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Traditional observance lodges are they good for th

chrmc

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

I've been to a couple of meetings in more traditional or observant lodges, and I personally like the format.
In many ways they are not necessarily that different from what you are used to, it is just a more solemn, serious and deep approach to the masonry and ritual that you already know.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

Has anyone attended one of these lodges?
I've attended Illumination #5 Illinois AF&AM.

I think the movement is a wonderful idea. Especially if it's not required. I think of it like steel reenforced concrete. The end result is better with the mixture than with either ingredient alone.
 

chrmc

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

My main issue with the whole discussion is the amount of push back that the moment is seeing from freemasonry in general. If some masons want to meet, dress up nicely, have fancy meals, moments of silence process in etc. I don't have a problem with it as long as they don't change ritual.
Just as I don't have issues with lodges that want to meet up in overalls, eat spaghetti on paper plates, focus on the fraternal aspect and shoot the s***.

But I'd like us to get to the point where we have room for the masonry that each camp would like to do. Again provided that GL law and ritual is followed.
 

JohnnyFlotsam

Premium Member
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

My main issue with the whole discussion is the amount of push back that the moment is seeing from freemasonry in general. If some masons want to meet, dress up nicely, have fancy meals, moments of silence process in etc. I don't have a problem with it as long as they don't change ritual.
Agreed. Masonic ritual, as is, is elegant enough for any setting.

Just as I don't have issues with lodges that want to meet up in overalls, eat spaghetti on paper plates, focus on the fraternal aspect and shoot the s***.
Not agreed. Freemasonry is something special. I believe that it's observance should respect that. No, I am not saying that any man should be excluded because he does not own a tuxedo. I am saying that an open Lodge deserves more than that man's "every day" dress. I love eating third-rate meals in casual attire and enjoying "the fraternal aspect". Lodge night is not the place for that, IMO.
 

brothermongelli

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

Agreed. Masonic ritual, as is, is elegant enough for any setting.


Not agreed. Freemasonry is something special. I believe that it's observance should respect that. No, I am not saying that any man should be excluded because he does not own a tuxedo. I am saying that an open Lodge deserves more than that man's "every day" dress. I love eating third-rate meals in casual attire and enjoying "the fraternal aspect". Lodge night is not the place for that, IMO.

I agree with you Brother, and would add that the chief "aspect of difference" apart from mode of dress, but be one of reverence and solemnity. There is plenty of time in our lives - and in the collation room post-meeting - for levity and banal, mundane things. Crossing the threshold of the lodge room should evince thoughts of entry into something "other-worldly," i.e., not the common, run-of-the-mill, average - something loftier and different - something blessed.
 

JJones

Moderator
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

I haven't attended a TR lodge but I think they're a very good thing and I'd love to see a more accepting stance on them from the GL level.

It seems like a great practice, just look at the rates of retention and attendance (I've heard of some TR lodges having close to 100% retention rates and greater than 100% attendance at stated meetings). If we can adopt these practices without creating massive changes to our ritual (and I believe we can) then it sounds like it'd be wise to allow it to implement in the lodge.

I always hear about brothers concerns about low retention rates and low attendance but at the same time they seem turned off to an approach to Freemasonry that seems to almost eliminate those problems, which saddens me.
 

chrmc

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

Not agreed. Freemasonry is something special. I believe that it's observance should respect that. No, I am not saying that any man should be excluded because he does not own a tuxedo. I am saying that an open Lodge deserves more than that man's "every day" dress. I love eating third-rate meals in casual attire and enjoying "the fraternal aspect". Lodge night is not the place for that, IMO.

And I share your opinion on that and it is the kind of masonry I seek. However I don't want to look down on Masons that do not share my opinion. The beauty of masonry is that it is to a large extent a personal journey and there is a lot of rural lodges that are doing good work in the craft. I'm just looking for the opportunity to have a slightly more formal type of masonry.
 

chrmc

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

I haven't attended a TR lodge but I think they're a very good thing and I'd love to see a more accepting stance on them from the GL level.

It seems like a great practice, just look at the rates of retention and attendance (I've heard of some TR lodges having close to 100% retention rates and greater than 100% attendance at stated meetings). If we can adopt these practices without creating massive changes to our ritual (and I believe we can) then it sounds like it'd be wise to allow it to implement in the lodge.

