In Wisconsin we have the "Traveler's degree" aka the "Rusty Nail".As one of the lodge ambassadors, I've been calling some of our "rusty brothers" to let them know we miss them and try to find out why they are not coming. The highest number of responses is that they can't come because they have had to take on additional work to make ends meet. The second most common answer I got was illness either in the brother or a close family member he needs to take care of. Next was embarrassment at not remembering the words, grips, signs and tokens. There were a couple who are fighting in Afghanistan. Not one said an appendent body was taking up all their time.
Granted, 20 phone calls is not a big sample.
The brothers who have forgotten the signs, grips, etc. are the easiest to deal with. The Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts has a new program called "Master Builder" that is specifically for the rusty brother. The program reintroduces all the required knowledge and give the man a set of goals to accomplish for which he gets a pin, certificate and dinner with the Grand Master.
Illness is handled by offering the lodge's and my personal assistance. I make sure the men fighting in Afghanistan are remembered in our prayers. If the man is working two jobs or his work takes him far from the lodge, there's not a lot to be done except thank him for his continued support of the lodge.
My lodge, district and jurisdiction is growing. We don't do one-day classes any more other than some very special circumstances, like military deployments. We do reach out to the community but good men must still join of their own free will and accord.
True, but I think a fuller house would be nicer, more inspiring for newly initiated Brothers, and other things.If those few Brothers are true friends, what does it matter?
That is a very good question which is most unfortunately rarely ever investigated fully.4. as mentioned in other threads, what are members looking for that we are not providing?
It makes a good impression, yes.True, but I think a fuller house would be nicer, more inspiring for newly initiated Brothers, and other things.
First impressions are the most important onesIt makes a good impression, yes.
I like the ones that make fun of Presidents.....:1-wink-grin:First impressions are the most important ones
You mean like a packed house at a theater? I don't think it's wise to judge by appearances. Ask Master Yoda...True, but I think a fuller house would be nicer, more inspiring for newly initiated Brothers, and other things.
Well that's a whole different story! Wow...Not saying packed, but more than 3 to 5 on the side.
I went to an EA degree last night, it was 2 lodges combining to initiate 4 members. out of 2 Lodges other than officers and me(visiting) there was 3 other members......out of TWO Lodges
I have been screaming this for years brothers .Well that's a whole different story! Wow...
It's curious that for an EA or FC degree there generally is also a fairly sparse turn out in my district. Albeit not as small as you described. Now, for a MM degree, they come out of the wood work!
To me, It would seem appropriate to have the same turn out as the MM at every degree. Especially an EA degree.
YES ! I was told by a friend that I need extra gavels because I use it constantly and LOUDLY .And sometimes you just need to smack them with the gavel from the East.:1-say-yes:
Or just really BIG one!YES ! I was told by a friend that I need extra gavels because I use it constantly and LOUDLY .
That thing reminds me of the Sledge-o-matic! We use one of those for our traveling gavel in my district.Or just really BIG one!
http://americanmasons.com/gavelchair.jpg