"Freemasonry Why Men Join and Why Men Leave?"
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren, Ladies and guests Good Evening.
The title of tonight’s talk is “Freemasonry Why Men Join and Why Men Leave?”
I want to tell you a story about two Masons. Two men join the lodge because their friend recently becomes a Freemason. They both concentrate hard on their memory work and make it a little competition to see who could finish first. They both receive their Master Mason degree and soon they receive officer appointments in the lodge. Both Brethren excel in their ritual and their Masonic skills but as the years pass by one of the Brothers falls by the wayside. He attends fewer and fewer meetings. He doesn’t attend degree work when he agreed to come. He soon finds himself out of the officer line and soon thereafter we don’t see him at all. He doesn’t answer our calls, and he doesn’t respond to our mail.
His Brother progresses and finds himself one day elected to the office of Worshipful Master, where one of his first duties is to sign the paperwork that his Brother has been dropped from the roles for non-payment of dues.
Does this story sound familiar to some of you? It is familiar to me. You see I’m the one who made it to Master. I’m the one who is still here. How did we fail to help my Brother or was he doomed from the very start?
At one time both of us had the fire within us that made us both want to be Freemasons. What was it that made one of us succeed and one of us fall away? Did somebody say something? Did somebody not say something? Were we not diligent at our portals and allow someone into our fold that wasn’t ready to be a Mason? Or worse yet should this person never have been admitted into our Fraternity in the first place?
All valid questions wouldn’t you agree?
With all the free publicity the Fraternity has received in the last few years many men have knocked on our doors and many men have gained entry. In our rush for membership have we neglected the basics? It is true some have become viable productive members of our Masonic Family and included their own families in our many appendant and affiliate organizations. Still there are those that join and we never see them again.
The other day I was talking with a younger member of my home lodge and asked him what his member number was on his dues card so to compare to my own. The numbers were almost a hundred digits apart. Mine was issued in 1998 and his some years later. I thought about that a long time and wondered if I could remember all the faces that were represented by those one hundred digits. Some of those faces are in this room tonight, but where are all those other guys?
In August 2005 a survey of the Brethren that had joined Wasatch Lodge in recent years and found out some very important information. Most men joined the lodge because they had a friend already in the lodge.
That was the very reason I had joined.
A fellow that is 18 joins for a different reason than a man of 25. Just as the man of 40 joins for a different reason than a man of 65.
Men in general join our Fraternity to be part of something, they join because they want to work and be busy and they want to have a sense of pride and feel special in their membership a feeling they just don’t receive in the outside world.
For some it’s the friendships for some it’s the philosophies and for some it the charitable endeavors. What we do know is that the experience of the “elusive male bonding” is different for every man and because of that we the established membership should practice caution. Not every body is here for the same reason that you are.
The night I joined the fraternity it was told to me, “you get out of Freemasonry what you put into it”.
Never were truer words spoken. It is often said that in order to appreciate something one must work for it. That is why I think some folks don’t make the cut and some do.
I guess what I’m trying to say here is that we as a Fraternity beat ourselves up pretty bad when we lose someone. We try justify it with the fact that our system is broken or maybe we could have done something more. Is there any real answer? Are these things simply out of our control?
The other important thing the survey pointed out was that at the six to seven year marks some men’s interest begin to wane. Maybe their friends move on or they concentrate their efforts in the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shrine or outside of the Fraternity.
The truth of the matter is that the fraternity is not a static thing and it ebbs and flows like the tide with gains and losses. And the Fraternity still remains. We should be happy with our positive growth and not so hung up on how big we need to be.
Freemasonry has a different experience for everybody and maybe that’s why some men join and some men leave.
Thanks for listening and have a good evening.
03 November 2010
12 October 2010
History
We learn from our History. Pick up the "First 100 Years of Utah Freemasonry". All of this happened before and all of this will happen again. The Time is Now....
