From the East – March 2025
Greetings Brethren,
Over the past few years, I have noticed a cyclical trend in Lodge, and I am sure I am not alone in this observation. When the new masonic year begins every brother is “gung-ho” and is ready to attend all masonic events. As the calendar year progresses, the numbers slowly dwindle until for the most part, only officers are attending functions and lodge events. It gets harder and harder year after year to retain interest within the brethren due to occupations, personal schedules, families, and other obligations.
Last year as Senior Warden I was responsible for conferring the Fellow Craft Degree on a class of candidates. I studied and labored for hours trying to make that degree perfect for them. Did it go perfectly? Absolutely not, but what made me cringe was the number of brethren who attended the degree that weren’t in the officer line.
A big part of the reason I joined freemasonry was for the comradery, the brethren, and the relationships we share. When I was raised, I remember the hoodwink being removed and I was surrounded by a sea of brothers which, frankly, was intimidating at first but I soon realized they were present showing their support. There is no better feeling than being surrounded by friends that care about your well being and hearing the reverberations of “So mote it be” in a packed lodge room. Back to my Fellow Craft degree. When their hoodwinks were removed, I can only imagine the lackluster and deflating feeling they must have felt when the brethren could not even adequately encompass the new Fellowcrafts.
“During the progression through the degrees the candidate is the focus of attention. You were once the rough ashlar being made perfect by the working tools of the craft. Once raised in your mother lodge, it is up to you to make your lodge belong to you. Brotherhood is not a one-sided, halfhearted, one-way street”.
If you choose to be a real part of your lodge you must make the effort to attend not only the big event nights but also the regular meetings and practices. Be present. One cannot blame the craft if you yourself are not trying. My challenge to everyone is to think and decide why you chose this brotherhood and how you can continue to be an active member in your Lodge and be of service. Masonry gives us the key, you must walk through the door!
Fraternally,
WM Rudy Hatala
Sources:
Sources: Short talk Bulletin “For the Newly Raised” Vol, XXV July 1947 No 7.