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A Foot Soldier For Freemasonry

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eagle1966

Guest
I thought this was worth sharing......all one has to do is look at the faces of those sitting in lodge to figure out we are a dying breed, I don't know how accurate this is, but someone recently told me the average age of today's Mason is approximately 70 years old. With most of us fitting into that category, where will Masonry be 10-15 years from now unless we recruit new members?

A Foot Soldier For Freemasonry

I carry no bullet or bomb in my kit,
Just a spoken word and a brotherly grip.
My mission is neither holy or unjust,
It is simply brotherhood, charity, and trust.
I seek no office, I have but three degrees,
Making me a proud foot soldier for Freemasonry.

Our enemy is ignorance, of our customs and belief, We simply cherish honor, ethics, and relief. We are not a cult which deals in witchcraft or some perverse hate,
We are not an invisible empire with a questionable faith. Our precepts foster citizenship, hope and charity, Our intentions are honorable and promotes morality.

Members of our army are found in all walks of life, All armed with ethics, intent on fighting strife. A closed society we are not, we welcome all breeds, We welcome men of all color, race, faith, and creeds. But make no mistake, being a member should not be taken lightly, It requires honesty, integrity, and love of the Almighty. Our mission is to seek truth, justice, and help others renew, To build a better world for all people, not just the chosen few. But our soldiers grow weary, and our numbers dwindle, We need to rearm and enlist new soldiers to rekindle. Such men exist my Brothers, I tell you this with certainty,
If we are to survive, we need new foot soldiers for Freemasonry.
 
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jwardl

Guest
Today's society is a place where being "slick" is cool, and the faster and easier one can acquire something, the more they're admired. The 80's are often called the "me" decade, but they were just the start.

Fortunately, I think the tide is beginning to turn. There's a silver lining in every cloud, and I think the slowing economy and bottom dropping out are beginning to force people back to reality... to understand the value of hard work, patience, honesty, and temperence.

These are but some of the values taught in freemasonry -- values that have been old-fashioned, uncool, unappreciated -- even unacceptable by many for decades now. As things (imho) tend to flow in cycles, however, it appears to me that these ideas are beginning a resurgence... and freemasonry will be just fine.

What we need to do, perhaps, is "advertise" more -- not overtly, but make our existence more public, while at the same time, letting the public know more about what we do, and what we stand for... don't wanna remove ALL the mystery, however ;) While it remains against our way (for the most part) to invite men to join, perhaps more use of the "2B1ASK1" slogan would help get the message across that one must ASK to become a mason. Before becoming a mason myself and looking further into it, I thought one had to be invited -- the complete opposite of the truth.
 
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gortex6

Guest
What we need to do, perhaps, is "advertise" more -- not overtly, but make our existence more public, while at the same time, letting the public know more about what we do, and what we stand for... don't wanna remove ALL the mystery, however ;) While it remains against our way (for the most part) to invite men to join, perhaps more use of the "2B1ASK1" slogan would help get the message across that one must ASK to become a mason. Before becoming a mason myself and looking further into it, I thought one had to be invited -- the complete opposite of the truth.

A little bit of media coverage may help.

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Image too... its out there....becomming popular...ripe for the pick'ns

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rhitland

Founding Member
Premium Member
did the me start in the 80's or 60's either way Masonry will never die there is to much literture on the subject not to mention alot of Masonic ties to the history in our country and many other countrys. The few of us that are left in the down swing of the transition, what will we leave to our Brothers of the future when it booms; Masonry as it is now or Masonry ________?
 

Nate C.

Registered User
I don't think the average age is quite that high (70), but even if it is 55 that should still be a matter of concern. You do tend to see the older, retired guys more regularly in lodge, however. They have the free time to participate!

All the same, I believe the average age is coming down, and yes, marketing and self-promotion have played a role in that.
 
R

RJS

Guest
This is a great post and I hate to take away from it but, every time I see this picture I think...

38818449.jpg


Wonder Twin Powers Activate! Form of....
 

TexMass

Registered User
The average age in MA is 62. Down from 67 five years ago. MA is only one of three US jurisdiction to have a postive growth in 2007. Our Deputy Grand Master is a second generation MA. All his ancestors are from TX and his Grandmother is a "Daughter of the Republic of TX. He and I have had some good conversations. He gave me a great reply for someone asking about the average age. He said "when a young man ask why would I join a group who's average age is 62, just tell him the real question is why does a man join this fraternity and choose to stay in it the rest of his life.

In 2005, MA started a Masonic Ambassador Program. After a day of training regarding talking to different age groups we were given a jewl and asked to wear it at all Masoic events. Ambassadors should be the spokes person for your lodge. They should be the front man for all your open houses and community events. WM's have the authority to assign additional Ambassadors. Last year, I was appointed District Ambassador and the first thing I did was work with the remaining four lodges in our district to start their own web sites. In November we became the first district in our state to have all the lodges in our district (7 total) with a web site. I run an Ambassadors Forum to try and let the Ambassadors share information for promoting masonic education for the public. We are now having annual training to keep current Ambassadors updated and to train new, incoming Brothers. Our first year, I was one of the youngest. Since then we have many in their 20's and 30's. From our growth spurt, it appears to be working.
 
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