Richard D. Mason, 32°
965 Lakewood Drive, Sunnyvale, California 94089-2044
training@dogskool.com

Our Masonic vision and work today will determine the future
of our Craft tomorrow.

Why are Lodges consolidating with one another and why isn't Freemasonry growing? Undoubtedly, there are many underlying factors that force a Lodge to close and consolidate with others, but probably the most significant reason is the lack of active participation by Lodge officers. Without men who are willing to work and learn these duties, a Masonic Body cannot operate.

We all expect the other person to do the job, and capable Brethren have many reasons why they do not join the line of officers-no time, other commitments, too much Masonic work to learn, etc. When we deny the Fraternity our participation, we chip away at its foundation. And, when the foundation finally crumbles, it is easier to demolish the building and find another rather than to rebuild and reinforce the weak one.

So, what is at the root of our problem? Is it within the leadership or within the membership? Every man who gets raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason has the ability to become the Master of his Lodge. We have all proven our proficiency in the memory work, and we all have the ability to learn what is required to become Master. Perhaps we cannot do this overnight or even in one year. But the structure of the progressive line allows gradual learning. An officer's gradually increasing duties are comparable to the proficiencies we learned when we advanced in our Degree work.

As you advance, each station allows for a little more memory each year. As you attend Lodge and participate in its rituals, the work is repeated over and over. The more you hear it, the more you realize that it really doesn't change. Soon, it's like your favorite song; you know exactly what the next line will be.

So what is holding us back? Our goals and dreams.

When I joined the Lodge, I had a dream to become Master. I knew I would not achieve this overnight, so I set my goals one step at a time. To accomplish dreams, we must set our goals at attainable levels. Each week leads to each month, which leads to each year. You attain your goal one step at a time. There are always obstacles, which could deter you from accomplishing your dream, but commitment will overcome any challenge. Some dreams, however, require the help of others.

I have accomplished my dream of becoming Master with the help of others who offered encouragement and support. If it were not for the assistance of others, I would have abandoned my dream years ago. If I had, I would have wondered, in the back of my mind, if I could ever have accomplished that dream. Dreams do come true when you commit to them.

Stop dreaming? No. We must keep dreams alive if Freemasonry is to flourish. It is easy to look back and see that Freemasonry gives us much to be proud of, but what of the future? The future begins now. Our dream now determines what will happen in the future.

I dream that there is a waiting list to join the line of officers and that all of those waiting to accept the challenge are enthusiastically participating in our activities.

I envision each helping in ways that prove we are members of a great Fraternity. I know this impression will spread throughout the community and demonstrate to non-Masons the greatness of this organization.

I see a waiting list of new applicants with the burning desire to become Masons and who want to learn to build that enthusiasm into their lives.

I dream that there are so many eager members that we need to build more Lodges to fulfill the need for more leaders.

I foresee a Lodge in every city and town and every member participating to his fullest ability.

I dream that Freemasonry will grow beyond what we can now imagine, that Freemasonry will produce leaders in Lodges, communities, and countries throughout the world.

Freemasonry is a global organization. If we are to keep it that way, we must dream, set our goals one week at a time, and commit to them.

Some dreams need the assistance of others. Get involved. Dream, and work to make those dreams come true!

Richard Donald Mason was born in Great Falls, Montana, in 1960. He received his Masonic Degrees in Burlingame Lodge No. 400, Burlingame, California, and served as Master of his Lodge in 1992.