Dues and fees questions

iMav

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As some of you may know, I will be receiving my EA degree tomorrow (monday). I'm very excited and glad to be finally joining this fine fraternity.

I've read several threads (on many Masonic forums) about the financial hardships of lodges across the US...due a lot to, I guess, dwindling membership. I was shocked to find out how low my initiation fees, and degree fees are (as well as the annual dues). I'm talking ridiculously low (IMHO).

I have to say I was a bit shocked.
 
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Gary

Guest
Some Lodges have low dues either because they have a large membership, or because the brethren vote down dues increases.

My Lodge dues are average for the area I'm told. They had doubled them just prior to my initiation. I feel that they are fair and affordable for me though.

I think that increasing the dues is a double edged sword. While an increase in the rate can help support the Lodge, it may also serve to run off brothers who can't afford it or don't want to pay it. Not to mention the possibility of deterring the would be candidate.
 

iMav

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Is it inappropriate to discuss actual amounts here? I'd be curious to know how different areas stack up.

Or, maybe, an annoymous poll would be interesting.
 
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Gary

Guest
To be honest, I don't know if it's an issue or not, considering the fact that anyone can call a Lodge and ask what their dues are and get an answer.

I would think that a poll probably would better. It allows some form of anonymity
if those answering the poll so choose.

I'll admit, you've got me curious now...LOL
 
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Gary

Guest
Now, We'll see if it's appropriate or not...LOL

I personally don't see an issue with it. If the other Mods disagree, it will obviously be pulled.

So far, your poll is getting quite a few views, so obviously curiosity is afoot.
 

Windrider

Plus-sized tuxedo model
My Lodge depends on dues for the basics and a couple of fund raisers for Scholarships and such. Of course, we are looking at a $100,000 bill for roof work....
 

BG_TRBL

Watcher of the posts
There shouldn't be an issue discussing dues and fee's. Every lodge can dictate their own dues, however each lodge is responsible for paying a fee to the grand lodge for every member of their lodge. Our dues went up 2 years ago to $68 dollars, 28 of which goes directly to the grand lodge for their coffers.
 

cemab4y

Member
Lodge dues vary, depending on the location of the lodge and other factors. An old lodge in rural Kentucky, that is not carrying a mortgage on their building, will have low dues. A new, modern lodge, in a major city, with a mortgage, and higher overhead costs, will have to charge higher dues.

My lodge charges only $65 per year, which includes local dues, and Grand Lodge assessments as well. This is a bargain, and our dues have not kept up with inflation.

Our dues are able to cover the operating costs of the building: insurance, utilities, etc. If we have an unforseen expenditure: new carpet, new roof, water heater breaks down and needs replacment, we will have a fund-raiser.

We have other affiliated groups, which use our building (York Rite, Eastern Star,etc). Each of these tenants pays rent to use the facility. We do not charge a rent to the youth groups.
 
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