Don't let Freemasonry die...

In my jurisdiction it’s installation season. All of the lodges are installing new masters, some are new the East for the first time, and some are recycled. Having never been I speak as someone who is going through the line at the moment, and looking to the East for wisdom and guidance as I move closer and closer to the Oriental Chair.

Being in the East from what I can tell is rough. There are decisions that are made for the good of the Lodge, and for the Craft as a whole. Some of these decisions people agree with and some do not agree. That’s okay. That’s what makes a good Lodge.

This article is not about the new or returning Master, but more about the Lodge as a whole. Something that I have noticed looking at the photos, where are the people?

Being a Mason is, or should be a coveted thing. We should be proud to wear the Apron, just as we were charged when we came to Light. Why are we not talking about these events? Why are we not getting more people to show up?

My guess, people make decisions because they are afraid of change. Change causes people to be uncomfortable, however, it causes growth. I ‘changed’ how things were done during two Entered Apprentice degrees that I conferred. People looked at me puzzled, asked questions, and made comments like, “That’s not how it’s typically done.” I simply looked at them and smiled, and said, “Change is what energizes us, and causes us to grow more. It makes sense in my mind as the conferring Master to do it this way.” After the first time we did it, the Brethren said that it made sense to them, and changed the flow, there was some feedback for the next one and we implemented it. Guess what though, we all grew, we gave one of the best experiences to a new Mason that we have ever done before.

If your lodge is lacking in numbers and in men knocking at your door. Look inside, we as Masons need to change and catch up to the modern age of Masonry and men. Lowering your dues, your initiation fee, or proficiency requirements is not going to get men to knock. This extends further, the program needs to be talked about with other Lodges, and the community. If no one knows what your Lodge is doing, how can they be excited about it? How can prospective members see the value in joining if the only image they have of your Lodge is an empty building or a disconnected group? It’s time to step into the light and show the world what Masonry can offer—not just in ritual or history, but in fellowship, growth, and shared purpose.

It’s also time to take a hard look at the culture within the Lodge. Is it welcoming? Are new members being mentored and given meaningful opportunities to contribute? Too often, Lodges fall into the trap of “we’ve always done it this way,” which stifles innovation and pushes younger Masons away. The truth is, today’s generation of men are looking for more than just tradition; they’re seeking connection, personal development, and the chance to make an impact. If we refuse to adapt, we risk losing the very essence of what it means to be a Mason.

This doesn’t mean abandoning tradition—it means evolving it. The principles and values of Freemasonry are timeless, but the way we present them and the environment we create must reflect the times. That might mean incorporating technology to improve communication, hosting events that resonate with younger generations, or simply being more open to ideas from every Brother in the Lodge, regardless of how long they’ve been a member.

Remember, change doesn’t mean forsaking the past; it means building upon it to create a brighter future. As leaders and members of our Lodges, it’s our responsibility to ensure that Masonry thrives—not just survives. That starts with each of us taking an honest look at what we can do better, what we can learn from others, and how we can inspire the next generation of Masons.

So, if you’re in a Lodge that feels stagnant, don’t wait for someone else to take the lead. Be the catalyst for change. Start small—introduce a new idea, organize a community event, or simply have an honest conversation with your Brothers about what could be improved. The beauty of Freemasonry is that it’s a collective effort. When we work together, with open hearts and minds, we can achieve remarkable things.

Let’s not let fear of change be the reason our Lodges falter. Let’s embrace it, use it, and grow from it. Because a thriving Lodge isn’t just a place—it’s a beacon of Light, a source of inspiration, and a testament to the enduring power of our Craft. It’s up to all of us to keep that Light burning bright.