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The focus of this article is to compare membership The decline in Montana’s membership trend, as shown
with legislation. Still, it’s crucial to assess previous in Figure 1, is similar to that of the U.S. Masonic
and current programs and plans to move in a direction Membership statistics provided by the Masonic Service
that promotes membership growth. Evaluate whether Association of North America.
previous actions, legislation, plans, and programs https://msana.com/services/u-s-membership-statistics
were beneficial for long-term growth and if more or a
different course of action is required.
Our current membership is around 3212, which includes
748 individuals who are 50-year-plus members. If the
current trend of decline continues on the same path by
year, membership in 2026 will be about 2498, and if not,
already it will be critical by 2028 with a projected trend
at about 1990 members, and by the year 2032, there
will be less than one thousand members. It’s apparent
that we need to make improvements and change is
needed now instead of later.
Masons of Montana
By Rob Morris, October 5, 1887
“Heaven’s Master Builder labored here of yore;
These rock-bound hills His handiwork display;
Deep in their caves He hid the golden ore,
And sealed with curious art the mystery,
Refreshing breezes from their snowy crests
Like His own spirit cheer the laboring breast.
Thus, oh ye builders of the present time,
Ǩ
To lift your banner unto heaven sublime,
To plant your lodges deep within the land;
And from them all to breathe the air of love,
That spirit emanating from above.
ǡ ǡ Ƥ Ǧ ǡ
Ǩ
Oh, may you have that skill profound, sincere,
Ǩ
May every lodge and heart be so inspired
That all my see in God’s work you are hired.
So, future ranks of Mason’s thronging here,
And gathering in this temple’s grand retreat,
Shall speak you praises many and many a year,
And their dead brethren tearfully shall greet,
What ample wages, craftsmen, for our toil,
When death itself shall yield corn, wine and oil.”
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Montana Freemason Page 23 April/May 2024 Volume 100 No.2
