Grand
York Rite
of Freemasonry
of the State of Missouri
WE ARE NEXT UP, WHAT WILL WE FIND
Presented at the 2005 Southwest/South Central York Rite Conference
By Virginia Goede
When I was Grand Guardian, we held a Grand Session of Job’s Daughters, and when the State Master Councilor was up to speak, he said he felt like a rooster in a hen house. I guess I understand those sentiments a little more today as I become the hen in the rooster house.
First, I need to tell you that I come from a very Masonic family, and Masonry is a way of life for our family. Our Masonic Temple is next door to our home, in fact, our driveway connects. The property of both our home and the Temple were once my Grandfather’s farmland. As a young child, I would sit outside the door of Eastern Star meetings, or Lodge meetings, my Grandfather was the Tiler of the Lodge for more years than I can remember and as a young girl, I was an active Job’s Daughter and have been an active supporter and worker for the past 40 years. My sons are Past Master Councilors of DeMolay, hold the Chevalier Degree and are both Masons, one is a Past Master. My daughter in law is now in the Grand line in Missouri Job’s Daughters. Both of my granddaughters are Past Honored Queens. We all belong to Eastern Star and I do not need to tell this group about my husband, Lon’s many Masonic activities. From this, I hope you can all tell that the future of Masonry is very dear and very important to me.
I feel it a privilege to be able to stand before you today and address this distinguished body. When I was asked to speak, I immediately told Jim, I was not a speaker, but he assured me I had some thoughts that needed to be expressed. I am sure everyone will not agree with these ideas but there won’t be much for our future generations to enjoy what we have, if we don’t all share equally in the goal of promoting Masonry and step up to the plate to help.
Masonic youth and today’s Masonry and tomorrow’s future…
How many times do you say, or have you heard that the youth are our future? Wrong! The future is every one of you in this room – every breath you take is the future. The future does not start tomorrow – it starts this instant. What are we going to do to insure that Masonry continues in the future, now, and in the next generation? Will there be a way to make it stronger than it is today? Our support of youth is one way of insuring that those first impressions, which are so lasting, are impressions that show Masonry in a favorable light to these highly opinionated and very resourceful young people.
Who are today’s Masonic Youth – the Rainbow, Job’s Daughters and DeMolay of 2005.
- They are busy young people between 10 and 20 years of age.
- They are the sons and daughters, neighbors and community members that live near your Temple.
- They are the very active ones in School and Church activities.
- Many also involved in other community groups such as Scouting and 4H
- They are charity minded, socially involved individuals.
- They are scholar students with above average grade point averages
- They are athletes who show dedication to athletics and their teams
- They are church members and Sunday School students and teaching assistants
- Many of these young people have part time jobs and are involved in many other endeavors.
The challenges they face…
Today’s world moves at lightening speed. Masonry is so far behind the times. Think about it! Remember these are young people who routinely use many elements of a fast moving, highly technical world:
Computers, Internet, Instant messaging, chat rooms, I-Pods, PDAs, CDs, PS:2s, Mp3s, electronic games
(I am sure all of you know exactly what each of those are!)
These young people have more general knowledge when they leave Grammar School than most in this room had when they left High School. What they need to know can be brought to them in a quick flick of a keyboard through the Internet. Their ability to use technology begins before they ever reach school age. Formal computer instruction begins in kindergarten, if not preschool. I have a grandson who has been using a computer since he was 3 years of age. His father set him up with a desk and computer at the side of his desk and computer.
But these same highly knowledgeable young people are also bombarded every day with advertisements and propaganda meant to help them choose everything from the perfect kind of shoes to run faster to the food that gives them the most energy. Ads appear on their TV, computer screen and into their headsets of their walkmans. The number of choices they are offered each day is mind blowing. Where is Masonry in this high tech, slickly advertised world? How well are we marketing what we do and why they should consider belonging? We need to move forward at a quick pace!
