Official Visit Algonquin Lodge #434 – January 19, 2010
By R.W. Bro. Terry M. Hornibrook, DDGM

The Programmes of Grand Lodge

Brethren, how attractive is Masonry in our lodge? That is a question we each ask of our-selves from time to time. We usually pose this question when we are at a loss to explain why members don't show up for a practice or come to lodge meetings; when they don't attend functions or support some fund raising activity of the lodge. The reason given is often external. We may blame Grand Lodge for this deficiency. Each lodge and each member must take responsibility if this is a situation you face. Members must become proactive and endeavour to make their meetings and events more attractive.

What can be done internally to promote active and meaningful participation; to make our meetings more interesting and promote better attendance?

To start with we can take advantage of the many excellent publications and programmes developed by Grand Lodge. They have been developed for our use at the local level. We have many tried and tested initiatives at our disposal. Brother 2 Brother, Friend 2 Friend, the Mentors programme, Officer Progression, Protocol and Etiquette, Lodges of Instruction are just a few avenues available to us which aid us to attract, encourage and maintain members. The MasoniChiP programme provides us with a vehicle to promote our fraternity in a positive light to the public while at the same time protecting our most valuable resource. Lodge open houses and various social functions also serve to encourage participation by members. Today's members are no longer satisfied with doing it the old way. We must advance into the 21st century, to capture and most importantly sustain the interest of the younger generation.

It is very important for all of us to take the necessary steps to promote the craft in a positive light. Some lodges are doing better than others but we all can learn and strive to be better. Aren't we supposed to make a daily advancement to improve ourselves? Does this not also include improving the quality of our lodges and our meetings? If so how do we make it happen?

I challenge all to look inward and determine if there are ways you may help Masonry to become more relevant. How are your meetings? Is the ritual and degree work presented in the prescribed manner? Are practices well attended and is an honest effort put forward to improve? Is Masonic education presented on a regular basis? Does discussion follow? Is your fourth degree or banquet hour well attended or do most of the members go home right after lodge? Does your lodge hold social events for its members, families and friends? These are just a few questions you can ask yourself. I would hope that every member become retrospective to use your unique gifts and talent; make that effort to help Masonry become more relevant. The positive contribution of all is necessary. Help where you can, lead by example and support when you are able.

To this end Grand Lodge has many programmes designed to help us as well as dedicated brethren who are anxious to present the basics when approached. I will briefly highlight four programmes which when utilized aid in achieving our goals; they are Friend to Friend, the Mentor Programme, Brother to Brother and Officer Progression. The Friend to Friend programme is meant to be an introduction to Masonry for prospective initiates. There is a protocol developed through Grand Lodge, which borrows from some of the successful nights which have been held. In a nutshell a lodge has to determine that such an event might be warranted. A date is set and after discussion a list of potential candidates is drawn up. These people receive an invitation to attend an information night at the lodge. Presentations and discussions are made explaining the scope of Masonic work. Displays should be set up showing the excellent work done by Masons and their concurrent bodies. A social time would be held allowing for individual interaction. The goal of the event would be to dispel some of the fears men might have about our fraternity such as the myth of secrecy, being a religion or the fear of not being able to do memory work.

We must take the initiative to explore avenues new to our established customs.

The Mentor Programme is a format developed to assist candidates when embarking upon the Masonic experience. The first segment should go with examining committee when they investigate the suitability of the applicant. It also helps ease the wife's mind and answer questions which may arise from discussions. It may formulate queries and provide a more thorough discussion. The other segments are presented to the candidate after each of the three stages of his journey. They explain the Ritual he experienced, aid him in understanding what occurred and provide his sponsors and mentors with sign posts to cover and reinforce the significance of the work to that point. The programme is comprehensive and should encourage him to make that daily advancement in learning. Remember we only have one opportunity to make a first impression.

The Brother to Brother programme was developed to rekindle the enthusiasm and interest of brethren who have fallen by the wayside. When approached by members inquiring about their absence, many reasons are given. Regardless, it is paramount for our continuation that we impress upon them their importance and value to Masonry. We miss them and need their support. This programme is similar to the Friend to Friend. It suggests activities, which may bring them back. To determine if this would be worthwhile check your membership role. These brethren made important contributions in the past. The future is just as important.

The Officer Progression programme has been designed to provide valuable resource material to assist Lodge Officers move forward in a planned manner as they prepare themselves for the highest honour the Lodge can bestow upon one of its members. The growth and development of your personal leadership and managerial skills is one of the important benefits derived from taking an office in your lodge. There are many opportunities to improve. It may be as simple as observing and learning from the positive experiences you have noted. Reading, visiting and talking with Masons whom you would like to emulate promotes self-growth and confidence.

There are many Grand Lodge publications that deal directly with self development. Here are just a few: The Masonic Manual; Meeting the Challenge; Towards the Square. The Grand Lodge Library contains many sources only a click away. Be proactive, improve your leadership skills and thereby make a direct improvement in your Lodge. There are handouts available tonight on these topics. We have the Grand Lodges Resource team coming to our district on Friday March 26that Unity Lodge. The knowledgeable and dedicated men who participate and present these sessions have much to offer. I strongly recommend attendance by current and potential officers. This is an opportunity to improve personally and take steps necessary to insure our continuance for future generations.
We have to act.