Being a Mason was once a Great Cause weather your Lodage did something in the Community or in Schools, Help to a Fellow Brother during trouble Times or giving to a Brother when his Family are in need. Somewhere this is lost, and I have asked Grand Lodge/and my Lodge for Help, but No help can be given. It seems to me were just a number in Michigan’s Grand Lodge since the decline. Were Not a Number we’re Mason’s and we the ppl should help when others Brother our in Need.My Degree work was something like this(Aid and assist all P D MM ), but we don’t follow it...and if you know what I am saying then I am not alone.

Hello Brother

We understand your thoughts here. We have seen difficult times for Masons—and in fact all fraternal orders—over the last number of years.

Thankfully, we are now seeing this turn around. The young men I am seeing joining today have resurrected my faith in Freemasonry and Masons themselves.

Our question to men in our public service TV and Radio spots—“Is there greatness in you?” seems to have resonated. In Massachusetts, Lodges are stepping up work in the community, and the quality of our ritual is now just amazing. And while we are raising new members in near record numbers, it is the quality and enthusiasm of these new masons—and the number getting in line—sthat eems very different to me than it was even just a few years ago.

We have had many requests to share some of the reasons for our successes in Massachusetts with other other states’ Grand Lodges. That’s one of the reasons for this Site. Ans we are working on putting together some turn-key ways to help any Lodge move forward toward the future.

We have also heard a Past Grand Master from your state discussing how we can all be better Masons. So I think we’ve turned the corner. If you’re Lodge hasn’t, let us know how we can help. An infux of new vibrant young Masons will make all the difference, I guarantee it.

Bob Heruska
Boston

An addendum to my last post.

I just noticed in your Bio that you were a new Mason—congratulations!

I am assuming by your post that you are talking about your Lodge—or Lodges near you.

If that is the case, remember that you are tne very reason Masonry is beginning to thrive again around the world. Sounds like you have already taken an active role in your Lodge. If your Lodge has not yet taken off, be patient—as new members come in who have the same passion as you do the nature of your Lodge will change very quickly.

Welcome to the Forum—hope you can help us bring quality Masons to your state as well.

Bob

Nicholas,

I am glad to hear the enthusiasm! I had felt like you as well at one point but I found that even one person can make a difference.

Being a Mason starts in you before you ever fill out a petition. You can propel your Lodge in a positive way by getting involved and discussing ideas with the Officers and members. I found that as some have stepped up and taken the reigns on some things that needed attention, we as a Lodge, moved forward and upward. The communication in our Lodge is good. It is very important.

I have noticed an influx of younger and eager candidates. We are Initiating 2 that are in their 20’s. I think that is impressive and speaks volumes about their character. I think in this time of their lives, they are looking for a little old fashioned character. Something that seems so distant today.

You just keep believing and you can make a difference, trust me. This carries outside the Lodge as well, as you know. We do make a difference.

Good luck Brother!

Scott

Thank you all Brothers, and Yes I am a New MasterMason as of 10/23/2009

I am eager, but I strive to become all I can be as a Mason.

Thank you for all your Kind Comments.

Bro
Nick
Richmond Lodge 187
Michigan

Nick,

Congrats on being Raised! It must have been a grand night!

Just because you are new doesn’t mean you don’t count. New is great. It brings the fresh ideals of what you thought the Fraternity was all about. If it differed, bring this up to the Officers. They should be open to a new and different outlook.

Shortly after I was raised, I was asked to be an alternate officer. I jumped at it, knowing that I can make a difference. You don’t have to be an Officer to make a difference, just a voice in your Lodge. You see, it carry’s the same weight as everyone else’s voice. That is what is truly great about a Lodge. You are all equal.

Show your ideas to your Lodge and get some feedback. It’s the way to make a difference.

Good luck,

Scott

MM192309:

Dear New Brother Master Mason:
I, too, congratulate you on the raising. As you may ( should) have interviewed with your Lodge officers in confidence, have had a full investigation committee that returned a favorable report on you, and attended pre raising day Lodge Events: you will have had a pretty good understanding of the financial capabilities of you Lodge and the community involvement of the Officers and members of the Lodge.
That said, it behooves the candidate to clearly identify in the interviews their expectations and the wants/needs of the candidate. The Lodge Officers also have a responsibly to clearly position the Lodge’s responsibly to assist destitute members and family, or clearly discuss the inability of the Lodge to financially assist. The Massachusetts lodges have used a form for pre petitioners to sign stating that the Lodge is not a social service agency. The charitable means of a Lodge vary greatly. Some have legacies set up from past years to make those special judgements to aid and assist distressed members and family. I have seen the Master and trustees make those special grants in confidence to those in a real pinch. Not all lodges have that ability.

Generally, the Grand Lodges of each State have foundations established for many purposes, ie., Aid to the Shriners, Senior Centers, Chips Programs and many more.
They may have other aid and assistance resources.

Michigan Grand Lodge has:
Keith Bankwitz, Director of Philanthropy, at 800-994-7400, ext. 3802.

The greatest ability of the Master Mason is to remember their obligations.
Ronald Doucette - Forum Moderator