Secretary and/or Lodge Software

Greetings Brethren,

Not sure if this topic is in the correct place or not? I am trying to get a feeling as to which software solution(s) your Lodge uses for general membership, GL database reconciliation, dues entry, degree history, mailing list/merge, etc.?

We are trying to modernize from an old DOS database to something more functional and flexible.

I have downloaded and played with the software package that the Allen Lodge put out but am trying to get a feel for other solutions.

Also as far as a newsletter and mailing list what are your suggestions there? I am thinking about starting a Google Group for our lodge for general communication and notices.

Thanks much!

Fraternally,

--Stephen Davis
James A. Smith Lodge #395
Farmers Branch, TX


Freemason Connect Mobile

 

Try this one: http://download.cnet.com/Masonic-Lo...html?tag=api&tag=nl.t700&s_cid=t700&ttag=t700

 

Thank you Brother Hill! I am currently evaluating the software listed above and have had a number of emails with the developer on a few items. Other than that it looks like it might be a very viable option.

Thanks for the lead!

 

Monsignor - think it would be beneficial if you would share your findings on here. I'm sure a lot of lodges would love to hear what's out there and how they work.

 

I'll second chrmc's post. Please let us know of your findings.
Thanks!

 

Well then... motion carried!!!!!! Will do when I have completed my evaluations.

 

Any updates?

 

Dear all,

we are a european grand lodge looking for a solution to manage our members from petition to mastership in our several sister lodges each with a dedicated secretary.

the solution should be platform agnostic and multi tenant.

any suggestions?

the proposed solution supra is unfortunately only windows based.

best,

 

What is ur GL? Your GS should be able to reach out to another GS to see what they are using...

Sent from my LG-H811 using My Freemasonry Pro mobile app

 

Indeed. We had a custom built system. I hate it. Hate is a strong word, but hate it i do !

 

Whatever you try, I would like to share my bad experience... do not try the Assistant Secretary Software.
http://assistantsecretary.com/
Proprietary, lots of bugs, you need a key everytime you install it on a new computer, etc.

 

I like the one on cnet, could be more simplified, but it's manageable, excellent for the secretary but need something for the treasuer as well

 

The Grand Lodge of Maryland has an online membership records program that I absolutely love. I have no idea who developed the application but it is great. Each member has access to a limited portion based on their need. Officers can run various reports, add documentation, communicate with various people/groups, and have access to many documents. I'm sure the grand lodge would love to share where they got it. The current grand master is very excited about the application and talks about it every time he speaks.

It has made being an officer much easier as all the information is available with an internet connection.

 

I am sure other GL's would be interested.. I AM !

 

To chime in on this thread. Blendon 339 recently released an open source meeting minutes/reporting tool that's free for all. It isn't built to replace or interfere with any GL cloud system or membership management they want you to use.

It features easy to use minutes/data entry forms, and reporting you can pull in a few moments on all reported criteria. Built in Microsoft Access you can still use this system without owning Microsoft Office.

If your GL does have a cloud membership management system and you can export to a spreadsheet you have the capability to pull demographic information for your Lodge and much more off of that data.

Titled Project Quills, it can be downloaded at http://www.blendon339.com/membership/lodge-secretarys-database/

Example reports are available there as well.

 

I introduced that program to our sec and he loves it...

 

The state of Illinois (along with many other states) has used the MORI system for several years with great success. You can basically do anything you might possibly need to do as a Secretary from that system.

http://www.moriapp.com/

 

Including send summons via email or post or a mix of both and bill for dues ?

 

I know our Secretary uses it for summons via post (it builds everything he needs and he just prints it out). Given the technology I'm sure you could email as well, but I haven't dug into that part yet. Truthfully I'm fairly new with it and have only had access to it for a few months in preparation for becoming Secretary next year, but this system is extremely robust and is as professional a system as I believe you'd find for this purpose (evidence by the number of Grand Lodges using it for their states). It was built specifically for this. Once I'm the one in and running it regularly I'll be able to answer with more certainty. Given the price tag and the full professional support backing though, I'd venture a guess that there's very little you'd be able to find that this system does not do.