Page 21 - April May 2024 MFM.indd

We will refrain from analyzing past resolutions’ When it came to the buildings of our ancient Craft
specifics or any proposed legislation’s merits. The topic Masons, every stone and every beam represented
of electioneering serves as an illustration. We see in the character and skill; in the highest type of architecture,
proceedings that the first time the topic of electioneering no part of the building was without purpose in the
was addressed and recorded occurred in 1935 when the
following standing resolutions were adopted: Article
XXXVII-Prohibiting Soliciting of Petitioners and Article
XXXVIII-Prohibiting Electioneering for Office. In 1935,
there were 18,321 members in 146 Lodges.
The next occurrence regarding electioneering occurred
63 years later, in 1998, with Proposed Resolution 98-
14. In 1998, we had 9,515 members in 104 Lodges. The
topic of electioneering returns almost as often as the
issue of per capita. The discussion of electioneering
continues in different ways, but to what end? Consider
that in 2024, we will have around 3,212 members in
77 lodges (or less), and more lodges will likely feel the legislation for its existence. Lodges or Grand Lodge
need to present proposed legislation on the topic. The
analysis applies to other proposed resolution topics and
would be remarkably similar to the presented example.
We, as Masons, are taught to follow the Code and
Constitution, the general rules, laws, and regulations
of Freemasonry, and the Ancient Constitutions, which
are the basis of our organization. By looking back at our
membership gains and losses and including a review of
past proposed legislation, both Passed and Failed, you
might ask if it contributed positively to the growth of a
Lodge or Grand Lodge.
External events are indeed a factor in declining
membership. It is also possible that internal factors
could cause the continual decline of membership.
Factors that could contribute include communication,
leadership and management, dissatisfaction, and
apathy. Over time, overcoming these is achievable but
will require much effort.
The traditions and lessons of Freemasonry are meant to
have a profound effect on its members. The teachings
and symbolism provide valuable lessons. Individually,
the goal is to make oneself better. The purpose and
responsibility of a Lodge is to make Masons. The
proposed legislation should improve lodge conditions;
instead, it should aim to stabilize and increase
membership. Most of you will recall MW Bro. Jack
Levitt and his cautionary statement- “The standards
you set are the standards you get.”
How well have we done if we consider our 67 years of ever-
decreasing membership to gauge the success of making
Masons? Have the proposed resolutions prevented
membership loss? Did they help gain members or
improve our lodges? The loss of membership and how
it was handled has caused unintended consequences.
Is our Masonic edifice slowly being dismantled, tenet
by tenet, resolution by resolution, and brick by brick?
We must carefully consider any action taken to alter our
constitution and code of statutes and employ efficient
methods of increasing membership.
Montana Freemason
completed whole. In its earliest days, the objective was
to expand membership and establish a lasting Masonic
structure.
Frequently, the desire to propose legislation stems
from a difference of opinion that brings attention to a
topic, and suddenly, there is an overwhelming desire
to create legislation to address it, regardless of the
actual need or consequences. We ought to place more
emphasis on Worshipful Masters and Grand Masters to
provide good and wholesome instructions to the Craft.
Our history shows that Masonry is not dependent on
should be able to exist without legislating minor details
in the procedure and the life and conduct of members
and those who seek to unite the fraternity. Lodges have
the right to propose legislation, but they must consider
membership and growth now more than ever.
Hiram’s Burden of Time
by: John A. Rose
Two-Hundred Years The Old Clock Ticked
And Never Missed A Day
Never Missed A Moment’s Time
It Toiled Without Pay
Hiram’s Task For Fifty Years
From Father Passed To Son
To Hoist The Weight Which Made It Chime
The Burden Made It Run
Hiram’s Time And Strength Near Gone
His Son Became Possessor
To Pull The Weight And Guard The Clock
‘Til Another’s Named Successor
Hiram’s Son - To Show His Love
Unchained The Ancient Weight
To Give The Clock Rest Well - Deserved
Having Worked Since Ancient Date
“Why Did You That?” The Old One Cried
“Neither I Nor Clock Can Thrive”
“You’ve Removed The Very Thing
That Assured We Would Survive”
“I’ll Put It Back” The Young One Said
“And Pray That You Will Thrive
Now I Know It Was The Weight
That Kept You Both Alive”
“Gone The Weight Since Ancient Date”
These Words The Last He Cried’
No Burden Now To Keep Each Whole
The Clock and Hiram Died
Page 21 April/May 2024 Volume 100 No.2