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Post by Midlander on Jul 4, 2006 16:53:22 GMT
Browsing through the latest copy of Freemasonry Today, I was intrigued to find not one, but two Lodges in the small ads' section advertising for members.
What do forumites think - good idea to boost membership or not? Would members of the public be inclined to apply if perchance they happened upon a copy of FMT - I know I would have been tempted if I was looking to join and did not know any sponsors. I wonder if those Lodges would be happy with this?
Is it a good way to go - or not??
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Post by billmcelligott on Jul 4, 2006 17:16:15 GMT
Bad Idea , not seen it work elsewhere.
Mainly because it smacks of desperation.
I do however think that provincial Grand Lodges can do a lot more to assist Lodges having number problems.
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giovanni
Member
odi profanum vulgus, et arceo
Posts: 2,627
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Post by giovanni on Jul 4, 2006 17:51:38 GMT
No, it does not work.
Lodges are living entities: those that are not able to renew themselves shall die.
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Post by atarnaris on Jul 4, 2006 18:32:29 GMT
People need to surrender their gigantic egos and amalgamate for God's sake...
Ego is the way to destruction...
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Post by lewfinnis on Jul 4, 2006 19:42:05 GMT
When I lived in Germany (25 years ago!) one of the GL/BFG Lodges used to advertise in the local Forces newspaper, ostensibly to let brethren posted to the garrison know of its existence. It got lots of candidates through this as well, though I don't know how permanent they became as masons once they'd been posted elsewhere. I suspect a high dropout rate, given the number of exclusions for non-payment that my GL/BFG lodge has had this year
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Post by taylorsman on Jul 4, 2006 19:47:48 GMT
I saw these adverts too and know one of the Lodges in question as one of its PMs used to visit my London Lodge as a P.I.G.
It's a difficult one this. London Lodges in particular are feeling the pinch with rising costs, competition from other calls on people's time and the change in the work / life balance towards longer hours for many these days. Although I was not then "On the Square" 30 years ago it was then a given that one ceased work at 1.00pm on a Friday and could then slope off to the pub or whatever as long as the work had been done. Not now when Managements want at the very least every minute they pay a worker for and even some more unpaid if they can get away with it! A Lodge which meets on a Friday at 5.30pm may be of little use to many who would otherwise attend.
Some will look on such an advert as a sign of desperation yet in Scotland one can see in many local newspapers as a regular feature every week an advert of all the Lodge , RA Chapter, OES etc Meetings in the area advising of the Work to be done, the time and the Secretary's contact details so that Masons who wish to can attend.
Maybe we need to get back to basics. Increasingly these days UGLE Lodges are carrying a very large overhead in admin costs and other expenses. A move perhaps to a cheaper Masonic Centre , or even a hotel which will rent the meeting room for a peppercorn as long as a minimum number of diners (and drinkers) can be supplied for the Festive Board thereafter, or stay at their current venue then have a pub meal or a buffet afterwards. I recently attended a Masonic Meeting (one of the Higher Degrees I am in) where those who wished went for a nice meal in a local pub after the Meeting, and I greatly enjoyed this.
There is also the problem of start times and a simpler meal would allow the Meeting to take place at a more realistic 6.00pm or even 6.30pm and still get away no later than 10.00pm.
If a Lodge is in difficult straits owing to falling membership perhaps UGLE/ Provinces could offer some "Relief" by defering payment of Capitation Levies until they are back on their feet, after all Creditors will do this as a debt moratorium for a business in difficulties as part of a recovery plan. However, as an Ordinary Brother is excluded for two years arrears of subs then I somehow do not see this happening.
It is very sad when a Lodge, especially one which has been going for over 100 years, is foundering and may even fold. I would myself attend one of them but a Friday evening as with most weekdays is near impossible for me given my working shifts.
