Lodge Leaders 2009

At the end of 1957, the number of Masons in Nebraska reached its peak of 46,213. Since then, our numbers have dropped every year. At the end of 2007, membership stood at 13,993. The average loss each year since 1980 has hovered between 2-3 percent, and recently closer to 3 percent. With that rate of loss, here are our numbers by 10-year increments:

• 2017 – 10,300
• 2027 – 7,600
• 2037 – 5,600
• 2047 – 4,100
• 2057 – 3,000
• 2067 – 2,250
• 2077 – 1,650
• 2087 – 1,225

Long before 2087, this exercise became academic because our fraternity in Nebraska will be gone. I have previously stated that Freemasonry is a way of life. That will be gone before the last lodge closes its doors. Where in the list above will your lodge disappear? How much time remains for your lodge? Less than 10 years? 20? Or, only 30 years? These are important questions you must consider as you prepare for your year as Master, but the most pertinent question is, “When will your lodge reverse its trend of losses, or what will it do to ensure continued growth?” Help others in Nebraska by weighing in on what has worked for your lodge in recruiting and retaining members.

Our lodge faced a problem. The brothers giving the lectures were aging and no one was learning them. We needed to protect our long record of earning the annual proficiency certificate and ensure we could confer the degrees. Another brother and I devised a means to make it happen. We got the commitment of the lodge to prepare three brothers for each part. It was ambitious, but we made a good effort. Practices were held monthly. Brothers signed up to learn parts. Those who knew the parts showed up to work with the brothers learning them. We set up a system so that everyone who knew a part would rotate presenting it at degrees. We made significant progress, but eventually our effort lost steam. Nonetheless, our lodge was healthier ritual-wise. What have you done in your lodge to improve your ritual work?

My first office was Jr. Deacon. Just after installation, I was asked to perform my part for a School of Instruction. I hadn’t been around lodge for years, so I hadn’t seen the Work performed, and I thought all I had to do was my part for the opening and closing. “No problem,” I said to myself. But, there was a BIG problem. During the degree there came a rap on the door, and I didn’t know what to do or say. No one had taken me through the degree. Obviously, I should have gone through the cipher to see what other parts I had to perform. That was my fault. However, good communication on the part of my experienced brothers would have been appreciated. Instead, I was embarrassed as the Grand Custodian walked me through my part and fed me my lines. Communication is essential in our lodges, whether it’s learning a part or simply letting all members know about upcoming activities. If we don’t, then members become separated from your lodge, lose interest and leave. I’m a glutton for punishment, so I stayed with it and discovered the treasure that’s Freemasonry. What have you learned about effective communication in your lodge, business or personal life? What can we all learn from it?

You hear it over and over . . . “Our biggest problem is that we aren’t bringing in enough new members.” In “From the DGM,” I call this a myth. The real problem is keeping members, not bringing making them. In other words, if we can involve members in lodge, then we can stop the losses caused by suspensions. I contend that lodges must offer activities that interest members and entice them back to lodge. And, members who are excited about lodge will ask their friends to join. Also, activities that provide some exposure of your lodge in your community will attract men to join. What do you think? Has this been your lodge’s experience?

We hear from the “experts” that we shouldn’t read the minutes or Treasurer’s reports in our meetings in order to speed them along. Today’s men, we are told, don’t want to waste their time at Masonic meetings just listening to the minutes and paying bills. It takes something more to attract members to meetings, they say. There may be some truth to that since the attendance across the nation at Lodge meetings averages 10% of the total membership. Yep, Freemasonry, as it exists in most lodges today, isn’t your typical organization. But, how can we make our meetings more enticing to members? What’s not working now? How have you solved these problems in your lodge? Let everyone know your frustrations, your ideas and your triumphs to attract more members to lodge meetings. Be sure to look at some of the ideas in this month’s Planning Tools section. Your frustrations may have been solved by another lodge. Your solutions may help someone else. What do you think?

The latest edition of Ideas That Work was e-mailed Monday to the lodges. I hope you’re receiving it via e-mail or from your lodge’s e-mail contact. If not, let me know. The first article in the newsletter dealt with numerous ideas for family activities. I’m curious about what’s going on across the state regarding family activities in your lodge. Please respond with activities your lodge holds and provide details about what you do at them. Thanks. Your ideas may be helpful to others across the state.

A number of changes occurred at Annual Communication in conducting the meetings in order to shorten the time involved. Our meetings were ahead of schedule throughout Annual Communication as a result, which, in my opinion, made it more relaxing for everyone involved.  Grand Lodge committee reports were shortened as well, which saved even more time. How did you feel about Annual Communication? Did you like the format for the meetings? Should anything be changed from the way it was handled this year?

The old saying goes, “If you don’t have a plan, how will you know whether you have arrived?” During the year I was Master of my lodge, planning helped to keep me and the lodge on track. At installation, I handed out a calendar of events for the year. By placing my “promise” for a year filled with engaging activities in their hands, members were immediately interested. Attendance at lodge meetings averaged over 30 members. At the end of the year, we raised the most Masons since 1957. What experiences have you had that show the value of planning, whether it’s in your lodge, your job or elsewhere?

I invite you to leave comments about the entries on this blog for everyone’s growth, including my own. It’s easy to do. Just click below on the “xx Comments” link. After that, just log in and register, and pick a username and password. (Remember to keep them nearby so it’s available for future blogs.) Then, enter your comments and submit them. Use your first name, your lodge and office. Thanks for participating!

Make sure to send at least one person from your Lodge to this exciting event! This event will give you not only the tools to run a successful education program in your Lodge but will also provide you with several education programs that are ready to present.

Also on the program are presentations by two of the best minds in Masonic education today: S. Brent Morris and Ed Davis.

For more information go to: MidwestMasonicEducation.com