bonded. It's got its faults, but strong bonds between men who truly care about each other isn't one of them.
This morning I dragged myself out of bed to read your comment. It certainly ties in with that conversation last night. I really appreciate this perspective, and I've pondered it in depth today.
Very well put, MW, and especially relevant to my one-room Lodge.
Thank you W Brother. I think your point makes a lot of sense, the smaller the available space, the more relevant this becomes.
I'm looking forward to many great conversations with you in just a few weeks! Be safe MWB!
Thank you, you too, and yes indeed! Very much looking forward to our time in Seattle.
I am a member of Goose & Gridiron Lodge No. 203 on the Grand Register of Alberta. Like the lodges of the 18th century, we meet in the back or upstairs rooms of taverns, ale houses and inns. We are a vibrant lodge with a focus on fellowship and education, and are well attended by visitors at every meeting. Our meetings are held in the form of a table lodge and we typically have 30 to 40 brethren in attendance. I fully agree with your sentiments and the Goose & Gridiron proves it.