What makes a successful Lodge?

This subject comes up time and time again. It is almost as if Freemasonry is trying to find an identity that fits our modern times. So, even if  we may have touched this topic in the past I feel it is in the interest of all of us Freemasons to keep seeking for ways that will bring into the Craft,  Freemasons who do not ever regret having joined the Brotherhood.

The Reverend Maxell-Ware ‘s article is only partially shared by me so I have resumed it and taken away those parts I disagree with. But it is, nevertheless,  an interesting paper.
Have a good read!

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Firstly, it is important to ascertain what the definition of a successful lodge is. Has a successful lodge a large number of members, a healthy contribution to charity, excellent ritual or longevity ?

It has become apparent to me that there is not a singular reason for a lodge’s success but a series of necessary attributes that work together to make a lodge successful.

A lodge is divided between members, Officers, helpers, Mentors and those that visit and those that  support. During my Masonic career, I have visited or become a member of an assortment of lodges, all of which have had differing attitudes to their membership. In some cases, the desire for more members has reduced the importance placed on selection allowing the lodge to become more of a social club rather than a committed group of dedicated masons working together for the good of mankind.

The lodge Committee is therefore in the forefront of member selection and should be strong and decisive when selection of new members is discussed. Interviews should be formal, any doubts regarding an applicant rigorously discussed and a proper decision made. Rather refuse admission now, than regret a refusal at a later date when damage to the lodge has been done.

It is therefore paramount that the selection of members must not be just for increasing numbers but must be a selection of candidates that fulfill the requirements to become a mason with no ‘grey areas”.

By this, l refer to the necessity for any candidate to be sincere regarding his acknowledgement of his expected commitment to the lodge; to understand the important role Masonry plays within society and to have a desire to expend his time in helping others in time of need. Without committed members, there is not a solid Masonic foundation upon which to build a successful lodge.

Members are drawn from all walks of life and produce a diverse group of characters who because of their mutual love of Masonry blend together creating a lodge with many talents. There is also a great importance for humour within the lodge. Without it, the lodge becomes too staid in its outlook on life. (I disagree. Humour is outside the scope of Freemasonry. What has humour to do with learning symbology and allegory and making a good man better?. Whether you have one or  more good story tellers, comedians, jokers among your brethren, it is totally irrelevant to the instructions of Freemasonry and why you join and remain in a Lodge).

(…)

From these members are drawn the Officers of the lodge. They are already committed to the lodge and Masonry as they have been properly selected as members.  The honour of being an officer of the lodge should be appreciated by all selected and they should be dedicated to the learning of ritual and the ceremonial procedures within the lodge.

This is where a strong Lodge of Instructions – LOI –  is most important. The Lodge of Instructions allows for mistakes to be made by officers in a friendly environment where perfection is wished for but not actually possible. By the time a ceremony is to be undertaken in open lodge, Officers should be ready to produce that near perfect ritual.

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A successful lodge relies heavily on its Director of Ceremonies who should have strict control over the lodge meeting proceedings and a full knowledge of ritual and the lodge working in general. He should be patient when things go wrong and praising when things go right. His advice should be accurate and explanations plain. The DC may thereby maintain the traditions of the lodge.

(…)

You may say that most lodges are similar but there is another attribute that is essential to provide a successful lodge and that is compassion.

Today compassion is missing in many areas of life, whereas in times before it was the mainstay of communal living. Everyone looked after each other and many people helping one person made the commitment light for everybody else.

A successful lodge must be compassionate towards its members and the world in general. Assisting in time of need, comforting in times of distress and laughing in times of happiness links a lodge membership together making a strong brotherhood.

Linked to compassion is the reception of visitors into the lodge. A visitor seeing smiling faces and receiving a warm compassionate welcome immediately feels at home and wants to visit again. There are many stories where a visitor has been completely ignored, even at the festive board!  The festive board should be a happy event ; members should mix as often as possible without producing groups that always dine together. Visitors will return to their respective lodges and will tell their brethren how excellent their visit was.

Therefore the required attributes for a successful lodge are:

1) A careful selection process for new members;

2) A fully committed membership who are keen to learn and promote Masonry ;

3) Fully committed Officers of the lodge ;

4) A Master who can control the lodge together with the lodge Committee and also protecting tradition together with the lodge DC ;

5) A strong but fair DC with the necessary knowledge to oversee the training of members and officers of the lodge ;

6) A strong LOI. Acknowledging others failings and a having a willingness to help each other ;

7) Humour and friendship between members ; ( I would not mention Humour and I would say “respect” is more important than friendship)

8) Compassion for all, from all ;

9) A sincere acknowledgement of visitors

Extracted from an article by the Rev. K.G.Maxwell-Whale - "The Square Magazine" - March 2015

Aldo Reno