These young people are also the one involved in:
- Advanced placement classes
- Honors classes, computer classes, research programs,
- High level homework and projects
- Honor Societies and select student programs
The top ranked students worry about making the grades,
- Making the scores needed on high stakes tests,
- Keeping their GPA in High School
- Getting the scholarships and the acceptance letters to the schools of their choice
- Finding a way to pay for college
- Finding the job after graduation
Aren’t these the ones we want making the decisions about Masonry in the future? They have the capability, the insight and the potential to not only keep our organization strong but to improve it and see that it lasts and lasts. Think….what are we doing to help them know about Masonry.
These young people have so many groups and activities vying for their interests in today’s world—some very important and positive—such as class choices, scholarships, charity activities, service groups, after school activities and volunteerism. But they can also fall prey to other, often not so positive temptations such as friends with negative ideas—peer pressure—drugs, sex and unwanted pregnancies or disease, shopping and shop lifting, spending too much, dropping out, gangs, vandalism and other trouble with the law enforcement officials and school administrators.
What have we done and what do we need to do ..Just what does Masonry offer?
Let’s put selling in perspective. Why do you buy something? Usually when you purchase something it is because you have seen the product and know that it will fulfill your need. Masonry fills many needs, but do others know that? I do not see Masonry selling itself. Masonry MUST become much more visible on the home front and in your community. In Missouri we have a great magazine that is published by our Grand Lodge that often sights many great deeds of Brethren and Lodges, but what about the rest of the world? How many of you seen the U.S. News and World Report on Sept. 5? Here again, that bad word “Secrets” and “elite club.” Isn’t that some of the negativity that we want to avoid? We need public awareness, but we need to toot our own horn in the local papers.
Yes, I hear we give millions to charity every day, but brothers, charity begins at home in your own community. What has your Lodge done lately to help those closest to you? In addition, it is not all about money. Just last week, I heard about a family that the ramp on their home was unsafe, and the lady could no longer get her husband down the ramp because it was rotten. The lady could no longer take her husband out because it was not safe for her husband’s wheelchair. A group of firemen got together on their day off and rebuilt the ramp for the family. It made TV and all the local newspapers. Wouldn’t it have been nice for a group of Masons to have done that and got all that publicity? We do many good deeds but do others know and do we do the good deeds we should as brothers who are committed to the cause off others. We need to toot our own horn in your local newspapers.
Have you ever thought of your Lodge becoming a member of the local Chamber of Commerce? Believe me, I have worked with our local Chamber and where better to meet prospective members. Our Temple encourages our Chamber to use their building for events and we even hold our Board Meetings at the Temple. It gives people in the community an opportunity to get to know Masonry better. The youth organizations need to encourage their members to join other Masonic appendant organizations. Many times those who were members won’t let their children get involved.
Another recent story shows that many Masons do take their duty to heart. The Mason who took his wife to the fruit stand and while there he noticed a small boy who had mobility issues that needed attention. He spoke to the boy’s family and told them about Shriner’s Hospital and their ability to get the boy help at no cost to the family. He left his name and phone number. A few days later, he received a call to please give the family more information and he immediately took an application to the family. To make a long story short, the boy got the needed medical care and the Mason became a hero to this family. Shortly afterwards this Mason got a call and the father or grandfather wanted more information on how to join this group. This is how to sell Masonry, now by lip service but by actions, in the neighborhood. I believe every community has those who need help.
How many of you did anything to help those people in Louisiana & Mississippi? On our Missouri York Rite Web Site, I read a plea from the Grand Master of Louisiana. Did anyone think of organizing a project to help those people? Immediately, my daughter-in-law and I came up with something we could organize to help. He asked for personal health items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, soap, towels, etc. Donna suggested we put items in zip lock bags with a note of prayer or good wishes to the receivers. We immediately put it out on our J.D. web page, and in our Chamber Friday newsletter. I am happy to report in a little over ten days, we have a full vanload which five or your members are taking back to Louisiana for us.
