Re: Why Texas Masonry is not surviving in the 21st
My thoughts exactly, Jeff. Our lodge has a good meal each stated meeting night, and EAs and FCs are encouraged to attend as are men who are interested in learning more about the craft. There's usually a fair number of families there as well. Granted, I'd like to see the number of brethren at the meetings rise to the point where the PM's were in the minority, but it's the nature of the beast that those who invest their time most tend to move through the chairs. With that said, there's usually between 25-30 at our stated meetings, and changes are being made. This masonic year, our WM began inviting speakers to give talks on subjects of interest to the community during the meal. We've had a detective talk about crime in Boerne, the fire chief, an MD who talked about insurance issues, a representative of Blessing in a backpack, and others. It's been a great addition. In addition, we've also been having more brothers present Masonic talks during the stated meeting proper. All this takes is someone committing to lining up the speakers. Our meetings have become much more interesting, and we've been seeing attendance improve. It is my hope that this practice of having speakers in for the meal and meeting will continue.
Additionally, we have practice on Monday nights, where you can come and work on ritual or floorwork. OES meets in our lodge as do the Daughters of the Nile, DeMolay, Rainbow Girls, and Commandery (I think that's everybody).
Honestly, I read the words of my grumbling brethren here and all I can think is, "Well, why the Dickens don't they DO something about it instead of sitting there complaining?" If you don't like the way that your lodge meetings are going, then find an article that you like and give a talk on it. If you start, then others may follow. To my way of thinking, if you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem.
