Page 12 - Jan Feb 2022 Mag. Base.indd

YOUR NEXT MASON

Chuck Clampitt
Mt Etna Lodge 333
Huntington, Indiana

An ongoing concern in Masonry is a decline in Use Masonry in your conversation – One of the things
membership. Just like the old saying made famous by that I try to do when I am talking to someone I know
Mark Twain in one of his lectures, “Everybody complains is to ask “What is going on your world.” It is a great
about the weather, but nobody does anything about conversation starter giving both of us a chance to share
it.” While we might realize that our Lodge or Masonry, and catch up on things that are important. Usually, the
in general, has a membership problem, we often don’t other person will then ask the same question in return. My
create a plan to address the issue. response includes something about Masonry, such as an
upcoming Lodge activity, a visitation, or a special event.
Several years ago, I was sent to a week-long seminar Since I am an active Mason, I usually have something
on sales for General Electric. The instructor was bright, to share. My purpose isn’t to hand the other person a
experienced, and engaging and made the class well petition but instead to let them know how much I enjoy
worthwhile. The one story I distinctly remember went Masonry and some of the things available to do.
like this. GE recruited him after completing a degree
in electrical engineering and then was sent to a very Advertise your membership – We are all movable
good training program in sales of electric motors. His billboards when it comes to being Masons. Masonic
first sales call was to a privately owned manufacturing license plates, decals, and bumper “badges” give
company whose owner had always been a very good GE visibility locally. Wear a Masonic ring, cap, shirt, or jacket
motor buyer. and proudly show you are a Mason. Make these things
available for your members to purchase through your
On the day of the call, the young salesman arrived on Lodge and encourage their participation. We would all
time and was warmly welcomed by the company owner. rather receive a window decal in our next mailing instead
After a brief familiarity chat, the salesman went into his of a dues statement.
sales pitch. GE made great electric motors that were
not only reliable but also competitively priced. In fact, a Create opportunities to open your Lodge – Take the
new energy efficient model would pay for itself in three mystery out of Masonry by opening your Lodge building
and half years. When the salesman pitch was over, the to others. Scheduling community activities such as
customer sat behind his desk and didn’t seem to show Halloween and Valentine parties, lady’s night out, or
any enthusiasm. After an uncomfortable moment, the movie nights are examples of ways to invite friends
salesman drifted back to conversing about the local and family to your Lodge. Take the time to show them
college football team, the weather, etc. Finally, the your Lodge room and share with them what Masonry is
owner said, “I am not going to buy any of your motors.” all about. A Lodge in Florida has a monthly steak night
The salesman was taken aback. The owner then said, before its stated meeting. A great meal of grilled steak,
“Do you want to know why?”. The salesman nodded. baked potato, salad, and dessert costs $10 and is open to
“Because you never asked me.” friends and family. The dinner is well received, meeting
attendance has increased, and the ladies are invited
Hopefully, there is a lesson to be learned from that along with the local DeMolay Chapter.
story. The days of a generation or two ago when a man
asked about Masonry, are for the most part over. Yes, Have an “Elevator Speech” in mind – Although it is not
from time to time that does occur, usually by someone a new concept, an elevator speech is a short response to
who has or had family members who were Masons. the occasional question you get “What is Masonry?” The
Unfortunately, as Masonic membership has declined, thought is that you have about one minute to respond. If
the visibility of Masonry has declined, and our exemplary the best you can come up with is that we hold a business
members have declined as well. meeting once a month and to pay the bills, then maybe
you need to rethink your answer. Mine is just one word,
While there are no “silver bullets” that will reverse fraternity. Then I define what I mean by that. “A group of
membership trends in your Lodge, there are things that like-minded men who enjoy the opportunity of spending
can be done to help. time together.” Hopefully, that generates an interest for
further conversation.

Montana Freemason Page 12 Jan/Feb 2022 Volume 98 No.1