I wish these two Lodges and their Brethren all the best and hope they can boost their attendance and membership. Perhaps as has been suggested they should consider amalgamation, or at least the occasional joint meetings to reduce expenses as both meet four times a year , one at FMH the other at Clerkenwell.
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Post by atarnaris on Jul 4, 2006 21:54:11 GMT
Bro Taylorsman,
You have once more analysed the reasons very well.
The GM and their Grand Parade need to wake up and smell the roses (or the coffee)...
Last measure they took that I remember was that they halved joining costs if a candidate is young enough.
They don't get it do they?
Every young member that might consider joining will ask...
What's in it for me?
So what is in it for young Masons?
The glory? There is no royalty involved anymore. Elitism? Freemasonry is too open to be elite. Better join the golf club. Morality? They can find this in their local church. Self knowledge. plenty of NLP courses around. Allegory and symbols? They can visit the local bookstore or open an Internet Explorer. The mysteries? See above... Brotherhood? How, with 3 meetings a year in London? Help in needy times? With expulsion in 2 years if you are in arrears?
Is it that difficult to get it?
People need to change their attitudes.
When a Brother becomes a Brother in every true sense of the word, then people will join Freemasonry again.
Unfortunately a human being has ego. And the ego and its fullfillment dictates its actions.
I will not tell you what a Brother is supposed to do for a Bro, or how he is supposed to react in everyday life.
That is the real and only problem of modern Freemasonry.
Regarding the rest they can hire as many PR managers they wish for. At the moment Freemasonry is riding on their past glories and it won't be long until people realise what their up to. And then, even if they join they will quit in due time.
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ruffashlar
Member
Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
Posts: 2,184
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Post by ruffashlar on Jul 4, 2006 22:38:07 GMT
wake up and smell the roses
I think the expression you're grasping for is wake up and smell what they're shovelling. ;D It's very descriptive, I think you'll agree.
I believe that one of the things working in Freemasonry's disfavour is precisely that a lot of people have decided to smell the roses themselves. By that I mean, work a bit less and enjoy a bit more. People still work hard, but they then party hard, too. They want to spend their freetime with their friends and family. They drink a lot more, but it's spent socialising in mixed groups, not segregated by sex. Nobody wants to waste a whole evening suited up and kowtowing to old farts, when they could spend the same time going out and meeting women.
I mean, when they put it like that, they do have a point.
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Post by maat on Jul 4, 2006 22:44:19 GMT
Best advert for Freemasonry would be a selection of pictures of war zones, famine, domestic violence etc etc.... with the caption
Want to do something about this?
Trouble is that whilst this is what Freemasonry is all about - there are too few Freemasons actually doing it!
Maat
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Post by atarnaris on Jul 4, 2006 23:13:13 GMT
wake up and smell the roses I think the expression you're grasping for is wake up and smell what they're shovelling. ;D It's very descriptive, I think you'll agree. I believe that one of the things working in Freemasonry's disfavour is precisely that a lot of people have decided to smell the roses themselves. By that I mean, work a bit less and enjoy a bit more. People still work hard, but they then party hard, too. They want to spend their freetime with their friends and family. They drink a lot more, but it's spent socialising in mixed groups, not segregated by sex. Nobody wants to waste a whole evening suited up and kowtowing to old farts, when they could spend the same time going out and meeting women. I mean, when they put it like that, they do have a point. I agree Ruff, (?!!!) that as well... What I (am trying to) suggest is that if the profits and benefits of membership outweighted the dues (money, time etc) people would run to join... But do they ? That's what the Grand people need to sit and think about if they wish (do they?) to solve this mystery. Now, someone might come up and say: "Well, if they seek more than self knowledge they should NOT become Masons. It's not about the quantity but the quality!" Fine... then people should not be surprised if we shrink in the coming years (and I am referring to UGLE and London in particular). Are people not aware that today there are a zillion of organizations offering self knowledge (and more effectively to my opinion) to seekers.
