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Been away from my lodge for 8 months. I miss it

ncm_pkt

Registered User
Due to college and work I haven't had the time to visit my Lodge (McAllen 1110) in the past 8 months. Or the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shriner meeting either :( I miss it all terribly! Sometimes I think if I go back to my blue lodge people may be upset or not very welcoming since I've missed so much! I became a Steward and then never had the time to show. I want to pay a visit to this months stated meeting. It feels great just to post in this forum. Proud to be a Mason!
 

THemenway

Registered User
Sometimes I think if I go back to my blue lodge people may be upset or not very welcoming since I've missed so much!b
Not being a Mason, just my 2cents here. As with anything in life, once we get away from something for a while, we feel guilty, fearful of what other's will think of our return, and nervous about actually returning.
Just from reading posts on this site, I know member attendance is an issue at some lodges. I wonder how many of your brother's are out there, missing the lodge, but fearful that his return from a long hiatus would be met with possible scorn.
Do y'all ever do anything like calling guys thay have not attended in some time and welcome them back? It might be a task to give to the newer guys under the pretense to come and meet them and get re-aquainted with the lodge. It would be a win-win for everyone.
 

cemab4y

Premium Member
If you have been paying dues for eight years, and have not been able to attend, fear not. There are many men who pay dues ,but do not attend. And no one will be upset, that you have not attended. Although you are NOT the "prodigal son", you will find that if you return to lodge, you will find a group of friends and brothers. My international work, means that I cannot attend as frequently as I would like, but no one holds it against me.

And there are programs where we contact inactive members, and invite them to attend. See:

http://www.masonicworld.com/education/files/apr02/include/rusty_nail_degree.htm

Some lodges host a "rusty nail degree", and invite inactive Masons back to attend a special meeting, held just for them.

And you are right, that attendance is down. My lodge has 400+ members, but if we have 20 men show up for a meeting, that is a crowd.
 

JJones

Moderator
One of the first things we learn in masonry is that, while it's important to try and come to lodge whenever you can, it certainly shouldn't be considered a priority over your family, career, education, ect. ect.

Sometimes our personal lives dictate that we simply can't attend lodge and that's understandable. Don't feel guilty if your studies have kept you from lodge and certainly don't let anyone give you flak for it. It's been my experience that most brothers are very understanding about things like this so I wouldn't worry about it much, in fact I was away from lodge for a year or so do to work/college before and I know other brothers who are in the same boat.
 

relapse98

Registered User
Sometimes our personal lives dictate that we simply can't attend lodge and that's understandable.

My issue is with
I became a Steward and then never had the time to show.
It needs to be more clearly communicated when you are elected or appointed to an office that somewhat have an obligation to show up and perform the duties of that office. I understand life gets in the way, we need to do a better job of letting brothers know that when they are elected or appointed, we are counting on them.
 

robert leachman

Registered User
I was working my way through the chairs, I was JD when I promoted. Had to change shifts and days off so I couldn't continue. The Master and Immediate PM knew I might get promoted and not be able to finish the year. They had no problem with it as I had told them both in advance that I was on the promotion list.

Other than some good natured being messed with, no one holds it against me.
 

ncm_pkt

Registered User
Thanks to everyone for your replies. I called the secretary of the Lodge and had a good chat with him for a while. They knew I was busy with work and school so he said they understood and that they would be happy to have me back. He also said they're getting a lot of members my age (I'm in my 20's). I'm pretty psyched about going to visit tomorrow. Then on Tuesday is our stated meeting.
 
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