The real problem in Freemasonry is the apathy of the Craft. My Lodge averages less than 10% participation and I feel we were probably no different than any other Lodge. The other 90% do not participate either because they currently live far away from the Lodge, or they simply do not care to come to lodge. I find this lack of participation most disturbing, as I am sure many of you do as well. I am at a loss as to why a Mason does not participate in any manner, shape, or form. Why then are we Masons? To wear a ring? To use it as part of our professional resume? If so, this is rather shallow thinking.

If all Masons did "Just One Thing" for the Lodge, it would be a better place. I am not suggesting we do anything extremely labor intensive; perhaps it is something as simple as being a greeter at the door, pushing a broom around, attending a meeting or Lodge function, helping with a catechism, or just helping out in some way. If we all did "Just One Thing," Freemasonry and the world would be a better place.

Perhaps what is needed is some legislation whereby all Masons must perform at least one function during the year for their Lodge. If they do not, they face suspension. "What about those Brothers who live far away?" you might ask. The last time I looked, there are Masonic Lodges spread throughout the world and, as such, let them do "Just One Thing" for the local Lodge. Of course, some Brothers could be exempt due to medical reasons, but think what this would mean if we could get greater participation. As I said, it would be good for the fraternity and, in turn, good for the world.

Something else bothers we in this regard, where is it written that the Lodge Officers must do all of the work? Sure, they have many responsibilities, but it is the officers job to "set the Craft to work with proper instruction for their labor." I am amazed by those Brothers who come to Lodge are not happy with this or that. For example, how often have you seen a Brother criticize the Lodge or another brother, yet make no attempt to lift a finger to help out? We have developed into a generation of "takers" as opposed to "givers." Before you criticize next time, figure out how YOU are going to help solve the problem. Do not be part of the problem, be part of the solution. I guess the following quote sums it up:

"People can be divided into three groups: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened."
- John W. Newbern

It is up to us as Freemasons to each share in the responsibility of making the fraternity a success. If we all did "JUST ONE THING", think how far ahead we will be. Keep the Faith.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

Apathy indeed. I have been a Mason for 18 months. Already I have conferred each degree from the East more than 5 times. We are that busy here. Not bad for a "young" borther of 28. We ask new members to step into the chairs during degrees to understand where each person fits and to watch what they ahve been through in order to gain a better understanding. However, there is nothing wrong with sitting the sidelines, as long as it is not for a lifetime.

Bro. EW
Defender of the Holy Royal Arch & 32nd Degree.

Well said Terry!

I've often said myself, "It takes more than a valid dues card to make a man a Mason."

I do, and always will stand by that statement.

quote:

Originally posted by SigNuCoastie:
Well said Terry!

I've often said myself, "It takes more than a valid dues card to make a man a Mason."

I do, and always will stand by that statement.

Thank you for the acknowledgement brother. Also, I agree with you. Anyway, I have always said that it is easier to give ten (10) Masonic lectures than it is to LIVE one!

Think about that statement brethren.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

The problem with my lodge is AGE....when I was initiated (at 44) I was the first new initiate in 4+ years. The initiate prior to me actually RAISED the average age of the lodge (he is in his 70's).

Masonry, along with other fraternal organizations, lost a generation of members in the 60's/70's. My Grandfathers (and their brothers) were all Masons, as were their fathers, uncles and so forth. My father and uncles were not. Masonry (and the VFW, American Legion, Elks, etc) need to find a way to reach out to the younger potential members and bring them in.

I think if our members could do one thing for their lodge, it would be to find a way to bring a new, young, member in. I know, I know, 2B1ask1, but there has to be a way to let the younger potential members know they have to ask.

One special relationship that we need to recognizes is the College Fraternity - Freemasonry connection. More than 90% of college social fraternities had at least one founding member who was a Mason. The Masonic influence is abound in all their rituals.

One action I would strongly support would be for a Mason to go to a college once a semester (or year) and have an interest meeting. Please don't miss my words; I mean market, not recruit. We have to advertise ourselves and what we do.

Please no one take offense when I say this because none is meant. Marketing an organization full of old men who meet up once or twice a month to eat and pay bills is not an easy task. Masonry is a wonderful organization, however it was once great, and the premier mens fraternal organization in the country.

