My first time as WM was a real headache and trial of wills and authority. A group of PM's who refused to change in any way, shape or form the way things were done or had been done in the past.
Something as simple as having a 1st degree in July when the lodge is offically "dark" (July & August) was similiar to getting a health bill through Congress. Arizona Masonic Code allows the WM to call a "special" meeting anytime other than on Sunday. Their refusal to assist or even attend was easily solved by the help of brothers from surrounding lodges who were more than happy to assist.
I won't go into the details of what else occured, but that is just one example. That lodge is still having problems.
The 2nd time was a snap in a different lodge and city. All the PM's who had controlled this lodge had either passed away, moved away, or were on life support and unable to participate or object. Hence, no problems. The lodge was dead with one struggling WM and no progressive line. Because of my past experience and the assistance of that one struggling WM, in one year we intitiated, passed and raised 6 good men to MM. We started up old programs once again and involved the membership in them. We now have an alive and vibrant lodge. Sojourners, living in the area also became active, affiliated or transferred their memberships from out of state lodges and joined in the activities.
These same sojourners had already visited and rejected this lodge previously due to the attitudes they had encountered. They had offered to become active and volunteering in various programs. No one ever contacted them, so they just never came back. That's sad. You would be surprised how many times that happens. Members like to feel they are needed in any organization.
Richard Skoglund, PM
Secretary