Doing Only Half the Work - Rant

I found this in the Mt. Vernon Lodge Newsletter -

...the lodge that simply makes Masons, and does not teach Masonry, does only half its work, only half way. If we do not know Masonry ourselves, if we do not know how to teach it to our young initiates, if our lodges become simply mills grinding out degrees; our freemasonry will sink to the level of a club- useful as such but in no way unique - losing its original purpose and power and its great opportunity in our own day.

Joseph Fort Newton, 1923

Brother Newton was speaking to The Masonic Service Association. I think what he said was prophetic. I also think he did not go far enough. Of course he was speaking to a Masonic Education group and that was the focus of his talk. I would add that not only does a Lodge need to teach Masonry it must serve the entire Mason. There is nothing more stagnant than a Lodge that just holds stated meetings and does degree work, no matter how excellent and well practiced that degree work is. In my opinion there must be ACTIVITY and FELLOWSHIP, and true BROTHERHOOD. And you can say the same thing about the York or Scottish Rites.

To me, it is the leadership of the body that sets the tone. It is truly unfortunate when a Lodge goes down hill because of lack of leadership. It is sort of like planning a well balanced meal. In order for the body to be healthy you must have a balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, etc. In order for a Lodge to be healthy the yearly program must also be balanced. If not, you will have a sickly lodge which may have candidates for degrees but not nearly enough participants in the life of the Lodge.

I hope I have given you something to think about. Thanks for stopping by - j