One Day Class

[KD Klenk]

Brethren

I attended GLI last nite at Warren Lodge #13 in the big city of Belvidere. The representitive from GL discussed the one day class in (March?). He said that 1583 Masons were raised, BUT, only 23% had done their proficiencies. He was after the lodges to chase the rest down and urge them to complete their proficiencies....Any thoughts?

KDK

[defender]

If they didn't have the time to go through the degrees why would they have the time to do the tests ?

[Justin Hawkins]

Many of the one day class brothers have not even followed up with a visit to the lodge. And the "tests" consisted only of the MM Degree proficiency (4 pages).

[defender]

So much for the same way and manner...

[theaberdeenkid]

Well if you compare the percentages of retention with respect to ODC and being raised traditionally you will find they are the same.

We are back as to why we cant keep men in lodge.

[ashlarno15]

Could we define retention (is a time frame involved, for instance) and have stats on retention via traditional?

You're right as to being back to square one.

But the larger question may be: why are we pre-occupied with numbers? (GL is but should they be? Should we be?)

That, in essence, may be the root of the problem. Quantity rather than quality.

Let's define what "Job #1" is or should be.

I always thought our mission was taking good men and helping them to make themselves better. In this way we help to build a better world -one man at a time - just as an edifice is built one brick at a time.

What is it that we are looking for in the men who pass our portals? And what do they expect of us?

Did the Operative Mason just take on anyone as an Apprentice? What was he looking for in the men he chose?

If we want Lodges to be degree mills, then we will reap what we sow. And we have and we continue to so so.

I suggest that each Lodge decide what kind of man it wants and how it intends to train him - what will be required of the Candidate beyond the proficiency tests. What will be required of the man who is now a Mason - and a Brother. Do you call everyone you meet "Brother"? Do you let everyone you meet into your home? Share your innermost thoughts?

Let every member know that we will accept no dross. We want, we seek, we demand good material for nothing good can be built from shoddy material and poor workmanship will not produce much of real value and certainly nothing lasting.

Make those who wish to bear the title of Mason - and especially that of Master Mason - "EARN" the Badge of a Mason. And when he has, he will be proud to have earned it - so much so that he will continue to earn it every day.

In my opinion, success starts and ends with the Lodge - and each of its members - for each is responsible for its destiny. Our Fraternity will rise or fall upon the quality and work of each Lodge and upon each block the Lodge selects.

[defender]

Good points Ron.
We need quality men to keep our lodges going. It seems each lodge has 'a few good men.'
You see them at lodge meetings and functions. I recognize the same guys from other lodges getting out to Demolay, Rainbows, ARC walk-a-thons, etc. These are the quality guys we need. Unfortunately we also need 300 dues paying members to pay the bills...

[ashlarno15]

Thanks, Defender.

Aye, there's the rub!

The question posed was why participation or retention figures are so low. I'm not sure if that's a gentle suggestion to implement "innovations" or go back to the old days before the Baltimore Convention or both, but the problem is: even if you find out "what" is wanted by those who find Masonry lacking, I'm pretty sure that we won't be able to meet the needs - I believe they will be so diverse to make it impractical. Would we be able to focus on a few? Perhaps.

Last night I was speaking to a member from another Lodge that changed it's meeting night because it was said to be "inconvenient." There was one member who PROMISED to come to every meeting once the change was made. Result: lower attendance and the PROMISE was not only not kept, but he hasn't been seen since!

I suggest that we do three things: 1. Work the existing system as designed with the same fervor we exhibit with this self-flagellation that has been rampant; 2. We build slowly and carefully for the future - the long-haul, 10 - 20 years out and 3. We adopt the attitude and approach that is described elsewhere on this Board by W.Bro. Chris Hodapp.

We are directed to look to other Jurisdictions and other "systems" because they are growing and we are not. It is my opinion that the success experienced is not necessarily because of the differences in the system except for two differences - they carefully and fully screen their Candidates before acceptance. We did - long ago - but no longer.

AND the advancement process is usually slower - much slower.

Careful selection in a key - if not THE key - ingredient in any product or organization.

Quality control is another.

Some things can be mass-produced. Others can not.

I believe Freemasonry falls into the second category.

I don't mean to put words in your mouth but it looks as though you're saying that we're stuck with those members who choose to be absent and need their dues. Sad but true.

But let's remember, they chose - I repeat, chose - not to participate (for whatever reason). I disagree with a statement that we "abandoned" them. No, it is THEY who "abandoned" us.

Free will and accord, you know.

But we shouldn't keep making the same mistakes over and over. What was it that Einstein said? I don't remember the exact words but the thought is this: To do the same thing over and over expecting different results is ... not smart.

We need - we MUST - choose more wisely. Not choose those who do not choose us.


For the present and immediate future, I suggest that we should just go about our business with dignity, decorum and dedication having Faith in each other, retaining Hope for a brighter and better future and practicing Charity for True Masons as well as for all men.

But that we build well and proceed with caution - using the designs long ago laid down upon the Trestleboard that had worked so well.

[Cory Sigler]

So is this reason there is no ODC 2006.

In my lodge we had about 5 or so guys do it and all but one have done their test and he's about ready to do it any day now.

I would like to see it happen again one day.

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