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Summary leaders at the helm of what should be one the most
Whither Are We Drifting seaworthy crafts of state, such as this Grand Lodge.
A Historical & Statistical Look at Membership Here is the fi rst course correction that is needed.

We need a course correction, and we will start with Many of our Lodges have been at their individual
just a short review, but remember this is not a plan or crisis point for some time, and no magic program has
program instead just as a suggestion of how a course helped, and no new members have parachuted in. We
correction can start. It is no longer of why or how we must stop doing the things that have been proven time
got to this point but can we fi nd our way back. We as after time and year after year don't work. In reviewing
Masons and Lodge members and Offi cers and Grand past issues of the Montana Masonic News from the
Lodge Offi cers need to realize that we are at the crisis 1920s forward, and I was amazed at the number of
point. times some Committee or new Grand Master would
present an idea a new program or plan that will make
"Beware, however, of imagining that the future can every Lodge better, stronger faster and have more
be realized without eff ort and sacrifi ce or by merely members. Or a borrowed program, plan or concept
meditating upon the glories of the past. The future can from another jurisdiction that all met the same fate,
be yours if you give yourselves vigorously to the work they simply did not and do not work. On this subject,
of the future." I agree with Brother and Dr. Jim Curtis when he said:
S. H. Middleton, Grand Master of Alberta "Brothers we don't need your fancy plans we need you
to help our Lodges." Indeed we do need to help our
A course correction is not limited to boating, the Lodges, and anything that is done should be where the
idea of adapting to failure, overcoming unexpected rubber hits the road, and whatever we do should be
obstacles and plotting a new course for your for the betterment of the Mason in his Lodge. This is
organizations, strategy or approach as an integral part another correction to our course.
of its operation. There is more than one way to arrive
at where you want to go, but sometimes you need to Another course correction that is needed - Smaller
adapt your strategy and plot a new course because districts probably no more than 6 or 7 Lodges or as
of changes in conditions around you. Sometimes its close that number as is possible. The District Offi cer
not possible to steer the ideal course it may take an is the fi rst line of assistance from Grand Lodge. They
honest assessment allow for deviation and variation need to be in constant contact with the assigned Lodges
and any leeway and chart a new heading. Much like participating, helping and assisting in all aspect of the
a maritime organization might do by investigating Lodge.
and evaluating or measurement and holding offi cers
and members accountable, provide the right resources Another course correction - For the majority of
and apply training, embrace technology, and actually our history in Montana, we have had tried and true
learning from mistakes applying the best practices. professionals, businessmen, attorneys, doctors and
And hopefully, we as Masons and Grand Lodge can artisans and those who owned and operated successful
make the essential course corrections and keep us farms and ranches, Brothers who were well trained
sustainable and viable. Or else end up with someone successful leaders. In recent years and even now we
asking "Whose Boat is This Boat." have many Lodge and Grand Lodge Offi cers who state
that they did not receive any training and they don't
It often seems that Masonry has had those in know what to do. Too many offi cers do not understand
positions of leadership who would lead by the premise the basics of business some are afraid of seen as
that "if wishing could make things happen, then we failing. We need to fi ll leadership positions with those
would have all the members we want." who have more training and business experience. For
our fi rst 90 years or so our Grand Lodge Line Offi cers
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
If turnips were watches, I'd wear one by my side. were able leaders, but like other areas of decline, we
have work to do here as well. Being a Grand Lodge
If "if's" and "and's" were pots and pans, Offi cer should not be a training ground, we need those
There'd be no work for tinkers' hands.
who can hit the ground running.
Not long ago a Grand Master said: "If it's not broke,
don't fi x it." The problem is he was not minding the Another possible course correction - There are
helm enough to know it is broke. If he was being some in this Grand Lodge who believe that we need
responsible and in command of the vessel (Grand to have some form of nominations for the offi ce of
Lodge) he would have known that a mid-course Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary. However, this
correction was needed. We need trained, disciplined thinking is fl awed and does not take into consideration
Page 16 Montana Freemason January 2019