Dear Brothers,
Thanks for taking an interest in our new lodge here in the Nutmeg State! It's truly humbling to see the interest in our efforts extend beyond our Grand Jurisdiction. I'd like to take a moment and address some of the questions brought up in this thread.
A couple of questions come to mind. I see that one of their points is that they require ritual excellence. Inasmuch as they say they will meet in a private room at a restaurant, do they propose to initiate, pass and raise masons in that setting? Or borrow a lodgeroom somewhere else when they need to do ritual?
During the 18th century, it was common practice to hold Masonic communications and degreework in a tavern or restaurant. This was one of the primary reasons the tyler was so important to our early brothers. Yes, we plan to hold our degree work in a private dining room at a restaurant. The rooms that we have chosen are completely private and able to be tyled. We have discussed our needs with the owners of these establishments and they understand our extreme need for privacy. Likewise, the current Grand Master is aware of our intention, has attended our club meetings and supports this option. In addition, each proposed location will be inspected by a district deputy to ensure that we adhere fully to our Grand Jurisdiction's rules and regulations. We understand that this type of location is different from standard practice, but there is nothing that precludes us from this option within our jurisdiction.
They make a point of stressing high dues. Are these dues used to acquire these meeting/dining venues, or what?
The members of this lodge do not feel that our dues will be high. We do feel that current dues in most lodges is too low. During the 18th, 19th and early 20th century, the dues for a Masonic lodge were typically on the order of a week's wages for most brothers. This financial commitment was only a single aspect of the responsibilities a brother had to his lodge (regular attendance, aiding fellow brothers, etc.). These dues allowed Masonry to build the great buildings of the time that we still meet in today and to establish large funds that has helped Masonry with its philanthropic activities. Unfortunately, during the last seventy to fifty years, we have allowed our dues to stagnate and inflation to outpace it. This has made our dues dramatically and artificially low, which has barred us from continuing to grow our assets, support our needy brothers and build our temples. The brothers of this lodge will not spend dead men's money and will financially support the Masonry of tomorrow from their own pockets.
The cost of the dinners will be in addition to our higher dues. At this time we do not have a solid number, because we're discussing our bylaws now.
Strange as their charter reads a Traditional Observance Lodge; not an E.C. lodge. (In reality; (IMNSHO) the two are not mutually exclusive).
Unfortunately, there was a slight misunderstanding in our first dispensation. We are forming a "European Concept" lodge and not a "Traditional Observance" lodge. Although not mutually exclusive, "Traditional Observance" lodges are specific requirements that we will not be meeting. The differences between these types of lodges can be found here (
http://www.masonicrestoration.com/traditionallodges/europeanconcept.html). Our Grand Master plans to issue a new dispensation with this correction.
Brothers, thank you again for discussing our new lodge. We welcome the discussions and hope to share our experiences with our brothers both within and without our Grand Jurisdiction.
Fraternally,
R:.W:.B:. Charles Tirrell
Secretary - Quinta Essentia Lodge U.D.