Imagine the benefits of a local Lodge working with their community on a project. Make it one even better, the Local Lodge working with a youth group in the area - Masonic Youth Group or the scouts, National Honor Society or other group to help the community. People’s view of our “Secret Organization” and their views of youth could both be improved.
Charity and involvement begin at home..
Did you ever think that men (or families) who are so busy with their kids they don’t want to join the Masons or let their children join a Youth Group. This relates back to the fact that they have probably never been exposed to Masonry and have not seen it in action. Better yet, does your Lodge, Chapter, Council, or Commandery plan family events for those younger members who have children? I am always amazed at statewide functions to hear longtime Masons comment that they know little about our Masonic youth groups. Many have never been around our young people, never been to a meeting or function and therefore say little or nothing in their own homes. Same men are so busy with their lives, work, and children; they do not take the time to proudly explain to them their Masonic ties. Often the wives know little more than a couple of times a month he is off to the Lodge for a men’s meeting. Often this means the families have never been exposed to the other Masonic families or their good deeds. Masonry needs to be a family activity, at least every now and then. It can no longer prosper as an exclusive men’s night out. Maybe with these changes, there might be a possibility of growth. Working with our Job’s Daughters we often serve dinners to different Lodges, Commanderies, Chapter and Councils. Often we are serving only men—where are their families, wives, and children and why are they not invited.
A perfect example of not sharing Masonic membership is met with many times when I am trying to find a Masonic relative for a girl who wants to join Job’s Daughter. Parents have no idea if their dad or grandfather was a Mason. Sometimes if you mention Shriners or a red hat, they might remember that.
A perfect example of a young person being left out of his dad’s Masonic life happened in our family recently. Last May, we attended our granddaughter’s fiancée graduation from college and this was the big day to meet the family. Now Heather had spoken to Scott several times about being a Mason was the thing to do in our family, but he said he did not believe anyone in their family was a Mason and he knew nothing about Masonry. Imagine our surprise when we went to dinner with his parents and Lon immediately noticed that Larry had a Past Master’s ring on his hand. His dad had been active and served as Master twice when Scott was about 4 years old. He remained active until his Lodge merged with another Lodge in another town. Scott is the youngest of four boys. The boys had never asked about the ring their dad wears and he had never bothered to talk about it since he was no longer active. There is more to the story about why this twice-Past Master is no longer active, having to do with Masons treating Brother Masons with respect, and having ethical behavior with others. Sometimes Brethren, you are your own worst enemies.
Even our Masonic Youth Groups need to explain more about other appendant bodies to their members and encourage them to join when they are old enough. It is often disappointing that even though the parents were members of a Youth Group they will not encourage their children to join.
If we are not selling Masonry to those we hold most dear to us, then how can we possible spread the word to those who are strangers? Yes, our philosophy is “To Be One, Ask One,” but shouldn’t we offer enough information and insight into what we are so that those in our world would have reason to ask?
With all these positives, why are all Masonic Groups struggling with Membership?
Every major group connected with Masonry has a shown a significant drop in over all membership in the past decade. The % of loss from 1980 to 2003 for Mo. Grand Lodge is 44.5%, Scottish Rite 49.2%, OES 63.9%, Job’s Daughters 80.4% and DeMolay 83.1%. Sorry I do not have any York Rite figures, but every month when my husband receives the Commandery report for Missouri from the Grand Encampment, he is not a happy camper. This bleeding must be stopped if Masonry and all the affiliated groups are to survive. We must work together and look for ways to truly sell our product. Yes, many of our Masonic affiliate organizations have Promotion and Public Relation Committees. Doesn’t it make sense if our Grand Lodges would put representatives of these organizations as associate members to their Public Relations committee so we could all join forces to sell Masonry, both from a financial standpoint as well as being able to sell Masonry to a greater audience? We must work together and look for ways to truly sell our product.