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Post by atarnaris on Jul 4, 2006 23:20:02 GMT
Best advert for Freemasonry would be a selection of pictures of war zones, famine, domestic violence etc etc.... with the caption Want to do something about this? Trouble is that whilst this is what Freemasonry is all about - there are too few Freemasons actually doing it! Maat Maat, What can a Freemason do about these? Donate a quid (oops) in the alms round? Are you aware about the size of charity money other organizations gather (e.g. Oxfam etc etc)? My personal opinion. Charity should be for the Brethren ONLY. And that is my very personal one. And that does not exclude helping my neighbour or friend, because I do this all the time, every day. And I did it before I became a Mason as well. Now, once you made sure that every Brother has had its due, then you move to the outside world. I do not wish to repeat personal painful stories of 3 years ago (some already know them ) in open forum...
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Post by Mikepm on Jul 4, 2006 23:22:40 GMT
Just an idea, what about a data base of Freemasons that like to visit, and would be willing to visit other lodge and give support, untill that lodge can get back up on it's feet. There are some great comments on here, but we can and do offer more to attract candiates but it's always the same people that put in the effort, whilst others sit back.
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Post by atarnaris on Jul 4, 2006 23:32:13 GMT
Bro Mike,
Great suggestion but a temporary measure I am afraid. It's like giving aspirin to brain cancer. Does not work long term.
In simple terms, even though I understand now a little bit of the British ethos and that goes against it, my simple suggestion is:
If you want your tribe to survive, you take care of your own tribe first!!!
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Post by mrmason on Jul 4, 2006 23:33:47 GMT
Andrew, You are correct in what you say. In Scotland the minimum initiation fee is £180, and the minimum test fee is £25 per year both set by GLoS. However each lodge can set their own fees as long as it the minimum. My own lodge is £180 to join and £28 per year for members and £16 per year for senior citizens. The reason is that the capitation fee paid to GLoS is £16 per member per year. This means that we look after our older brethren, while they in turn also give to the collections which go to local organisations and charities. We very rarely give to big charities as that is done by GLoS. We take our members from the local community therefore we give back to it. We are not a rich lodge by any means but we make sure that we have our own heads above the water before dishing out cash. We in Scotland as Taylorman has said, advertise our meetings and what degree is going to be worked, but we don't advertise for candidates. I personaly don't have any problem with a lodge advertising brethren to visit or affiliate in a masonic mag, but it can leave the gates open to who may have a more sinister intention. My own opinion for what it's worth is that too many warrants have been issued. Failing lodges should be made to join together where possible in order to survive. Although we in Scotland do have the "Reponing" system which can see defunct lodges restarted, if local brethren can enhance the membership.
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Post by maat on Jul 5, 2006 0:15:31 GMT
Best advert for Freemasonry would be a selection of pictures of war zones, famine, domestic violence etc etc.... with the caption Want to do something about this? Trouble is that whilst this is what Freemasonry is all about - there are too few Freemasons actually doing it! Maat Maat, What can a Freemason do about these? War Zones? Look for a local war zone.... the neighbourhood dispute at street or council level... discuss and lobby as a group on win/win outcomes. Look for a national war zone (usually political)... and write letters, send emails, discuss with friends and enthuse them to do the same - being most careful of course to not play party politics but again seek for the win/win situations. Famine? There is ALWAYS someone who falls through the cracks. Old folk, with no voice, often fall into this category. The big organisations do great work for those that are bought to their attention.... help bring someone who needs it to the attention of those that help... or help them yourself. Just one. Grow your own veg? Share some with that person/s who you think may be finding it a bit hard to get by... tell them you have too much and they would be helping you out, saving you the problem of it rotting away. Domestic violence? Now that's a hard one and is often best left to the professionals... but the professionals need to know about it. You may save a life just by bringing it to an appropriate person's attention. On the other hand if it is someone you know - maybe you could be a mentor to the antagonist. Violence is often the offshoot of frustrations of some sort, someone mentally unable to cope with their situation... you may just be able to guide them a little in the right direction. Etc, Etc. (Also don't underestimate the power for directing positive thoughts/prayer to those situations.) Your Freemasonry may prompt you to become a volunteer in an organisation that provides group help in specific situations. There is ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN DO if we just look for it. Maat
