From
November-December 2004
When
a Lodge Is Lost
Mark C. Watson, 32°
In today’s fast-paced world, it seems that many times
in the Lodge we are met inaction and indifference. All too
often we make Masons, raising them to the Sublime Degree
of Master Mason, but never seeing them darken the doors of
the Lodge again. Why? The answer is simple: Leadership.
We are coming to a time in our Lodges when Officers cannot
open or close a Lodge without error. Also, even when it is
agreed that Lodges of Instruction are to be held, few, if
any, show up to the practice. It is extremely poor leadership
for the Officers (elected or appointed) not to be there and
do their duty. What is even more disconcerting is that individuals
who accept these positions and cannot fulfill their obligations
often refuse to step down and so allow more capable Brothers
to step up and fill the void.
The Officers of the Lodge must have regularly scheduled
meetings to keep the Lodge on track, and they must strictly
monitor
their areas of responsibility. This is the only way a Lodge
can become again a force in the community. What is the point
of showing up once per month, reading the minutes, conducting
the business, arguing a few minor points, drinking some coffee,
and then going home? THIS IS NOT MASONRY.
We are here to learn. Masonry is here for us to improve
ourselves and our communities every day. We truly should
be “at
labor” in our Lodges. Committees should be active,
there should always be something going on with them, they
should (if they are doing their jobs) have something to report.
Indifference is killing our Lodges. Many Brothers come
to Lodge only to sit on the sidelines, never volunteering
to
do anything and always having something
negative to say. They pretty much just take up space. What is Masonry to them?
Masonically they don’t really know anything of the Craft’s philosophy
or history. Certainly, they may know the ritual, though only because they have
sat through it hundreds of times. But they cannot tell you what it means, other
than the base explanation that is given in the monitor and in the lecture. I
know many Brothers like this, and they continually stonewall the progress of
their Lodges.
Now with all of this said, it takes many different types
to make the Lodge work. The following mix is optimal:
1. Officers who will meet and actually do work outside
of the Stated Meeting. These Officers need to understand
that the Blue Lodge is their priority for
their term. The same can be said for other Masonic Bodies. If elected in
the Scottish
Rite to an office, for instance, then it is that Officer’s priority
for the year. There is such thing as having too many irons in the fire! You
can do
25 poorly or one thing well.
2. Regarding Brothers that are made Masons and never show
up again but still pay their dues, we would like to see them,
but we need the financial backing.
If they don’t want to come to Lodge, that is their right. Keep in
touch with them and try to interest them, but do not criticize them for
their nonparticipation.
3. Brothers that show up and have a particular skill should
be involved in work related to their expertise. Whether he
is a computer genius to
manage
the database
for the Secretary or a financial planner to help the Treasurer with the
finance committee, every Brother can contribute in some significant way.
It is important
for him to realize his place in the Lodge. If you are a ritualist, you
do have a say about the finances, but make your point heard and then
let the
more financially
adept Brother or Brothers handle the Lodge’s business transactions.
For instance, my area is research and education. I can teach Brothers
and enlightening
them, but when it comes to being Secretary and handling the day-to-day
business of the Lodge, I know my talent is not there. We must let the
able Brother do
the work he is best able to do. In short, know your place in the Lodge
and utilize your talents to ensure the success of the Lodge.
If you are going to be an active part of our beloved and
honored Fraternity, contribute something of yourself, do
something
everyday to improve yourself
in Masonry,
and try to live those lessons that are taught in the Lodge. We have
enough adversity in the world without bringing it through
the door of the Lodge.
Our Lodge is
our sanctuary, and we ought to treat it and each other with high reverence
and proper respect. We should be messengers and examples to the Brethren
and
to the rest
of the world. There is no room in our ranks for dissention and disrespect.
We must always meet on the level and part upon the square. Masons look
to our Lodge
Officers for leadership, direction, guidance, and support though a
kind action and friendly word. Don’t just be in a chair.
Lead from that chair. Men have an instinctive desire to be
led, and they will follow a good leader!
Mark C. Watson, 32°
is currently serving
as a Captain in the United States Army. He and his wife,
the former Lynn Tarbell of Andersonville,
Tennessee, have three children. Bro. Mark is an ordained minister, Senior
Deacon of Mountain Star Lodge #197, Sevierville, Tennessee,
and a member of the Scottish
Rite Valley of Knoxville. Contact: innovativesolutions32@hotmail.com
