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A Sad Sight
- Thread starter Blake Bowden
- Start date
Wingnut
Premium Member
TEN MASTER MASONS
Author Unknown
Ten Master Masons, happy, doing fine;
One listened to a rumor, then there were nine.
Nine Master Masons, faithful, never late;
One didn't like the "Master," then there were eight.
Eight Master Masons, on their way to heaven;
One joined too many clubs, then there were seven.
Seven Master Masons, life dealt some hard licks;
One grew discouraged, then there were six.
Six Master Masons, all very much alive;
One lost his interest, then there were five.
Five Master Masons, wishing there were more;
Got into a great dispute, then there were four.
Four Master Masons, busy as could be;
One didn't like the programs, then there were three.
Three Master Masons, was one of them you?
One grew tired of all the work, then there were two.
Two Master Masons with so much to be done;
One said "What's the use," then there was one.
One Master Mason, found a brother -- true!
Brought him to the Lodge, then there were two.
Two Master Masons didn't find work a bore;
Each brought another, then there were four.
Four Master Masons saved their Lodges fate;
By showing others kindness, then there were eight.
Eight Master Masons, loving their Lodges bright sheen;
Talked so much about it, they soon counted sixteen.
Sixteen Master Masons, to their obligations true;
Were pleased when their number went to thirty-two.
So we can't put our troubles at the Lodges door;
It's our fault for harming the Lodge we adore.
Don't fuss about the programs or the "Master" in the East;
Keep your obligation by serving even the very least.
Author Unknown
Ten Master Masons, happy, doing fine;
One listened to a rumor, then there were nine.
Nine Master Masons, faithful, never late;
One didn't like the "Master," then there were eight.
Eight Master Masons, on their way to heaven;
One joined too many clubs, then there were seven.
Seven Master Masons, life dealt some hard licks;
One grew discouraged, then there were six.
Six Master Masons, all very much alive;
One lost his interest, then there were five.
Five Master Masons, wishing there were more;
Got into a great dispute, then there were four.
Four Master Masons, busy as could be;
One didn't like the programs, then there were three.
Three Master Masons, was one of them you?
One grew tired of all the work, then there were two.
Two Master Masons with so much to be done;
One said "What's the use," then there was one.
One Master Mason, found a brother -- true!
Brought him to the Lodge, then there were two.
Two Master Masons didn't find work a bore;
Each brought another, then there were four.
Four Master Masons saved their Lodges fate;
By showing others kindness, then there were eight.
Eight Master Masons, loving their Lodges bright sheen;
Talked so much about it, they soon counted sixteen.
Sixteen Master Masons, to their obligations true;
Were pleased when their number went to thirty-two.
So we can't put our troubles at the Lodges door;
It's our fault for harming the Lodge we adore.
Don't fuss about the programs or the "Master" in the East;
Keep your obligation by serving even the very least.
cmoreno85tx
Registered User
Awesome!!
Nate C.
Registered User
Things are vibrant in our lodge, in spite of several other lodges in the same community.
Rural lodges in the vicinity are hurting though.
I agree with wearing jewelry, being receptive to questions, etc. However, in conjunction with that visibility we should be setting an example within our communities.
Rural lodges in the vicinity are hurting though.
I agree with wearing jewelry, being receptive to questions, etc. However, in conjunction with that visibility we should be setting an example within our communities.
B
Brother Secretary
Guest
membership is cyclical, communities & populations shift, lodges will go dark, dues will go up.
Hippie19950
Premium Member
Being in an older rural Lodge, I am in the middle of this very thing. I have seen many show up when my degrees were being put on, and then on stated meetings, the number dropped drastically. I was the last new Brother to come in, and that has been over a year now. Our attendance has been low, but at times has jumped a little. This site has given me MUCH information, and ideas to bring up. Our monthly pancake breakfast has helped some. We are planning a car wash put on by our daughters (hopefully getting the attention of some of the younger males...), and a couple of dinners in the works. I still want to see us have a special dinner for our Widows, and an Open House. Last weekend, Bro. Doug Mandrell and I showed up at the building to do a little cleanup. We ended up taking the G from over the door, and rebuilding it. It is a Blue lighted sign which is on anytime the Lodge is open. This was supposed to be a small cleanup, but took all day. We really did not know what this little project would do, but that evening, we returned to see the lighted sign after dark, and had several members come by as they heard someone was there doing some work. People from the community stopped to see what the commotion was about, as well as the VERY BRIGHT light shining across and down the street in all directions. Now, I have no idea as the whether or not this will bring anyone to us, but I can assure you they will not have a trouble finding the door!! These are some of the projects that will get attention all around, and there are many other ways to get it going. I was S.D. last year, and J.W. this year. I am in no way trying to take anything over, but there are a small few of us who want this Lodge to be like it was some 15-20 years ago. We won't know if it is possible if we don't try. No one has actually stepped up to do these things for some reason in the past. Bro. Doug has just returned to the Lodge after many years of being away from here, and has the enthusiasm I have. We have the "Blessing" of the Brethren to do what we feel is needed to help the Lodge, but now we are trying to find a way to get them to come on out and help, or start some of theri own projects. I still have an emotional feeling when I look at the Alter, and see the very worn leather covered kneeling pad, and think of all the many who have gone this way before me.....
