DDGM Messages for 2003-2004

Since the first dawn of humankind, man has been pre occupied with the future. Whether it was where his next meal was coming from, where to find shelter, or what enemies might be at hand, the future has been a constant concern. Although we may not share the same worries as our early counterparts, the future still captures and holds our attention. So it is within the fraternity of Freemasonry. In recent years, the future of our gentle craft has become a pressing issue. It cannot be denied that the last five decades have shown a gradual, but steady decline in the number of Masons worldwide. As an example, within our own jurisdiction of Ontario, only twenty-five years ago, there were 111,000 brethren on the roll of Grand Lodge. Today, there are just over 59,000. We have seen lodges close down, others merge, and Temple buildings sold because of the unbearable financial burden. We are experiencing a double edged sword in that, as less young men join, and those that are joining remain in lodge for a shorter time, the average age of our remaining membership continues to creep up, making the craft even less attractive to the younger generations.

Many opinions have been put forth as to why this is happening. Some argue that after World War Two, the craft experienced unprecedented growth, as men were seeking to replace the fellowship of their fighting brethren. This decline in membership then, is a natural progression towards more realistic numbers. Others point to changes in society, with increased workloads, and more demands on our time from several areas. Whatever the reasons, simple calculation tells us that, in another twenty-five years, at the current pace, Masonry will virtually cease to exist in this province.

The question then becomes how to reverse this trend. A look at the most successful lodges within our jurisdiction, and even our own district, in terms of growth, show a common theme of three basic principles. Almost without exception, these lodges are active within the community, are active in visitation with other lodges, and are active in communicating with the established brethren of their own lodge. When examined, it makes perfect sense why this is a successful formula. Community involvement gives us a vehicle for attracting new members. Visitation with other lodges provides vitality and meaning, and prevents our newer members from becoming stagnant. And communication with our established brethren lets them know they are a valuable and much needed part of our fraternity. It is quite clear the public is not lining up to join our fraternity at the present time. But I am convinced that, if we as Masons extend ourselves beyond the walls of our lodges, and can educate the public about the good works that we do, we will have men seek us out. There are a huge number of quality, productive young men in society that know nothing of our order, through no fault of their own. It is not unreasonable to assume that a young man would not to be a part of an organization that gives to charitable causes throughout North America, 1.75 million dollars. That is precisely the amount that Masonry and its concordant bodies give out, not on an annual basis, not on a monthly basis, not even on a weekly basis. That is the amount given daily across North America. It is time we let the public know the fantastic work being done by our fraternity. Or, to follow the motto of our Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Donald H. Mumby, to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.” Many lodges within our district take part in various community activities, such as blood donor clinics, Remembrance Day services, food drives, etc., including the brethren of Ozias Lodge and they are to be commended for their actions. However, it seems that we are confining our exposure to a limited segment of society in these ventures, for only those who give blood or take part in a Remembrance Day service are aware of our actions. Along with these most worthwhile endeavors, I would suggest looking for additional avenues such as hosting a night for the leaders of other organizations within the community, such as the Lions Club president, the Oddfellows, the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, etc. Carefully choose a good speaker, and convey to them what we are about. Our Grand Lodge is full of men who will speak on your behalf, if none can be found within the lodge. The same invitation can be made to the ministers of the various churches in your area. You might sponsor a minor sports team, with your lodge name of the back of the sweaters. Be sure to take a visible role in any parade or festival your center might take part in. Appointing a member, as the public relations chairman of your lodge whose function is to make sure that local media is aware of our undertakings is also important. These are but a few examples of literally hundreds of ways to raise the visibility of masonry in your area. Look at your own center, and decide where to best direct your resources. Every bit as important as acquiring new members is retaining them and that is where the Friend to Friend, Mentors, and Brother to Brother programs of Grand Lodge are invaluable. Every lodge that uses these agendas reports excellent results, with lasting benefits. These three programs help to retain new members, renew older ones, and revitalize those who no longer attend.

In summary brethren, it was John F. Kennedy who said that almost all of the problems we face are man made. And, because they are man made, man can also solve them. We now have at our disposal, all of the tools needed to reverse the adverse trends of the past. They simply need the vision, desire and impetus to put them in motion. I don’t believe there is a man among us who has not derived some benefit from being a member of our craft. To use the analogy of balloting on a candidate, we now have a choice to make-we can either continue down the path we are presently on, towards a slow, painful demise, or resurrect and breathe some life into the fraternity that has done so much for us and the world.

Brethren, look well to your ballot.

Sources-Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry (Internet Web site)