The work of the Lodge




As I have posted before there is a Lodge I am looking to become a member of. I went through all the requirements for membership, and there are a few. It is not just submitting a petition, and you have an investigating committee meeting. So, I was all geared up for the “ordeal of the Ballot”.  Well, on Wednesday I got a phone call from the Master wanting to know if I would be ok if we postponed the vote. Disappointed? Sure, I was. But two things came to my mind.  The first, You are the Master of the Lodge. That vote is at your will and pleasure. If you want to put it off till the next meeting, your call, Boss.  The second thing that came to mind was what “we” were told at the entrance of the Temple door. Wait with patience. So, I will wait.  By the way, I am not worried about that vote one way or the other.  It will fall to the “will of the Lodge” and that is always a perfect vote. 

But one of the things that really impressed me about this Lodge, as many things do, honestly.  I was handed a copy (hard and soft copy) of the Lodge By-Laws  and the Lodges “Memorandum of Understanding”.  These documents basically spell out two things.  The first is how the Lodge is to be governed. The second it explains the “culture” of the Lodge and what is expected from its members.

Let me give a couple of examples.

They meet once a month twelve times a year. The Lodge does not have a lot of members compared to other Lodges, and for good reason. But the Master sends a “summons” 10 days before the meeting reminding there is a meeting, and you are expected to be there.  If you can’t, and it happens, let him know within five days. Or as soon as you know you cant make it. Life does happen. The point being they want active members who are going to participate in the happenings of the Lodge. They want their members to be invested.

Another point Id like to mention on the document. If you are at odds with a Brother, leave it at the tylers station. Do not bring “disharmony” into the Temple Room. At all, Period. If you need help working out your issues the Lodge will do their best to assist. But it stays outside with the rest of our mundane, junk.

The copy of the “Memorandum of Understanding” I had to sign and will be kept on file. It is saying I as made aware of the Lodge, how they work and practice their craft.

I have never done this before with any other Lodge, or Masonic Body I have been a member of. Truthfully, I love it.  It takes the guess work out of things. You know right where you stand, how to do things correctly and no be a “chuckle head”.  You would think that would not be a problem, but there are times.  Not only does it hold the new Brother accountable, but it also holds the Lodge accountable.  This is what we all agreed to, and we all signed it.

What else does it do? It helps support the “Excellent Masonic Experience” for any and all members. Because there is no second guessing anything. It is just grabbing your apron and lets get to the “work of the Lodge”.

So, does your Lodge do anything like this for Friends that are looking to be Brothers, or Brothers wanting to be a part of your Lodge? I know it works well for this lodge as numbers are low and its easier to implement. What about Lodges with larger numbers, could something like this help keep Brothers more active.  Or draw members that really want to be there? How important is it to sit down with a potential member and go over the bylaws and what is expected, so they know what they are signing up for?

 

I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly. 


 

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