A tale of two Lodges
So in my past article "Where have all the good men gone?" I talked about changing up how we, as Masons, need to change our slogans. Now I’m going to speak on advertising your Lodge.
I recently has the pleasure of being able to visit another Lodge in my district. My goal is to visit every Lodge in my district within the next year. This is will give me the ability to see how other Lodges conduct their business, and give me the ability to see and visit with Brothers that I don’t often see.
Within my district there are two Lodges, one that has a high regular attendance, and one that has a lower attendance. When I compare both Lodges I see a few things that are the same, and a few things that are different. While the fellowship and Brotherhood are the same between both Lodges, and I’m thankful for that, one Brother at the Lodge asked me about fees at another Lodge, and I asked him if he was thinking of plural-ing. He nodded, and asked why. We talked about how he wants to improve his Lodge experience and grow the Lodge, but is running into the GPMs (Grumpy Past Masters).
I don’t think that a Brother needs to join another Lodge, this creates a false number, and really the only reason to be a member of another Lodge (in my opinion) is to go through the line, to vote, and ballot on new members. Everything else should be free information for the Brother to take.
On to the fun stuff:
One Lodge is very good at promoting their activities and is constantly engaging members outside of the meetings they hold. The other has a consistently blank events board.
Brothers wants to know what’s going on. I’ve said this to my youth groups that I am apart of: “If you want people to attend your events, you have to control their schedule.” This means making sure that events are known well in advance. Depending on the size of the event. It should be talked about eight weeks out, four weeks out, and then 10 days out, then 3 days before. This leaves little excuse for someone to not know about your events.
Flyers should be attractive and made for paper and electronic distribution. The information should also be clear and direct. If I get a piece of paper and then see something on social media or email is the information the same, and does it look that same? Call to action items should not be placed in the middle or in other obscure places in the flyer. Think about the size of the average cell phone screen. Can all of your flyer info fit onto the screen of a phone? If no, you have too much info.
One Lodge does a good job at getting their members engaged in Lodge activities like degrees, and other educational items.
Lodges need to keep members on the hook. Like a good book, or song, a good hook will keep the person attracted to said book or song. Lodge should be no different. You’ve got men seeking, and being made Brothers, now how are you going to keep them coming back? Lodges should have some sort of education that the Brothers need to complete other than just the posting lecture. Line officers should be conferring degrees, not the just the Worshipful Master. Continuing from this point, it’s essential for every Brother in the Lodge—not just officers—to take an active role in its success. Simply attending meetings and sitting silently in the background isn’t enough to foster a thriving Lodge. Brothers, you joined this fraternity to grow, to connect, and to leave a legacy. So, what are you doing to make that happen?
Giving Members a Reason to Show Up
Lodges need to offer value beyond ritual and business meetings. If all members experience is a repetitive agenda and procedural monotony, they’ll quickly find reasons not to attend. We have to make Lodge meetings and events something to look forward to, not an obligation to endure. This can be done in a variety of ways:
Education Programs: Introduce topics that extend beyond the basics of Masonry. Discuss the deeper meanings of the degrees, historical lectures, or even modern applications of Masonic principles. Bring in guest speakers or hold debates on esoteric topics to spark curiosity and conversation.
Social Gatherings: Not every Lodge event needs to be formal. Organize dinners, game nights, or outings with families. Build bonds that go beyond the tiled room.
Community Engagement: Nothing unites a Lodge more than coming together to give back. Plan charity events, participate in parades, or host open houses to engage with your local community. These efforts not only raise the profile of the Lodge but also give Brothers a sense of purpose.
Workshops and Skill Sharing: Tap into the talents of your members. Whether it’s teaching public speaking, woodworking, or financial planning, these skills can provide real-world value to Brothers while fostering camaraderie.
Engaging All Members, Not Just Officers
It’s critical to spread the responsibilities—and the joys—of running a Lodge. When only a handful of officers bear the burden, burnout is inevitable. Involve newer Brothers in degree work, ask seasoned members to mentor, and create committees for social or charitable events. When everyone has a role, everyone feels invested.
Additionally, Lodges should rotate leadership roles to avoid stagnation. If the same individuals are leading every year, it can dissuade others from stepping up. Encourage Brothers to take on new responsibilities, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones.
Overcoming the GPMs (Grumpy Past Masters)
Every Lodge has its share of GPMs—those well-meaning but resistant-to-change Brothers who hold tightly to “how we’ve always done it.” While their experience is valuable, it’s important to balance respect for tradition with the need for evolution. Approach these Brothers with humility but also firmness. Explain the reasons for changes and show how they align with Masonic principles. More importantly, involve them in the process so they feel like contributors rather than obstacles.
Communication is Key
Finally, communication is the backbone of engagement. If members don’t know what’s happening or don’t feel included in decisions, they’re less likely to participate. Use every tool at your disposal: email, social media, phone calls, and even good old-fashioned letters. Consistent and clear communication ensures that Brothers feel connected to the Lodge and its mission.
In Summary
A Lodge that thrives is one where every Brother feels a sense of purpose and belonging. It’s one where meetings are engaging, events are meaningful, and the bonds of fellowship are strong. But this doesn’t happen by accident—it takes effort, innovation, and a willingness to adapt.
So, to every Brother reading this: don’t just sit on the sidelines. Step up, offer ideas, take on roles, and bring your unique talents to the table. Your Lodge is only as strong as its members, and together, we can ensure that our Craft continues to shine as a beacon of light for generations to come.
Let’s make Lodge meetings unmissable, events unforgettable, and our fraternity unstoppable.
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