Greetings Brethren,
As this will be my last Trestleboard, I wanted to pass on some practical, personal observations rather than cover some more academic “Masonic Light from the East.”
Ever since being raised in 2013, I have heard frequent lamenting over the “decline” of Masonry. In fact, just recently two previously successful Lodges have closed, while a third went into closure discussions. All of these Lodges had a good number of members on the roll and plenty of funds in the bank (more on that later). What they seem to not have were active members willing to serve as Officers. Obviously, no Officers, no degrees, no new members. Apathy, with its attendant lack of commitment are a threat to any organization.
Freemasonry is no exception.
The following was written over 30 years ago in regards to both decreasing number of candidates, and decreasing attendance:
“Actually, we have more to fear from the apathy of the regular membership in the order than from any outside influences. In the past, Freemasonry has demonstrated its ability to retain the timelessness of its message in periods of profound change (emphasis mine). Today, it is our duty as Masons to cultivate the interest of the less active members of our fraternity in the affairs of Masonry. Ours is still the world’s largest fraternal body. There is no danger of an immediate catastrophic depletion of our ranks. No individual or group seeks our sudden destruction in more than theoretical terms. Therefore, it is obvious our problem today is more internal than external. Our immediate task therefore is to make Freemasonry more appealing to the Mason. We must impress upon our members the relevancy of our moral philosophy to the times in which we live. We must bring the mere pin wearing and card carrying Mason to a more acute realization of the significance of his obligation to the order and encourage his frequent attendance at our gatherings. If these things can be accomplished, Masonry has no reason to fear the future.”
This quote is from Sir Knight JJ Humphrey in “Freemasonry Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” in Masonic America volume II, 1985.
So what might we as Masons do to accomplish these things? Perhaps we should give more attention to member retention over member recruitment, although I believe the former will always lead to the latter. Why do we find it so hard to invest in our membership? Remember the closed lodges had sizable bank accounts. We must not confuse Lodge financial issues with personal financial issues. No Lodge will ever retire to live on a park bench and eat cans of cat food. A hundred years from now, if our Lodges still exist, our future Brothers will find a way to fix the proverbial “leaking roof.”
In the meantime, catered first class complimentary meals shared with Lodge Brothers followed by relevant speakers, and regular lodge activities, perhaps subsidized would go a long way to helping member retention and participation. Upgrading the curbside appearance of our buildings would enhance the perception of Freemasonry in our communities. Financial planners advise that 4% or even 7% withdrawn from invested funds will never deplete the principal. There is so much we are able to do to grow our Lodges! What holds us back?
We can also help Freemasonry by guarding the west gate from cowens and eavesdroppers. When I first started going on committees of seen the investigation I must confess that I felt a little like a salesman who had to return with a “signed contract.” I have seen this repeatedly result in a “a ring and a pin, I’m in” members (cowens), or members, disappointed they didn’t find a key “DaVinci code” secret (eavesdroppers) rather than Brothers seeking to pursue “wise and serious truths.” Neither their names printed on a roll or dues income will supply the Officers needed to grow a successful Lodge. It is also sad for them.
I now prefer to emphasize to prospective candidates that Masonry makes good men better in part by borrowing lessons from the bible, “..the inestimable gift.” If they are not comfortable with that, they are not likely to be comfortable with Freemasonry. We should all make an effort to recruit qualified candidates from friends, family and associates. Moving through the chairs I feel have grown in so many ways that never would have happened if I merely joined and then skipped lodge meetings. Making a good man better happens less by just sitting once through the three degrees but more so through active involvement with the brotherhood.
What was written long ago is even more relevant today. Candidates should have a clear understanding of their “obligation to the order.” Thus, both they and the Lodges will grow and prosper.
Fraternally,
F Lawrence Vernamonti WM
“It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required.”
Bro. Winston Churchill
“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.”
Bro. George Washington
