Bootlebuck1

I hope you continue your contemplation, I initiated a new brother just prior to our summer break, who sports a full sleeve on both arms, as stated earlier, it’s the man we’re interested in, not his body art. I would encourage you to at least make enquiries on here, and if you think we might be wary of anyone who has tattoos on his fingers, that are not offensive, in fact “staying true” is something Freemasons advocate, not look down upon. Once people get to know you, nothing else matters. We act formally during our meetings, we’re most masons wear gloves, but socialise like everyone else outside them. It might be an idea to speak to a membership officer of a lodge or a Masonic province within the area you reside……tell them about yourself, what you do, and why your curious, I think that’s the best way forward…..you might be pleasantly surprised,

Much of the reading on the subject of freemasonry, is trying to explain or make sense of what you have already experienced, it’s the being a part of the fraternity that points Freemasons in the direction of where they wish to go. There isn’t a final destination, the end game is living it out, there is so much to experience, that each individual freemason can tread the same path, but arrive at a different destination, as it is individual to you. Freemasonry has enriched my life, but not in the way I imagined it would when I first became one......as Forrest Gump’s Mother once said, life is a box of chocolates, you don’t know what your getting until you taste it.

Hi Brethren, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Brethren and Companions a very merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy and safe new year. On Monday just, our lodge voted via zoom to buy into the new Membership and Development pathway scheme. We have to develop a lodge profile, and try and adopt some form of theme....and submit to the group by mid January. I have expressed an interest in the newly established office of Lodge membership officer. Having sat through 3 west lancs webonair meetings on the subject, it’s clear that if masonry doesn’t do something about recruitment, retention and retrieval......we are in danger of losing many brethren, once again compliments of the season to all, and I’d be interested to know how your lodges plan to tackle this issue

Descended into another comic cuts

Which is what generally occurs...... but like any new broom head, it is generally speaking only effective for the first 100 days, then it becomes no different from the previous one 😀

Our own local group had our first zoom meeting the other day, which involved general update of what is currently known, a happy to meet exchanging pleasantries and to get an inkling as to what is likely to happen and when....whether ceremonies are to be put on hold...... it was a worthwhile exercise....we are to hold them regularly in the coming weeks and months

You wouldn’t want Mainwaring, Fraser or Jones as DC..... although I could muddle through with Jones..... Wilson would be my choice

Imagine Fraser as the lodge DC.......

A warm welcome to the forum, and hope things are well from Liverpool

Yes I have noticed that there are lodges who thrive significantly better than others, I often wonder if the lodge’s concerned have a local policy of recruitment, and use that than the nationally recognised one ? Social gatherings are decreasing, making it harder to introduce prospective candidates into the Masonic scene, so in many ways wives are excluded in that vital period. Our local group has merged around 4 years ago, and social events are slowly increasing, hoping it one day makes some difference. When a candidate is initiated, passed and raised within 4 to 5 months......then slapped on the ladder, devalues the craft, I like it when a lodge has a programme of progress for new candidates, involving them learning early ritual, visiting other lodges........building upon teamwork with others.....going through the degrees, (I’m buying into double ceremonies) .....and moving forward together......that’s the sort of thing that encourages recruitment and most certainly retention

Welcome Eric, I have to say I learned more as a “novice” about the craft, than I have since......witnessing what you’ve experienced when being initiated is an important milestone......when all of us watch from the wings, or indeed if we are more involved with the ceremony, we put ourselves in the candidates position, realising that’s its a huge step for any new mason to take....... enjoy your masonry

Welcome to the forum

Our requirements of entry must remain as they are, ut has to be quality over quantity. Although I’ve seen about 4/5 lodges hand in their warrants since about 2012 onwards, what disturbs me most is that there’s a drastic reduction in attendance in at lodges and festive boards .....candidates are as rare as hens teeth, we’ve had to survive by increasing fees, to cover defaulters, putting further financial strain on an ageing membership..... although my lodge were lucky in April to have a double first, it was of twins of a long standing member...... I wouldn’t regard it as an “interest in freemasonry” from the wider community in general, but rather from within, we cannot survive like this surely, most of our newer membership, are not progressing through to the chair, as pressure mounts to put them through quickly, when in the 1980’s it was unthinkable to get off the stewards bench by 7-10 years. The question I’m asking, what is it that’s got to give ?

Welcome David, from Merseyside UK

Hi David, the 3rd degree will be a very special evening and a milestone in your Masonic life. You have been of great use to your Lodge and it’s members. The rituals used to initiate and pass you, were not just of great value to you but also to the officers and brethren of the Lodge...... and indeed I expect you when you feel ready to embark on ritual, to play an active part in future ceremonies..... hope you enjoy the evening, and keep us updated