That's all,
JL PM
That's all,
JL PM
02 October 2010
Masonic Entitlement not mine but a great post....
by Tim Bryce,
PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
“A foot soldier for Freemasonry”
A common lament in our society today is that our youth have developed a sense of entitlement whereby they believe they are entitled to a cell phone, a computer, an education, a car, or whatever. For some reason, they believe they have a God-given right to such things as opposed to working and earning them. I also see evidence of this in Masonic Lodges where some young officers believe that by simply attending Lodge and wearing a tux, they are entitled to the next chair in the officer rotation. On too many occasions, in too many Lodges, I have seen such officers skate through their responsibilities and accomplish nothing. They still do not know their ritual work, they still do not capably perform the responsibilities that accompany the office, yet they feel entitled to move up in the Lodge. Actually, such people are capitalizing on those Lodges struggling for membership and participation. The mindset tends to be, “If they don’t like what I’m doing, then fine, I’ll leave and they won’t have anybody sitting in a chair.” This is extortion no matter how you try to rationalize it. If this approach is successful, incompetence is rewarded.
I don’t buy such a scenario and have never voted along such lines. I vote for the person I believe is the most competent to hold the office, not the least, and I’m beginning to believe I’m an anomaly in this regards.
In my jurisdiction, there is no real prerequisite for becoming a Worshipful Master other than being a Master Mason in good standing. You do not need to pass any tests, earn any proficiency cards, attend any training, or know any ritual. Heck, you don’t even have to have earned your white leather apron. I have seen quite a few people who have rotated to the East without such qualifications; they just happened to be warm available bodies who can sit in a chair. As an aside, I have never met a person with such a background who was successful as a Worshipful Master. The Lodge simply muddled through his year and stagnated.
It is my understanding that in California, there are “District Inspectors” who review the capabilities of the Lodge officers. If they can pass the muster, they can proceed to the next chair if so elected. The point is, before they proceed to the next chair, they must be properly trained and understand their responsibilities. To me, this is forward thinking.
There is an unwritten rule that a Worshipful Master should prepare his junior officers for moving up if they are so inclined. This is why I think Masonic Education is so important, including the development of administrative and management skills. Unfortunately, today’s Worshipful Masters are facing resistance from the junior officers because of the entitlement issue. Frankly, I see Masonic entitlement becoming worse before it gets better. If people are unwilling to step up to the plate and assume responsibility, or are unwilling to put their best foot forward, maybe its time to think about closing the Lodge and moving on to one who has its act together.
All we can ask from our Lodge officers is one thing; that they at least TRY. I can assure you they won’t be 100% successful. Undoubtedly they will make mistakes along the way, but you’ll be surprised what can be accomplished simply by trying.
Just TRY!
Keep the Faith!
PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
“A foot soldier for Freemasonry”
A common lament in our society today is that our youth have developed a sense of entitlement whereby they believe they are entitled to a cell phone, a computer, an education, a car, or whatever. For some reason, they believe they have a God-given right to such things as opposed to working and earning them. I also see evidence of this in Masonic Lodges where some young officers believe that by simply attending Lodge and wearing a tux, they are entitled to the next chair in the officer rotation. On too many occasions, in too many Lodges, I have seen such officers skate through their responsibilities and accomplish nothing. They still do not know their ritual work, they still do not capably perform the responsibilities that accompany the office, yet they feel entitled to move up in the Lodge. Actually, such people are capitalizing on those Lodges struggling for membership and participation. The mindset tends to be, “If they don’t like what I’m doing, then fine, I’ll leave and they won’t have anybody sitting in a chair.” This is extortion no matter how you try to rationalize it. If this approach is successful, incompetence is rewarded.
I don’t buy such a scenario and have never voted along such lines. I vote for the person I believe is the most competent to hold the office, not the least, and I’m beginning to believe I’m an anomaly in this regards.
In my jurisdiction, there is no real prerequisite for becoming a Worshipful Master other than being a Master Mason in good standing. You do not need to pass any tests, earn any proficiency cards, attend any training, or know any ritual. Heck, you don’t even have to have earned your white leather apron. I have seen quite a few people who have rotated to the East without such qualifications; they just happened to be warm available bodies who can sit in a chair. As an aside, I have never met a person with such a background who was successful as a Worshipful Master. The Lodge simply muddled through his year and stagnated.
It is my understanding that in California, there are “District Inspectors” who review the capabilities of the Lodge officers. If they can pass the muster, they can proceed to the next chair if so elected. The point is, before they proceed to the next chair, they must be properly trained and understand their responsibilities. To me, this is forward thinking.
