cemab4y
Premium Member
Re: Is Masonry too cheep?
I think Masonry (at least at my lodge) is a bargain. My annual dues are $65 per year. This includes local lodge dues, grand Lodge assessment, and a subscription to the statewide masonic newspaper.
My grandfather paid $25 per year in 1920. That was more than a weeks wages.
I attended a lodge in Fredericksburg VA last week (as a visitor). This lodge voted to peg their dues increases to the federal consumer price index. That way, the lodge dues will increase (or decrease!) each year, without having to come back to the members and vote. The lodge has set aside a reserve fund to assist anyone who cannot pay dues because of unemployment, infirmity, etc.
Masonic lodges dues vary widely all over the USA. Old lodges, with no mortgage to pay, have a lower expenditure, than new spiffy lodges with a fancy building. Urban lodges have higher overhead costs, insurance, etc.
IMHO- Each lodge should charge a dues rate, adequate to meet their costs, and provide a reserve to cover the costs of replacing the roof, new water heater,etc. A reserve fund can be maintained to cover the dues costs for any distressed brother.
Also- Fund raisers are a valuable way to raise operating costs. Fish fries, grapefruit sales, etc. can bring in the cash. They are also fun, for those who choose to participate. And there are non-cash benefits as well. Fund raisers get Masonry into the "public eye", and increase the public's awareness of our fraternity. They also peak interest in the Craft.
I think Masonry (at least at my lodge) is a bargain. My annual dues are $65 per year. This includes local lodge dues, grand Lodge assessment, and a subscription to the statewide masonic newspaper.
My grandfather paid $25 per year in 1920. That was more than a weeks wages.
I attended a lodge in Fredericksburg VA last week (as a visitor). This lodge voted to peg their dues increases to the federal consumer price index. That way, the lodge dues will increase (or decrease!) each year, without having to come back to the members and vote. The lodge has set aside a reserve fund to assist anyone who cannot pay dues because of unemployment, infirmity, etc.
Masonic lodges dues vary widely all over the USA. Old lodges, with no mortgage to pay, have a lower expenditure, than new spiffy lodges with a fancy building. Urban lodges have higher overhead costs, insurance, etc.
IMHO- Each lodge should charge a dues rate, adequate to meet their costs, and provide a reserve to cover the costs of replacing the roof, new water heater,etc. A reserve fund can be maintained to cover the dues costs for any distressed brother.
Also- Fund raisers are a valuable way to raise operating costs. Fish fries, grapefruit sales, etc. can bring in the cash. They are also fun, for those who choose to participate. And there are non-cash benefits as well. Fund raisers get Masonry into the "public eye", and increase the public's awareness of our fraternity. They also peak interest in the Craft.