Has anyone seen one of the 18-wheelers traveling the country with the Masonic Emblems on both sides? One side is titled “National Treasures,” over the other side is says “To Be One, Ask One.” This was a project of our Grand Bethel Honored Queen in Minnesota. She told her Dad who builds trucks what a great idea she had. He told her, if she got permission to use the emblems, he would do it. She immediately wrote for approval to the appendant Masonic bodies and got it from the Masons, Scottish Rite, Job’s Daughters, DeMolay, Rainbow and Boy Scouts. I am sad to say there are no York Rite emblems on the truck. At present, there are 22 of these trucks going coast to coast and he continues to try to put another on the road about every 2 months. He did not get any compensation for this, paid for the artwork himself, and is promoting Masonry. We had to spend no money for this wonderful publicity. This is why I said that the Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee should include representatives from the other bodies.
How many of you know that the Job’s Daughters have a philanthropic charity just as your organizations do? We are not even aware of what our organizations have to offer! Job’s Daughters is “HIKE” – Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment. We provide hearing devices for children with hearing impairments from newborn through twenty years of age, whose parents are financially unable to meet this special need.
Promotional mailings (joint brochures would save money because all organizations could share the cost), internet use, promotional materials on CD’s and other technology can be helpful tools. Working as a team, in cooperative spirit and endeavors is necessary. Finding out why some join but do not come back is a necessity as well. Marketing to younger men and to families is also necessary. Teach recruiting techniques like colleges use and establish recruiting teams/committees at every level to allow the Masonic name to be out there, in the public eye.
Church membership saw the same decline at the end of the last century. Across our nation, churches are reporting large increases since 2000—why? Many believe it is because people really want to belong and to have personal needs fulfilled. Also, many churches have made changes in worship to include all the things we have talked about and are doing highly visible marketing. Masonry could learn from this and use their lessons to better meet the needs of this century and this generation as well as those to come.
What Can we do Today, to improve Masonry tomorrow?
The long history of Masonry is that of men banding to do good and help their world. They worked together to right wrongs and provide for those in need. One needs to only look at the heritage of our founding fathers, many of which were highly regarded Masons, to know that a strong work and life ethic is expected. Yet little is actually known about why these men banded together. Minutes and records of even the first lodges in this country are scanty at best. Why did these powerful men join and why did they allow the Masonic teaching to so influence the great work that they did? We drink from the wells that we did not dig, we eat fruit from the trees we did not plant, thus with Masonry, we survive now because of the great work and efforts of our former leaders. Their achievements have lead to today’s world and today’s Masonry. Yet, we cannot sit back and bask in these accomplishments to meet the needs of our future and our world. The past amassed fortunes and developed world-class charity efforts. Above all, they lead by their ethical beliefs and sentiments of brotherhood. A popular poem a few years back asked the question…”Are you an active member, or one that just belongs?” I know by your presence here today that I am speaking to those who are active—active in their fraternity and actively wanting this fraternity to continue to grow and prosper. Gone are the days of true secrecy about our membership, gone are the days of persecution to those who belonged. We cannot stay fixated on what Masonry has done; we cannot limit ourselves to being proud of our accomplishments. We must move forward and truly question what we are in a modern world. Our vision needs to be every expanding and ever ready to look for the needs of what we cannot even imagine today. What do we have to offer the people of a fast moving, highly volatile, ever changing world?
More and more is being publicized about Masonry—just pick up best sellers like Angels and Demons or DaVinci Code by Dan Brown or rent the video Natural Treasure to find references to Masonry. Some who have read these books or watched the video know that somewhat is depicted in flattering and truthful about Masonry. Other pieces are faulty and depict the negative side of history. What have local lodges and communities done to correct these misperceptions—how many have even read these books or watched the video to be able to address what is presented in a knowledgeable way? What a great time to discuss with others why you belong and what good things Masons have done in the past and are still doing. Use what is out there and others curiosity to your benefit. Step up the plate and let others know the heritage but also be prepared to discuss what Masonry means to you today!