There is an unwritten rule that a Worshipful Master should prepare his junior officers for moving up if they are so inclined. This is why I think Masonic Education is so important, including the development of administrative and management skills. Unfortunately, today’s Worshipful Masters are facing resistance from the junior officers because of the entitlement issue. Frankly, I see Masonic entitlement becoming worse before it gets better. If people are unwilling to step up to the plate and assume responsibility, or are unwilling to put their best foot forward, maybe its time to think about closing the Lodge and moving on to one who has its act together.
All we can ask from our Lodge officers is one thing; that they at least TRY. I can assure you they won’t be 100% successful. Undoubtedly they will make mistakes along the way, but you’ll be surprised what can be accomplished simply by trying.
Just TRY!
Keep the Faith!
17 August 2010
Committees, committees and committees
Grand Master work can be tedious but it's all good.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.3
26 April 2010
The Master Mason Charge...Hmm?
In my capacity as a Grand Lodge officer I was asked to read the Master Mason Charge in Progress Lodge for their new candidate of the Sublime degree. The words echo in my ears....
My Brother: Your zeal for our institution, the progress you have made in our mysteries, and your steady conformity to our useful regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for this peculiar mark of our favor.
Duty and honor now alike bind you to be faithful to every trust, to support the dignity of your character on all occasions, and strenuously to enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience to the tenets of Freemasonry.
Exemplary conduct on your part will convince the world that merit is the just title to our privileges, and that on you our favors have not been undeservedly bestowed. In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the irregularities of your less informed brethren; to fortify their minds with resolution against the snares of the insiduous, and to guard them against every allurement to vicious practices.
To preserve unsullied the reputation of the Fraternity, ought to be your constant care; and, therefore, it becomes your province to caution the inexperienced against a breach of fidelity.
To your inferiors in rank or office you are to recommend obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are zealously to inculcate; and by the regularity of your own conduct, endeavor to remove every aspersion against this venerable institution.
Our Ancient Landmarks you are carefully to preserve, and not suffer them, on any pretense, to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from our established customs.
Your honor and reputation are alike concerned in supporting, with dignity, the character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist, whom you have this evening represented.
Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and worthy of the confidence we have reposed in you.
It's good to read such things and remind yourself and others of such things.
I'm glad they asked me.
That's all.
S&F,
JL PM
My Brother: Your zeal for our institution, the progress you have made in our mysteries, and your steady conformity to our useful regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for this peculiar mark of our favor.
Duty and honor now alike bind you to be faithful to every trust, to support the dignity of your character on all occasions, and strenuously to enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience to the tenets of Freemasonry.
Exemplary conduct on your part will convince the world that merit is the just title to our privileges, and that on you our favors have not been undeservedly bestowed. In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the irregularities of your less informed brethren; to fortify their minds with resolution against the snares of the insiduous, and to guard them against every allurement to vicious practices.
To preserve unsullied the reputation of the Fraternity, ought to be your constant care; and, therefore, it becomes your province to caution the inexperienced against a breach of fidelity.
To your inferiors in rank or office you are to recommend obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are zealously to inculcate; and by the regularity of your own conduct, endeavor to remove every aspersion against this venerable institution.
Our Ancient Landmarks you are carefully to preserve, and not suffer them, on any pretense, to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from our established customs.
Your honor and reputation are alike concerned in supporting, with dignity, the character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist, whom you have this evening represented.
Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and worthy of the confidence we have reposed in you.
It's good to read such things and remind yourself and others of such things.
I'm glad they asked me.
That's all.
S&F,
JL PM
14 April 2010
26 February 2010
Wow I made it on Chris Hodapp's Freemasons for Dummies Blog..
Freemasons for Dummies
Honestly though I love Chris and his "reality look" on Freemasonry...
Chris you da man...
That's all.
JL DGM
Honestly though I love Chris and his "reality look" on Freemasonry...
Chris you da man...
That's all.
JL DGM
22 February 2010
George Washington's birthday...