To get Masonry back to that point the Craft must evolve, as it has throughout generations past, to suit the needs of the men who come to us to "be better men." Family nights need to be the standard, not the exception. Activity needs to become the norm, and I don't just mean stated meeting night or "practice" night. WE must become a Lodge again and offer something to better our young men. Can we not all go out to the theatre as a group? Invite a speaker to give a leadership seminar for lodge members and open it to high school & college students as well?

As a whole, at least in my area, we rely too much on that old statistic that Masons contribute over a million dollars a day to charity. And where that might be true when you include all our appendant bodies like the Scottish Rite Hospitals, the Templars Eye Foundation, and the Shriners Childrens Hospitals... what are we doing at the local lodge level that makes an impact? My lodge does nothing for the community except pay our taxes and give out a $1,000.00 scholarship once a year to a ocal high school senior.

I know I got slightly off topic, but my message is clear. If we want to attract more quality new members we have to make Masonry more attractive and promote it more. Groups like the Freemasons RC (of which I am a member) are helping to do this.

Fact is that in todays day and age it takes two incomes to raise a family. That means men have less time to spend with them right off the top. If we expect a man to take time away from them, it had better be worth it.

quote:

Originally posted by SigNuCoastie:

To get Masonry back to that point the Craft must evolve, as it has throughout generations past, to suit the needs of the men who come to us to "be better men." Family nights need to be the standard, not the exception. Activity needs to become the norm, and I don't just mean stated meeting night or "practice" night. WE must become a Lodge again and offer something to better our young men. Can we not all go out to the theatre as a group? Invite a speaker to give a leadership seminar for lodge members and open it to high school & college students as well?

I know I got slightly off topic, but my message is clear. If we want to attract more quality new members we have to make Masonry more attractive and promote it more. Groups like the Freemasons RC (of which I am a member) are helping to do this.

Fact is that in todays day and age it takes two incomes to raise a family. That means men have less time to spend with them right off the top. If we expect a man to take time away from them, it had better be worth it.

Brother and brethren: The aforementioned is not only well stated facts, it is the gutwrenching truth that everyone knows, but afraid to admit. Here are some more points to ponder:

It is no secret that participation in the Masonic fraternity has been dropping for at least 50 years. Evidence of our decline is the fact that our membership totals are at their lowest levels in more than 80 years. Hoping to stop the attrition, Masonic leaders have tried numerous initiatives: one-day classes, shortened proficiencies, and a lowered minimum age at which one can petition for membership. Grand Lodges have hired public relations firms and have paid for promotions in numerous media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, billboards, radio, and television. Each initiative, while hinting at success, has failed to arrest our declining numbers and has fallen short of rejuvenating our fraternal spirit.

For instance, one-day classes attracted many new members, but they did little to halt the ever-increasing numbers of demits and NPD’s. We realized that getting new members was only a part of the challenge. Clearly, Masons were not satisfactorily addressing ways of keeping our members involved and enthusiastic about Masonry. The time had come for us to take full responsibility for our sad state of affairs and begin to move forward, embracing the fact that we have a lot of work to do.

Busy lifestyles complicate time commitments. No question about it. Where one spouse used to be the major source of the family’s income, now both spouses work. When they come home in the evening, they want time together rather than separate functions to attend, if indeed there is a desire to participate at all. This clearly means that any organization wishing to attract members must offer something of great interest to even be considered worthwhile. People no longer join the way they used to. Joining is no longer fashionable. Clearly true. In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam conclusively shows that people simply do not join organizations as they did in the past. Since the World War II generation, volunteering (which is what we do when we join an organization) has become almost nonexistent. Every fraternal organization, many religious denominations, service clubs, and community organizations such as the PTA/PTO have all suffered membership declines. While these are valid reasons (yes, they did contribute to a decline in membership), we have failed to accept the fact that the world is a different place than it was in the 1940s and 1950s. If you live in a metropolitan area, your 15-minute commute time to work is now 50 minutes—if you are lucky. We spend more time going to and from work than ever before. Current lifestyles often require two spouse incomes. Family time is squeezed into the evenings and very often the children have their own activities. The technology explosion has provided a source for entertainment/activity that competes with any organization requiring a time commitment. In short, change is the one constant. What have Freemasons done to keep pace with change? Very little!

As Masons we have taken our fraternity’s identity for granted, and we have allowed the general public to forget how important we are to the fabric of society. We forgot that what we DO for each other, our lodges, and ourselves enriches the quality of life for our families and communities. Only recently has Masonry found a new place in popular culture with the introduction of Dan Brown’s book, The DaVinci Code, and the movie, National Treasure. Now we see our public identity positioned in the context of historical fiction. We owe the public more than fiction; we owe them facts, and we owe them our best performance every day. It would be convenient if traditional approaches alone would change the status of Freemasonry in the minds of the general public. However, it would be like trying to convince the public that Pepsi without “fizzy” is just as satisfying. We know that it might be a fine drink, but the truth is—it just wouldn’t be Pepsi.

Masons are not visible in the daily life of their communities. Their identity is frequently misunderstood and misrepresented in the press and by religious critics. There is little reserve of positive memories of Masonic activity remaining in our communities. Within eye and ear range of the public, Masons have failed to perform what they profess; consequently, they have lost their significance within the context of community. The model Masonic fraternity member would be easy to identify in the community by his actions and words. Public awareness of Masonry begins at a grassroots level. Masons must be visible in the community to demonstrate Masonic values in many aspects of their lives. Masons are men who build community through brotherhood that is based on a principled lifestyle. A Mason’s life is deeply rooted in a system of values. Masonry cannot be kept inside the individual; it is a philosophy of fraternity that must be shared in action through numerous experiences, which are lodge-based, personal, and professional. Borrowing from our Masonic symbolism, we ask that Masons consider the Rough Ashlar that hides the natural beauty of the stone within. What values and actions have we allowed to slip out of sight? How can we find the resources to emerge from the layers of lethargy that block the natural beauty of Masonry from the general public? We must uncover the Mason within us so that we can present Masonry in fact and not in fiction. Neither a public relations agency nor an advertising campaign will substitute for the personal journey that will establish the presence of Masonry in the public’s view. Each of us has a responsibility to steward our respected fraternity into the future, calling on our own spirit rather than deferring to those of our predecessors. We must exercise the same determination that we admire and celebrate in our heritage. Although each lodge has an individual and valuable identity within the context of Freemasonry, there is much to learn and share from one another’s lodge-based activities. With more than one and a half million members in North America, Masons are poised to discharge our crews with the newly sharpened tools of our craft to improve ourselves and to fulfill the promise of the stewardship of Freemasonry. The words from William Preston’s Masonic lecture succinctly inform us of our Masonic identity in terms of action:

By the Rough Ashlar, we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by nature;
by the Perfect Ashlar, of the state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a
virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessings of God.

Masons are unique in their commitment to “virtuous education.” By this we mean appreciating Masonry’s commitment to life-long learning, self-improvement and personal growth. We are reminded that Masonic identity is distinctive because Masons are men of thought and action.

Beginning at the lodge level, plan meaningful activities that put Masonic values into action. Consider how you and your lodge can make each and every activity uniquely Masonic. Listed below are just a few suggestions that place a focus on using your time to its greatest Masonic advantage:

- Apply concepts of education and self-improvement to current print and non-print communications tools of individual lodges, Grand Lodges, and national Masonic organizations and societies.

- Improve the environment of lodge-based fellowship; refresh the look of the lodge; welcome new members; improve presentation skills; provide mentoring to study degrees; and strengthen communications skills.

- Organize group activities based on education and self-improvement that can enrich lodge-centered fellowship such as: welcoming committees, lodge renovation and clean-up campaigns, leadership development conferences, mentor meetings, workshops on such things as Masonic ritual, history, symbolism, architectural works, arts and cultural works.

- Initiate workshops on personal growth topics. Learn more about Masonry.

- Call on local educational faculty: expert lecturers on topics of unique interest to the lodge members that enrich the body, mind, and spirit of the brothers.

- Tap the talents of individual members and build a community of experts to help Masons to help themselves and their communities.

- Improve community accessibility to Masonry through public outreach and program hosting.
Offer Masonic recognition and incentive programs for educational initiatives, visitor programs and Chambers of Commerce presentations.

- Honor the Mason within yourself.

- Share success stories with other lodges.

Our initial focus for our public awareness campaign requires imagination, open-mindedness, and discipline—the discipline to say “Yes.” Put aside old habits of saying simply, “Ah, that’s been tried.” Or “Yes, but....” Cast off negativism. Turn the objection around to a challenge. Encourage and reward open and positive communication throughout each stage of change. Share ideas and ask yourself to take ownership of transforming the identity of Masonry through each and every action, regardless of how small. Make it the fraternity that you want—brother by brother, lodge by lodge.

Now we must move forward both individually and fraternally. The optimist encourages us to think carefully about how you invest our time, which is everyone’s most valuable asset, and we ask that you use your time on programs and actions that are uniquely Masonic. As we work together, we must ask each other how a program, a meeting, or an event improves and demonstrates our experience of being a Mason. We have not a moment to lose.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, Past Master
Freemason
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Hot Topics Moderator

Standing ovation, Brother.

quote:

Originally posted by trafficmp:
Apathy indeed. I have been a Mason for 18 months. Already I have conferred each degree from the East more than 5 times. We are that busy here. Not bad for a "young" borther of 28. We ask new members to step into the chairs during degrees to understand where each person fits and to watch what they ahve been through in order to gain a better understanding.

However, there is nothing wrong with sitting
the sidelines, as long as it is not for a lifetime.

Bro. EW
Defender of the Holy Royal Arch & 32nd Degree.

Brother I salute you I too started in Conferring degrees as soon as I stood my profieciency in The Masters degree. I felt that it was a means of repaying those who had taken thier time to teach me my esoteric.
Activity is like a very fine wine the more you taste it the better you like it.
Its been going on 5 years now since I have sat in eitherlodge that I am a member of back in Texas and not a week goes by that I don't miss the closeness of our felloship there.
As far as marketing several yearsago the Most Worshipal Grand Master ofthe Most Worshipal Grand Lodge of Texas made a recomendation at a Grand cummunication that the lodges OF Texas should make an attempt to let more of the public know of the Masons, what Masons do, and what they stand for. The vote was so astoundly in favor that there was no use in even counting the Nay Votes.
He and his wife who was an official in Law inforcement also created a set of masonic jewerly to be worn by the children and Grand children of Texas masons And a set ofmasonic jewerly for the Wives and Widows of Masons
There were news print articals a weekly advertisment on the Television and many radio stations, inviting people to learn about what Masonry ws all about.
in one of them it went so far as to say That if you would like to learn more Just ask a mason
I do not know if those practices are still being followed but I would hope that they are.
Frank Surber PM Eugene Green DFW.1441 North Richland Hills TX.

How does one become a Mason? My grandfather was a mason but he and my father did not get along so well and my father knows nothing about it.

I have been told that to become a Mason you must be asked by a member. Is this true? I know that it is a secret fraternity and I apologize if I have asked something that can not be answered to a non-mason but I was just curious.

Thanks.
Chad

In the USA you ask a Mason to be come a Mason. look up a local lodge call the secretary and make an appointment to see him and ask him for an application
Bryan

quote:

Originally posted by chadforeman:
How does one become a Mason? My grandfather was a mason but he and my father did not get along so well and my father knows nothing about it.

I have been told that to become a Mason you must be asked by a member. Is this true? I know that it is a secret fraternity and I apologize if I have asked something that can not be answered to a non-mason but I was just curious.

Thanks.
Chad

quote:

Originally posted by chadforeman:
How does one become a Mason? My grandfather was a mason but he and my father did not get along so well and my father knows nothing about it.

I have been told that to become a Mason you must be asked by a member. Is this true? I know that it is a secret fraternity and I apologize if I have asked something that can not be answered to a non-mason but I was just curious.

Thanks.
Chad

You will NEVER be asked by a mason to join this fraternity. The decision must be yours alone, without outside influence or pressure. Recruiting is generally forbidden in most states.

We have section on this board "So you want to be a Mason", where the procedure is explained. It is not difficult to petition for Masonry, but there is a procedure that must be followed. Generally, the requirements are:

Male
Mature of Age (21 most states, 18 some states)
Belief in God (Atheists may not apply)
Good Moral Character

Some states have a residency requirement (12 months in California, for example) Some states reduce or eliminate the residency requirement for active duty military.

If you wish to proceed, and petition (apply) for masonry, we will be glad to help you.

Please see:

http://www.masonic-renewal.org/freemasonry_explained.htm

for a excellent "beginner's guide" to the Fraternity.

Welcome to Freemasonry.

Thank you gentlemen for your responses. I appreciate the insight. I have learned quite a bit from reading the posts on these boards in the past couple of days.

quote:

Originally posted by chadforeman:
Thank you gentlemen for your responses. I appreciate the insight. I have learned quite a bit from reading the posts on these boards in the past couple of days.

Here is more to ponder:
A few questions for a man considering Masonic membership...
1. Do you believe in Honor, and that man has a responsibility to act with Honor in everything he does?

Masons teach that Principle. We believe that a life not founded on Honor is hollow and empty-- that a man who acts without Honor is less than a Man.

2. Do you Believe in God?

No Atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual Faith is--that is a question between You and your God--but we do require that you believe in a Supreme Being.

3. Are you willing to allow others the same right to their own beliefs that you insist on yourself?

Masonry insists on Toleration-- on the right of each person to think for himself in religious, social and political Matters.

4. Do you believe you should leave this world a Better place than you found it?

Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but also to others. We must do what we can to make this world a better place. Whether it means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects, of helping children to walk, read or see--the world should be a better place because we have passed through it.

5. Do you believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive?

Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we know that it gives each of us a good feeling, unlike any other, to help. Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after gratitude, we are more than rewarded by that feeling that comes with knowing that we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.

6. Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help when you need it?

Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although it is there too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.

7. Do you feel that there's something more to life than just Financial success?

Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany self-development, but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at building their lives and character just like a carpenter works at building a house.

8. Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country in which we live?

Masons believe that a country is strong so long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and it's ideals. He supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and maintain the principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.

9. Do you agree that a man should show compassion for others, that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values?

Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.

10. Do you believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life?

Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together - a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and promote unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons call this way of life believing in the brotherhood of man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry is called one of the Greatest forces for Good in the World.

If you answered "Yes" to these questions, you might consider becoming a Mason.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topic Moderator

Terry,
Can I use this in my next trestleboard?
Bryan, PM

quote:

Originally posted by TerryTCT:

quote:

Originally posted by chadforeman:
Thank you gentlemen for your responses. I appreciate the insight. I have learned quite a bit from reading the posts on these boards in the past couple of days.

Here is more to ponder:
A few questions for a man considering Masonic membership...
1. Do you believe in Honor, and that man has a responsibility to act with Honor in everything he does?

Masons teach that Principle. We believe that a life not founded on Honor is hollow and empty-- that a man who acts without Honor is less than a Man.

2. Do you Believe in God?

No Atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual Faith is--that is a question between You and your God--but we do require that you believe in a Supreme Being.

3. Are you willing to allow others the same right to their own beliefs that you insist on yourself?

Masonry insists on Toleration-- on the right of each person to think for himself in religious, social and political Matters.

4. Do you believe you should leave this world a Better place than you found it?

Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but also to others. We must do what we can to make this world a better place. Whether it means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects, of helping children to walk, read or see--the world should be a better place because we have passed through it.

5. Do you believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive?

Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we know that it gives each of us a good feeling, unlike any other, to help. Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after gratitude, we are more than rewarded by that feeling that comes with knowing that we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.

6. Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help when you need it?

Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although it is there too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.

7. Do you feel that there's something more to life than just Financial success?

Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany self-development, but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at building their lives and character just like a carpenter works at building a house.

8. Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country in which we live?

Masons believe that a country is strong so long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and it's ideals. He supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and maintain the principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.

9. Do you agree that a man should show compassion for others, that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values?

Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.

10. Do you believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life?

Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together - a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and promote unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons call this way of life believing in the brotherhood of man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry is called one of the Greatest forces for Good in the World.

If you answered "Yes" to these questions, you might consider becoming a Mason.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topic Moderator

WBro. Bryan: Yes, information about our craft belongs to all of us. Go ahead and use it how you so desire.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topic Moderator

WB Terry,
Thanks
Bryan

quote:

Originally posted by TerryTCT:
WBro. Bryan: Yes, information about our craft belongs to all of us. Go ahead and use it how you so desire.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topic Moderator