I really want to enjoy YR but there need to be some changes if they want more people to get involved and/or take them seriously.
(Warning: The following is only my opinion.)
2. Festivals cheapen the experience. It's assembly-line Freemasonry and anything that's mass produced is cheap and replaceable. Granted, some lodges can't confer their own degrees (see #1) so they have to wait for festivals to get new members. Then again, if we fix #1 then maybe #2 won't be so pronounced.
3. I won't beat around the bush: Commandry uniforms are stupid. Please somebody fix this! I don't want to spend money on a uniform that looks goofy and makes me feel like a dork. Sure, some lodges have spare uniforms sitting around but they probably wont fit well and they still look silly. Cap and mantles are nice...black triangular aprons are nicer.
4. It takes too long to open Commandry full form. Nothing should take 30-45 minutes to open. Ever. If we were actually plotting the world domination everyone is always talking about then I could get past watching people march around and play with swords for 45 minutes. I could even get past the feathered taco hats. But we're not and the drill is rather pointless, I'd almost rather just show up and hour late.
I know how you feel. I'm also retired and a die hard NRA supporter. I'll skip a couple of meals a week before I stop my monthly support of the NRA-ILA.Yes, you, Blake and many others leave for a variety of reasons. Younger family men often simply cannot handle all the dues. Neither can many retirees. It is devasting to the organizations and to the people involved. At one point my annual dues (not all Masonic) totaled a months income. I had to cut back on many things that were important to me. Like NRA. Plus fraternities just do not fill the role they once did for men and their families. In a sense, they are no longer needed. Sad.
I will certainly entertain the idea of Council. I just have no interest in dressing up like a cross between a Civil War general and Archduke Ferdinand.I would suggest the Council as well if you intend on being in Chapter. The Select Master really rounds out the "circle" of the Blue degrees. Plus there's only two (or three if you count the SEM). I can see not joining the Commandery, but I think missing the Cryptic Council is just tragic.
I'd rather give my donation to Public Broadcasting, but we all have our preferences.I know how you feel. I'm also retired and a die hard NRA supporter. I'll skip a couple of meals a week before I stop my monthly support of the NRA-ILA.
I will certainly entertain the idea of Council. I just have no interest in dressing up like a cross between a Civil War general and Archduke Ferdinand.
First off I understand and, as approach those "golden years".,worry that they may turn into aluminum.
Second the idea that someone just attending a meeting has to ben full uniform is, in my opinion, somewhat of an oblique death sentence.
Third, and most important, what happen to the emphasis on recruitment?
3. I won't beat around the bush: Commandry uniforms are stupid. Please somebody fix this! I don't want to spend money on a uniform that looks goofy and makes me feel like a dork. Sure, some lodges have spare uniforms sitting around but they probably wont fit well and they still look silly. Cap and mantles are nice...black triangular aprons are nicer.
4. It takes too long to open Commandry full form. Nothing should take 30-45 minutes to open. Ever. If we were actually plotting the world domination everyone is always talking about then I could get past watching people march around and play with swords for 45 minutes. I could even get past the feathered taco hats. But we're not and the drill is rather pointless, I'd almost rather just show up and hour late.
Most people in Texas may not be aware of this, and I cannot remember the date but it seems like in 2006 we adopted the Cap and Mantle as an official uniform of the Grand Commandery of Texas, and you can wear it as your uniform. There are other rules that apply if you are an officer of the Commandery, and there is a certain way you must wear it, just basic rules.
Also, at the 2013 session we changed the Texas Opening and cut out most of the marching. The opening now takes about 20 minutes if not less. It is about as long as the Blue Lodge opening if done correctly.
I only post this because the opening length and the uniform have been common talking points for many years. In Masonry as in politics, sometimes the problems get fixed but the talking points remain. It is time to update these talking points in Texas.
Willaim, I agree. In Arkansas, all of Masonry is struggling to hang on and simply continue to exist.