Today is George Washington's birthday. He our first President the rock that held against the storm in the American Revolution. The Man the Freemason. Today I had the opportunity to attend the George Washington Masonic Memorial annual meeting as part of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America. Today it really hit me. I am priveledged to have been elected by my Brethren as Deputy Grand Master and represent my Grand Lodge in DC at this conference. I was able to speak, make friends, break bread and celebrate Freemasonry. Today was my first visit to the Memorial and it is awesome. Today more so than ever I realize the honor I feel to represent Utah. Today was truly humbling and I wish I had the words to share it with my Utah Brethren. Today Brethren, today..Freemasonry more so than ever has been reafirmed in my mind as something great that brings men of different faiths, ethnicity and country together under one Brotherhood. All I can say is Wow.. I uploaded some of my photos from my iPhone to my Facebook page please take a look at some of the great things inside not to mention the gavel and trowel used by George Washington in dedicating the nations Capitol. Also I posed with my friend and Brother the Author Chris Hodapp.
That's all for now.
JL DGM
PS I do know and recognize I wrote a post call "George Washington is dead, deal with it"....
That's all for now.
JL DGM
PS I do know and recognize I wrote a post call "George Washington is dead, deal with it"....
20 February 2010
First Day in DC for the GM's Conference...
So each year there is a Masonic conference held in a moving location being held in Alexandria, VA this year. The conference is known as Conference of Grand Masters of North America. Grand Lodges are sovereign of each other but since the 1950's this conference has been meeting to keep all the recognized GL's of North America on the same page. Grand Masters Conference of North America 2010 I have had the opportunity to attend 2 previous conferences one in Tenn and one in CA. I was asked to speak at the conference in 2006 about community involvement of lodges and the younger Masons perspective. Last year I attended as an elected Grand Lodge officer of Utah and also this year as Deputy Grand Master.
Today was a free day and Kelli and I ran all over DC.
We started our day at the Capitol Building then down the Mall to the GW Monument where the tickets were unfortunately sold out. Better luck in the next couple of days. We hit the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and Korean War Memorial. After that we jumped the very convenient Metro and scooted out to Arlington Cemetery. We had about an hour but saw the Tomb of the unknown and the JFK plot. Was really a good day. We ended with Frank and Carol Baker over at Bailey's Pub and grill..
Long day but fun.
Meetings start tomorrow...
That's all.
JL DGM
Today was a free day and Kelli and I ran all over DC.
We started our day at the Capitol Building then down the Mall to the GW Monument where the tickets were unfortunately sold out. Better luck in the next couple of days. We hit the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and Korean War Memorial. After that we jumped the very convenient Metro and scooted out to Arlington Cemetery. We had about an hour but saw the Tomb of the unknown and the JFK plot. Was really a good day. We ended with Frank and Carol Baker over at Bailey's Pub and grill..
Long day but fun.
Meetings start tomorrow...
That's all.
JL DGM
17 February 2010
I'm the Bear...
A Past Master of my lodge died recently and he was one of the Bears in the Yellowstone bus owned by my local Shrine Temple. Tonight I carry on the tradition of Milt and have become the Bear....
Hear me roar....
ROAR!!!!!!!
That's all...
S&F,
JL PM
25 January 2010
Bigfoot hunting...
So we are narrowing down where we are going for our hike. There are just as many sightings in Utah as there are in the North West. Yesterday we went scouting at Coldwater Canyon. The snow is probably 15ft high so Spring will probably be the time.
That's all.
JL
That's all.
JL
So Communication is this week...
Communication is the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of Utah. Some of it I must admit is full of tedium but I have to say I enjoy it. Communication is a time to renew friendships with those that you really only have the chance to talk to via Facebook or email during the year because of distance. The tedium is there because we have to be governed by some rules. We cannot all be "snow white" and expect men to get a long. Doesn't work and we all know it. The drawn out bits aren't really that long. I liken intros and such to welcoming someone to your home. If you like to play the host it's great. Wouldn't you offer someone a drink when they come by or have a meal or be really happy to see them? After all that's why you invited them over. That's what communication is to me. In this formal and informal setting I have the opportunity to see most of my Brethren that are other wise spread about the state and we all get to be together. That's fun for me. It's not about kissing butt it's about being nice and friendly to your guests. I reckon that's the social bit in me.
That's all.
JL RWSGW
That's all.
JL RWSGW
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