I always hear about brothers concerns about low retention rates and low attendance but at the same time they seem turned off to an approach to Freemasonry that seems to almost eliminate those problems, which saddens me.

And this is true. Personally I believe that a more Traditional form of Masonry is what the craft needs. Over the last 30 years we've become less formal, more relaxed, have tried everything from lower dues to one day classes and it hasn't worked. I believe if we want to see a resurgence in the Craft we need to Guard the West Gate, provide both a quality lodge experience and a quality ritual, but also demand more from our members and elevate them.
As one of my good friends often says "If it's easy to obtain, and cheap to maintain people will not really value it"
 

Rufus

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

May I ask you question?
Over the last 30 years we've become less formal....
You want to say that Freemasonry has become more affordable?
As one of my good friends often says "If it's easy to obtain, and cheap to maintain people will not really value it"
Indeed. Your friend is right.
Such is human nature. (((
 

chrmc

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

May I ask you question?

You want to say that Freemasonry has become more affordable?

That too, but I meant less formal as I wrote. I.e. going from wearing suits and ties in lodges to polos and jeans. Not eating on the good china to instead having paper plates etc.
 

Rufus

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

That too, but I meant less formal as I wrote. I.e. going from wearing suits and ties in lodges to polos and jeans. Not eating on the good china to instead having paper plates etc.
Thank you for your response.
 

SteveR

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

As one of my good friends often says "If it's easy to obtain, and cheap to maintain people will not really value it"

I completely agree! I have also seen that some of the lodge dues for T. O. are 1k and above per year! Ouch. For the average brother, this just isn't feasible.

I feel there needs to be a balance struck between high costs and the el cheapo dues that exist in most lodges, for T.O. Lodges to ever become more mainstream. If there was a reasonably priced T.O. Lodge in the Houston area, that would become my future home. Maybe that's the point...to not have them become mainstream. Please correct me if I'm wrong.



Freemason Connect HD
 

kaveman

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

Does anybody know of one of these lodges in Idaho I would love to attend one just to observe the difference and learn something along the way


Freemason Connect HD
 

JJones

Moderator
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

I completely agree! I have also seen that some of the lodge dues for T. O. are 1k and above per year! Ouch. For the average brother, this just isn't feasible.

If any of the brothers here have cable/satellite I'd encourage you to multiply your monthly bill by twelve. I'm just pointing this out as I find it helps to give some perspective.

Many of us pay more per month for our satellite/cable then we pay in a year to our lodge. I'm not suggesting that everyone should adopt 1k dues but many people don't seem to think twice about spending 500-1200 bucks a year for TV programs (depending on your provider/plan)...but get mad over a $5 dues increase at their lodge.

Then again, if I was in a lodge that had such high dues then I'd expect to have programs on stated meetings and not have to worry about fundraisers.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

I don't necessarily disagree with you Brother chrmc ... I don't necessarily disagree with you AT ALL! Howz 'bout a So Mote it Be!
 

SteveR

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

I'm not suggesting that everyone should adopt 1k dues but many people don't seem to think twice about spending 500-1200 bucks a year for TV programs (depending on your provider/plan)...but get mad over a $5 dues increase at their lodge.

That is a very valid point, Bro. Jones, and when you put it in that context, it makes sense. Now......trying to figure out how to get that idea past the Mrs., lol!
 

chrmc

Registered User
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

Dues and Masonry is always an interesting discussion that quickly comes out of hand. I don't personally believe in charging a lot just to have high dues, but the fact of the matter is that people often value things more that they pay a little for. Another fact is also that having quality experiences cost money. Want candles, real cloth napkins, nice collars for the officers, and quality speakers visiting. Well, none of that comes for free either.

In his recent book brother Cliff Porter makes a point on why dues should be 365 USD per year. Because if you're not willing to pay 1 dollar a day for your masonry, do you really want it?
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
Re: Traditional observance lodges are they good fo

Not agreed. Freemasonry is something special. I believe that it's observance should respect that. No, I am not saying that any man should be excluded because he does not own a tuxedo. I am saying that an open Lodge deserves more than that man's "every day" dress. I love eating third-rate meals in casual attire and enjoying "the fraternal aspect". Lodge night is not the place for that, IMO.


Clothing or Attire makes a Mason not. Please refer to your very basic EA lectures regarding the qualifications.
 
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