Find ways to include your inactive Brethren. How many of you have picked up the phone before a meeting and called a member who has not been in a while to invite them or at least find out why they do not attend. Personal contact shows a personal interest and that outreach has saved many churches and other organizations. In one of my other service organizations, we were struggling, members were not attending, and finances to keep the building was a struggle. Then one member was sent to Iraq. The wife called the local president to see if something could be done to help those serving our nation in the desert. The local group started a campaign to send care packages to the soldiers. It became a widespread activity when a local radio station heard and became involved. As a result, these men feel good about what they did, the publicity helped inactive members return, and many new members were welcomed. Look for ways to help your group, Lodge or whatever, reach out to your own members and to those who could be.
Become more family friendly and more able to meet the needs of members. Many working families struggle with quality time to eat and socialize within the family and certainly with others. Look for opportunities to meet this need. Potluck nights, entertainment, community projects, seasonal and holiday celebrations, even work days to fix up the Lodge building or the grounds are great ways to include the families. Be aware that short events and proper timing help others feel they can be involved but not have to commit great amounts of their precious time to do the tasks or be a part of the activity.
Use technology to your advantage. Ask a member to set up an email group for notifications, do the monthly mailing, and post it on line. If you do not know how, ask for help! Keep in mind that while some will be supportive and relish the use others may resist and be offended by not being in the loop because of no computer or knowledge. Always have several means of communication and work to find the best fit for all members. Our lodge has an automatic dialing feature on the phone at the Temple to be able to automatically call members when something is canceled or for alerts, because this is an automated system some members hate the idea of hearing a recording when they pick up the phone, others appreciate that the Master can’t sit and make personal calls to all members when the weather is too bad to hold a meeting or when notification of a member’s death needs to go out. Pay attention, soon you will learn who must get that personal phone call as well. Personal contact will mean more than any newsletter or phone tree. We have to remember some of our older members don’t have email so you need to make that call.
Look for ways to work with your community and provide service to them while also advertising who you are and what you are all about. Community blood drives, movie nights, litter clean up in parks or on riverbanks, food drives are general ways. Of even better human interest is finding ways to truly help those in need. Those who suffer fires or flooding, those with medical needs, or those who have experienced financial crisis are wonderful ways to show the community what Masonic Brotherly love is. Remember the story I told you earlier about the firemen.
Include and welcome your youth whenever and as often as possible. All three Masonic Youth organizations have state promotion committees. Find out how they can help you build youth at your Temple or Lodge. Where there is youth, there are parents. If impressions are good when the kids are there, parents often want to come back. All parents want their children involved in good wholesome activities. I actually had the privilege of signing a petition for our Lodge, (one of my Job’s Daughters dads) of course I was the third signer but guess what, this is an example of what can happen. I know of 6 other petitions our Lodge has gotten from Jobie dads. Why??? Because the Masons in our Lodge have done visible things for our Bethel that have made an impact on the Daughters and their families.
Final Statement
Finally, realize that change is going to have to happen. The old adage “but we have always done it this way” just will not work in this modern world. Do not hold your Masonic improvements back because of the resistance to change. Let us therefore take heed of the observation of a wise man who once said that the only constant in this world is change, let us accept that change is a part of life. Just because it has not ever been tried does not mean something will fail and even if a project fails, things can be learned from the failure to make the next project even better. We need to make long and short-term range plans with goals to meet. However, I do know that the future can be as strong, viable and influential as we and our leaders will it to be. We ARE up next; we need to find success and a meeting of the needs of our world to survive. Become a salesman for Masonry.
The need is now--- the action MUST be now. If you say, “oh let the younger guys do it, I did my time”, eventually there might not be younger guys to do it.
It will take all of us – the future of Masonry is NOW, we are the future. I encourage every one of us to step up to the plate, swing and hit for our own!
Thank You.
Grand York Rite of Missouri
Copyright © 1998 - 2007
All rights reserved
Last Updated: