~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{The following is an excerpt from THE SHORT TALK BULLETIN, 2-87, The Masonic Service Association of the United States.  Given the Maryland Grand Lodge focus on building membership, this wisdom from more than 20 years ago may still be timely.}

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

(Thoughts on increasing Lodge Attendance)

by Jordan S. Levitan, P.M.
Norfolk Lodge No. 1

The intent of this paper is to show that substantial increases in attendance are possible provided the Master dares to be different. This does not imply the need to experiment with so called "up-to-date" methodology. On the contrary, it requires stimulating those members we already have as well as those who will be voluntarily attracted into our midst with pure and unimpaired Freemasonry.

We live in an achievement oriented society that views ambiguous programs with skepticism. Mediocrity no longer suffices. The call to the Master is the same today as it was when candidates petitioned in droves: to create an atmosphere for intellectual and spiritual growth so that the members know from experience they are missing something by not attending lodge.

Merely to suggest programs that others find helpful is only part of the answer. What may work for one lodge may not necessarily work for another. Symbolic Lodge Masonry cries out for an enlightened membership, responsive to the Master, who carefully lays his designs upon the trestleboard. The approach, therefore, includes preparing the members as well as the Master. There are no shortcuts.

THE CANDIDATE

Degree Work

Few candidates arrive totally prepared for the ordeal of initiation. Even fewer receive a kindly briefing in the preparation room. Whatever fears the candidate might have should be put to rest at the outset.

Initiation requires a sense of reverence. It should be impressed upon the candidate that he is about to enter a solemn and dignified ceremony. Degrees must then be performed with a like measure of dignity. Anything less raises doubts in the candidate's mind about the worth of the experience.

The best way of assuming that new members return is to not only confer the degrees, but to also make Masons. The symbolic Lodge … makes Masons at its own pace … we should always remember that a Master Mason cannot be made in three easy lessons. It takes time.

To the average candidate, the philosophical depth of the ritual is overwhelming. He hears a set of references that he has never heard before and phraseology he does not use in daily conversation. We then compound matters by delivering the lectures immediately upon conferring the degrees.

Clearly we have no reason to congratulate ourselves when a candidate rapidly memorizes the catechism and receives his dues card ... weeks after initiation. So, why not slow down the process. Dare to be different.

The Masonic Service Association is an invaluable source for information to complement the degrees. The candidate who receives good and wholesome instruction at a leisurely, informal pace away from the lodge room is likely to become an enthusiastic member who returns frequently.

There is an old Chinese proverb that if you are planning for one year, plant grain. lf you are planning for ten years, plant trees. If you are planning for a hundred years, plant men.

THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER

Preparation

Prior to setting his designs on the trestleboard, the future Master would do well to spend at least two years becoming a knowledgeable Freemason. This is not to suggest that he must become a Masonic scholar, only that he become familiar with the writings of learned brethren... The Grand Lodge library is an excellent source for material, as is the Masonic Service Association. There are, in addition, outstanding Masonic publications in the United States.

The Master who acquires a background in the history, philosophy, and symbolism of the Craft, understands the mission of Freemasonry. Lodge attendance will reflect the extent of his preparation.

Setting the Craft to Work

Setting the Craft to work implies more than initiating, passing, and raising candidates. It implies that the lodge is a dynamic rather than a static entity. The Master should encourage each member to take part in the activity suited to his character or abilities and to make sure there is an activity in which he can participate. Brethren involved in something they like to do value their membership and return frequently.

We cannot expect brethren to return to lodge week after week, month after month, if not given a specific responsibility. With nothing to do, sooner or later they tire of sitting on the brow of the hill and before we know it, stop attending altogether.

Programs

The composition and character of the lodge are determining factors in the selection of programs. Masonry teaches that men of every sect and opinion meet on the level. We aim for common objectives among men with dissimilar backgrounds. The Master who combines programs of Masonic interest with fellowship and establishes a continued line of communication with his lodge will sustain interest and induce attendance.

The distinguished Masonic scholar, Most Worshipful Conrad Hahn, observed ". . . the lack of educational work in the average lodge is the principal reason for the lack of interest and the consequent poor attendance in Masonry over which spokesmen have been ringing their hands for at least a Century. "

The Meeting

Some lodges guard against lengthy meetings by convening two stated meetings by each month - the first to conduct lodge business and the second for a program. The educational meeting is for enlightenment and fellowship. Lodge business is not discussed. Ample time should be allowed for those present to ask questions and make comments. Meetings of this type usually last one hour and often the discussion continues in the dining room at refreshment. A well balanced program of Masonic education includes films, video tapes, and slide presentations, some of which are available through MSA or the Grand Lodge.

CONCLUSION

Good attendance is the natural result of stimulated interest. Stimulated interest is the natural result of preparation, planning and execution.

First, the Candidate must be prepared to receive the benefits of Freemasonry.

Second, the Master must be prepared to execute a year by planning intelligently, communicating effectively, and conducting meetings with dispatch, dignity, and diligence.

Continuity among line officers is required to sustain an increase in attendance. Nothing kills momentum quicker than the failure to follow an up-tempo year with another up-tempo year. Regenerated enthusiasm becomes contagious. Word spreads about the enjoyment of returning to lodge. Increased attendance feeds on itself. And Freemasonry's light burns brighter because the Master dared to be different.

                               ===============

{The full article can be found at:

http://www.claytonwright.com/masonic_pages/Shared/Short%20Talk%20Bulletins/stb_1/2-87%20DARE%20TO%20BE%20DIFFERENT.html }