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Post by maat on Jul 5, 2006 0:29:59 GMT
My personal opinion. Charity should be for the Brethren ONLY. And that is my very personal one. And that does not exclude helping my neighbour or friend, because I do this all the time, every day. And I did it before I became a Mason as well. Now, once you made sure that every Brother has had its due, then you move to the outside world. In my Masonic philosophy it is the Spirit who orders the Soul to close that particular life of the Body after it has had its due. This, in eastern philosophy is what they call karma. What you sow, you reap. If a man live by the sword, he shall die by the sword. To those who have (AND USE IT), even more will be given, but those that keep what they have to themselves will find that they lose the little they had. (my take on the Talents/Bushell story). When the ledger is balanced - the book is closed... until the next lodge meeting(life). Maat
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Post by wayseer on Jul 5, 2006 0:54:18 GMT
I find myself in agreement with the sentiments expressed here.
While I am rather cautious of 'returning' to the past I am also alarmed at some of the directions in which much of FM seems to be heading. If FM is to become 'popularised' then it can offer nothing more than what is already being offered by any number of organisations.
I think we have to seriously look at what it is that makes FM unique - what is it that's different to the rest which is on offer.
Personally, I fail to see how a male only entity will continue to exist in the global village. And again, personally, the male only domain is rather boorish. OK, I know that this particular view is not popular and I could be charged with - well go away and join a colodge. But I think the various GLs do not do FM any favours at the moment - more concerned with their own ego enforcing tendencies and are clutching at straws - anything to stay afloat.
Yes - and this 'charaties' thing is wearing thin. Charity starts at home and there are Ms who could be helped a bit along the way - lowering fees would be a start.
I live in a dulled sense of hope that things might change but with a deep reservation that they probably won't - which is sad for many a reason - there is too many egos and too much money floating around and too much at stake for a relative few for change to happen in any constructive way that might be conducive to the Craft. I hoping I'm proved wrong though.
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Post by hollandr on Jul 5, 2006 1:01:40 GMT
>Personally, I fail to see how a male only entity will continue to exist in the global village. And again, personally, the male only domain is rather boorish.
Wayseer
There may be some parallels with the tradition of squatters' rights in Australia. The first to arrive claimed everything in sight and enforced that claim as best they could.
I wonder if something similar happened with Masonry in London.
If so, making the claim is not the same as demonstrating the moral right.
Cheers
Russell
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Post by taylorsman on Jul 5, 2006 3:52:09 GMT
Bro Andrew, I can agree with what you say. We should copy the Masons of olden times and help our Brother Masons who are in need, there are plenty of well known vehicles for external Charity for whatever cause or human problem attracts one's sympathy. If I wish to help the Blind I will donate to RNIB, those with Dementia and their carers, the Alzheimers Society, those with mental probelms , MIND, etc.
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giovanni
Member
odi profanum vulgus, et arceo
Posts: 2,627
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Post by giovanni on Jul 5, 2006 5:57:41 GMT
Just an idea, what about a data base of Freemasons that like to visit, and would be willing to visit other lodge and give support, untill that lodge can get back up on it's feet. There are some great comments on here, but we can and do offer more to attract candiates but it's always the same people that put in the effort, whilst others sit back. A brilliant idea, Mike, in Italy is quite common to do so. For instance, when there is an initiation ceremony, or an interesting paper. Regarding money raising, I concur with Atarnaris. In ancient times we took care of our owns, widows and orphans. We are of course free to donate to anybody else, but this is NOT the core business of the Craft.
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