Jamesb
Registered User
This may be a law question, but is it possible to allow masons to state what they do for a living; say in the lodges phone book? My point is, if I can give business to a brother I would. I am not taking about the abuse that could be, from something like this, but the benefit.
I heard some rumors of why the TX GL doesn't allow it, but there could be some potential in allowing something like this, if it were handled properly.
I heard some rumors of why the TX GL doesn't allow it, but there could be some potential in allowing something like this, if it were handled properly.
Jamesb
Registered User
To tie the thread and my post...my grandfather always told me that he would only purchase a car from his brother. I never understood that until I became a mason (my Grandfathers brother died when he was 10yrs old) I would rather have a brother work on my house, car etc...becuase I know his obligation etc. I don't know maybe I am just rambling.
Jamesb
Registered User
I was just thinking that if we could let brothers know what we do for careers, then this would also help the lodge. Now bear in mind I am not talking about a brother coming in and soliciting. Just the opposite, we would not be allowed to contact brothers to increase our business connections, but a brother could contact you.
Cool idea. There may be a way we could put a directory on the Forum for this purpose.
LRG
Premium Member
I second that.
10. For the rual Lodges, you're gonna have to get off your but and make your precsense known. You have to be PROACTIVE in the community. Your only goal shouldn't be 1 day a month to open and close lodge.
11. MAKE FREEMASONRY FREAKIN FUN! Have a family day at the Lodge! Hey, Super Bowl is coming up, why not throw a Super Bowl party at the Lodge? What a great opportunity to invite Non Masons! Why not have a Masonic Camping weekend? Why not? It's so simple!
12. Have an open house, especially the rual lodges. I bet more of the citizens do not even know there IS a masonic lodge in their town, much less know what the heck we're about.
13. Have fundraisers that people actually want to participate in. Raffles go so far, but I like Wharton Lodge's BBQ Cookoff. Great idea and yes, the food was to die for.
14. Have some nice polo or dress shirts printed up! A nice looking shirt with the S&C along with the Lodge information looks slick! Be sure to wear it for fundraisers or public events.
15. Make sure those EA's and FC's that haven't been active in awhile know they can now attend Lodge!
I dunno, I could go on..lol[/QUOTE]
I especially like items 10-15. Which ones of these has your lodge tried? Which ones have had the most success? What are the biggest problems, if any, have you had to overcome? I really like #11.
11. MAKE FREEMASONRY FREAKIN FUN! Have a family day at the Lodge! Hey, Super Bowl is coming up, why not throw a Super Bowl party at the Lodge? What a great opportunity to invite Non Masons! Why not have a Masonic Camping weekend? Why not? It's so simple!
12. Have an open house, especially the rual lodges. I bet more of the citizens do not even know there IS a masonic lodge in their town, much less know what the heck we're about.
13. Have fundraisers that people actually want to participate in. Raffles go so far, but I like Wharton Lodge's BBQ Cookoff. Great idea and yes, the food was to die for.
14. Have some nice polo or dress shirts printed up! A nice looking shirt with the S&C along with the Lodge information looks slick! Be sure to wear it for fundraisers or public events.
15. Make sure those EA's and FC's that haven't been active in awhile know they can now attend Lodge!
I dunno, I could go on..lol[/QUOTE]
I especially like items 10-15. Which ones of these has your lodge tried? Which ones have had the most success? What are the biggest problems, if any, have you had to overcome? I really like #11.
A Masonic Business Directory WILL be up soon. Just working out the bugs...
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