Page 25 - MFM Nov Dec 2021

other than Lodge night, but don't burden the ladies' When you have identified and determined issues,
cooking and cleaning. Men can find their way to the it is time to move on to possible resolutions. In some
kitchen just as well. cases, an issue might only have one reasonable action.
If the Lodge's roof leaks or the furnace needs to be
Schedule family activities for members, their family, replaced, then the action needed is pretty simple. If
and friends. Have a picnic, go to a park or lake for the the Lodge doesn't have the finances to correct the
day, attend a sporting event as a group, or schedule issue, then that becomes another issue. For most
a lady's night to go out and eat as a group. Plan concerns, you will find that there may be a long list
visitations to other Lodges and hold events together of possible actions that can be taken. Your Lodge Plan
or with other appendant Masonic organizations. will constantly be evolving with not only new issues
The Indiana Masonic Home (aka. Compass Park) has to address but also possible actions or resolutions.
residents who have "adopted" the nearby college's Traveling and visiting other Lodges is a great way to
girls' basketball team. The residents attend the home gather thoughts and ideas. Observation and open
games, wear the school's shirts and caps, cheer at the discussion with other Masons can give you a "fast
games, and act as surrogate grandparents inviting track" on how they addressed or resolved a common
the girls for an occasional home-cooked meal. What's issue or problem.
great, it fulfills everyone's need and reflects well on
Masonry. YOU CANNOT LOOK IN A NEW

Make your presence locally known. Businesses DIRECTION BY LOOKING HARDER IN
spend countless dollars branding their name and THE SAME DIRECTION.
products in an effort to be recognized and build - EDWARD DEBONO
brand loyalty. Masonry needs to do that same thing
so that your Lodge and your presence is well known. Short-term and long-term planning. Once you have
Make sure your building is well-identified for others your first (or second or third) plan put together, put it
to see. Make arrangements so that your members can to use. A good plan looks five years into the future and
purchase marked Masonic shirts, jackets, and caps. includes a variety of short-term issues as well as long-
Encourage your members to buy Masonic license term. Your plan should not only grow the health of
plates or to identify their vehicles with decals or stick- your Lodge, it should also challenge your membership
on Masonic emblems. Participate in local parades and to improve your Lodge overall. A challenge within
activities. my own small country Lodge was to be able to do

Don't overlook Masonic Education. When we each all our degree work within our membership. An
took our Masonic obligations, we were asked "what outgrowth of this was to create a written matrix of
do you most desire," and our prompted answer was all ritual parts and members who have, or are willing,
"more light in Masonry." Too often, we forget that to perform that role. Another outgrowth of a good
the search for light is ongoing. In fact, it is a lifelong plan is to establish written instructions for various
pursuit. Today with the internet, sources for Masonic Lodge activities. Included are "how to" directions for
education are readily available. Start with your Grand planning fundraisers, special events, and infrequent
Lodge and see what type of programs are available. ceremonies not included in your Grand Lodge Ritual
Search the internet since most other Grand Lodges or Monitor.
and appendant organizations will be more than glad
to provide you with educational tracts or booklets Write It Down. Once you have a plan, put it in written
at minimal cost. Make sure that education is a part form. Your five-year plan isn't simply an activity to do
of every stated meeting. It is a great way to teach and then set aside. To be beneficial it has to be visible,
Masonry to your new members and re-educate your frequently amended, and updated. Make sure that all
more seasoned members. members receive a copy either electronically or in
printed form. It should be a planning tool to guide
So how do we get there? While some preparatory and direct the officers of the Lodge and committees
work can be done in a small group, it is best to get as and individuals.
many members as possible to participate, be involved,
and "brainstorm." This evaluation process needs to To grow your Lodge, you need to be creative. To
be face to face in a group setting, bouncing thoughts do that, you need to think creatively. The viability of
and ideas off each other. While the objective is to Masonry has never changed, but the society around
get input from everyone, a moderator needs to be us has. The principles and ethics of Masonry are
assigned and tasked with keeping the discussion on needed now more than ever. It is up to you to make
track and civil. Establish ground rules for discussion sure that we fulfill that purpose.
up front – make it positive and don't belittle anyone
for their thoughts or ideas.
Montana Freemason Page 25 Nov/Dec Volume 97 No.5